The Skeptic Zone
The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason - Since 2008
Click Here for The Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project
| The Skeptic Zone #854 - 16 February 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:22
What If?
What if "Psychics" really were psychic? What if "Diviners" really could find water? What if people could really predict the future? What would the world be like if these strange claims are actually true? Richard Saunders poses a few thought experiments. |
| 0:13:10
Chat GPT - The Play - Penny's Adventures #3
We asked Chat GPT to write part #3 of the misadventures of psychic Penny and the Galactic Federation. Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill, Lara Benham and Maynard. |
| 0:19:20
VR Skeptics
Lara Benham, Adrienne Hill, Ross Blocher and Richard Saunders enjoy a little virtual reality golf and chat about the upcoming Skeptoid Cruise to the Bermuda Triangle. |
| 0:24:30 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:35:52
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Paranormal Politics. 1995.03.22 - The Canberra Times 1940.05.15 - The Manning Times 1993.12.27 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Kat McLeod on Why Smart Women https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385970/episodes/16592626-what-happened-to-kat Richard Saunders' talk. Psychic Detectives : False Trails. https://youtu.be/pfAntkVFxcs |
News
Adventures
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #853 - 9 February 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:34
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
Here at the Skeptic Zone we adore our listeners, and with Valentine's Day approaching, we thought we would do a segment dedicated to you, the listener. Are you feeling the love? Roses can be red, violets aren't blue. On this week's show, Kat will be looking at Valentine's Day origins, myths, and alternatives for you. |
| 0:14:16
Copilot - The Play - Penny's Adventures #2
We asked Copilot to write part #2 of the misadventures of psychic Penny and the Galactic Federation. Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill, Lara Benham and Maynard. |
| 00:21:36
Maynard's Spooky Action
What do people at Sydney Skeptics in tne Pub, including Tim Mendham, think about intuition and 'gut feelings'? Find out as Maynard asks the tough questions. |
| 0:35:52
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Strange Monsters. 1946.03.30 - The West Australian 1938.03.17 - The Western Mail http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Surf Coast Skepicamp
http://www.tinyurl.com/scsc2025 |
Love is in the Air
Galactic Adventure
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #852 - 2 February 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:44
Looking to the Stars
This week we once again check into those folks on the Internet who claim they are in regular contact with aliens from all over the cosmos. Are we about to receive a visitation? Also an update on Ross Coulthart and his amazing claims about the drone invasion of 2024. |
| 0:17:58
DeepSeek - The Play
Yet another new AI model is available. We test DeepSeek! Can it write a play in under 10 seconds? Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill and Lara Benham. |
| 0:25:30 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:36:36
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Mesmerism. 1850.09.25 - Hobarton Guardian, or, True Friend of Tasmania 1927.08.07 - The Sunday Times - Sydney 1888.06.30 - The Daily Telegraph - Sydney http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| |
DeepSeek Play
News
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #851 - 26 January 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:05:06
Looking to the Stars
This week we gaze towards the heavens to observe the planetary alignment. Also keeping an eye out for any UAPs or UFOs controlled by telepathy, and discovering the fate of the television news astrology segment. Hunting UFOs - Video https://youtu.be/3dtA9w5ldHw |
| 0:14:44
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill.
Modern Mystery School summary - Part 2: Adrienne continues her conversation with Faith Newsome and Ramiro Rodriguez about the mystique of the Modern Mystery School. Can things become more unbelievable than what was discussed in part 1? Be sure to listen to find out. |
| 0:34:40
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Reincarnation. 1893.01.07 - The Wagga Wagga Express 1954.03.13 - The Guardian - Perth 1938.02.19 - The Advertiser - Adelaide http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also |
Mystery School
Your Host
UFOs Again!
| The Skeptic Zone #850 - 19 January 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:58
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill.
Modern Mystery School - Part #1 Adrienne is joined by guests Faith Newsome and Ramiro Rodriguez to dive into the world of the dazzling domain of the Modern Mystery School. Never heard of it before? Neither had we! But it is another New Age group with a worldwide wave of followers. Part #2 next week. |
| 0:23:42
UFO Disclosure is Coming Any Day Now... I Promise...
