The Skeptic Zone
The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason - Since 2008
| The Skeptic Zone #633 - 29 November 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:30
Ben Radford's New Book
The famed skeptical investigator, podcaster and author tells us about his new book, a collection of stories covering almost 2 decades. http://benjaminradford.com |
| 0:17:25
ESP - 250
We join a live broadcast of the European Skeptics Podcast to congratulate them for 250 episodes. https://theesp.eu |
| 0:19:52
Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma
This week Michelle looks at "The Appeal to Emotion". Also known as "argument from passion", this is when you manipulate emotions in order to try and win an argument or promote your point, especially in the absence of good evidence. It is also a red herring, that is, a way of diverting attention away from the issue at hand. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. |
| 0:25:50
GSoW News with Susan Gerbic
Susan and friends chime in to bring us up to date with the latest from Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia. From Wiki to psychic stings and more. With Adrienne Hill, Rob Palmer and Leonard Tramiel. https://www.facebook.com/Gerbic |
| Also |
| The Skeptic Zone #632 - 22 November 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:05:00
His Goose is Cooked
Another twist in the ongoing sad Soap Opera that is former celebrity Pete Evans. He's lost his sponsorships, he's lost his TV deals, he's lost his book deals along with his marbles. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-54972101 |
| 0:13:04
Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma
This week Michelle looks at "The Fallacy Fallacy". Also known as the bad reasons fallacy, this is when, because your opponent uses logical fallacies, you assume their main argument or point must therefore also be wrong. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. |
| 0:19:05
Prof. Ken Harvey and the TGA After a frustrating time as an advisor to the government agency, Professor Ken Harvey has finally had enough. https://www.smh.com.au/national/top-doctor-resigns-tga-role-over-concerns-with-policing-of-fringe-medicine-20201116-p56f11.html |
| 0:27:43
Australian
Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:36:32 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Australian Skeptics. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also |
A Cooked Goose
Logical Fallacies
TGA Split
Online Search
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| The Skeptic Zone #631 - 15 November 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:26
From 9/11 to COVID-19
An interview with Claus Larsen from Denmark about the ongoing research into some of the biggest conspiracy theories in recent history. What are some of the COVID-19 conspiracies doing the rounds and why do people believe in them? http://www.911facts.dk |
| 0:29:50
Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma
This week Michelle looks at "The Appeal to the Stone". This is when you dismiss an idea or statement as absurd, invalid, or incorrect, without giving a satisfactory reason as to why. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. |
| 0:34:54 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Australian Skeptics. |
| Also
Richard Saunders vs. Milton Black.
https://youtu.be/q-fjymxOrGE Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud |
| The Skeptic Zone #630 - 8 November 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:50
The
Misadventures of the VeXXed Bus We look at the bumpy road and comic mishaps of the "Vaxxed II" bus as it travels along its sorry road. |
| 0:16:44
James
Randi, a quiet chat.
In 2014, Randi and Saunders toured Australia. During some downtime they chat about magic, memories and TV productions. James Randi: Psychic Investigator - YouTube https://youtu.be/ix_DEto6nH4?t=820 |
| 0:28:57
Logical
Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Hasty Generalisation Fallacy". Also known as the argument from small numbers and the lonely fact fallacy, this is when you base your conclusion upon limited or inconclusive information. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. |
| 0:35:47
Australian
Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:42:42
The
Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Another reading from the pages of 'The Skeptic' from Australian Skeptics Inc. This week Tim looks at Double Delusion - House of Horrors - House of Science and more. https://www.skeptics.com.au |
| Also The Correx
Files https://www.abc.net.au/science/correx Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud |
VaXXed is VeXXed
An Amazing Chat
Logical Fallacies
The Book of Tim
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| The Skeptic Zone #629 - 1 November 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:04:00 James
Randi on The Skeptic Zone Since the podcast begain in 2008, James Randi appeared on about 22 episodes. We present some edited highlights from over the years. |
| 0:39:32 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the James Randi, with a focus on the year 1980, the year of the famed water divining tests. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au James Randi in Australia - YouTube |
| Also Interview with
James Randi 2006. With Richard Saunders https://youtu.be/ukqsZYHLcuI An Evening with James Randi 2014. With Richard Saunders
Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images |
| The Skeptic Zone #628 - 25 October 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00 A
tribute to James "The Amazing" Randi. 1928 - 2020. |
| 0:06:20 Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:10:45 Australian
