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 #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
|
$1,000,000 Anyone?
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #823 - 14 July 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:00
Astrology Trash is Bad News
We report on a bizarre situation in Australia where it is proposed to run a regular astrology segment in the evening TV news bulletin. Is this an act of desperation to gain more viewers? What has been the reaction from other media? https://www.skynews.com.au/business/media/channel-7-defends-stupid-new-astrology-segment-following-scathing-criticism-over-addition-to-evening-news-bulletin/news-story/c42a2558c156dc5a7432ecfbd4faed2c https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/channel-7-defends-controversial-news-segment-after-radio-hosts-takedown/news-story/5ae7fe3e1c5dd95117463d75f0f523ad |
| 0:15:50
The Loons From Canada
Kate and Allie get together to talk about some North American and Australian relationship slang as they explore the hypothesis of Love Languages. |
| 0:28:08
Maynard's Spooky Action
Maynard and Richard catch up to talk about the upcoming global event, Skeptics in the pub, held all around the world on 19th of July at 7 pm. https://www.skepticalcon.com/global-skeptics-in-the-pub |
| 0:34:46 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to James Randi and his expose of the Rev. Peter Popoff. 1988.02.20 - Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au The Secrets of the Psychics. Video https://youtu.be/Pc3uHqtH8bg&=677 |
| |
Love Talk
Online Pub
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #822 - 7 July 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:06:52
Ben Radford talks UFOs
Once again we welcome the world renowned skeptical investigator, author, podcaster, and deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine, the one and only Ben Radford. In a wide ranging interview Ben talks about the Roswell UFO incident, cryptozoology, and his upcoming visit to Sydney Australia to take part in Skepticon 2024 - the Australian Skeptics National Convention in November. |
| 0:29:36 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter #200
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:44:36 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Roswell New Mexico UFO case of 1947. 1947.07.09 - The Glen Innes Examiner 1947.07.09 - The Newcastle Sun 1947.07.10 - The Advocate, Bernie Tasmania 1947.07.10 - The Sun, Sydney https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_incident http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Global Skeptics in tne Pub
https://www.skepticalcon.com/global-skeptics-in-the-pub Videos from the New Mexico Science and Reason https://m.youtube.com/@TheNMSR |
Roswell 1947
Newsletter
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #821 - 30 June 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:14
Cold and Hot Reading
We play a clip of a recent radio appearance by Richard Saunders (ABC Australia), where he discusses so-called psychics and some of their tricks. Also the reading of a report by Ian Bryce, from the pages of 'The Skeptic', when he, Saunders and Alynda Brown tested a 'Palm Reader' in Australia. Richard Saunders on ABC Radio Australia. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/overnights/ovn-skeptics/104010516 |
| 0:26:06 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to The New Age - Part #3. 1988.5.14 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| 0:47:58 A
Kate & Allie On a Roll? |
| |
Testing "Psychics"
On a Roll
New Age
| The Skeptic Zone #820 - 23 June 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:05:02
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill.
SkeptiCampNM - Presented by New Mexicans for Science and Reason Adrienne flies to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend a meet up of local and regional skeptics. Interviews with... Stirling Forsyth, Mary Catherine Harris, Tom Parker, Kurly Tlapoyawa, Sonia Veronica, Frank T. Etscorn, and from the Squaring the Strange podcast Celestia Ward, Ben Radford and Pascual Romero. https://talesfromaztlantis.com |
| 0:21:46
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod.
This week Kat takes a look at the pseudoscience of Graphology. James Randi investigates Graphology. https://youtu.be/iyXozHKWsDs |
| 0:30:10
Skepticamp Interviews #4
Guest reporter Rob Palmer attended the inaugural Triangle SkeptiCamp that took place on 25th of May 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. In part #4 of a series of interviews from the event, Rob chats to the one and only powerhouse of Skeptical Activisim, Susan Gerbic. https://triskep.org/home/triangle-skepticamp-2024 |
| 0:40:44 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to The New Age - Part #2. 1988.5.14 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Richard Saunders on ABC Radio Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/overnights/ovn-skeptics/104010516 |
Write Now!
On the Road
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #819 - 16 June 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:16
UFOs... Where Are You?
