The Skeptic Zone

Latest Episodes:

The Skeptic Zone #780 - 17.September.2023 Sep 16, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:18 You Can on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill A visit to Salem, Massachusetts. Join Adrienne for a fascinating virtual tour of Salem, focusing on the infamous Witch Trials and the general supernatural themes tailored to the tourist industry. https://www.salem.org/things-to-do/tours 0:21:51 Mass Hysteria and Havana Syndrome Rob Palmer talks about the Havana Syndrome, a cluster of symptoms experienced mostly abroad by U.S. government and military personnel. The symptoms range from pain and ringing in the ears to cognitive dysfunction and were first reported in 2016 by embassy staff in Havana, Cuba. https://skepticalinquirer.org/authors/rob-palmer 0:39:26 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "The Return of Christ". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #256 - 15.September.2013 Dr Pamela Gay. Pamela tells us about CosmoQuest and what you can do to help this wonderful endeavour - A Week in Science - An chat with Evan Bernstien. One of the rouges tells us about the early days of SGU - Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard heads to the Power House Museum in Sydney and reports of the Big Night of Science with the Mystery Investigators Richard Saunders and Dr Rachie Dunlop. Also a chat to and Isabelle Kingsley from the Museum. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-256-15-sep-2013

The Skeptic Zone #779 - 10.September.2023 Sep 09, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:42 Take Stock with Shelley Stocken Doctor Google is at it again with millions of people seeking its advice. A classic story from 2017 from our dear late reporter. 0:11:50 UFOs in the Pub We talk to long time skeptical investigators Ian Bryce and Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics about their opinions on the latest UFO fad. Insights from people who have seen it all before over many decades. 0:22:44 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 034:30 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Health Myths". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #255 - 8.September.2013 Dr Colin Wright. A chat with the juggling mathematician. Is there more than one kind of infinity? Find out over a cup of coffee - A Week in Science - Maynard interviews Hubert van den Bergh, the author of "How To Sound Really Clever" - Saunders on the Radio. From the audio valut, Richard Sanders chats to Mike Williams on Sydney radio about Spontaneous Human Combustion and Fire Walking. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-255-8-sep-2013

The Skeptic Zone #778 - 3.September.2023 Sep 02, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:10 You Can Count On Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This week Adrienne chats to Kat McLeod from Edmonton, Canada, about the strange practice of mouth taping. Can placing tape over your mouth, improve your health and sleep? Adrienne and Kat look at some of the claims and reality of this medical trend. 0:23:18 The Skeptical Box of Tricks Clips from "Nerd Night" in the city of Bend in Oregon. Richard Saunders' workshop with spoon bending, body balance tricks and more. Upcoming event at Skeptoid Media https://skeptoid.com/events 0:34:08 The UFO movie they don't want you to see! Brian Dunning with latest news on his new documentary and his opinion on the latest UFO fad. http://www.theufo.movie 0:46:38 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Applied Kinesiology (AK)". 1998.05.27 - The Riverine Herald 1999.06.04 - The Riverine Herald 1990.01.15 - The Canberra Times AK on toddler via mother (Video) https://youtube.com/shorts/JIJBIfhFU5c "A quantum physics simulated frequency of something." (Video - Not a parody) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TKd_av9otU&t=160s Applied Kinesiology - How it's Done (Video - The Skeptic Zone) https://youtu.be/Piu75P8sxTo?si=mL_j_2mayE6fq_wC http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #254 - 1.September.2013 Tess Corkish and the Global Warming Rap - A Week in Science - Interviews from the 15th European Skeptics Congress. Our special guest reporter Shane Greenup - The 15th European Skeptics Congress, 23-25 August 2013, in Stockholm, Sweden. The conference is one in the series supported by the European Council of Skeptical Organisations. With Michael Marshal", Catherine de Jong, PJ and Michael Heap and Marit Simonsen https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-254-1-sep-2013

The Skeptic Zone #777 - 27.August.2023 Aug 26, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 George Hrab Luck Be A Lady 0:01:28 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:50 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill To celebrate the 777th episode of this podcast, Adrienne looks into the meaning behind the number 777. It's not just a type of airliner, but 777 appears in the most unlikely places. Just think, in another 777 episodes, it will be episode 1554! 0:13:54 Rob Palmer on Psychics The Well-Known Skeptic talks about how people all over the world are taken in by psychic scams. From contacting the dead, to removing curses and also removing lots of money. Rob recently interviewed Richard on the subject of UFOs for Skeptical Inquirer. Let's Talk UFOs: A Conversation with Richard Saunders (Youtube) https://youtu.be/zIKdcjRKYdI 0:34:12 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:49:16 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Egyptian curses. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also The Skeptical Box of Tricks - Bend, OR 29th Aug. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bendnerds/permalink/2381214925419396/ 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #253 - 25.August.2013 We catch up with Julie Lada who tells us about her adventures and encounters with woo woo in becoming a vet - A Week in Science - Maynard interviews Marlowe Cassetti about the early days of NASA and his thoughts on the so-called "moon landing hoax" - Eugenie Scott inducted into the IIG Hall of Honor https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/webpage/the-skeptic-zone-253-25-aug-2013

