The Skeptic Zone

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The Skeptic Zone #600 - 12.April.2020 Apr 12, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders & Stefan Sojka 0:05:05 A Grain of Salt. With Eran Segev Skeptics legal defence fund seeks volunteers An international skeptics legal defence fund is in the process of being set up, following the successful defence of Britt Hermes, and it is calling for experienced and qualified volunteers with legal, marketing and fund-raising expertise to help out. https://skepticslegaldefense.org 0:22:00 'Medical Intuitives' Promising to Protect Your DNA Against Coronavirus Just before large gatherings were banned due to coronavirus, but after it hit the news, Gary Nunn attended a Mind, Body, Spirit convention in Sydney. As expected, it was full of clairvoyants and generalist psychics. But there were also a lot of people describing themselves as "medical intuitives". - Story by Gary Nunn https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/y3mj3m/the-medical-intuitives-promising-to-protect-your-dna-against-coronavirus 0:36:52 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Argument from Ignorance". Also known as "The appeal to ignorance", this is when you assert something is true or could be true because no one has proved it to be false. This fallacy wrongly shifts the burden of proof away from the person making the claim. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:44:27 The Book of Tim - With Tim Mendham The Mighty Mitta Muster Water Divining Test - Part #3 A look at how Australian Skeptics test paranormal claims. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:55:12 Maynard's Spooky Action This week Maynard reports from his international studios and gives us his tips, tricks and viewing recommendations for surviving the COVID-19 Lock Down. You have been warned! http://maynard.com.au Also

Greetings from

Susan Gerbic - Mike Hall - Michael Marshall - Alice Howarth - George Hrab - Brian Dunning - Ben Radford - Celestia Ward - Pascual Romero - Pontus Böckman - Jelena Levin - András Gábor Pintér

3M Science of Safety Podcast https://www.3m.com.au/sospodcast

Maynard's 2020 Calendar http://maynard.com.au/2020-maynard-calendar Skepticon 2020 https://www.gcskeptics.com/skepticon-2020

The Skeptic Zone #599 - 5.April.2020 Apr 04, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:51

Be Rationable - An interview with Abhijit Chanda from India Are you curious? Are you always questioning things that you see around you? Are you looking for answers, but most of them just aren't convincing enough? The Be Rationable podcast wants to know what works and what doesn't, and who's right and who's not. There's a problem though. A lot of what we find in this quest is either based on bad evidence, bad ideas, propaganda or just misinformation. https://www.berationable.com/

0:22:42 COVID-19 and Quack Claims At this time of a world-wide crisis, we see the best and the worst of humanity. While some people put their lives on the line in the fight agaist COVID-19, others keep spreading conspiracy theories and very bad health advice. We look at some examples of stupidity and wilful ignorance. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8184583/Anti-vaxxer-Meryl-Dorey-leader-calls-followers-storm-hospitals-coronavirus-lockdown.html 0:33:45

Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Begging the Question".

Also known as "Circular Reasoning", This is when the answer to the question is implied in the wording of the question itself. The premise of the question and the foregone conclusion support each other in a circular way without referring to any external actual evidence. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view.

0:40:33 Maynard's Spooky Action This week Maynard interviews one of the original Skeptic Zone reporters, Dr Rachael Dunlopfrom "Dr Rachie Reports". We hear her take on the current COVID-19 situation from a medical science point of view. 0:53:33 I Think we need to THINK - With Susan Gerbic COVID-19 life in California Susan gives us her perspective of what 'the new normal' means for her, her town and for Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia (GSoW). Also Maynard's 2020 Calendar http://maynard.com.au/2020-maynard-calendar SitP Online https://www.twitch.tv/sitp Skepticon 2020 https://www.gcskeptics.com/skepticon-2020

The Skeptic Zone #598 - 29.March.2020 Mar 28, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:14 Maynard's Spooky Action Will comet ATLAS take our minds off COVID-19? We hope so and so does astronomer Kirsten Banks. Find out about this cosmic visitor, native astronomy and much more from one of Australia's up and coming leaders in science. https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/ca/ http://www.aboriginalastronomy.com.au https://astrokirsten.com.au/podcast 0:19:05 Life is Wild. With Michelle Franklin Michelle brings us news on how the Northern Territory in Australia is coping with COVID-19. 0:24:15 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Post hoc, ergo, propter hoc". Also known as "assuming the cause", the "faulty causal assumption" or just "post hoc", this is when two events occur in succession and it is believed that the first event must have caused the second event. Or to put it another way, the second event is a result of the first event. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:32:41 The Raw Skeptic Report. With Heidi Robertson It's a strange world for a mum of two school kids and things are getting stranger by the day. Heidi and her new life indoors with the family to help beat COVID-19. 0:37:33 The Book of Tim - With Tim Mendham The Mighty Mitta Muster Water Divining Test - Part #2 A look at how Australian Skeptics test paranormal claims. http://www.skeptics.com.au Also Maynard's 2020 Calendar http://maynard.com.au/2020-maynard-calendar Skepticon 2020 https://www.gcskeptics.com/skepticon-2020

