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 #839 - 3 November 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Maynard |
| 00:03:56
The Loons From Canada
Urban Legends Quiz! Fact or Fiction? This week Kate and Allie have a Halloween themed quiz! Kate, the Inquisitor, will be giving urban legend summaries, asking Allie and the listeners to decide if they are total works of fiction, or if they have a basis in reality. Please be advised that some of these urban legends may be creepy, spooky, or disturbing for some listeners. If you are brave enough, put on your critical thinking tiaras and see how you do. |
| 00:26:14
CSIcon Las Vegas interviews with Rob Palmer
In the second part in a series, Rob chats to famed mentalist Banachek, anti-creationist youtuber Forrest Valkai and Brazilian science writer Natalia Pasternak. |
| 0:40:16 A
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Spirit Channeling. 1988.06.15 - The Canberra Times 1989.04.23 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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Quiz
CSICON Interviews
Your Guest Host
| The Skeptic Zone #838 - 27 October 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders with those 'Loons from Canada', Kate and Allie, and Dr Sue Ieraci. |
| 00:03:34
CSIcon Las Vegas interviews with Rob Palmer
In the first in a series, Rob chats Dr Sue Ieraci, Dr Angie Mattke, Richard Saunders, Leonard Tramiel, Adrienne Hill and Stephen Hupp. |
| 0:22:00 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:34:12 A
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to so-called "Alternative Medicine". 1992.02.01 - Woronie 1986.05.15 - The Canberra Times 1993.01.06 - The Hills Messenger - South Australia 1994.03.21 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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Vegas Interviews
From Canada
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #837 - 20 October 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:38
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Adrienne was invited by Dr. Rodney Schmaltz, a psychologist, to speak at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton Canada. During the visit, Adrienne interviewed Dr. Schmaltz about the exciting activities in his critical thinking course and his involvement with the upcoming LiliCon 2024 on Thursday, October 24, from 12-4 pm at CSICon. https://www.rodneyschmaltz.com |
| 00:11:46
Cancer Council WA nominated for Bent Spoon
The Western Australia branch of the Cancer Council has been nominated for the 2024 Bent Spoon award for the promotion of pseudoscience, in this case offering therapies based on the pseudoscience of reiki and reflexology. https://www.skeptics.com.au/cancer-council-wa-nominated-for-bent-spoon/ |
| 0:21:04
The Loons from Canada
This week, you can count on Kate and Allie to sum up numerology, calculate some life path numbers, and multiply the giggles! They'll divide the complexities of the subject, angle in on the important bits, and hopefully not leave you feeling irrational. Tune in as they break down what it all means and show you how to add a little skepticism to your life! |
| 0:35:32 A
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Crime and the Supernatural. 1939.12.02 - The Herald - Melbourne 1928.07.05 - The Kalgoorlie Miner http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Richard Saunders interviews Ross and Carrie about their podcast in 2011.
https://youtu.be/t3XMqbhjRsM?t=253 |
Interview
Is Your Number Up?
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #836 - 13 October 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:05:46
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Erika Englehaupt Interview #2 Adrienne interviews Science Journalist Erika Englehaupt about her two books published within the last few years. This is part two of a two-part series in which we discuss her fascinating book Go to Hell: Journey to the Underworld. . http://erikaengelhaupt.com |
| 00:23:56
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
More than just a magician's assistant. In honour of Women's History Month, Kat will be giving the listeners a history lesson about Rose Mackenberg. Known primarily for being Houdini's assistant, she was much more than that, she was a prolific debunker in her own right, and should be remembered for all she accomplished. https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Mackenberg |
| 0:32:08 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 045:04
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the great Harry Houdini. 1932 - The Truth https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206129601 |
| Also
Mick West - UFO Trailer
https://youtu.be/yhABMprFNes |
Edmonton Skeptic
Author Interview
Newsletter
| The Skeptic Zone #835 - 6 October 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:06:14
Black Salve - Dangerous Quackery
We look at action taken against those selling and promoting "Black Salve", a corrosive substance claimed to treat and cure skin conditions, even cancer. There are good reasons why this quackery has been banned by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. https://luckylosing.com/2024/09/25/black-salve-the-australian-vaccination-network-and-the-therapeutic-goods-administration |
| 0:23:02
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Erika Englehaupt Interview #1 Adrienne interviews Science Journalist Erika Englehaupt about her two books published within the last few years. This is part one of a two-part series in which we discuss her fascinating book Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science. In part two, we will discuss her newly published book Go to Hell: Journey to the Underworld. . http://erikaengelhaupt.com |
| 0:36:34 A
Dive into Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Psychic Investigations part #2. 1947.06.14 - Smith's Weekly 1934.10.30 - The Canberra Times 1984.01.15 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also |
New Books
Skeptical Journalist
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #834 - 29 September 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders and Maynard |
| 00:04:12
Put your money where your mouth is! Mr Skeptic!
