In conversation with Deborah Hyde

In this series, Humanists UK hosts unscripted, one-on-one discussions over the course of 60 minutes with philosophers, scientists, campaigners, entertainers, and historians.

About Deborah Hyde

Deborah Hyde is a folklorist and author. She wants to know why people believe in the supernatural, and uses psychology, cultural anthropology, history, and folklore to shed light on this intractable strand of human nature. She has written for periodicals such as the Guardian and the Fortean Times, and has contributed material to book anthologies. For ten years, Deborah was Editor-in-Chief of the Skeptic and is a fellow of The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. She makes frequent TV appearances, being a regular contributor to Strange Evidence and Mysteries at the Museum, and has presented sceptical insights in two of BBC iPlayer’s most successful recent podcasts, Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist.

In a parallel life, Deborah has provided production management and coordinator services in the film industry for the past 30 years. She occasionally strays to the wrong side of the camera, most notably as the 500-year-old Thurlingian Queen in Terry Gilliam’s The Brothers Grimm, and (according to Deb) puppeteering the ‘best leaf’ on the ‘Devil’s Snare’ plant in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.