The Skeptic Zone

Latest Episodes:

The Skeptic Zone #750 - 19.February.2023 Feb 18, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:28 Brian Dunning - The Dangers of Film Making We catch up with Skepoid Podcast host Brain Dunning who tells us of his unpleasant experience with hypothermia while filming his new documentary The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See This interview was record in Bend, Orgeon. http://www.theufo.movie 0:19:14 A Tribute to Dr Harriet Hall Susan Gerbic reads her touching tribute to our late friend and tireless campaigner against quackery. This item was originally posted in the Skeptical Inquirer online. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/harriet-hall-from-passive-skeptic-to-movement-juggernaut/ 0:33:04 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham What Goes Around By Tim Mendham A delusion is a belief that is clearly false and that indicates an abnormality in the affected person's content of thought. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 40 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:40:54 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Canberra Skeptics. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #226 - 16.Feb.2013 SOAP! An interview with Dr Krissy Wilson about talking how to get into SOAP or the Science of Anomalistic Phenomena - Maynard's Spooky Action.. Science in the Pub - Join Maynard in Newcastle for Science and beer! - A Chat with Dr Paul Willis. What's the latest inside news about the end of the dinosaurs? Let's ask Dr Paul Willis from the Royal Institution of Australia. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-226-16-feb-2013

The Skeptic Zone #749 - 12.February.2023 Feb 11, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:10 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Skeptical Workshops Online Susan Gerbic tells Adrienne of two-hour interactive workshops held over Zoom. These workshops use case studies to practice interactions with people to have more respectful and productive conversations about odd things. The main goal is to become the person that people come to when they have questions about weird things. There are a series of workshop topics that can be customized for your group. https://www.facebook.com/GSoWproject for more information. 0:19:24 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month We catch up with Dr Siobhan O'Sullivan for an update on her journey with ovarian cancer. Siobhan O'Sullivan is an Australian political scientist and political theorist who is currently an associate professor in the School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales. Her research has focused, among other things, on animal welfare policy and the welfare state. https://www.ocrf.com.au 0:30:48 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:34 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Tics and Tac-Tics #2 By Tim Mendham A look at some of the strange superstitions that sporting people from around the world use to put their minds at ease before the big game. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 42 No. 1 http://www.skeptics.com.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #225 - 10.Feb.2013 Penny Chan and Hong Kong. Did she discover any 'Woo'? - AN HONEST LIAR - The Amazing Randi Story - Maynard's Spooky Action.. A chat with Ben Newsome, Director of the science outreach program, Fizzics Education - Science shows & educational products with real WOW factor! - Maynard at Skeptics in the Pub. And the big question this month is... "What do you think intuition is?" https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-225-10-feb-2013

The Skeptic Zone #748 - 5.February.2023 Feb 04, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction Richard Saunders

0:03:10

You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill WikiProject Cryptozoology With the help Richard Saunders, Adrienne takes a look at the top ten list of topics at "WikiProject Crypozoology", which is "a group dedicated to improving Wikipedia's coverage of articles related to cryptozoology, a pseudoscience and subculture. The goal of this WikiProject is to improve coverage of cryptozoology on English Wikipedia. This project covers notable figures and topics related to the subculture, its history, geographical diffusion, and related places and people. We will specifically deal with all articles contained in the Category:Cryptozoology and its subcategories." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Cryptozoology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Cryptozoology/Popular_pages WikiProject Report, Special:FAQs https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikipedia_Signpost/2013-04-01/WikiProject_report

0:27:29

The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Tics and Tac-Tics #1 By Tim Mendham A look at some of the strange superstitions that sporting people from around the world use to put their minds at ease before the big game. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 42 No. 1 http://www.skeptics.com.au

0:36:30

A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Iridology". 1934.02.22 - The Herald Melbourne 1940.05.26 - The Daily Telegraph 1992.04.14 - The Port Lincoln Times - SA 1998.09.30 - The Riverine Herald - Vic http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