A look at the history and various examples of skeptics, including the James Randi $1,000,000 challenge, putting up large amounts of money to challenge and possibly reward those who claimed to have paranormal powers. |
| 0:29:28 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:42:44 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Psychic Investigations part #1. 1927.07.08 - The Daily Mercury - QLD 1932.01.27 - The Daily News - Perth WA 1932.02.24 - The Burra Record - SA 1935.02.23 - The Daily News - Perth WA http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also |
Prize Money
Where is my maple syrup.. Eh?
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #833 - 22 September 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:08:50
You Can Count on Adrienne
This week Adrienne catches up with Melanie Trecek-King from the website Thinking is Power. An interesting discussion about skeptical outreach and what value is the word skeptic after all? https://thinkingispower.com |
| 0:23:26
2024 Bent Spoon Award
Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders discuss the contenders for this year's Bent Spoon Award, awarded annually at the Australian Skeptics National Convention for the perpetrator of the most preposterous piece of pseudoscientific or paranormal piffle. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2024-bent-spoon-nominations-open |
| 0:28:34 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Snake Oil. 1935.06.02 - The Sunday Times - Perth WA 1935.08.31 - The Australian Women's Weekly 1954.04.09 - Morning Bulletin - Rockhampton Qld 2013.05.19 - The Daily Telegraph http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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Thinking is Power
Eh?
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #832 - 15 September 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:38
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
Lucky Girl Syndrome, the Law of Attraction, the Power of Positive Thinking, the Secret, Manifesting - the same idea has been preached for nearly 150 years, under different names. Aren't we lucky? This week Kat is going to delve into the Law of Attraction, and tell us "The Secret to Manifesting good things in our lives!" |
| 0:17:38 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:30:10 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "psychic" Briget Pluis. 2010 - Psychics Directory 1988.04.04 - The Canberra Times 1994.11.19 - The Sydney Morning Hearld http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Happy Birthday Skeptical Fairy |
From Canada
Also from Canada
I Want to go to Canada!
| The Skeptic Zone #831 - 8 September 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:05:00
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders
From 1986 - ZANEX PAYS GELLER OVER $350,00 The Australian-based mining company Zanex, paid magician and mentalist Uri Geller $US250,000 (over $A350,000) for his advice on where to look for gold in the Solomon Islands and near Maldon in Victoria. Tim also reads a newspaper item about this incident from the time and talks with Richard Saunders about the issues involved. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 6 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:26:18
Maynard's Spooky Action
Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub for a special screening of Brian Dunning's movie, "The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You To See". Maynard chats to various skeptics and guests about their thoughts on UFOs and the movie. |
| 0:37:14 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to yet more UFOs. 1953.09.15 - The Adelaide Advertiser 1996.08.23 - The Australian Jewish News 1987.03.08 - The Canberra Times 1987.06.01 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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A Gold Mine?
UFOs in the Pub
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #830 - 1 September 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:08
You Can Count on Adrienne
The Travels of a Skeptic Zone Reporter Adrienne interviews Andras Pinter from The European Skeptics Podcast and Coleman Watts, a former conspiracy theorist turned science communicator, on her travels to the Rocky Mountains and then onto Iceland. Join her for these informal but informative interviews across the globe. The ESP Podcast https://theesp.eu Coleman Watts YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkThisThroughChannel |
| 0:21:46 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:35:14 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the psychic predictions of Andreas Zee. 1975 July to December - The Australian Women's Weekly http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - Special Presentation The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See Thursday 5 September - Occidental Hotel in the City https://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics |
High Seas
ESP
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #829 - 25 August 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:02:50
Kate & Allie
Folklore or Future Quiz Join Kate this week as she challenges Allie with a quiz. Kate will uncover a mysterious array of treatments and Allie will have to unravel the enigma of whether these practices hail from folklore of old or persist in the modern day. Play along to test your knowledge and possibly discover secret remedies you may have never heard of. |
| 0:19:36
I Think We Need To Think
Once again Susan Gerbic heads to a SkeptiCamp, this time in Seattle in the US state of Washington. Her interviews with organisers and attendees give us a flavour of the event. Susan's reports from local events encourage all of us to be more proactive no matter where in tne world we are. |
| 0:30:42 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to predictions of the future from the past and mindbody spirit. 1984.12.29 - Canberra Times 1988.01.03 - Canberra Times 1995.09.04 - Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - Special Presentation The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See Thursday 5 September - Occidental Hotel in the City https://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics |
Quiz
Skepticamp
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #828 - 18 August 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:22
Beyond Belief