The Skeptic Zone #776 - 20.August.2023 Aug 19, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:04 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Psychic and Facilitated Communication, claiming to unlock unheard voices. Adrienne, Susan Gerbic, and Janyce Boynton delve into the parallels between Psychics and facilitated communicators after viewing videos that exemplify each as frustrating, and heartbreaking. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/an-artist-with-a-science-based-mission https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fcisnotscience https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=psychics+explained 0:19:34 Uri Geller - X-Files Fan? Did this "entertainer", really see the bodies of dead aliens? Or is this a case of watching too many science-fiction TV shows? When does X turn into the X-Files and who can tell the difference? https://www.gamingbible.com/news/uri-geller-shares-proof-aliens-exist-fans-debunk-905157-20230815 0:30:24 CFI - Reject Pro-Homeopathy Amendment CFI calls on their supporters to help defeat a pro-homeopathy amendment being proposed for the federal appropriations bill H.R. 4368. The homeopathy lobby is pushing hard for this amendment, and CFI needs their supporters to voice their opposition to their members of the U.S. Congress. https://centerforinquiry.org/alerts/tell-your-representative-to-reject-pro-homeopathy-amendment 0:35:40 I Think We Need to Think! With Susan Gerbic Skeptics on tour. Susan Gerbic and Kenny Biddle travel to Oregon where Kenny is to give lectures about critical thinking. Find out about how are you can benefit from the Center For Inquiry's information. https://centerforinquiry.org/create-a-group/group-resources/ 0:39:46 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to chiropractic. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also The Skeptical Box of Tricks - Bend, OR 29th Aug. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bendnerds/permalink/2381214925419396/ 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #252 - 18.August.2013 Richard Saunders and Maynard at the Doctor Who exhibit, ABC centre in Sydney - Science Week at the Australian Museum. Interviews with science presenters doing outreach to students - A Week in Science - Another Big Psychic Show Rolls into Town. By Mal Vickers with assistance from Martin Hadley. Never has any psychic ever passed a rigorous scientific test of their claimed ability. While most skeptics are well aware of this, you'd think the media and society in general knew nothing of it. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/-the-skeptic-zone-252-18-aug-2013

The Skeptic Zone #775 - 13.August.2023 Aug 12, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:28 Ghostly Radios Skeptical investigator Kenny Biddle joins Richard Saunders to discuss so-called ghost or spirit boxes. Can a radio receiver that scans the AM/FM frequencies really put you in touch with your dear departed? Why do ghost like listening to the radio... or do they? Are the ghosts simply failed radio announcers? 0:27:18 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:39:42 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "talking with the dead". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also ACA - Psychic says he's Australia's best. Story and video. https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/psychic-cael-odonnell-melbourne/3685b599-e4e4-4aa7-9873-2b293a8953b8 Psychics Explained - Susan Gerbic interviews Richard Saunders https://youtu.be/5Q0hdIxp_88 HangOut with Richard Saunders. The Skeptical Box of Tricks - Berkeley 12th Aug. https://baskeptics.org The Skeptical Box of Tricks - Bend, OR 29th Aug. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bendnerds/permalink/2381214925419396/ 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #251 - 11.August.2013 A night with Dr Phil Plait. Join Joanne Benhamu and Richard Saunders (together with Dr Amanda Bauer and Geoffrey Wyatt) as they spend an evening with Dr Phil Plait at the Sydney Observatory - Tim Farley from What's The Harm. What's the harm....? You may well ask, and we do! Join Richard Saunders and Tim Farley -A Week in Science https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-251-11-aug-2013

The Skeptic Zone #774 - 6.August.2023 Aug 05, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:48 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Will the best psychic please stand up? Skeptics have, for many years, heard of psychics, clairvoyants or mystics all claiming to be the best. Adrienne, together with Richard Saunders and Susan Gerbic, list the would-be number ones from Australia, Canada and United States. Surely they all can't be the very best at their game? https://www.skeptics.com.au/who-is-australias-best-psychic/ 0:22:55 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Communication Breakdown Tim looks at the pseudoscience of "facilitated communication", called the single most scientifically discredited intervention in all of developmental disabilities, or the "cold fusion" of human services. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 43 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:36:12 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to phrenology. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also ACA - Psychic says he's Australia's best. Story and video. https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/psychic-cael-odonnell-melbourne/3685b599-e4e4-4aa7-9873-2b293a8953b8 WGM Morning News - The Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project https://fb.watch/mdBnHfLB_U HangOut with Richard Saunders. The Skeptical Box of Tricks - Berkeley 12th Aug. https://baskeptics.org The Skeptical Box of Tricks - Bend, OR 29th Aug. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bendnerds/permalink/2381214925419396/ 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #250 - 4.August.2013 60 Second Science. An interview with Brendan O'Brien about the online video project that gets students from all over the world to make videos for science - Penny Chan at TAM 2013 - We catch up with West Coast USA reporter, Penny Chan - Penny Chan interviews Kyle Sanders about his comic strip, Carbon Dating - A chat with Ross Blocher. One of the stars of the "Oh No Ross and Carrie" Podcast, Ross chats to Richard in Hollywood - A Week in Science with Dr Paul Willis - Maynard interviews Marlowe Cassetti about the early days of NASA and UFOs! https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-250-4-aug-2013

