Daniel S. Radford

Daniel S. Radford is an American author, investigator, and skeptic known for his work examining urban legends, paranormal claims, and mysteries. He has authored and co-authored numerous books and written extensively on topics such as folklore, critical thinking, and media literacy. Radford's approach is rooted in scientific investigation, aiming to find empirical evidence for unusual claims.

He has undertaken first-hand research into phenomena including ghosts, UFOs, and miracles, often concluding that compelling evidence is lacking. Radford's work has been featured in various media outlets and incorporated into academic courses. He also contributes to Snopes.com, debunking popular myths and folklore. His early interest in the unexplained, sparked by childhood reading and television, evolved into a pursuit of scientific rigor after encountering skeptical analyses.

Radford characterizes himself as a science-based paranormal investigator, dedicated to empirical and evidence-based research. He has investigated a wide array of subjects, including psychics, ghosts, miracles, Bigfoot, and UFO sightings. Radford emphasizes that his role is not to disbelieve but to investigate, applying scientific methodology to test claims. He maintains that natural explanations should always be exhausted before considering supernatural ones. While open-minded, he has stated that he has yet to encounter sufficient compelling evidence for paranormal phenomena in his personal investigations. His investigations often involve meticulous research and a high standard for what he considers truly unexplained.

Radford holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of New Mexico, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He also earned a master's degree in education from the University at Buffalo, focusing on Science and the Public, with a thesis on misinformation in eating disorder communications. More recently, he obtained a master's degree in Public Health from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Professionally, he served as managing editor and later deputy editor for Skeptical Inquirer magazine and has been a columnist for various publications, including Discovery News. He is also a co-founder and former co-host of the podcast MonsterTalk, which explores the science and folklore of legendary creatures.

Beyond paranormal claims, Radford's work extends to folklore, urban legends, and social issues. He has written about the phenomenon of 'bad clowns,' investigating the unfounded hype surrounding such stories. His writings also address social problems that disproportionately affect women and minorities, particularly in South America and Africa. He has raised awareness about issues like modern witchcraft in South Asia, the kidnapping of schoolgirls, acid attacks, and sex trafficking. Radford's research and speaking engagements often focus on folklore, myths, and the importance of critical thinking and media literacy, making his work relevant to understanding cultural narratives and societal concerns.

“I'm open-minded. I never said I don't believe ghosts exist. But I can say I've looked at the research that's been done, and I've done personal investigations. In each particular case there either is or isn't good, compelling evidence, and so far I haven't seen it.”

“I am not paid to doubt things; I am paid to promote science and investigate unusual claims. Our approach is empirical, evidence- and science-based.”

“My job is not to doubt, nor debunk; it is to investigate. I have no vested interest in proving or disproving any unexplained phenomena; I get paid the same either way. But the cardinal rule is that an investigator must eliminate all the natural explanations before accepting supernatural ones, and must use sound science.”

“No”