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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.


Kate
Woo Hoo!


Adrienne
Newsletter


Richard Saunders
Your Host



Logical Fallacies


Psychic Penny


Typewriter Time

 


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 From historical references to this "art" to the many, many different and interesting practices and devices used to see what is in store for us.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


Smart Women
SitP


Tim
Award Winner


Richard Saunders
Your Host



Logical Fallacies


Psychic Penny


Typewriter Time

 


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

Adrienne
Superstitions


Kate
Woo Watch!


Richard Saunders
Your Host



Logical Fallacies


Psychic Penny


Typewriter Time

 


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

Kate Thomas
Woo Watch


Kat
Lucky Dice?


Richard Saunders
Your Host



Logical Fallacies


Psychic Penny


Typewriter Time

 


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

Kate
Tik-Toking


Adrienne
News


Richard Saunders
Your Host



Logical Fallacies


Psychic Penny


Typewriter Time

 


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

Tim
Skeptics in the Pub


Penny
The Stars


Richard Saunders
Your Host



Logical Fallacies


Psychic Penny


Typewriter Time

 


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

Kat
Room 202


Adrienne
News Room


Richard Saunders
Go To Your Room!



Logical Fallacies


Psychic Penny


Typewriter Time

 


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


Adrienne and Karen
More Gurus


UFO
Out of this World?


Richard Saunders
Your Host



Logical Fallacies


Psychic Penny


Typewriter Time

 


The Vaccination Chonicles
 
Solar Flare

Featuring

Verna Morris, Maureen Chuck, Ken McLeod, Monica Saville, Dr Richard Gordon, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, John Bundock, Peter Bowditch and Lauren Cochrane with Ada and Jack.

YouTube
http://youtu.be/mTprFOmIjIg

 

Solar Flare logoThe Band of Power

Join the cast of the Skeptic Zone Podcast, and a host of special guests, in their first audio adventure as they board the Australian Space Ship Solar Flare to fight the forces of woo thoughout the galaxy!

Also featuring the hit song
FAR by George Hrab.

It's old time radio from the future!

Solar Flare episode 1


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
 
Pigasus Booklet

Free Origami Posters

Cranes

4,961 × 3,508 pixels, file size: 3.73 MB

Folded and Photographed
by Richard Saunders

 

Pigasus

4,961 × 3,508 pixels, file size: 3.45 MB

Invented, Folded and Photographed
by Richard Saunders

Cranes on Matches

4,961 × 3,508 pixels, file size: 3.32 MB

Folded and Photographed
by Richard Saunders

 

Ducks on a Coin

4,961 × 3,508 pixels, file size: 4.65 MB

Folded and Photographed
by Richard Saunders


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