A Brief Shake-Up at Skeptoid
May 5, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Skeptoid is offering an exclusive three-day exploration of Death Valley from October 21st to 24th, including transportation, lodging, and meals, guided by Brian Dunning and geologist Andrew Dunning.
- The Death Valley trip features new destinations with minimal overlap from the previous year and coincides with Skepticamp Las Vegas, offering a potential “two-for-one” experience.
- Skeptoid will be featuring guest hosts in upcoming episodes to share experiences and broaden the reach of the Skeptoid mission, with each guest host directing listeners to their own platforms.
Segments
Skepticamp and Bonus Event (00:00:40)
- Key Takeaway: The Death Valley trip concludes on the same evening Skepticamp Las Vegas begins, offering attendees the opportunity to attend both events and hear Brian Dunning discuss his Area 51 visit.
- Summary: This part of the announcement links the Death Valley trip with Skepticamp Las Vegas, suggesting a combined event. It highlights a bonus talk by Brian Dunning about his Area 51 visit, encouraging listeners to extend their stay.
Skeptoid’s New Episode Format (00:01:45)
- Key Takeaway: Skeptoid will feature guest hosts in upcoming episodes, introducing trusted colleagues who share the mission of promoting facts over misinformation, with each guest directing listeners to their own platforms.
- Summary: Brian Dunning explains a change in the Skeptoid podcast format, introducing guest hosts who are established figures in the skeptical community. This initiative aims to share Skeptoid’s impact and broaden its message by featuring diverse voices dedicated to factual information.
Sponsor: Odoo Business Software (00:01:13)
- Key Takeaway: Odoo offers a unified suite of enterprise applications for businesses, simplifying and reducing costs associated with managing various functions like accounting, inventory, and sales through a single, connected platform.
- Summary: This segment is an advertisement for Odoo, a company providing integrated business software. It highlights how Odoo consolidates multiple business functions into one platform, aiming to reduce complexity and cost for businesses.
Debug Information
Processing Details
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- Processing Time: September 12, 2025 at 09:56 AM
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Prompts Used
Prompt 1: Context Setup
You are an expert data extractor tasked with analyzing a podcast transcript.
I will provide you with part 1 of 1 from a podcast transcript.
I will then ask you to extract different types of information from this content in subsequent messages. Please confirm you have received and understood the transcript content.
Transcript section:
[00:00:02.960 --> 00:00:07.840] Join us for an exclusive three-day exploration of historic Death Valley.
[00:00:07.840 --> 00:00:15.120] From October 21st to 24th, we'll take you from Las Vegas deep into the heart of this rugged, otherworldly landscape.
[00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:19.040] All transportation, lodging, and meals are included.
[00:00:19.040 --> 00:00:21.680] Your guides will be Skeptoid's Brian Dunning.
[00:00:21.680 --> 00:00:23.200] Hey, I know that guy, he's me.
[00:00:23.520 --> 00:00:26.800] And Death Valley expert geologist Andrew Dunning.
[00:00:26.800 --> 00:00:35.600] Together, they'll lead you to world-famous sites like Badwater Basin and the Artist's Palette, plus hidden gems that you won't find in any guidebook.
[00:00:35.600 --> 00:00:40.160] This year's trip features all new destinations with minimal overlap from last year.
[00:00:40.160 --> 00:00:45.360] And here's a bonus: Skepticamp Las Vegas begins the same evening we return to Las Vegas.
[00:00:45.360 --> 00:00:50.560] Make it a two-for-one trip and stick around to hear me talk about my visit to Area 51.
[00:00:50.560 --> 00:00:54.080] Details at skeptoid.com/slash events.
[00:00:54.080 --> 00:00:55.840] Spots are very limited.
[00:00:55.840 --> 00:00:57.360] Secure yours today.
[00:00:57.360 --> 00:01:05.360] Email help at skeptoid.com with questions and join the conversation with fellow adventurers at skeptoid.com/slash discord.
[00:01:05.360 --> 00:01:07.360] Death Valley is calling.
[00:01:07.360 --> 00:01:09.920] Are you ready to answer?
[00:01:13.760 --> 00:01:15.760] This show is supported by Odo.
[00:01:15.760 --> 00:01:21.520] When you buy business software from lots of vendors, the costs add up and it gets complicated and confusing.
[00:01:21.520 --> 00:01:23.280] Odoo solves this.
[00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:29.920] It's a single company that sells a suite of enterprise apps that handles everything from accounting to inventory to sales.
[00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:34.480] Odo is all connected on a single platform in a simple and affordable way.
[00:01:34.480 --> 00:01:37.440] You can save money without missing out on the features you need.
[00:01:37.440 --> 00:01:40.400] Check out Odoo at odoo.com.
[00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:43.280] That's odoo.com.
[00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:48.400] Hey everyone, Brian from Skeptoid here.
