The Skeptic Zone #907 - 22 February 2026

Introduction
Richard Saunders

You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill

Adrienne speaks with Nick Tiller, a research associate at the Lundquist Institute at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, who focuses on pseudoscience in the health and wellness industry and is the author of the book "The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science". We discuss many topics, including the past Olympics, chiropractic care, and IV drip therapy.

https://www.nbtiller.com

Scalar For Health?

Lara Benham takes a look at a video (not a spoof or a send-up) that claims to explain how flashing images on TV screens can somehow create healing something or other... or ... something.....

Energy Enhancement System - Technological Behind the Scenes Look
"Ken takes you behind the scenes to explain the science behind how the Energy Enhancement System creates Bioactive Scalar Wave Fields which helps to charge up the life force energy of the body."

https://youtu.be/h195w0TAaI4

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Psychic Expos.

2000.02.04 - Riverine Herald, Echuca
1997.06.06 - The Australian Jewish News
1998.11.06 - The Australian Jewish News
2000.02.09 - Riverine Herald, Echuca

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

Sydney Skeptics in the pub trivia night. 5th March
https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

The Skeptic Zone #906 - 15 February 2026

Introduction
Richard Saunders

Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

Show me the receipts!

Kate asks why woo woo and alternative medicine can make big claims that lack the evidence demanded from other modalities.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

Scalar Claims on the Scale

With the help of Lara Benham, we take another look at so-called "Scalar Energy" and the term Scalar itself. It turns out it's somewhat more complex than we thought!

Australian Skeptics Newsletter

What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week?
Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Foot Detox Baths.

2007.12.18 - The Ledger - Fl


http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

Surf Coast Skepticamp 2026 - 21st Feb.
https://surfcoastskepticamp.org

The Skeptic Zone #905 - 8 February 2026

Introduction
Richard Saunders

Includes a brief report of "Psychic Saturday" at Old Government House, Parramatta with Lara Benham.

The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham

In May - June 2026 American and so-called 'medium' Allison Dubois is once again visiting Australia, this time with her "Cold Case" tour, claiming that she will be "working some cold cases that are close to your hearts". Tim and Richard Saunders look at some famous Australian cold cases and how 'psychics' have failed to help year after year.

Dubois is just one among a very long list of international 'mediums' (those who claim to talk to or at least get messages from the dead) who have toured, or are touring Australia. These include names such as Doris Stokes, John Edward, Sally Morgan, Tony Stockwell, David Thompson, Doris Collins, James Van Praagh, Lisa Williams, Nikki Kitt and Margaret Birkin. They pack theatres and are all but guaranteed uncritical free publicity via TV programs, newspapers, magazines and radio.

This segment was also videoed and can be seen as part of this week's Skeptic Zone on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gvBfaPRxQM&t=790s

https://www.skeptics.com.au/allison-dubois/

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Scalar Energy and Healing.

Scalar energy is a largely disputed, pseudoscientific concept that lacks support from mainstream physics. While proponents, often referencing a misunderstood interpretation of Nikola Tesla's work, claim it to be a "zero-point" or "healing" energy, skeptics maintain that it is a marketing term used to sell wellness products, such as pendants, that have no demonstrated, measurable benefits.

2005.09.01 - Boca Daily News Fl.


https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/pendants

The Skeptic Zone #904 - 1 February 2026

Introduction
Richard Saunders

Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

This week Kate is joined by Richard Saunders as they discuss the dangers of quackery including the infamous Black Salve.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

Supermarket Follies

The truth about Australian maple syrup! With the voice talents of Susan Gerbic, Adrienne Hill, Kate Thomas, Lara Benham, Kat McLeod, and Ross Blocher. A thrilling drama written by Rich Gray with Richard Saunders.

https://tinyurl.com/logicalzone

Australian Skeptics Newsletter

What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week?
Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod

Kat McLeod with Richard Saunders, look at "Beyond Reason", a television game show produced and seen in Canada from 1977 to 1980. The program featured a group of 'experts' from various paranormal specialties attempting to find the identity of hidden celebrities.

Beyond Reason
https://www.cbc.ca/search?q=Beyond%20Reason§ion=all&sortOrder=date&media=video

The Skeptic Zone #903 - 25 January 2026

Introduction
Richard Saunders

Black Salve - Action Taken

A 'natural health herbalist' has been sentenced today to 7 months imprisonment, a community corrections order, and fines of $20,000 for unlawfully advertising and supplying Black Salve and bloodroot capsules, and for advertising other unapproved therapeutic goods to treat serious conditions such as anxiety.

