[5] Other noteworthy members of its editorial board include, or have included, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, Pulitzer Prize-winning scientist Jared Diamond, magician and escape artist turned educator James “The Amazing” Randi, actor, comedian, and Saturday Night Live alumna Julia Sweeney, professional mentalist Mark Edward, science writer Daniel Loxton, Lawrence M. Krauss and Christof Koch.

[6][7][8] The cover story of the magazine's first issue paid tribute to scientist and science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov.

[9] According to Shermer, Asimov died when the issue was going to print, so artist Linse produced a pencil portrait of the author.

[10] Every issue of the magazine opens with a description of The Skeptics Society and its mission statement, which is to explore subjects such as creationism, pyramid power, Bigfoot, pseudohistorical claims (as in the examples of Holocaust denial and extreme Afrocentrism), the use or misuse of theory and statistics, conspiracy theories, urban myths, witch-hunts, mass hysterias, genius and intelligence, and cultural influences on science, as well as controversies involving protosciences at the leading edge of established science, and even fads like cryonics and low-carb diets.

This includes not only letters from lay readers but also in-depth comments and rebuttals from professionals, contributing to extended academic debate across issues raised in past editions.

Cover stories have ranged from examination of alleged UFOs in religious icons and theories of the likelihood of artificial intelligence to tributes to influential skeptics including Isaac Asimov[9] and Ernst Mayr.

[16] Some editions feature special sections devoted to a particular topic or theme that is examined through multiple articles by different authors, such as intelligent design.

MonsterTalk critically examines the science behind cryptozoological and legendary creatures, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and werewolves.

[18] Monster Talk is hosted by Blake Smith and Karen Stollznow, and previously Ben Radford.