[00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:53.440] I want to tell you about something very cool you're going to notice in the next few episodes.
[00:01:53.440 --> 00:02:03.320] In my 19-year career as a skeptical podcaster, I've met a lot of people, a lot of extraordinary people, including many of you listening right now.
[00:02:03.320 --> 00:02:05.640] I've been to a lot of super cool places.
[00:02:05.640 --> 00:02:18.520] I've become friends with a lot of the best in the business, in half a dozen countries, in exotic locations, in places where I needed a security clearance, even to places where I had to sign a non-disclosure so I can't even tell you.
[00:02:18.520 --> 00:02:20.920] And yes, that is actually true.
[00:02:20.920 --> 00:02:29.800] The bottom line here is I've felt a tiny bit guilty that I haven't been able to share everything Skeptoid has done for me with all of you.
[00:02:30.120 --> 00:02:38.760] So, what you're going to hear over the next couple months are a lot of new guest hosts interspersed with my own regular Skeptoid episodes.
[00:02:38.760 --> 00:02:42.360] Not one of these guest hosts is an unknown rando.
[00:02:42.360 --> 00:02:53.960] Every one of them is a much-beloved, much-trusted colleague in this shared mission we all have of moving the world population away from anti-facts and toward facts.
[00:02:53.960 --> 00:02:57.000] From fake history toward real history.
[00:02:57.000 --> 00:03:00.360] From anti-science toward real science.
[00:03:00.680 --> 00:03:06.680] Please enjoy these good friends spreading the same message we all care about so much.
[00:03:06.680 --> 00:03:13.320] Each of them, at the end of their guest presentation, will tell you where to find and follow them.
[00:03:13.320 --> 00:03:15.240] Take them up on it.
[00:03:15.240 --> 00:03:17.800] And above all, enjoy.
[00:03:17.800 --> 00:03:19.720] You're listening to Skeptoid.
[00:03:19.720 --> 00:03:23.480] I'm Brian Dunning from skeptoid.com.
[00:03:31.840 --> 00:03:33.040] From PRX
Prompt 2: Key Takeaways
Now please extract the key takeaways from the transcript content I provided.
Extract the most important key takeaways from this part of the conversation. Use a single sentence statement (the key takeaway) rather than milquetoast descriptions like "the hosts discuss...".
Limit the key takeaways to a maximum of 3. The key takeaways should be insightful and knowledge-additive.
IMPORTANT: Return ONLY valid JSON, no explanations or markdown. Ensure:
- All strings are properly quoted and escaped
- No trailing commas
- All braces and brackets are balanced
Format: {"key_takeaways": ["takeaway 1", "takeaway 2"]}
Prompt 3: Segments
Now identify 2-4 distinct topical segments from this part of the conversation.
For each segment, identify:
- Descriptive title (3-6 words)
- START timestamp when this topic begins (HH:MM:SS format)
- Double check that the timestamp is accurate - a timestamp will NEVER be greater than the total length of the audio
- Most important Key takeaway from that segment. Key takeaway must be specific and knowledge-additive.
- Brief summary of the discussion
IMPORTANT: The timestamp should mark when the topic/segment STARTS, not a range. Look for topic transitions and conversation shifts.
Return ONLY valid JSON. Ensure all strings are properly quoted, no trailing commas:
{
"segments": [
{
"segment_title": "Topic Discussion",
"timestamp": "01:15:30",
"key_takeaway": "main point from this segment",
"segment_summary": "brief description of what was discussed"
}
]
}
Timestamp format: HH:MM:SS (e.g., 00:05:30, 01:22:45) marking the START of each segment.
Prompt 4: Media Mentions
Now scan the transcript content I provided for ACTUAL mentions of specific media titles:
Find explicit mentions of:
- Books (with specific titles)
- Movies (with specific titles)
- TV Shows (with specific titles)
- Music/Songs (with specific titles)
DO NOT include:
- Websites, URLs, or web services
- Other podcasts or podcast names
IMPORTANT:
- Only include items explicitly mentioned by name. Do not invent titles.
- Valid categories are: "Book", "Movie", "TV Show", "Music"
- Include the exact phrase where each item was mentioned
- Find the nearest proximate timestamp where it appears in the conversation
- THE TIMESTAMP OF THE MEDIA MENTION IS IMPORTANT - DO NOT INVENT TIMESTAMPS AND DO NOT MISATTRIBUTE TIMESTAMPS
- Double check that the timestamp is accurate - a timestamp will NEVER be greater than the total length of the audio
- Timestamps are given as ranges, e.g. 01:13:42.520 --> 01:13:46.720. Use the EARLIER of the 2 timestamps in the range.
