Science lectures for the inquisitive and wondering
Bristol Skeptics Society is delighted to present Skeptics in the P̶u̶b̶… Theatre! Skeptics in the Pub is a regular lecture series, hosting academics from the world of science and skepticism, to share their unique research and insights. The goal is for every talk to delight and inspire, and help us understand our complex world a little better.
April 2026:
Much Ado About Nothing: The Myth of the Placebo Effect, by Mike Hall
The placebo effect is one of the most powerful medical responses there is. It can cure your knee pain, relieve your asthma, or even help you lose weight. This isn’t wishy-washy alternative New Age nonsense, it works in animals, it works in children, and it even works when you think it won’t. So why does the best evidence tell us that none of this is true? Why does the data show that placebos perform no better than doing nothing? And how is this myth so deeply ingrained and unquestioned in modern medicine?
Mike Hall is a software engineer and Doctor Who fan, not in that order. He is the producer and host of the long-running podcast Skeptics with a K, part of the organising committee for the award-winning skeptical conference QED, and is co-founder and director of the Merseyside Skeptics Society.
Skepticism is the philosophy that we can understand the world better by using evidence and scientific methods. The skeptical community is committed to combating misinformation, and pursuing a better, more compassionate world, through scientific exploration and inquiry – and making some friends whilst doing it! 🔎❤️
Bristol Skeptics Society is a Bristol based non-profit education and advocacy organisation, dedicated to promoting science and critical thinking in Bristol, around the UK, and internationally. Founded in 2009, we have hosted hundreds of speakers over the years on a variety of skeptical and scientific topics, and supported local and national skeptical campaigns.
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