The Skeptic Zone #597 - 22.March.2020 Mar 21, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Message from repoter Michelle Bijkersma Logical Fallacies and COVID-19 0:02:12 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:37 Brian Dunning - Skeptoid Podcast Back Catalogue For Free We chat to Brian about his efforts to keep us informed and entertained during this time of crisis. Also we learn of some COVID-19 conspiracy theories. http://www.skeptoid.com 0:19:17 Homeopaths in the UK - Unproven COVID-19 Tests in Australia In the UK, Good Thinking's Judicial Review concluded with strict conditions placed on the Society of Homeopaths. In Australia, questionable health advice regarding the current virus emergency is emerging from alternative medicine. We look at claims being made by a practitioner of Applied Kinesiology and of Homeopathy. https://goodthinkingsociety.org https://quackwatch.org/related/Tests/ak/ Applied Kinesiology video (not a satire) https://youtu.be/kWJgnX-AhRQ 0:35:05 The Book of Tim - With Tim Mendham The Mighty Mitta Muster Water Diving Test - Part #1 A look at how Australan Skeptics test paranormal claims. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:33 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2019. This week, Sunday interviews, part #4 Attendee Catherine Eran Segev Bob Novella Conspiracy of One https://www.conspiracyofonesolo.com Also Maynard's 2020 Calendar http://maynard.com.au/2020-maynard-calendar Skepticon 2020 https://www.gcskeptics.com/skepticon-2020

The Skeptic Zone #596 -15.March.2020 Mar 14, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:19 New Age pseudoscience is no match for COVID-19 In a break with a decades-long tradition, members of Australian Skeptics will not be attending this weekend's Mind Body Spirit exhibition in Sydney's Darling Harbour due to the dangers of the spread of COVID-19 and the ignorant attitudes of some exhibitors. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2020/03/12/new-age-pseudoscience-is-no-match-for-covid-19/ 0:09:26 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Australian Skeptics' dinner meeting This week climate change with, Dick Smith Jessica Singer Maia Marsh and Eran Segev 0:28:17 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Straw Man". A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:36:17 I Think we need to Think - With Susan Gerbic Susan gives us an update on some recent additions and revisions to Wiki pages. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Mandatory_Vaccination https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalom_House http://www.gsowteam.org/ 0:43:45 Life is Wild - With Michelle Franklin Wild Horses. Michelle talks about invasive species. The whole world is full of invasive animal and plant species, and we've seen the argument that it doesn't matter anymore, that we should just accept that the world is all mixed together now, and boundaries are arbitrary, and this is just how it is. Also Maynard's 2020 Calendar http://maynard.com.au/2020-maynard-calendar Skepticon 2020 https://www.gcskeptics.com/skepticon-2020

The Skeptic Zone #595 -8.March.2020 Mar 07, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:56 Surf Coast Summer Skepticamp VIII We head to the beautiful 'Surf Coast', a couple of hours south-west of Melbourne, to attend the local Skepticamp. It was also a chance for us to test the 'Premium Wine Card', a device that the makers claim can change the taste of wine and water. http://premiumwinecard.com https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/amino-neuro-frequency-just-more-embedded-frequencies-silliness/ 0:19:30 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Australian Skeptics' dinner meeting This week climate change with, Tim Mendham Dr Michael Mann 0:32:40 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Appeal to Popularity". A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:39:46 The Raw Skeptic Report. With Heidi Robertson Coronavirus Update Dr Sue Page AM is a past President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and current Board member of Future Health Leaders, North Coast GP Training, and RACGP Rural. As Associate Professor with the University of Sydney she links to the Northern Rivers University Centre for Rural Health, a collaboration between that university and the University of Southern Cross for the delivery of multidisciplinary health professional education in Australia. https://info.flutracking.net https://www.worldometers.info https://www.smartraveller.gov.au Also Maynard's 2020 Calendar http://maynard.com.au/2020-maynard-calendar

