James Randi

retired magician and the subject of the new documentary “An Honest Liar.”

Guest

James Randi (born Randall James Hamilton Zwinge, August 7, 1928) is a Canadian-American retired stage magician and scientific skeptic best known for his challenges to paranormal claims and pseudoscience. Randi is the co-founder of Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), and the founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF). He began his career as a magician named The Amazing Randi, but after retiring at age 60, he chose to devote most of his time to investigating paranormal, occult, and supernatural claims, which he collectively calls "woo-woo."

Although often referred to as a "debunker," Randi dislikes the term's connotations and prefers to describe himself as an "investigator." He has written about the paranormal,skepticism, and the history of magic. He was a frequent guest onThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and was occasionally featured on the television program Penn & Teller: Bullshit! The JREF sponsors the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challengeoffering a prize of US$1,000,000 to eligible applicants who can demonstrate evidence of any paranormal, supernatural or occult power or event under test conditions agreed to by both parties.

James Randi on KCRW

In the 1970’s, the psychic Uri Geller was a fixture on the TV chat shows. He was famous for bending spoons with nothing more, he said, than the power of his mind.

“An Honest Liar”

In the 1970’s, the psychic Uri Geller was a fixture on the TV chat shows. He was famous for bending spoons with nothing more, he said, than the power of his mind.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

More from KCRW

Little Saigon’s Vietnamese community has long leaned Republican. Now local Democrat Derek Tran is trying to peel away votes in an OC swing district.

from KCRW Features

Voter suppression tactics now include strict voter ID laws, reduced early voting times, and limits on mail-in ballots. VA and AL are facing lawsuits related to purging voter rolls.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Voters will have the chance to raise the state minimum wage to $18 with Prop 32. Wages are usually a hot topic in the state, but campaign spending is low.

from KCRW Features

Lawrence Kramer and Carolyn Korsmeyer take us on a philosophical and sensual journey exploring sound, taste, and touch.

from Life Examined

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni examine MSNBC’s decision to hold Errol Morris’ immigration documentary Separated until after the 2024 presidential election.

from The Business

Should I quit dating? This week, Dylan Tupper Rupert joins Myisha to talk about what to do when dating feels like a chore. Dylan is the host of KCRW’s Lost Notes: Groupies.

from How’s Your Sex Life?

The latest film releases include Smile 2, Anora, Woman of the Hour, and Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party.

from Weekend Film Reviews

Sam sits down with author and marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson to explore her inspiring new book, What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures. Dr.

from The Sam Sanders Show

The Irvine Police Department purchased a Tesla Cybertruck to promote its D.A.R.E drug program. But some taxpayers say the money should be spent elsewhere.

from KCRW Features