The Skeptic Zone

Latest Episodes:

The Skeptic Zone #790 - 26.November.2023 Nov 25, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 A Rough Guide to Spotting Bad Science Being able to evaluate the evidence behind a scientific claim is important. Being able to recognise bad science reporting, or faults in scientific studies, is equally important. These 12 points will help you separate the science from the pseudoscience. https://www.compoundchem.com/infographics 0:14:42 Round Table - Part #2 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast and Richard Saunders from the Skeptic Zone podcast to talk about the skeptical world and related issues. This week the three science communicators talk about true believers vs scammers, fake health tests, and changing people's minds. https://www.universetoday.com https://skeptoid.com 0:27:14 Susan Gerbic in New Zealand Trains, boats and cars! Susan travels the length of New Zealand on her way to the Skeptics Conference. 0:37:08 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to telepathy. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #266 - 24.November.2013 Sense about Science We chat with Dr Chris Peters about the 'Ask for the Evidence' program - Maynard's Spooky Action... Part 1. UFOs over Newcastle? Maynard finds out more with Ian Kirkwood - A Week in Science - Maynard's Spooky Action... Part. Random interviews with delegates and guests at the Australian Skeptics Convention. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-266-24-nov-2013

The Skeptic Zone #789 - 19.November.2023 Nov 18, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:08 You Can Count of Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne Hill has Kat back again to give an update or three regarding episodes 778 and 775. They also discuss Tara flour and a supplement Adrienne discovered for humans at a wild bird store in Canada. https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-launches-new-directory-ingredients-used-products-marketed-dietary-supplements 0:17:02 Round Table - Part #1 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast and Richard Sanuders from the Skeptic Zone podcast to talk about the skeptical world and related issues. This week the three science communicators talk about their introduction to skepticism. https://www.universetoday.com https://skeptoid.com 0:29:24 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:43:50 CICON 2023 Interviews A catch up with our favourite skeptical singer/songwriter George Hrab from the Geologic podcast. http://geologicpodcast.com 0:47:06 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Mind Reading. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #265 - 16.November.2013 Maynard interviews Brain Dunning from the Skeptoid Podcast and finds out more about the stories from Australia. Tasmanian Tigers, UFOS and more under his skeptical eye - A Week in Science - Robert Blaskiewicz and the Burzynski Clinic. USA Toady are reporting on the Burzynski Clinic, the centre that seems to claim it can sure cancer. Robert Blaskiewicz fills us in on this clinic and some of the web sites that counter the claims - Maynard's Spooky Action... Part 2. Thinking of getting married? Would you like to marry your.... car? Maynard interviews Kate Alway from Sydney who wants to be wed to her VW Beetle. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-265-16-nov-2013

The Skeptic Zone #788 - 12.November.2023 Nov 11, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:32 You Can Count on Adrienne This week Adrienne interviews Susan Gerbic ftom Guerrilla Skeptics on Wikipedia. Susan, together with a host of other sceptics, as soon to head to Melbourne for the Australian Skeptics National Convention. Find out what Susan will be talking about in Melbourne and how you can meet this inspirational, skeptical activist. http://www.skepticon.org.au 0:10:24 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham What Goes Around By Tim Mendham Geese, Golddiggers and San Francisco. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 34 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:18:32 Testing a Paranormal Claim We join the Center for Inquiry Investigations Group as they test a claim of being sble to move clouds with paranormal powers. Incudes commentary by Kenny Biddle, Chief Investigator for the CENTER FOR INQUIRY. https://cfiig.org 0:27:10 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Telepathic Twins". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #264 - 9.November.2013 Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard interviews Dr Rob Morrison about 'The Curiosity Show', an Australian educational children's television show produced from 1972 to 1990. Find out how the show started, some of the adventures along the way and how you and your children can now enjoy this landmark of Australian TV - A Week in Science - Don't get fooled at the Track. From the Scamwatch web site, advice about not getting taken for a ride at the racing track - Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. The question this week... If you could go to Mars but not come back.. would you? https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-264-9-nov-2013

