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 #888 - 12 October 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:02:34
Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas
Wellness Patches This week, pharmacist and skeptic Kate Thomas takes a look at the latest sticky health trend - "transdermal" wellness patches promising everything from boosted metabolism to Ozempic-like weight loss. Kate explains why none of these ingredients can actually make it through your skin, and what it really takes to design a medicated patch that works. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass |
| 0:09:42 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:19:24 Mind Body Spirit - Overview
Once again the travelling circus of woo known as Mind Body Spirit comes to Sydney. We take a look at the social and cultural aspects of this festival of "healers", "mystics" and conspiracy theories. |
| 0:32:32
Psychic Penny's Numerology
To celebrate the 888th episode of the Skeptic Zone podcast, Psychic Penny delves deep into the mysteries of numerology. What do numbers show us through mystical and paranormal messages? Is your lucky number 888? Is your number up? Find out more with Psychic Penny. |
| 0:39:14
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to CSICOP #1. 1985.12.16 - The Age http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| 0:59:20
A Roll of the Dice
Kate, Lara and Richard test their powers of prediction. |
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Woo Hoo!
Newsletter
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #887 - 5 October 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders. Also the winners of the Australian Skeptics Awards for 2025, live from Skepticon Melbourne with Tim Mendham. |
| 00:09:44
Divination
We look at the claim that some people can foretell future events via divination. From historical references to this "art" to the many, many different and interesting practices and devices used to see what is in store for us. |
| 0:25:18
Skeptics in the Pub
Once again we head for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub and meet up with Annie McCubbin from the 'Why Smart Women' podcast. Joining in are Jessica Singer, Lara Benham and Sue Ieraci. Also pubbers Tom and Ian talk monsters and UFOs. |
| 0:42:36
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the Supernatural and Skeptics. 1990.04.01 - The Tuscaloosa News 1993.12.18 - The Kentucky New Era 2001.05.25 - The Telegraph Herald 1969.04.02 - The Sunday Sun - Canada http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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SitP
Award Winner
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #886 - 28 September 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:56
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
This week Adrienne takes us to Portugal on a trip of discovery of the local superstitions. Find out what happened when they tried to rid a city of black cats! Also we hear about the "Miracle at Fatima". |
| 0:20:48
Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas
This week Kate takes a skeptical look at the claim that Acetaminophen, aka Paracetamol, can cause autism in children if taken by the mother during pregnancy. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass |
| 0:24:54 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:39:12
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the Supernatural and Skeptics #1. 2007.05.10 - The Nevada Daily Mail 1996.04.02 - The Gazette 2000.05.22 - The Beaver Country Times 1989.07.15 - The Telegraph - NH 2007.07.23 - The Victoria Advocate- TX http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Prof. Dave on Acetaminophen / Autism claim
https://youtu.be/ohsYDUj0gfU Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au |
Superstitions
Woo Watch!
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #885 - 21 September 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders and Maynard |
| 00:05:58
Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas
We interview Pharmacist Kate Thomas, a rising TikTok star from Sydney who fights medical misinformation with commonsense and humour. https://www.tiktok.com/@prescribeorpass https://www.tiktok.com/@debunkingbarbara https://www.instagram.com/scriptedbykate |
| 0:18:34
Gone and Forgotten #3
Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. |
| 0:28:16
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Ed and Lorrain Warren. 1990.10.29 - The Hour 1980.04.05 - The Sun Herald 1985.04.04 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1985.05.18 - The Mid City's Daily News http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5
https://skepticon.org.au |
Woo Watch
Lucky Dice?
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #884 - 14 September 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:00
Cryptozoology
We take a look into the history and likelihood of strange creatures roaming the earth, yet to be discovered by science. Tall tales from our ancestors and adventurous hunts throughout the world are examined. Is Bigfoot really there? |
| 0:13:46
Prescribe or Pass
Sometimes the rabbit hole of TikTok can offer much more than conspiracy theories and bad advice. We review the channel of Pharmacist Kate Thomas who takes to task many of the outrageous claims by wellness gurus and naturopaths. https://www.tiktok.com/@prescribeorpass https://www.tiktok.com/@debunkingbarbara https://www.instagram.com/scriptedbykate |
| 0:23:24
Gone and Forgotten #2
Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. |
| 0:32:00 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:42:20
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the year 1965 and the Paranormal. 2003.03.14 - The Beaver County Times 1982.04.14 - The Toledo Blade Times 2003.10.31 - The Hour 1977.03.05 - The Montreal Gazette 1970.03.23 - The News Despatch http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5
https://skepticon.org.au Stephen Bavaro - First year running for autism https://www.runforautism.org.au/fundraisers/stephenbavaro/run-for-autism-2025 |
Tik-Toking
News
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #883 - 7 September 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders and Tim Mendham |
| 00:06:06
A Look into the Stars
We take a sceptical look at the claims and promises of the age old practice of Astrology. Can the stars and planets really predict your future or influence your characteristics? |
| 0:17:50
Gone and Forgotten #1
Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. At the time, members of the public and members of the media gave them credence beyond what they deserved. Some have stuck around, and even prospered - UFOs and psychic powers, to name two - but many more have died the death of irrelevance and fast fashion. Some might still be around, but only as a vestige of their once high-profile status. Others truly are forgotten. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. |
| 0:30:38
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Astrology. 1980.09.11 - The Evening Times - Scotland 1968.07.31 - The Calgary Herald 1977.03.04 - The Lawrence Journal-World http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5
https://skepticon.org.au |
Skeptics in the Pub
The Stars
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #882 - 31 August 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:06:14
Comet 3I Atlas and TikTok Tales of Doom
As another interstellar visitor races through our solar system, we look at various predictions and musings of people who think this chunk of rock is actually an alien spacecraft heading our way. Prof. Dave - Avi Loeb https://youtu.be/4nYXIeZh_bw |
| 0:21:24
For Crying Out Loud. It's Kat McLeod!
This week Kat straps on some ghost busting gear and investigates the possibility of the paranormal when she does a deep dive into the gruesome haunting of Room 202 in the Fort Garry hotel. Trigger warning: suicide. |
| 0:34:16 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:45:24
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Poltergeists. 1960.02.07 - The Toledo Blade 1973.10.28 - The Robesonina http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5
https://skepticon.org.au |
Room 202
News Room
Go To Your Room!
| The Skeptic Zone #881 - 24 August 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:28
Alien Abductions?
We take a look at the history, implications and possibilities of aliens travelling across the Milky Way to not only visit the Earth but also to kidnap some of its unlucky, innocent residents. |
| 0:16:44
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Relationship Gurus with Karen Bijkersma #2 The Internet seems full of people who want to offer you advice, for a price, on your relationships. This week Adrienne Hill talks to author Karen Bijkersma about some of these gurus and institutions. https://karenbijkersma.com.au |
| 0:38:55
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Alien Abductions. 1989.06.06 - The Age 1997.12.09 - The Manila Standard 1987.04.26 - The Albany Herald 1990.05.10 - The Herald Jounal 1973.10.20 - The Dispatch http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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More Gurus
Out of this World?
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 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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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 |