The Skeptic Zone #594 -1.March.2020 Feb 29, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders live from Surf Coast Summer Skepticamp VIII 0:01:36 Trish & Chips Trish Hann with timely advice on the use and value of face masks to help prevent the spread of disease. How effective are they? Should you use one and if so how should you use it? 0:12:50 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at the "Appeal to Antiquity". A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:19:49 Australian Skeptics Newsletter #92 SKEPTICON 2020 - Psychic's day in court - UK homeopaths - Peter Brock's crystal Polariser - Are ghosts real? - 'Mad' Mike Hughes dies in rocket crash. https://www.skeptics.com.au/ 0:25:42 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2019. This week, Sunday interviews, part #3 Cara Santa Maria Jennifer Bernstein Also Maynard's 2020 Calendar http://maynard.com.au/2020-maynard-calendar

The Skeptic Zone #593 -23.February.2020 Feb 22, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:37 10 Things to look out for with Medicine Advertisements Multi-level marketing company fined $37,800 for alleged advertising breaches. The Juice Plus Company Australia Pty Ltd has paid the penalties after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued three infringement notices for alleged advertising breaches relating to vitamin products. https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/multi-level-marketing-company-fined-37800-alleged-advertising-breaches https://directselling.org.au/project/the-juice-plus-company-australia/ https://www.tga.gov.au/10-things-look-out-medicine-advertisements 0:15:47 Logical Fallacies - With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at the "Appeal to Authority". A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:22:37 I Think we need to Think - With Susan Gerbic Susan gives us an update on some recent additions and revisions to Wiki pages, including the CHOICE Magazine Shonkey Awards. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/nz-skeptic-conference-christchurch-2019/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choice_(Australian_consumer_organisation) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siouxsie_Wiles 0:31:00 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2019. This week, Sunday interviews, part #2 Trish Hann looks at Social Media Influencers. Also Video Interview - Richard Saunders. Skepticism, Vintage Woo & Fake News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsu4xaZ1ZUk Surf Coast Summer Skepticamp VIII https://tinyurl.com/SkepticampVIII

The Skeptic Zone #592 -16.February.2020 Feb 15, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:53 A Psychic in Court Richard Saunders was in the court room when someone claiming to be a psychic appeared in the witness box. This case is turning out to be one of Australia's most infamous murder trials. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-12/chris-dawson-committal-hearing-hears-evidence-from-psychic/11957172 0:15:58 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Ad Hominem". A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:23:06 Beating Cancer? The random discovery of a notice stapled to a telegraph pole has us doing a little bit of research into amazing health claims. Can a book for sale on Amazon really give you the secrets to beating every disease? Somehow we are skeptical. https://www.amazon.com/Beating-Cancer-Disease-Naturally-getting/dp/1696783917/ref=nodl_ https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/cancer-health-news-quackery/alkaline-nonsense 0:37:19 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2019. This week, Sunday interviews, part #1 Caroline Zielinski Liam Mannix Tim Mendham https://www.carolinezielinski.com Also Australian Skeptics Dinner Meeting https://www.skeptics.com.au/2020/02/13/sydney-skeptics-special-dinner-dr-michael-mann-on-climate-change/ Surf Coast Summer Skepticamp VIII https://tinyurl.com/SkepticampVIII

The Skeptic Zone #591 -9.February.2020 Feb 08, 2020

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders with Maynard at Sydney Skeptics in tne Pub 0:02:00 Free Homeopthy Booklet... worth every cent We take a look at the information found in the free Boiron Homepathy information booklet on offer in American supermarkets and pharmacies. What can we learn from the Q&A section? With help from Heidi Robertson. 0:34:08 Good Thinking takes Homeopthy to court Good Thinking's legal challenge to accreditation of Society of Homeopaths in the UK to be heard March 18th-19th. The Judicial Review challenging the accreditation of the Society of Homeopaths to be heard by the High Court. https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/gts-cease-psa/ 0:38:09 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Sydney Skeptics in the Pub February 2020

Gary Kennedy graduated from the School of Food Technology at UNSW in 1984. He has worked in hospitals and meatworks, and as a food safety trainer and food safety auditor. He currently is the Managing Director of Correct Food Systems, a food safety consultancy based at Surry Hills, and presents the monthly "What the Food" segment on Afternoons with James Valentine on ABC Local Radio, Sydney. Also Lara Benham Trish Hann Other Pubbers

http://www.correctfoodsystems.com.au/the-correct-team.html

Also Maynard's 2020 Calendar http://maynard.com.au/2020-maynard-calendar Surf Coast Summer Skepticamp VIII https://tinyurl.com/SkepticampVIII

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