We look at Black Salve, what it is and the very real danger of its use.

https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/conviction-unlawful-supply-and-advertising-black-salve-products

You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill

Adrienne gives us a wrap up of an action-packed weekend at the Monterey County SkeptiCamp. It was a weekend Adrienne nearly missed after accidentally booking her flights for the wrong weekend! Despite this calendar chaos, she was able to enjoy the two day skepticamp plus pub night that featured terrific talks, and friendly festivities.

https://m.youtube.com/@AboutTimeProject/videos

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Athena Starwoman.

1985.11.18 - The Sydney Morning Herald
1979.09.02 - The Sun Herald


http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

The Skeptic Zone #902 - 18 January 2026

Introduction
Richard Saunders

Erich von Daniken 1935 - 2026

We look at the life, times and legacy of the controversial author who popularise the idea that our ancient ancestors were visited by space aliens.

Chariots of the Gods? Video

https://youtu.be/R0hjOK865Qc

Ancient Aliens Debunked - Video

https://youtu.be/OFVbITJLLbQ

Australian Skeptics Newsletter

What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week?
Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

Mamamia 2025 Predictions

We take a look at some of what was in store for us for last year according to a psychic on a popular blog and podcast in Australia.

https://www.mamamia.com.au/psychic-predictions-2025

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Predictions and Nostradamus.

1973.07.26 - The Evening News - NY
1980.03.06 - The Evening News - NY
1976.12.03 - Lawrence Journal-World

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/conviction-unlawful-supply-and-advertising-black-salve-products

The Skeptic Zone #901 - 11 January 2026

Introduction
Richard Saunders

Manifesting

Have you heard of manifesting? Or as it's been more recently labelled the law of attraction? Manifesting is the relatively new label added to a very old practice. Each generation likes to think that they've found the key to unlocking all of your desires. When in actuality it's the same false hope that has been passed down for many generations. Recently on the Skeptic Zone you would've heard reporter Kat McLeod talk about the lucky girl syndrome. By whatever name, it is the personification of wishful thinking.

Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

Magnesium Myths

Magnesium is a supplement that has somehow been marketed as the solution to anxiety, insomnia, migraines, constipation, ADHD, menopause, burnout, and the general horror of being alive in late capitalism. This week Kate looks at what magnesium actually is and what it isn't.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

Refuting the anti-vaxxer who yelled her way onto The Skeptic Zone

Back on 7 December, The Skeptic Zone and Why Smart Women podcasts blended to present a unique live episode at The Occidental Hotel in Sydney. Billed as the Why Smart Women Zone Podcast the show featured Why Smart Women host Annie McCubbin with Sue Ieraci, Kate Thomas, Jessica Singer and Richard Saunders. Lara Benham was the MC. Question-time revealed irony, as the first questioner could benefit from subscribing to Annie's Why Smart Women podcast. An anti-vaxxer, she seemed to have a plan to accuse, mock, embarrass or verbally pummel skeptics.

A look at the blog post written by Paul Gallagher.

https://luckylosing.com/2025/12/31/refuting-the-anti-vaxxer-who-yelled-her-way-onto-the-skeptic-zone/

The TROVE Archives

This week we look at a new age magazine from 1993 called "Southern Crossings". What trick and tips about divination can we pick up from all those years ago?

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

The Skeptic Zone #900 - 04 January 2026

Maynard's Disclosure
Urgent and dramatic news from Maynard. What doom and gloom is coming our way?

Introduction
Richard Saunders

Dr Rachie Reports

Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders catch up with one of the original Skeptic Zone reporters, from 2008, Dr Rachael Dunlop. We learn about her skeptical investigations, the fight against fake AI scams and her ongoing research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill

For episode 900, Adrienne looks at the number 900 and what makes it so interesting. Special guest Psychic Penny drops by to offer her mysterious insights.

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to "Psychic Predictions".