Also

10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #224 - 3.Feb.2013 Maynard's Spooky Action.. An interview with Robert Llewellyn from TV's Red Dwarf - Report from the pages of 'The Skeptic', 'Do it Yourself' - Getting the skeptical message across through the mainstream media can be an uphill battle. So why not create your own? - A chat with Dr Meredith Doig, president of 'The Rationalist Society of Australia https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/-the-skeptic-zone-224-3-feb-2013

The Skeptic Zone #747 - 29.January.2023 Jan 28, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:00 Conspiracy Leaflet in my Letterbox. From the One World Government to COVID-19 to H.A.A.R.P and much more besides. We examine a small leaflet that's been left in the letterboxes around Sydney suburbs. 0:21:02 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:33:34 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham A review of an important book in the history of Australian Skeptics. Creationism: An Australian Perspective Edited by Martin Bridgstock and Ken Smith Australian Skeptics https://tinyurl.com/CreationismAustSkeptics A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 40 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:43:44 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Australian Skeptics National Convention in 1990. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #223 - 26.Jan.2013 Interview with Dr Pamela Gay - Dr Rachie Reports. Just what is 'fair balance' and how does it relate to skeptical issues? - Maynard's Spooky Action.. Maynard visits Embiggen Books in Melbourne and chats to Warren Bonett https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-223-26-jan-2013

The Skeptic Zone #746 - 22.January.2023 Jan 21, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:08 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill WikiProject Skeptical With the help Richard Saunders, Adrienne takes a look at the top ten list of topics at "WikiProject Skeptical", which is "dedicated to creating, improving, and monitoring articles related to Scientific skepticism (British English spelling: scepticism), also known as rational skepticism or skeptical inquiry. The focus includes articles about claims which are contrary to the current body of scientific evidence, or which involve the paranormal. The project ensures that these articles are written from a neutral point of view, and do not put forward invalid claims as truth." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Skepticism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Skepticism/Popular_pages WikiProject Report, Special:FAQs https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikipedia_Signpost/2013-04-01/WikiProject_report 0:28:12 ChatGPT on Skeptical Topics Another trip down the rabbit hole of Artificial Intelligence as we seek answers from ChatGTP on skeptical topics including Psychics, Bigfoot, Spoon Bending, Homeopathy, Ghosts, Astrology and Palmistry. 0:40:19 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Creationism".

The Mercury - 18 Feb 1933
The Canberra Times - 29 March 1984
The Canberra Times - 6 Jan 1986
Woroni - 9 Sept 1985

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #222 - 21.Jan.2013 Maynard's Spooky Action.. An interview with Dr Krissy Wilson about talking to the dead - Danger 5. Just for fun, Richard Saunders checks in with Maynard as he hosts a public Q & A with the cast of this Australian TV show - Skeptical BBQ. Richard Saunders travels to Canberra for a screening of "Here be Dragons" by Brian Dunning and enjoys a chat with Kevin Davies, the president of Canberra Skeptics - The Think Tank. Join a host of Canberra Skeptics as they chat about Conspiracy Theories. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-222-21-jan-2013

The Skeptic Zone #745 - 15.January.2023 Jan 14, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:22 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Vale 'SkepDoc' Dr Harriet Hall MD Adrienne pays tribute to Harriet, who was a retired family physician, former U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, author, science communicator and skeptic of international acclaim, who wrote about alternative medicine and quackery for magazines and articles discussing evidence-based medicine for the Science-Based Medicine blog. She usually wrote under her own name or used the pseudonym "The SkepDoc". She was also a frequent speaker at science and skepticism related conventions in the US and around the world. https://tinyurl.com/skepdocseries https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=Harriet 0:17:42 Sydney Skeptics in the Pub At long last Sydney Skeptics in the pub is back and looking forward to 2023. We hear from new pubber Stephen Bavaro, who was a recent speaker at the Australian Skeptics convention. Also from Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders as they address the crowd to talk about the Bent Spoon Award and more. 0:32:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:40:28 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Medical Quackery". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also https://pintofscience.com.au/eoi 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #222 - 21.Jan.2013 Maynard's Spooky Action.. An interview with Dr Krissy Wilson about talking to the dead - Danger 5. Just for fun, Richard Saunders checks in with Maynard as he hosts a public Q & A with the cast of this Australian TV show - Skeptical BBQ. Richard Saunders travels to Canberra for a screening of "Here be Dragons" by Brian Dunning and enjoys a chat with Kevin Davies, the president of Canberra Skeptics - The Think Tank. Join a host of Canberra Skeptics as they chat about Conspiracy Theories. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-222-21-jan-2013

