The Skeptic Zone

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The Skeptic Zone #820 - 23.June.2024 Jun 22, 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 Grathology. James Randi investigates Grathology. 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

The Skeptic Zone #819 - 16.June.2024 Jun 15, 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

The Skeptic Zone #818 - 9.June.2024 Jun 08, 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

The Skeptic Zone #817 - 2.June.2024 Jun 01, 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

The Skeptic Zone #816 - 26.May.2024 May 26, 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

The Skeptic Zone #815 - 19.May.2024 May 18, 2024

Show notes

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

The Skeptic Zone #814 - 12.May.2024 May 11, 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

The Skeptic Zone #813 - 5.May.2024 May 04, 2024

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders with Adrienne Hill and Kat McLeod 0:02:20 Kate & Allie at We Can Reason - Calgary Canada We are delighted to accounce that 'Kate', Kat McLeod from Edmonton, is our newest reporter on the Skeptic Zone. Hear her reaction as Richard Saunders confirms her appoitment. Weclome Kat! Her segment will be know as "For Cryin' Out! It's Kat McLeod". Also we hear more about the convention, Adrienne's video presentation from LA Skepticamp, and a short interview with speaker Jonathan Jarry. LA Skepticamp Videos https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb82CF-DGYCfxT6IKckZtm6KnMNMqxDQr 0:09:34 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham This week Tim heads to the regional city of Armidale in Australia's 'New England' area to help launch a new Skeptics in the Pub. We hear from the organiser, Walkely Award winning journalist Amelia Willmer. Armidate Skeptics in the Pub is held at the Wicklow Hotel, 6pm last Wednesday of the month. https://www.facebook.com/WicklowHotel 0:22:38 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. This week Adrienne tries her luck with AI as it writes two scripts for her. One in 'her' style, and one in the style of a skeptic from Newfoundland! What could possible go wrong? 0:28:28 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Uri Geller. 1977.10.11 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

The Skeptic Zone #812 - 28.April.2024 Apr 27, 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

The Skeptic Zone #811 - 21.April.2024 Apr 20, 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

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