Teaching children to read using systematic phonics is the best approach, but a prominent phonics skeptic's arguments are compelling. The podcast explores the debate between phonics and whole language learning, the controversy surrounding meta-analysis, and the effectiveness of phonics teaching in English schools. The hosts also discuss the challenges of teaching reading and the flaws and inconsistencies in research studies on systematic phonics.

The podcast discusses the errors made in previous episodes, including cultural references and location descriptions. It also covers the reanalysis of a meta-analysis on cash transfers and the link between football and dementia. The importance of correcting mistakes in scientific papers is highlighted.

Exploring the negative effects of technology on our attention spans. Discussing the impact of smartphones on focus and flow state. Sharing experiences, promoting a magazine, and discussing architecture. Exploring the false dichotomy of modernist and traditionalist architecture. Delving into the impact of distractions and technology on attention. Discussing addiction, habits, and mindful usage of technology.

The podcast discusses the controversies surrounding the amyloid theory of Alzheimer's disease, explores the challenges in diagnosing and researching Alzheimer's, uncovers scientific fraud in previous research, explores the harmful effects of misinformation on disease research, discusses the concept of grief for familiar faces on screen, examines recently licensed drugs for Alzheimer's treatment, and highlights the significance of practical improvements in patients' daily lives.

Tom and Stuart discuss telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition. They explore recent attempts to prove psychic phenomena. They question the credibility of scientific journals. They discuss a parapsychology study that may be the best psychology study ever. They mention meta-analyses supporting the existence of psychic powers.

The podcast explores the concept of long COVID and its controversial prevalence. The hosts discuss personal experiences, symptom definitions, and the divergence between the general narrative and reality of long-COVID symptoms.

Discussing outrageous instances of scientific fraud, reasons behind falsifying data, and ways to prevent scientific crimes. Highlighting cases of fraud in prestigious institutions, including Harvard Business School and Duke University. Exploring the implications of fake and manipulated data, the reasons for paper retractions, and the occurrence of fraud in the field of physics. Investigating the challenges of detecting fraud and the potential use of AI in prevention. Emphasizing the responsibility of universities, journals, funders, and scientists in addressing fraud.

The podcast explores the controversial link between football and dementia, discussing specific incidents in rugby and football, and the measures taken to prioritize player health. It examines two studies indicating a significant risk of neurodegenerative diseases among contact sport players. The impact of subgroup analysis and the benefits of playing sports are also discussed.

In this paid-exclusive episode, the hosts dive into the controversial topics of unconscious bias, microaggressions, stereotype threat, and trigger warnings in diversity training. They explore the history and impact of unconscious bias training, discuss the concept of implicit bias and the use of the Implicit Association Test, and explore different types of prejudice and measuring behavioral bias.

This episode of The Studies Show delves into the safety concerns, problems of nuclear waste, and expensive nature of nuclear power. It explores the death toll of nuclear disasters, the potential for new reactor designs, and debates whether we should shift to renewables. The podcast also highlights the sponsors, the i newspaper and Works in Progress, and discusses issues like the safety of nuclear power compared to other energy sources and the challenges of disposing nuclear waste.