Return ONLY valid JSON. Ensure all strings are properly quoted and escaped, no trailing commas:
{
"media_mentions": [
{
"title": "Exact Title as Mentioned",
"category": "Book",
"author_artist": "N/A",
"context": "Brief context of why it was mentioned",
"context_phrase": "The exact sentence or phrase where it was mentioned",
"timestamp": "estimated time like 01:15:30"
}
]
}
If no media is mentioned, return: {"media_mentions": []}
Full Transcript
[00:00:02.960 --> 00:00:07.840] Join us for an exclusive three-day exploration of historic Death Valley.
[00:00:07.840 --> 00:00:15.120] From October 21st to 24th, we'll take you from Las Vegas deep into the heart of this rugged, otherworldly landscape.
[00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:19.040] All transportation, lodging, and meals are included.
[00:00:19.040 --> 00:00:21.680] Your guides will be Skeptoid's Brian Dunning.
[00:00:21.680 --> 00:00:23.200] Hey, I know that guy, he's me.
[00:00:23.520 --> 00:00:26.800] And Death Valley expert geologist Andrew Dunning.
[00:00:26.800 --> 00:00:35.600] Together, they'll lead you to world-famous sites like Badwater Basin and the Artist's Palette, plus hidden gems that you won't find in any guidebook.
[00:00:35.600 --> 00:00:40.160] This year's trip features all new destinations with minimal overlap from last year.
[00:00:40.160 --> 00:00:45.360] And here's a bonus: Skepticamp Las Vegas begins the same evening we return to Las Vegas.
[00:00:45.360 --> 00:00:50.560] Make it a two-for-one trip and stick around to hear me talk about my visit to Area 51.
[00:00:50.560 --> 00:00:54.080] Details at skeptoid.com/slash events.
[00:00:54.080 --> 00:00:55.840] Spots are very limited.
[00:00:55.840 --> 00:00:57.360] Secure yours today.
[00:00:57.360 --> 00:01:05.360] Email help at skeptoid.com with questions and join the conversation with fellow adventurers at skeptoid.com/slash discord.
[00:01:05.360 --> 00:01:07.360] Death Valley is calling.
[00:01:07.360 --> 00:01:09.920] Are you ready to answer?
[00:01:13.760 --> 00:01:15.760] This show is supported by Odo.
[00:01:15.760 --> 00:01:21.520] When you buy business software from lots of vendors, the costs add up and it gets complicated and confusing.
[00:01:21.520 --> 00:01:23.280] Odoo solves this.
[00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:29.920] It's a single company that sells a suite of enterprise apps that handles everything from accounting to inventory to sales.
[00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:34.480] Odo is all connected on a single platform in a simple and affordable way.
[00:01:34.480 --> 00:01:37.440] You can save money without missing out on the features you need.
[00:01:37.440 --> 00:01:40.400] Check out Odoo at odoo.com.
[00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:43.280] That's odoo.com.
[00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:48.400] Hey everyone, Brian from Skeptoid here.
[00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:53.440] I want to tell you about something very cool you're going to notice in the next few episodes.
[00:01:53.440 --> 00:02:03.320] In my 19-year career as a skeptical podcaster, I've met a lot of people, a lot of extraordinary people, including many of you listening right now.
[00:02:03.320 --> 00:02:05.640] I've been to a lot of super cool places.
[00:02:05.640 --> 00:02:18.520] I've become friends with a lot of the best in the business, in half a dozen countries, in exotic locations, in places where I needed a security clearance, even to places where I had to sign a non-disclosure so I can't even tell you.
[00:02:18.520 --> 00:02:20.920] And yes, that is actually true.
[00:02:20.920 --> 00:02:29.800] The bottom line here is I've felt a tiny bit guilty that I haven't been able to share everything Skeptoid has done for me with all of you.
[00:02:30.120 --> 00:02:38.760] So, what you're going to hear over the next couple months are a lot of new guest hosts interspersed with my own regular Skeptoid episodes.
[00:02:38.760 --> 00:02:42.360] Not one of these guest hosts is an unknown rando.
[00:02:42.360 --> 00:02:53.960] Every one of them is a much-beloved, much-trusted colleague in this shared mission we all have of moving the world population away from anti-facts and toward facts.
[00:02:53.960 --> 00:02:57.000] From fake history toward real history.
[00:02:57.000 --> 00:03:00.360] From anti-science toward real science.
[00:03:00.680 --> 00:03:06.680] Please enjoy these good friends spreading the same message we all care about so much.
[00:03:06.680 --> 00:03:13.320] Each of them, at the end of their guest presentation, will tell you where to find and follow them.
[00:03:13.320 --> 00:03:15.240] Take them up on it.
[00:03:15.240 --> 00:03:17.800] And above all, enjoy.
[00:03:17.800 --> 00:03:19.720] You're listening to Skeptoid.
[00:03:19.720 --> 00:03:23.480] I'm Brian Dunning from skeptoid.com.
[00:03:31.840 --> 00:03:33.040] From PRX