Will journalist Ross Coulthart end up with alien egg all over his face? Any day now we've been promised disclosure and more evidence from so-called whistleblowers. So far these whistleblowers have been more "blow hards" than anything else. Take a deep breath, a stiff drink and prepare to hear yet more amazing revelations from the UFO believers just like the "amazing revelations" of months and years gone by. Ross Coulhart on Tiktok https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS64c1hwM/ |
| 0:29:50 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:40:48
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian and Canadian newspapers on a search for references to Creationism in Schools. With Kat McLeod, Lara Benham, Adrienne Hill and Richard Saunders. 1975.02.03 - The Daily Herald Tribune - Canada 1952.04.23 - The Adelaide Advertiser 1930.05.31 - The Kangaroo Island Courier 1923.07.12 - The Brisbane Courier 1978.11.17 - The Calgary Albertan http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| |
Your Host
Newsletter
Creationism in Schools
| The Skeptic Zone #849 - 12 January 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:14
Channeling Aliens on TikTok
We look at some of the many people on TikTok who claim to be in touch with aliens from the far reaches of the galaxy. Very long distance calls! |
| 0:16:52
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
Can you trust what you were taught in health class? Do you think you know basic human anatomy? For crying out loud, Kat McLeod is back this week and will have you questioning what you thought was common knowledge. |
| 0:30:32
Maynard's Spooky Action
Maynard travels to the Bermuda Triangle, virtually. This week Maynard gives his review on the various TV shows and movies that take place in the Bermuda Triangle over the years. With Lara Benham and Richard Saunders |
| 0:43:10
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "The Coogee Beach Virgin Mary". 2003.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald 2003.02.03 - The Sydney Morning Herald 2005.02.05 - The Sydney Morning Herald https://www.museumoflost.com/the-virgin-mary-at-coogee-beach http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also |
Lost at Sea
Body Myths
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #848 - 5 January 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:05:04
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
Were the medieval times as torturous as we are led to believe? What do torture devices and GSoW have in common? Find out this week as Kat ties it all together as she reviews what we think we know about the past and reminds us to always consider the source whenever we are learning new things. |
| 0:18:30
Jimmy Carter's Message to the Cosmos
A message penned in 1977 by the late President Jimmy Carter was sent with spacecraft currently traveling in interstellar space, intended for alien eyes. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/voyager-spacecraft-statement-the-president https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/the-christmas-drone-invasion-what-is-going-on |
| 0:24:32
The TROVE Archives
With guest Lara Benham A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Bermuda Triangle. 1978.11.05 - The Canberra Times 1995.12.14 - Army 1977.06.09 - The Port Lincoln Times 1977.10.11 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also |
Fake Horror
Myths
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #847 - 29 December 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:06
Kate & Allie
With the close of 2024 drawing near and the start of a new year dawning, Kate and Allie both had the idea of making a quiz for the last episode of the year to surprise each other - so surprise, the loons ended up with two quizzes! Play along with their tag-team trivia and take time to look at new year's eve superstitions from around the world, see how many traditions you've heard about. |
| 0:20:16
Drones Droning on about Drones
Are drones from outer space? Do they come from the ocean? Are they manufactured in factories and bought by people and companies? We look at the recent influx of drones in the United States and find a stunning prediction for the year 2025! Mick West looks at the drone phenomena. https://youtu.be/ZK4HFxzsjgo |
| 00:26:38
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
The white lady, the lady of the lake, pale, semi-transparent ghostly apparitions all seem to have some commonalities. This week Kat is going to delve into the reasons why we think of ghosts the way we do, and explore how society's perception of ghosts hasn't changed much over the centuries. |
| 0:36:36
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Failed Predictions". 1990.03.10 - The Canberra Times 1990.04.13 - The Canberra Times 1991.01.02 - The Canberra Times 1994.05.31 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| |
Quiz
Ghosts
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #846 - 22 December 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:58
New Moon Superstitions
Lara Benham (and the Skeptic Zone cats) take a look at some of the myths and superstitions regarding the new moon. Included is a clip from our friend Kenny Biddle. |
| 0:14:18
Flat Earthers fall flat in the Antarctic
A report of a group of hopeful flat earthers and globe earthers who travel to the Antarctic to view the 24 hour sun..... or not! 24h Timelapse of Antactic Sun https://youtu.be/in0B1OQG3-M |
| 0:24:58 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:03:42