Bob Nixon tunes in and finds an old aquaintance up to his old tricks - very old tricks. "Like Deja vu all over again" In this report from 'The Skeptic Magazine' in 2001, a former investigator of Australian Skeptics the late Bob Nixon, reviews a farcical TV special about the paranormal, starring among others, Uri Geller. The TV Special, in 3 parts, can be found here. https://vhistory.wordpress.com/2014/08/26/beyond-belief-tape-1956 |
| 0:25:16 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Kat McLeod. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:37:32 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'Letters to the Editor'. 1984.11.17 - Sydney Morning Herald 1984.12.12 - Sydney Morning Herald 1984.12.18 - Sydney Morning Herald 1984.11.27 - Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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Canada Kat
Laughable TV
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #827 - 11 August 2024
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| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders With a short tribute to skeptical journalist Jane Hansen. |
| 00:04:12
Vale Mark Edward
We are saddened to hear of the death in the past week of Mark Edward, skeptic, magician, mentalist, author and partner to Susan Gerbic. Tributes from Adrienne Hill and Susan Gerbic. Mark Edward Wilson, who was known by his stage name Mark Edward, died Sunday, August 4, 2024 at home after a year's long battle with prostate cancer. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/mark-wilson-obituary?id=55809128 |
| 0:17:14
Broken Breakthroughs
From Power Balance to magnetic therapy, Richard Saunders reviews the history of recent 'quick fix' gizmos designed to improve your health and empty your wallet. |
| 00:43:10
The Loons from Canada
In part 2 of a 2 part series, Kate and Allie take a look at the phenomena of Access Consciousness and Access Bars. Who founded Access Consciousness and when? Learn the "Clearing Statement" that will improve all aspects of your life and discover the dark side of this so-called therapy. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking/rasputin-phrenology-and-dark-allegations-madness-access-consciousness https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/access-consciousness-phrenology-fused-with-energy-medicine https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/access-consciousness-a-new-version-of-phrenology |
| Also
Dark Matter in the Pub, Saturday evening 24 August https://events.humanitix.com/dark-matter-in-the-pub-sydney/tickets |
Vale
Touching Tribute
From Canada
| The Skeptic Zone #826 - 4 August 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:42
The Loons from Canada
In part 1 of a 2 part series, Kate and Allie take a look at the phenomena of Access Consciousness and Access Bars. Part one: What is access consciousness and its "Ten Keys to Freedom" and how much does it cost? https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking/rasputin-phrenology-and-dark-allegations-madness-access-consciousness https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/access-consciousness-phrenology-fused-with-energy-medicine https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/access-consciousness-a-new-version-of-phrenology |
| 0:21:34
Maynard's Spooky Action
Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to ask people if they have a favourite sporting superstition. |
| 0:29:44 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:42:20 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to superstition and sport. 1932.12.21 - The Advertiser - South Australia 1935.11.23 - The Daily Telegrath - Sydney 1995.10.13 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Australian Skeptics on the hunt for the DROP BEAR!
https://youtu.be/ij5DM-vyBBk |
Canada Calling
Maynard in the Pub
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #825 - 28 July 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders Also a look at the current nominations and past winners of the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Award. https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon |
| 00:09:24
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
This week Kat gives us an overview of the first ever 'Global Skeptics in the Pub', held as part of the SkeptiCal Conferance of the Bay Area Skeptics. Included are the thoughts of the some of those who joined in. |
| 0:18:16
Maynard's Spooky Action
In this segement from a much longer interview, George Hrab from the Geologic Podcast chats to Maynard about his views on skeptical and critical thinking. George Hrab is a dancin' fool - The full interivew via Planet Maynard. https://maynard.com.au/george-hrab-terpsichore |
| 0:00:00 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Fire Walking. 1994.02.07 - The Courier - Ballarat, Victoria 1994.02.20 - Herald Sun Sunday http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Dr. Karl Firewalking with Richard Saunders https://youtu.be/0oLNoqwPiKc Myth Busters Firewalking https://youtu.be/JibIlisE9uA |
| Also
Australian Skeptics on the hunt for the DROP BEAR!
https://youtu.be/ij5DM-vyBBk |
Skeptics in the Pub
The Singing Skeptic
Spooky Action
| The Skeptic Zone #824 - 21 July 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:42
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
Challenging Times By Barry Williams Over 20 years ago, one Victor Zammit, a retired Sydney solicitor, apparently decided to take the skeptics on at their own game and has issued a challenge of his own. "$1 Million Challenge to Disprove Evidence of Life After Death." - A reward of one million US dollars is offered to any skeptic anywhere in the world who can rebut and refute, beyond absolute, all the evidence for the existence of the afterlife. Tim is joined by Richard Saunders to discuss this bizarre challenge from almost 2 decades ago. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 21 No. 4 (2001) http://www.skeptics.com.au Media Watch TV, Astrology Story https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8FKJ9pcWCvw&t=796 |
| 0:37:06 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:47:38 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'Media Astrologers'. 1986.08.18 - The Sun Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Nominations for the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Award
https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon
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$1,000,000 Anyone?
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
Your Host
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
necessarily those Australian Skeptics Inc. or any other skeptical organisation.
© The Skeptic Zone Podcast