Michael Shermer explains how psychic James Van Praagh appears to talk to the dead by using such mentalism tricks as cold reading and hot reading.

Equinox: The Secrets of the Psychics

Channel 4 24/08/97

Documentary looking skeptically at various paranormal claims and the history of the clash between science and the supernatural. Is there any scientific evidence for psychic abilities or are these various ‘gifted’ people making use of trickery and self-delusion?
Interviewees include James Randi, Professor Richard Dawkins, Dr Chris French, Dr Susan Blackmore and Dr Richard Wiseman.