Skeptics Inc. Annual Awards 2020 Join President Jessica Singer, E.O. Tim Mendham and Chief Investigator Richard Saunders as they annouce this year's awards, as heard at Skepticon 2020. The Fred Thornett Award for the promotion of reason - The Barry Williams Award for media - The Skeptic of the Year - The Bent Spoon Award. https://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:23:20 The
Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Another reading from the pages of 'The Skeptic' from Australian Skeptics Inc. This week Tim looks at Godwin's law (or Godwin's rule of Hitler analogies). https://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:45:40 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Loch Ness Monter. Where oh where are you Nessie? http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also |
| The Skeptic Zone #627 - 18 October 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:05:02 The
Raw Skeptic Report. With Heidi Robertson. Interview with Brian Deer, a British investigative reporter, best known for inquiries into the drug industry, medicine and social issues for The Sunday Times. Deer's investigative nonfiction book, The Doctor Who Fooled the World, was published in September 2020 by Johns Hopkins University Press. Part #3 - Brain tells us of the impact of Wakefield's work on vaccination rates, the other authors of the original paper and the link to Elle Macpherson. https://briandeer.com |
| 0:16:33 Logical
Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Weasel Words". These are words for phrases that seem to point in one direction or give a certain impression, but in reality are often meaningless or even misleading. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. |
| 0:24:02 The
Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Another reading from the pages of 'The Skeptic' from Australian Skeptics Inc. This week Wishful Thinking, Risky Business, Gambling and more. https://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:32:00 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the term "E.S.P." Can you read my mind? http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also Skepticon 2020 https://www.skepticon.org.au Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud |
Brian Deer Interview
Logical Fallacies
The Book of Tim
E.S.P.
Skeptic Zone Promo
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| The Skeptic Zone #626 - 11 October 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:09 The
Raw Skeptic Report. With Heidi Robertson. Interview with Brian Deer, a British investigative reporter, best known for inquiries into the drug industry, medicine and social issues for The Sunday Times. Deer's investigative nonfiction book, The Doctor Who Fooled the World, was published in September 2020 by Johns Hopkins University Press. Part #2 - Brain tells us of why Wakefield left the Royal Free Hospital, conflicts of interest, buying blood from children, and some of his other investigations. https://briandeer.com |
| 0:22:51 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:31:42 The
Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Another reading from the pages of 'The Skeptic' from Australian Skeptics Inc. FLAT EARTHERS. In the paranormal world, there have always been some claims and claimants that have been ... how shall we put it ... weird. https://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:37:55 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the term "Quackery". How many ducks can we line up? http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also Skepticon 2020 https://www.skepticon.org.au Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud |
The Raw Skeptic
Australian Skeptics News
The Book of Tim
Quackery
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| The Skeptic Zone #625 - 4 October 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:04:32 The
Raw Skeptic Report. With Heidi Robertson. Interview with Brian Deer, a British investigative reporter, best known for inquiries into the drug industry, medicine and social issues for The Sunday Times. Deer's investigative nonfiction book, The Doctor Who Fooled the World, was published in September 2020 by Johns Hopkins University Press. Part #1 - An overview of the original Wakefild paper, how the children in the study were recruited, the $100 million dollar lawsuit and how the diagnosis of some of the children was changed to suit the end goal. https://briandeer.com |
| 0:26:45 Logical
Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Poisoning the Well". Also known as smear tactics, this is when you try to discredit your opponent, or an institution, especially in the mind of others, before even entering into a debate or conversation. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. |
| 0:33:45 The
Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
What Goes Around - Trials by Fire. |
| 0:42:06 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the term "Haunted House". What was going 'bump' in the night? http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also Belgium Skeptics https://skepp.be/en/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=5 Skepticon 2020 https://www.skepticon.org.au Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud |
Brian Deer Interview
Logical Fallacies
The Book of Tim
Hauntings
Skeptic Zone Promo
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| The Skeptic Zone #624 - 27 September 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:05:50 Life
is Wild. With Michelle Franklin Ever seen a UFO? Many years ago Michelle and her father did and were quite baffled... for a time. What about the time she saw strange red eyes peering at her from the darkness while camping? What this some sort of stragne apparition or did Michelle find a more logical answer? |