The Skeptic Zone #787 - 5.November.2023 Nov 04, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:58 CSICON 2023 We catch up with... Melanie Trecek-King An Associate Professor of Biology at Massasoit Community College, where she teaches a general-education science course designed to equip students with empowering critical thinking, information literacy, and science literacy skills. Melanie will aslo be appearing at Skepticon, Melbourne. https://thinkingispower.com https://youtube.com/@ThinkingPowers Ross Blocher An accomplished animation professional who has worked on award-winning films including The Princess and the Frog and The Simpsons Movie. He is also a co-host of Oh No, Ross and Carrie! https://ohnopodcast.com 0:17:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:56 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to ask what Australians think of Halloween. 0:44:02 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Natural Healing". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #263 - 3.November.2013 Science Teachers' Association of New South Wales Inc. Young Scientist Awards. Richard Saunders takes a trip to the city of Wollongong to help present the 2013 Young Scientist Awards - Mind Body Spirit. Join Richard Saunders has he wonders around the maze of newage stalls at Sydney's Mind Body Spirit - A Week in Science - Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard visits SkeptiCamp Sydney and interviews a wide range of people about all sorts of things. Highlights include a chat with Kate and Robin. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-263-3-nov-2013

The Skeptic Zone #786 - 29.October.2023 Oct 28, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:50 CSICON 2023 A grab bag of interviews and sounds from the meeting in Las Vegas.

Jim Underdown
Dr Angie Mattke
Adrienne Hill
Celestia Ward

0:11:14 Skepticon 2023 Interview Stephen Bavaro joins us to talk about his upcoming appearance at the Australian Skeptics National Convention. The story of Atlantis! See a preview at this talk at Sydney Skeptics in the pub, November 2nd. https://meetu.ps/c/dRPP/SSz1/a http://www.skepticon.org.au 0:18:08 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Flying Sorcery - By Dr Steve Roberts A search of skys for UFOs and famous hoaxes. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 34 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:00 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the paranormal. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #262 - 27.October.2013 A chat with Gunnar Roland Tjomlid. 'Placebo Defekten' is a new book from this Norwegian author - A Week in Science - The Think Tank. In the Think Tank this week are Eran Segev, Joanne and Marcos Benhamu, Dr Rachael Dunlop, Richard Saunders and Margaret-Ann Tait. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-262-27-oct-2013

The Skeptic Zone #785 - 22.October.2023 Oct 21, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:50 You Can Count On Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne engages in a conversation with Kat MacLeod, delving into her personal journey with herbal supplements and the profound impact it has had on her life, as well as her dedicated advocacy work in Canada to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with these supplements. 0:22:08 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:35:40 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the paranormal in Washington. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon - Melbourne 2 - 3 Dec. https://skepticon.org.au Maynard JJJ 1993 https://maynard.com.au/sunday-afternoon-fever-kirk-pengilly/ 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #261 - 20.October.2013 Dr Rachie Reports.. with Dr Rachael Dunlop. This week Dr Rachie chats with Dr David Hawkes from the Florey Institute in Melbourne. Just what is "The Skeptic Zone Virus"? - The Health of Sydney Harbour. Richard Saunders takes a stroll down to the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and chats with Associate Professor Emma Johnston. The science of Sydney Harbour and more! - A Week in Science - Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard visits SkeptiCamp Sydney and interviews a wide range of people about all sorts of things. Highlights include a chat with Peter and Vanessa. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-261-20-oct-2013

The Skeptic Zone #784 - 15.October.2023 Oct 15, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:30 Once More Unto The Breach Tim Mendham, Sue Ieraci, Darryl Colquhoun and Richard Saunders head to Sydney's Festival of Mind Body Spirit to discover what quackery is on display. Will they survive the paranormal parade of pretend psychics? 0:12:54 You Can Count On Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Kelly Burke and Faith Newsome Rodriquez join Adrienne Hill to talk about refutations regarding the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment that was initially conducted in 1972 with follow-up studies declaring that a child's ability to delay gratification could be a predictor of future success, including better SAT scores, higher levels of education and lower body mass index. https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/the-marshmallow-test 0:32:54 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Phoney Fauna - Part #2 By Tim Mendham Tim looks at all the strange and weird fake animals that have been invented over the years in order to delight, con, fool, or gain publicity for their creators. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 34 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:46:10 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Mind Body Spirit. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #260 - 13.October.2013 Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard visits SkeptiCamp Sydney and interviews a wide range of people about all sorts of things. Highlights include a chat with Heidi Robertson from the Northern Rivers, Spoon Bending with Saunders and Cup Cakes! - The Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) is a national scientific not-for-profit organisation with a mission to bring science to people and people to science. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-260-13-oct-2013