We take a look at a recent press stories from Australia and Britin regarding UFO promoter and Australian journalist Ross Coulthart. Also we wonder what we can glean from Wiki about his current notoriety. https://www.skeptic.org.uk/2024/05/ufos-the-unidentified-flying-circus-comes-to-town |
| 0:10:44
Skepticamp Interviews #3
Guest reporter Rob Palmer attended the inaugural Triangle SkeptiCamp that took place on 25th of May 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. In part #3 of a series of interviews from the event, Rob chats to Faith and Ramiro Rodriguez from the organisating team, as well has Melanie Trecek-King from Thinking is Power. https://triskep.org/home/triangle-skepticamp-2024 |
| 0:21:18
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
Are Skeptics Happy? By Alison White Alison White asks if being a skeptic is a blessing or a bane... or even a curse. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 32 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:34:30 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to The New Age - Part #1. 1988.5.14 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Global Skeptics in the Pub - 19 July 2024 (7pm) http://www.skepticalcon.com/global-skeptics-in-the-pub |
Lost in Space
A Happy Skeptic
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #818 - 9 June 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:02:26
SkeptiCal 2024
We talk to famed fighter of nonsense Dr Eugenie C. Scott about the upcoming SkeptiCal Conference. SkeptiCal is the scientific skepticism conference brought to you by Northern California Skeptics. The SkeptiCal Conference brings stimulating and entertaining speakers (including Australia's own Dr Karl Kruszelnicki) to a world-wide audience of science fans, critical thinkers, and, in the words of Carl Sagan, questioners of "extraordinary claims". Join them for two engaging days of speakers, interviews, and discussions. And - test your wits on a round of SkeptiCal trivia, and try your hand at SkeptiCal's popular Skepardy! game. http://www.skepticalcon.com |
| 0:12:38
Skepticamp Interviews #2
Guest reporter Rob Palmer attended the inaugural Triangle SkeptiCamp that took place on 25th of May 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. In part #2 of a series of interviews from the event, Rob chats to Kenny Biddle, chief investigator at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and attendee Jane Selkie. https://triskep.org/home/triangle-skepticamp-2024 |
| 0:25:40 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:39:08 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'Alternative Medicine'. 1981.08.27 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Global Skeptics in the Pub - 19 July 2024 (7pm) http://www.skepticalcon.com/global-skeptics-in-the-pub |
Skeptical California
Newsletter
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #817 - 2 June 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:02:58
Kate & Allie
This week Kat and Adrienne take a skeptical look at 'Baby Helmets'. Are they truly necessary or just another example of our culture's obsession with over-protection? What is the medical point of view? Baby helmets, also known as cranial orthoses, are seen by some as intervention for infants with positional plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head) or brachycephaly (narrow, elongated head shape). |
| 0:12:20
Bend Nerd Night
Energy Trivia. Join Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast as he leads a round of trivia at 'Nerd Night' in Bend, Oregon. Test your knowledge! https://facebook.com/groups/1113943728813195 |
| 0:20:38
Skepticamp Interviews #1
Guest reporter Rob Palmer attended the inaugural Triangle SkeptiCamp that took place on 25th of May 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. In part #1 of a series of interviews from the event, Rob chats to Coleman Watts, the host of the 'Think This Through' YouTube channel. He also catches up with Erika Engelhaupt, science journalist and author of 'Gory Details'. https://triskep.org/home/triangle-skepticamp-2024 |
| 0:32:48 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Seances. 1967.10.01 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1973.02.12 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1994.08.04 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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Baby Steps?
Trivia in Oregon
Skepticamp
| The Skeptic Zone #816 - 26 May 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:02:32
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill.
Adrienne Hill and Janalee Morris share their immersive first experience at the Psychic and Crystal Fair, where they interacted with vendors and attendees. Could anyone predict their future or enhance their health? Tune in to find out. |
| 0:19:42
Reviewing the UFO Documentary
We chat to Brian Dunning about the thousands of reviews and comments left on his documentary, 'The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You To See'. Some are insightful, many are just plain ridiculous. It's clear that his movie has certainly caused a stir in the UFO community. http://theufo.movie |
| 0:36:04 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:47:42 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Fortune Tellers. 1909.02.27 - The Beverly Times W.A. 1918.03.07 - The Telegraph QLD 1934.01.09 - Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser QLD 1938.12.21 - Argus Melbourne 1949.09.26 - The Daily Mercury QLD 1909.10.29 - The Star, Sydney 1922.08.04 - The Canowindra Star, NSW 1903.03.06 - The Geelong Advertiser 1932.08.08 - The North West Champion, NSW http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Nerd Night in Bend, 28 May, 2024 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nerd-night-presents-science-trivia-and-strange-energies-tickets-899522735717 Skepticamp New Mexico. 1st - 2nd June, 2024 https://www.skepticampnm.com |
Crystals and More
UFO Believers Pounce
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #815 - 19 May 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:32
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
This week Kat relates her journey, over the past year, from attending a skeptical conference in Canada to becoming a reporter for the Skeptic Zone. This is right from the 'who could have ever see this coming?' files and is a great illustration of how important it is to support skeptical events. Plus we hear Kat's theme music for the first time. |
| 0:11:28
Ben Radford, Australia Bound
The legend himself! Ben Radford has been a fulltime scientific investigator and writer for 25 years. Now for the first time he is heading to Australia to talk at the Austraian Skeptics National Convention in November in Sydney. Will he find the elusive Yowie during his trip? We also hear about other meetings Ben is attending and more about the Squaring the Stange Podcast. |
| 0:23:56
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
The History of EUTSBy Barry Williams (aka Sir Jim) In this classic article, Sir Jim R. Wallaby investigates energies unknown to science... and those that are. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 38 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:37:54 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Sixth Sense. 1981.08.09 - The Sun Herald 1981.08.16 - The Sun Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Nerd Night in Bend, 28 May, 2024 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nerd-night-presents-science-trivia-and-strange-energies-tickets-899522735717 Skepticamp New Mexico. 1st - 2nd June, 2024 https://www.skepticampnm.com |
What a Year!