The Skeptic Zone #744 - 8.January.2023 Jan 07, 2023

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:06 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill WikiProject Paranormal With the help of Rob Palmer and Richard Saunders, Adrienne takes a look at the top ten list of topics at "WikiProject Paranormal", which "aims to provide a framework for the improvement and organisation of articles related to the paranormal, anomalous phenomena and other similar areas." https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Paranormal https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Paranormal/Popular_pages WikiProject Report, Special:FAQs https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikipedia_Signpost/2013-04-01/WikiProject_report 0:24:36 A new book from Susan Gerbic In this interview, Susan tell us of the book she is writing about so-called "Grief Vampires", people who prey on grieving and vulnerable people by apparently receiving messages from their dead loved ones. 0:37:32 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Amoung the Witches of Suburbia".

The Canberra Times - 30 August 1987

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #221 - 13.Jan.2013 Maynard interviews with Brain Dunning about WORMS!.. and other monsters - Dr Rachie appears on the national TV show, 'The Project'. This time she comments on the anti-vaccination book "Melanie's Marvellous Measles" - The Think Tank. Join Dianne, Dr Rachie, Jo Benhamu, Eran Segev and Richard Saunders as they chat about skeptical news and events. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-221-12-jan-2013

The Skeptic Zone #743 - 1.January.2023 Dec 31, 2022

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:00 Pseudo Archaeology An interview with Stephen Bavaro, a student and contributor to the Skeptic Magazine. His interest is in real archaeology versus pseudo archaeology. 0:17:36 The Skeptic Zone in Review From January to December, 2022 was full of surprises, interesting reports and interviews on The Skeptic Zone Podcast. Richard Saunders takes a look at some of the highlights of the past year. 0:27:44 Evidence Please... with Jo Alabaster In this classic report from 2015, Jo looks into "cupping therapy", a sure way to gain bruises on your back but little else. 0:34:02 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "New Year Predictions". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also 10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #220 - 6.Jan.2013 Maynard interviews with James Randi - Dr Rachael Dunlop. The AVN and Google - Maynard in the Pub! Sydney Skeptics in the Pub give Maynard their predictions for 2013 https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-220-6-jan-2013

The Skeptic Zone #742 - 25.December.2022 Dec 24, 2022

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:54 Dr Eugenie Scott - Part #2 In part two of a two part interview with Dr Eugenie Scott, we look at the lamentable so-called documentary series on Netflix entitled "Ancient Apocalypse". Also we hear about Eugenie's thoughts on debating creationists and other pseudoscientists. 0:24:32 Dog ate my... what? Adrienne from very cold Calgary gives a report on a humorous but potentially serious mini labradoodle adventure that resulted in a vet visit, leading her to investigate nutritional trends for pets. She enlisted the help of the Triangle Area Skeptics member Faith Newsome Rodriguez, from Raleigh, North Carolina, whom she had the pleasure of staying with when she was on tour with Susan Gerbic of GSoW fame. 0:42:07 A Dive into a Trove Funding for Trove under threat! We read a report about the possible discontinuation of this valuable resource. With thanks to listener Daryl Colquhoun. A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to San Francisco and the paranormal. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Merry?? (sort of) Xmas from Maynard. Bah Humbug!

The Skeptic Zone #741 - 18.December.2022 Dec 17, 2022

Show notes

The Skeptic Zone #741 - 18 December 2022

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:16 Dr Eugenie Scott - Part #1 In part one of a two part interview with Dr Eugenie Scott, we look at the ongoing battle against intelligent design, or creationism as it's truly known, and science. Eugenie also looks at the encroaching creationism and religious point of view into the public school system. 0:21:11 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:38:50 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Crystal Power". 1992.02.25 - Port Lincoln Times 1989.04.11 - Tharunka http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

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