The Tom Gulley Show Podcast!

The polygraph test has been called a lie detector, a psychological tool, and junk science—sometimes all at once. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom Gulley takes a deep, clear-eyed look at the history, science, and controversy surrounding the polygraph test, from its early use in criminal investigations to its ongoing role in law enforcement, national security, and pop culture. How does a polygraph actually work? What is it measuring—and what is it not measuring? Why are polygraph results often inadmissible in court, yet still widely used in interrogations, job screenings, and high-profile cases? Tom breaks down the mechanics behind the test, the assumptions it relies on, and the reasons experts remain sharply divided over its reliability. This episode also explores famous polygraph cases, common myths about beating the test, and the psychological pressure polygraphs can exert regardless of their scientific limits. Along the way, Tom examines whether the polygraph’s real power lies less in detecting