1972.01.02 - The Sun-Herald
1981.01.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald
1985.12.21 - The Age

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

Lara Benham, Richard Saunders and Susan Gerbic analyse a 'psychic' reading

https://youtu.be/5vS8nKROzZc

Refuting the anti-vaxxer who yelled her way onto The Skeptic Zone

https://luckylosing.com/2025/12/31/refuting-the-anti-vaxxer-who-yelled-her-way-onto-the-skeptic-zone/

The Skeptic Zone #899 - 28 December 2025

Introduction
Richard Saunders

NO Future Seen in Fortune Telling

The GWUP (Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften - Society for the Scientific Investigation of Pseudosciences) in Germany evaluated 2099 annual predictions from fifty-two sources. One quarter were too vague to test, more than half were clearly wrong, and solid bullseyes were rare. The project evaluated publicly available annual predictions from fortune tellers, astrologers, self-described mediums, and other esoteric 'advisors' and 'seers'.

Read by Lara Benham, Adrienne Hill and Richard Saunders

https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/king-kong-doesnt-show-up-and-2025-psychic-forecasts-miss-the-big-events-once-again/

TV News and Parasites

One of the evergreen themes of the alternative medicine industry is that you are full of parasites. Channel 7 TV news in Australia ran a story critical of social media influences promoting cures for these so-called parasites. We look at the comments from the alternative medicine and conspiracy theory brigade.

https://fb.watch/EgdjX8JnxA/?

The Loons from Canada

This week Kate and Allie meet in a local cafe to reflect on some of this year's stories and there may even be a prediction from Psychic Penny!

Special Guests! Kate Thomas, Michelle Bijkersma, Psychic Penny and Clairvoyant Casey.

Thank you from everybody here at the Skeptic Zone, the hosts, the producers, all the reporters and the technical team behind the scene for your continued support throughout 2025. Without listeners like you the show would not be able to continue. We look forward to a big 2026 with more stories more reports and a lot of fun along the way.

If you'd like to support the Skeptic Zone, please consider subscribing via PayPal or Patreon. Even as little as $5 a week or even a month goes a very long way in keeping the show going into its 18th year.

The Skeptic Zone #898 - 21 December 2025

Introduction
Richard Saunders

2026 Bent Spoon

Now's your chance to nominate an individual, company or product in Australia that, in your opinion, is worthy of the Bent Spoon Award. Do you have your eyes on a psychic? Or maybe a particularly wacky peddler of magical thinking? Or could it be an alternative medicine practitioner using advanced nonexistence science!? Nominations are now open via the link below.

https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon

Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

The Great Supplement Displacement

Once again, Kate puts on her skeptical glasses and looks closely at an aspect of the wellness and supplement industry. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), a form of carnitine supplement, is widely suggested to reduce or eliminate brain fog by enhancing mental clarity, focus, and energy production in brain cells. But what's the real story? Sometimes a few grains of truth are scattered around an otherwise extraordinary claim.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

Kate's New Podcast! "On The 'Mones"
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-mones/id1862699491?i=1000741949131

Australian Skeptics Newsletter

What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week?
Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Energy Medicine.

2003.04.28 - The Hour - Connecticut
2003.04.28 - Manila Standard

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

https://vivaciouslivingcentre.com.au/therapists/metatron-bioresonance-scanning

The Skeptic Zone #897 - 14 December 2025

Introduction
Richard Saunders

TikTok Psychic Attack

Only the Skeptic Zone podcast is brave enough to investigate the important but little spoken about public health imperative of...."Psychic Attack!"

Is your psychic being attacked? Is your psychic attacking you? What can we do about this dangerous situation in our society?

A look at what some people in today's day and age still believe that should've been discarded when we stopped burning people at the stake for being witches.

You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hil

Adrienne speaks with former ghost hunter Jon Michael about his skeptical activist successes since we met at the Raleigh Skepticamp in May, which range from speaking at paranormal conferences to Dragon Con.

For Cryin' Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod

Kat is back with the PSYCH 441 class at MacEwan University to follow up on the experiment; did the volunteers have good luck? Ghostly experiences? Did they unleash a curse when they opened the box? All will be revealed.

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Tasseography (Tea Cup Reading). With Lara Benham.

2007.07.22 - The Star-News - Wilington North Carolina
1969.10.31 - The Windsor Star - Canada
2008.02.20 - The Sidney Herald - Canada

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

The Skeptic Zone #896 - 7 December 2025

IN STEREO

Introduction
Richard Saunders

The "Why Smart Women Zone" Podcast - Part #1

LIVE from the Occidental Hotel in Sydney Australia, comes a combination of two of Australia's favourite critical thinking and skeptical podcasts. The combination of the "Why Smart Women" podcast and "The Skeptic Zone" podcast.

