Skepchick

Rebecca Watson (born October 18, 1980) is an American skeptic, science communicator, and founder of the Skepchick network, which she launched as a blog dedicated to applying skeptical and scientific thinking to issues affecting women and to pseudoscience in general. She earned a BS in Communications from Boston University in 2002 and subsequently became deeply embedded in the organized skepticism movement, serving as co-host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe—one of the most influential podcasts in the skeptical community—for nine years until 2014. Her interest in skepticism was sparked partly through her experience as a part-time magician in college and her subsequent encounter with legendary skeptic and magician James Randi.

Watson's Skepchick blog and network won the Ockham Award for Best Skeptic Blog in 2012, and her work has been recognized by an unusual honor: an outer main-belt asteroid, 153289 Rebeccawatson, was named in her honor by astronomer David H. Healy. Her YouTube presence and writing address a wide range of alternative medicine claims—from homeopathy and detox diets to astrology and anti-vaccination myths—with a consistent emphasis on combining humor with rigor. She also hosts Quiz-o-Tron, a monthly science-themed quiz show that pits comedians against science-minded contestants.

Beyond her debunking work, Watson has been a significant figure in discussions about how the skeptical and atheist communities engage with issues of gender, inclusivity, and social justice. She has written for Slate and other major outlets, and speaks regularly at conferences and university events. Her approach to science communication is notable for integrating feminist analysis with empirical skepticism, arguing that good skeptical thinking should be applied consistently across all claims—including claims made within skeptical communities themselves.