The Skeptic Zone #783 - 8.October.2023 Oct 07, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, live from Sydney Skeptics in tbe Pub 0:02:12 Skeptical BBQ Steve Roberts and Richard Saunders talk about the latest UFO shenanigans and their appreciation of one the founders of Australian Skeptics, Dick Smith. James Randi in Australia - with Dick Smith https://youtu.be/gN-0FEqAkQM 0:07:32 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Phoney Fauna - Part #1By Tim Mendham Tim looks at all the strange and weird fake animals that have been invented over the years in order to delight, con, fool, or gain publicity for their creators. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 34 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:17:06 Csicon 2023 Adrienne Hill, Susan Gerbic and Rob Palmer with a little promotion for the upcoming Csicon in Las Vegas this October. https://csiconference.org 0:20:26 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:33:22 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Naturopathy, with comments by Sue Ieraci. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #259 - 6.September.2013 Dr Rachie Reports. A recently identified link between a toxic amino acid found in blue-green algae and several motor neuron diseases could help researchers devise a therapy for the fatal conditions - An interview with Warren Bonnet from Embiggen Books, followed by the launch of the book "The Explainer - From Deja Vu to Why the Sky Is Blue, and Other Conundrums" with Dr Mick Vagg and Dr Rachie - Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia The mission of the Guerrilla Skepticism editing team is to improve skeptical content of Wikipedia. We do this by improving pages of our skeptic spokespeople, providing noteworthy citations, and removing the unsourced claims from paranormal and pseudoscientific pages. Why? Because evidence is cool - Saunders on the Radio. From the vault, Richard Saunders talks about the Mind-Body-Spirit Expo in Sydney - A Week in Science - George Hrab "Small Comfort" For Adele, a little Tabby cat who lived in Sydney, Australia. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-259-6-oct-2013

The Skeptic Zone #782 - 1.October.2023 Sep 30, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:42 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Tim and Richard talk about the upcoming Skepticon in Melbourne and other skeptical issues.... and have some coffee and biscuits. https://skepticon.org.au 0:14:24 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. Adrienne Hill and Faith Newsome Rodriquez talk about the Hawthorne Effect, based on poor research done in the 1920s and 1930s, which infers that people will change their behavior simply because they are being studied. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking-history/one-last-centurys-most-influential-social-science-studies-pretty-bad 0:34:10 The Medical Eye Emergency Physician Sue Ieraci is looking forward to her first visit to the festival of Mind Body Spirit (Wallet) in Sydney. How will she react to the outlandish medical claims being made? Will she convert and become a Reiki Master? 0:41:56 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the late Barry Williams, former editor of The Skeptic Magazine. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also https://www.skeptic.org.uk 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #258 - 29.September.2013 Mr. George Hrab. What's it like to MC 'The Amazing Meeting'? How cool is it to lead a band? - A Week in Science - Dr Stefan Sojka "Mind Your Back" is the new hit single from 'Dr' Sojka. Download the song and support this important message - Bad Science Watch Canada. We chat to Michael Kruse from Bad Science Watch and learn about their battle against homeopathy and other quackery https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-258-29-sep-2013

The Skeptic Zone #781 - 24.September.2023 Sep 23, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:24 Reiki on TikTok We look via TikTok at some of the "practitioners" of Reiki, the fictional enery claimed to actually heal or... something... What is Reiki, who does Reiki and do you need a rake to do it? We wrack our brains for Reiki. https://quackwatch.org/related/reiki/ https://www.reiki.org/faqs/what-reiki 0:24:40 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:38:02 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to prophecies. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #257 - 22.September.2013 Besh Saab off to Mars? Want to go to another planet on a one way ticket? Beah Saab tells us why he is just the man to do it! - A Week in Science - Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard chats to Dr Pamela Gay and then to some of the people who came to hear her at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - Your Stars? What do the stars have in store for you? Find out more... https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-257-22-sep-2013

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