The Skeptic Zone #773 - 30.July.2023 Jul 29, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:40 Where are the Aliens? A look at the social media reaction to the congressional subcommittee of June 26th to hear testimony from several military officers who allege the government is concealing evidence of UFOs. We discover many people now wrongly think that the US government has admitted to having real alien space ships in their possession. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSLxj47ER/ 0:21:04 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:30 The Skeptical Fairy Looking for Maple Syrup in the Supermarket, Adrienne and Susan discover much more! https://tinyurl.com/logicalzone 0:35:14 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Flying Saucers". 1952.07.01 - Examiner (Tas) 1948.01.08 - Border Watch 1968.05.05 - The Canberra Times 1947.06.07 - The Age (Mel) 1952.02.27 - Goulburn Evening Post 1947.06.09 - Advocate (Tas) 1952.07.14 - The Argus 1954.05.01 - The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:56:26 Conspiracy of One New Song - A Cure for Miracles Nate Eggins' mission is to encourage interest in science, promote critical thinking and offer new perspectives on the world through fun catchy music flavoured with his quirky sense of humour. https://www.conspiracyofonesolo.com/ Also ABC TV 7.30 Report - Psychic Scams featuring Richard Saunders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2jqGq01BBo 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #249 - 27.July.2013 Dr Rachie Reports - With Dr Rachael Dunlop. Antivax chiros and accountability as evasive as a subluxation - ANDINSCIENCE Campaign. We find out about the effort to get more science into the media - A Week in Science - Extra. Dr Paul Willis from the Royal Institution of Australia - A chat with Radford and Dunning. Be a fly on the wall as Richard Saunders talks with Ben Radford and Brian Dunning - Maynard interviews Marlowe Cassetti about the early days of NASA https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-249-28-july-2013

The Skeptic Zone #772 - 23.July.2023 Jul 22, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Maynard with Richard Saunders 0:05:40 The Next Wave From the pages of the Skeptic Magazine, the Journal from Australian Skeptics, Richard Saunders casts an eye to the horizon in search of predicted tsunamis. He's still waiting. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:15:50 QED - Andy Wilson QED is a two-day science and skepticism convention taking place at the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester from the 23rd-24th September 2023. Fantastic speakers from the worlds of science and entertainment will be joining them for a weekend celebration of science, reason and critical thinking. They aim to be an inclusive event, welcoming attendees from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders. http://www.qedcon.org/ 0:26:52 You Can Count on Adrienne Skeptical visitors in Calgary, Canada. Adrienne, plays host to various visiting skeptics from around the world. Listen in as she meets up with Craig and Susan Shearer from New Zealand, Faith and Rodriguez from the United States, and Andras G Pinter (co-host of the ESP Podcast) from Hungary. 0:46:36 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "The End of the World". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #248 - 20.July.2013 A interview with members of the Skeptical Society of St. Louis - At the Amazing Meeting we chat to Missy Rung-Blue, Dave Blue and Mike Bateman - A Week in Science (extra update) with Dr Paul Willis - A interview with Derek Colanduno - At the Amazing Meeting we chat to Derek Colanduno from the popular Skepticality Podcast. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-248-20-july-2013

The Skeptic Zone #771 - 16.July.2023 Jul 16, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:10 Nobody's Fool Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do about It Hardcover by Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris. Interview with with Daniel Simons. From phishing scams to Ponzi schemes, fraudulent science to fake art, chess cheaters to crypto hucksters, and marketers to magicians, our world brims with deception. In Nobody's Fool, psychologists Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris show us how to avoid being taken in. http://dansimons.com https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/daniel-simons/nobodys-fool/9781541602236/ 0:18:32 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard and Saunders head to Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. Featuring Annie McCubbin and Tim Mendham. 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 0:36:37 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to ghost cats. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #247 - 13.July.2013 A interview with Dr Eugenie C. Scott. Dr Eugenie C. Scott is a physical anthropologist who has been the executive director of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) since 1987. She is a leading critic of young earth creationism and intelligent design - A Week in Science (extra update) with Dr Paul Willis https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-247-13-july-2013

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