Join hosts Annie McCubbin and Richard Saunders with special guests Kate Thomas, Sue Ieraci and the president of Australian Skeptics, Jessica Singer.

Australian Skeptics Newsletter

What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week?
Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

RFK Jr. War of Flouride
https://youtu.be/LDXiP8KhXKA

The "Why Smart Women Zone" Podcast - Part #2

LIVE from the Occidental Hotel in Sydney Australia, comes a combination of two of Australia's favourite critical thinking and skeptical podcasts. The combination of the "Why Smart Women" podcast and "The Skeptic Zone" podcast.

Join MC Lara Benham with hosts Annie McCubbin and Richard Saunders and special guests Kate Thomas, Sue Ieraci, and the president of Australian Skeptics, Jessica Singer.

Q&A - Interaction

The unedited interaction with an audience member who, under the pretence of asking a question, takes the opportunity to put her strongly held views.

The Skeptic Zone #896 - 7.December.2025 - Video
https://youtu.be/4_uYURND9-8

The Skeptic Zone #895 - 30 November 2025

Introduction
Richard Saunders

3i Atlas Update

As Comet 3i Atlas emerges from behind the sun, we take a look at the latest news from NASA that confirms the object is not in fact being piloted by space racing aliens. Will this stop the UFO crowd from posting nonsense on social media?

Avi Loeb is a Fraud Part 2 - Prof. Dave

https://youtu.be/lf9oBlkQQCo

The Loon from Canada

The Pink Tax!

Kate & Allie chat to Karen Bijkersma from Melbourne about her investigations into what has been called "The Pink Tax", a extra charge put on consumables aimed to extract more dollars out of women. The term comes about from the fact that some objects are identical for men and women apart from the colour, which is often pink. The colour pink should not mean more money at the register.

https://karenbijkersma.com.au

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Naturopaths.

Joining in this week's segment is Lara Benham.

1995.06.20 - Times - Victor Harbor, SA
1993.11.28 - Lewiston Morning Tribune

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
"Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December

https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

The Skeptic Zone #894 - 23 November 2025

Introduction
Richard Saunders

The Think Tank

Our international team spent time with Dr Siouxsie Wiles from New Zealand. Dr Siouxsie has been the victim of outrageous harassment after her efforts to promote vaccines and good science during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Siouxsie is joined by Adrienne Hill, Kat McLeod, Kate Thomas and Lara Benham.

Support Dr Siouxsie

https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/8521-support-dr-siouxsie-after-she-supported-us

Ms. Information - 1h 44m Documentary

https://ondemand.arovideo.co.nz/film/ms-information

Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

Questioning the Qualifications of Naturopaths

In Australia anybody can call themselves a Naturopath. You don't need any formal training, you don't need to know which end of the stethoscope is which, you don't need to know anything about biology or physiology. Kate looks at why so many people in our society think Naturopaths are just like doctors and other real healthcare professionals.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

Australian Skeptics Newsletter

What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week?
Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the quackery of Reflexology.

2000.12.25 - Boca Raton News
1999.01.24 - The Item


http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
"Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December

https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

The Skeptic Zone #893 - 16 November 2025

Introduction
Richard Saunders

I Think We Need to Think. With Susan Gerbic

An interview with Susan about her recent feature in major Australian newspapers talking about fake psychics. We also learn about her ongoing investigations into those giving psychic readings on the Internet and her ongoing efforts to improve Wikipedia.

Susan's analysis of David the Medium

https://youtu.be/g0XDybFzbHg

https://youtu.be/r3B7SSitzI8

Maynard's Spooky Action

Join Maynard at Sydney's Skeptics in the Pub as he seeks the thoughts and opinions of thinkers and drinkers. This time, what 'alt-med' would pubbers like to see gone from our society?

The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Orgone Energy.

1977.12.28 - Bangor Daily News
1987.02.19 - The Sydney Morning Herald
2006.06.28 - Irregular - Maine
1992.07.03 - The Sun Journal

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
"Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December

https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

Support Dr Siouxsie

https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/8521-support-dr-siouxsie-after-she-supported-us

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA5POB9bqSQ