Richard Saunders' Skeptical Challenge
Over the past 25 years, Saunders had the opportunity of being involved in numerous preliminary tests for the Australian Skeptics challenge, as well as the James Randi Educational Foundation's (JREF) US$1,000,000 prize in the 2010s, where he served on the committee that met annually in Las Vegas. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 44 No. 4 (2024) http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:43:36
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to New Moon Superstitions. 1892.03.12 - The Queenbean Age 1943.09.29 - The Inverel Times 1908.11.21 - The Pastral Times 1834.03.25 - The Sunday Mail 1924.06.14 - The Queenbean Figero http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Kenny Biddle with Kat McLeod and Lara Benham
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ytPtiuunFdc |
New Moon
News
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #845 - 15 December 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:50
A Review of The Skeptic
We take a peek into the latest issue of one of the world's oldest skeptical magazines. What reports interviews and stories can you expect to see this time? Find out. |
| 0:11:48
You can count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Adrienne Hill chats with infectious disease immunologist and science communicator David Miles about his book called "How Vaccines Work: The Science and History Behind Every Question You've Wanted to Ask." https://www.variolator.com |
| 0:28:44
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Spoon and Skeptical. 1975.03.13 - The Australian Jewish Times 1986.04.03 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Kenny Biddle with Kat McLeod and Lara Benham
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ytPtiuunFdc |
History of Vaccination
Loons
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #844 - 8 December 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:02:56
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Adrienne Hill talks with fellow Calgarian, psychologist, and science communicator Jonathan Stea, who recently published Mind the Science: Saving Your Mental Health from the Wellness Industry. |
| 0:19:10
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
Do you ever question your memory? Of course, we all do, however, people of a certain age may often start to feel older when they misremember things that they felt certain about. Is it a sign of senility? Probably not. This week Kat is examining the Mandela Effect and why people can't always trust their own memory. |
| 0:31:26 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:44:00 I Think We Need To Think! With Susan Gerbic
This week Susan heads off to a local "Psychic" Fair and has readings that shock and amaze.... no one! What mysterious insights did those claiming paranormal powers have for her? Find out! |
| 0:51:46
Maynard's Spooky Action Interviews from Skepticon XL
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| |
Interview
Mandela Effect
"Psychic" Readings
| The Skeptic Zone #843 - 1 December 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:01:08
Squaring the Zone
On the final day of Skepticon XL, Richard Saunders from The Skeptic Zone podcast joins Ben Radford from the Squaring the Strange podcast along with the one and only Maynard. Topics include the history of both podcasts, investigations, "What are you skeptical of this week?", and a TROVE segment. Also questions from the audience. |
| Also |
Goose at Large
Special Guest
From the Zone
| The Skeptic Zone #842 - 24 November 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:02:32
Ben Radford in Sydney
A chat with Ben Radford about his first trip to Australia and his adventures and the Squaring the Strange Podcast. |
| 0:07:24
The Bent Spoon Award for 2024
The announcement of the 2024 Australian Skeptics Awards. |
| 0:18:56 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:28:06
Maynard's Spooky Action
From Sydney Skeptics in the Pub, Maynard talks to Dr Liam Brierley a Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, UK. He uses biostatistics, computer science, and AI to investigate how viruses evolve and transmit between animal species. Liam is also a Media Ambassador for the Royal Statistical Society and has worked with national press including The Guardian and BBC's Panorama to make sense of health data. |
| 0:37:42
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Alien Autopsy of 1995. 1995.06.29 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also |
Australian Adventure
In the Pub
Newsletter
The Vaccination
Chonicles |
Solar Flare |
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Featuring YouTube
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Also featuring the hit song It's old time radio from the future! |
Origami Pigasus
Origami Pigasus was invented by Richard Saunders in 2007 at the request of his friend James "The Amazing" Randi.
Video Folding Instructions |
Booklet |
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Free Origami Posters
Cranes Folded and Photographed |
Pigasus Invented, Folded and Photographed |
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Cranes
on Matches Folded and Photographed |
Ducks
on a Coin Folded and Photographed |
The Skeptic Zone Podcast
is an independent production by Richard Saunders and the team of reporters.
The views and opinions expressed on the Skeptics Zone Podcast are not
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