Australia Bound
EUTS
| The Skeptic Zone #814 - 12 May 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:04:14
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill.
This week, Adrienne gives us an overview of the recent 'We Can Reason' conference held in Calgary, Canada. We hear about each of the invited speakers and meet one of the delegates, a listener of the Skeptic Zone right from episode #1, Brenda Hill. Next it's a road trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses one of world's premier collection of dinosaur fossils. Here Richard Saunders gives us his thoughts on this wondrous example of science in action. Finally, on the drive home, Adrienne interviews Jonathan Jarry, one of the hosts of the popular Body of Evidence podcast from Canada. Jonathan was also an invited speaker at the conference. https://tyrrellmuseum.com |
| 0:23:18 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:35:48 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Psychic Predictions. 1972.01.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1973.12.30 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1981.01.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1989.01.01 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1992.12.30 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Sckepticamap New Mexico. 1st - 2nd June, 2024 https://www.skepticampnm.com |
Skookum Studios
Canadian Podcaster
Bag Box Owner
| The Skeptic Zone #812 - 28 April 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:48
Can AI Replace Your Host?
Is AI all that it's cracked up to be? This week Richard Saunders tempts fate by asking AI to write a script in his own style. Are the results worth it? You be the judge..... Mate! |
| 0:12:12 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:24:58
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
What Goes Around By Tim Mendham The Vatican, Meteorites and Science. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 43 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:33:22 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Haunted Houses 1955.07.19 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1955.07.30 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1970.02.25 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1986.10.26 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
We Can Reason - Calgary Canada
https://wecanreason.com |
Not a Computer
Smarter than a Computer
What's a Computer?
| The Skeptic Zone #811 - 21 April 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:04:34
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill.
Kate and Allie revisit another frightening herbal development this time from Japan. With guest Kat McLeod. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-supplement-pill-recall-death-illnesses-kobayashi-pharmaceutical-co |
| 0:12:38
Dr Steve and the UFOs
For many decades, Dr Steve Roberts has been investigating reports of UFOs. In this informal chat with Richard Saunders, Dr Steve looks at various recent UFO fads and some from history. |
| 0:23:08
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
What Goes Around By Tim Mendham Scares, Sounds, Sickness and Spooks! A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 42 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:30:54 A
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Crop Circles", a blast from the past. 1991.12.22 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1991.06.24 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1991.09.10 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
We Can Reason - Calgary Canada
https://wecanreason.com |
Herbs
UFOs (Again)
Sounds
| The Skeptic Zone #810 - 14 April 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:02:00
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
This week Adrienne talks to the organizers of the Los Angeles Skepticamp on the day after the event which was held on March 24, 2024. Interviewed are Wendy Hughes, Heather Henderson, Paula Lauterbach, Jane Selkie, Deborah Warcken, and Susan Gerbic. https://skepticampla.fmtpo.com https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherHenderson https://www.abouttimeproject.org |
| 0:14:16
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
Join Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub as they talk about the special guests lined up for the Australian Skeptics national convention in November. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:21:48 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
Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Australian Skeptics. 1984.07.05 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1987.02.11 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1989.03.17 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1994.11.14 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1998.03.30 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
We Can Reason - Calgary Canada
https://wecanreason.com |
LA Meeting
Convention News
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #809 - 7 April 2024 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:04:30
My Mum Talks To Aliens - Or Does She?
A review of a TV documentary from 2010. Mary Rodwell travels Australia seeking out those who claim to be abducted by UFOs. Can she convince her son during the course of the two week adventure? What, if any, real evidence does the documentary provide? https://youtu.be/zZ6dJergQ8o https://www.metabunk.org/threads/debunked-2007-avebury-ufo-sighting-military-exercise-flares.6411/ |
| 0:18:34
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
The Pauline Conspiracy By Dr Paul Willis Paul Willis puts on both his pop hat and his tinfoil hat to look at a classic plot from the Fab Four. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 34 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:30:18
Milbourne Christopher
Milbourne Christopher (1914 - 1984) regarded those individuals who claimed extrasensory perception or psychic powers to be actually using magic trickery. He wrote three book-length exposes regarding those he said were false seers or psychics: ESP, Seers & Psychics; Mediums, Mystics & The Occult; and Search For The Soul. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milbourne_Christopher |
| 0:47:18 A
Dive into a Trove
With Kat McLeod A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Anti-Vacation in tne 1950s. 1952.03.14 - The Barrier Miner 1954.10.25 - Daily Mercury in Queensland 1955.05.26 - The Central Queensland Herald 1958.10.03 - The Australian Jewish Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
We Can Reason - Calgary Canada
https://wecanreason.com |
Your Host
Beatles Myth
1950s Vaccination
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