| 0:16:05 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the word "Ouija". What did the spirits say? http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| 0:31:26 Logical
Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Burden of Proof Fallacy". This is when instead of presenting evidence to support your claim, you insist that the person doubting it, prove your claim to be false. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. |
| 0:39:08 The
Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
What Goes Around - Yetis, Yale, Smuggling and Shooting. |
| 0:46:23
Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Sample story from 'The Skeptic'. https://tinyurl.com/y5h8up9a |
| Also Skepticon 2020 https://www.skepticon.org.au Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud |
Life is Wild
Logical Fallacies
The Book of Tim
Ouija
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| The Skeptic Zone #623 - 20 September 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:05:26
COVID-19 Conspiracy Graffiti Michelle Bijkersma reports on COVID-19 conspiracy theory graffiti in Melbourne. |
| 0:10:42 Protests
- COVID-19 Conspiracies Anti-Lockdown protests at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market as police arrest 74 protesters and issue more than $280,000 in fines. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/police-arrest-74-and-fine-176-after-vic-market-protest-20200912-p55v1z.html |
| 0:17:12
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
What Goes Around - Graphology, Writing, Profiling, Testing and Woo. |
| 0:25:05 The
Secret of the Secret What is the secret of the secret? Find out as we visit 'The Secret of the Secret Convention'. With the voice talents of Abhijit Chanda and András Pintér. |
| 0:31:19
A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the term "UFO". What is up there in the skies? http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also Skeptics
Cafe - Live Online Talk by Richard Saunders - 21 Sept. 8:30pm https://www.facebook.com/theskepticscafe Maynard's Mastermind Quiz - With Richard Saunders https://www.facebook.com/maynard1/videos/10158830429649359 Skepticon 2020 https://www.skepticon.org.au Corona Conspiracy - Upload Your Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud |
| The Skeptic Zone #622 - 13 September 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:04:20
A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the words "Yowie Hunt". Did anyone ever find the Australian Big Foot? http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| 0:21:08 CFI
- We're Not Backing Down from Walmart Snake oil profiteering has emerged as a genuine crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifying what the Center for Inquiry has been saying for years: Pseudoscientific medicine is dangerous, and those who profit from it must be held accountable. https://centerforinquiry.org |
| 0:25:00
Skeptrack Repoert An overview of the live online Skeptrack from Dragon*Con 2020. http://www.skeptrack.com |
| 0:32:18 A
visit to a New, New Age Vet Can Map-you-luncher, Ke-ring Dlistals, Flo-me-lapthy, Skyo-blaptic, Free-tex-lolagy and Snerbal Stoop-alments save Henrietta the cat? With the voice talents of Dr Angie Mattke and Pontus Böckman. |
| 0:38:57
Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| Also Skeptics
Cafe - Live Online Talk by Richard Saunders - 21 Sept. 8:30pm https://www.facebook.com/theskepticscafe Skepticon 2020 https://www.skepticon.org.au Corona Conspiracy - Upload Your Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud |
| The Skeptic Zone #621 - 5 September 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:43
Here's My Two Cents Worth. With Jennifer Hathorn Jennifer takes us on a decades long journey through the madness that is Dragon*Con. What are some of the highlights involving skepticism? Find out about the time James Randi appeared with Alice Cooper. |
| 0:13:47 LIVE
from Skeptrack! We talk to Dr Angie Mattke and Derek Colanduno from the studio floor ar virtual Dragon*Con. What's coming up this year on this live skeptical event? http://www.skeptrack.com |
| 0:21:02 Enter
the Dragon (Con) From the pages of 'The Skeptic', Richard Saunders reports on skepticism in the US - Dragon*Con and the Solano Stroll. https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine/ |
| Also Skepticon 2020 https://www.skepticon.org.au Corona Conspiracy - Upload Your Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud |
| The Skeptic Zone #620 - 30 August 2020 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:50 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the word "clairvoyant". Can we find a little wisdom from the past? http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| 0:20:10 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:28:22 Online
Trivia with Susan Gerbic It's not all bad news in the lockdown. Find out how you can join in an online, world-wide trivia game every week. |
| 0:33:33 Peril
in the Bermuda Triangle Do you dare take a tour in the mysterious Bermuda Triangle? If you do, expect the unexpected! With the voice talent of Susan Gerbic. |
| 0:38:44 More
COVID-19 Craziness A round up of stories and reports from the "far side" of COVID-19 conspiracies and foolishness. https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/lizzy-rose-shows-coronavirus-symptoms-in-new-online-video-c-1263751 |
| Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Online (Thursday
3 Sept. 7pm) Skepticon 2020 |
Online Newspapers
Aust Skeptics
Online Trivia
Craziness
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The Vaccination
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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! |
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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.
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