Serious Inquiries Only, hosted by Thomas Smith, is a critical-thinking show covering science, philosophy, skepticism and politics through friendly, humorous guest dialogue. The feed holds 847 episodes released roughly weekly, with a median length near 55 minutes. Estimated downloads are roughly 20,000 to 80,000 per episode (estimated), with a rate range of about $360 to $2,000 per episode. Its Apple Podcasts rating count of 1,004 is a distinctive signal of an established audience.
Established 847-episode science and skepticism show with a loyal, highly rated audience
- The Apple Podcasts rating count of 1,004 with a 4.6 average signals a committed listener base.
- Weekly episodes of about 55 minutes give sponsors a consistent, long-running placement.
- Guest-led episodes on science and psychology suit brands that want credibility with thoughtful listeners.
Brand fit report
Content
- Formats
- interview, co-hosted banter, solo commentary
- Tone
- thoughtful, humorous
- Language
- English
- Production
- Clean, edited audio
- Typical length
- 45 to 60 minutes
Audience
Commercial
- Brands seen
- None yet
- Categories promoted
- None yet
- Affiliate links
- Yes
Funding is via Patreon, with ad-free episodes offered to supporters as shown in the episode description for SIO531 and the bonus episode page.
Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability
The feed is flagged explicit and covers politics, including titles on Trump's policies toward higher education, and a violent-sounding but non-graphic topic in a title about a mass-shooting-adjacent conspiracy claim.
We classify content, never people. No age, gender, ethnicity, religion or political views are inferred about the creator. Audience figures are estimates unless marked verified. Creators can correct anything on their profile.
Where to listen
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Website | seriouspod.com |
| Apple Podcasts | podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id803584715 |
| RSS feed | seriouspod.libsyn.com/ |
Benchmark score: 62 / 100
Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.
Recent episodes
| Episode | Date | Length |
|---|---|---|
| SIO531: Your Brain Is Actually Two Separate Organs, According to a New | 2026-10-07 | 57 min |
| SIO530: Did AI Actually "Solve" That Famous Math Problem? | 2026-10-01 | 51 min |
| SIO529: AI in Schools Makes Students Feel Smarter. The Tests Say Other | 2026-09-30 | 1 h 3 min |
| SIO528: The Marshmallow Test Is Mostly BS, and It's Not the Only Class | 2026-09-29 | 51 min |
| SIO527: The Science of Why We Ask Why, with Dr. Tania Lombrozo | 2026-09-15 | 49 min |
| SIO526: Why Is College So Expensive? | 2026-09-01 | 54 min |
Last six episodes from the show's feed, latest 12 days ago, a new one about every 7 days.
Join Thomas for some critical thinking on questions of science, philosophy, skepticism and politics. These serious topics are discussed with some serious guests, but in an entertaining and engaging way! This is not your typical interview podcast; it’s a friendly dialogue, conducted thoughtfully and with plenty of humor. It's Serious Inquiries Only; but like, not boring or anything.
Do you make Serious Inquiries Only? Claim or remove this page.
About Serious Inquiries Only
Serious Inquiries Only is a podcast hosted by Thomas Smith that examines science, philosophy, skepticism and politics through guest dialogues and critical analysis. The feed lists 847 episodes, with new releases roughly every seven days and a median runtime of about 55 minutes. Thomas Smith also founded the Serious Pod network, according to the Serious Pod website.
Apple Podcasts shows 1,004 ratings with an average of 4.6, which the platform records for this show. The audience is estimated, not reported, at roughly 20,000 to 80,000 downloads per episode, and the show's own listener profile is not published. Listeners are likely to be adults interested in science and current affairs, but this is an estimate.
The feed and Apple Podcasts show no sponsor mentions and rely on Patreon for supporter funding. Estimated rates run about $360 to $2,000 per episode for a host-read mid-roll. Brands in science education, books or learning products may find the show a fit.
Written from the show's public RSS feed, its Podcast Index listing and episode titles. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. Serious Inquiries Only can edit or remove this page at any time.
Questions about Serious Inquiries Only
How much does Serious Inquiries Only charge for a podcast sponsorship?
Estimated rates are roughly $360 to $2,000 per episode for a host-read mid-roll, based on an estimated 20,000 to 80,000 downloads per episode. Final pricing should be confirmed with the show.
What is Serious Inquiries Only about?
The show covers science, philosophy, skepticism and politics through guest interviews and friendly dialogue. It is hosted by Thomas Smith and has released 847 episodes.
How do I contact Serious Inquiries Only about sponsoring an episode?
The show's contact email unlocks on Starbooked for $0.80, and boosted shows can be booked through Starbooked.
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