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The Skeptic Zone — Science
The Skeptic Zone

The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason.

Join Richard Saunders and his team of reporters for your weekly dose of skeptical news and interviews, reports and comments.

Past guests have included, James Randi, Stephen Fry, Tim Minchin, Eugenie Scott, Dr Phil Plait, Michael Marshall, Dr Steve Novella, Dr Pamela Gay, Jon Ronson, Dr Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh, Prof. Richard Wiseman, Dick Smith, Banachek, Prof. Chris French, George Hrab, Tim Ferguson, Dr Paul Willis and many, many more.

Featuring Australian radio legend Maynard with his Spooky Action, Jo Alabaster from the ‘Evidence Please’ blog, Eran Segev’s Grain of Salt, Dr Rachael Dunlop with ‘Dr Rachie Reports’ and Heidi Robertson aka ‘The Raw Skeptic’.

Copyright: © The Skeptic Zone Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Skeptic Zone #510 - 29.July.2018 Jul 28, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

With updates on Geoengineering and Tsunami warnings.

0:07:45

The Raw Skeptic Report.... with Heidi Robertson

A pro vaccinatoin poster created by the North Rivers Vaccinaton Supports has gone viral around the world with thousands flocking to download a copy. It even crashed the web site!

Download the Poster

http://nrvs.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/do-you-say-sorry.jpg

https://www.mamamia.com.au/child-vaccination/

0:22:33

AVN... no... AVsN... no.... AVRN... eh?

The Australian Vaccination Network has changed its name, again. What are the RISKS with this network?

0:27:10

'False and reckless': Health Minister slams anti-vaccination documentary maker

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has slammed a controversial anti-vaccination documentary ahead of its Australian launch, warning against "false and reckless claims" targeting the government's cancer prevention program. - By Dana McCauley

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/false-and-reckless-health-minister-slams-anti-vaccination-documentary-maker-20180724-p4ztb8.html

0:32:45

Be aware of dodgy contraceptive apps - With Trish Hann

Is your smart phone smart enough to help with birth control? Trish Hann casts a skeptical eye on some of the claims being made for apps.

https://srh.bmj.com/content/early/2018/07/21/bmjsrh-2018-200110

0:39:30

CFI sues CVS

The Center for Inquiry has filed a lawsuit in the District of Columbia on behalf of the general public against drug retailer CVS for consumer fraud over its sale and marketing of useless homeopathic medicines.

https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/cfi-sues-cvs/

0:41:45

Beth Darlington - Looking forward to Skepticon 2018

We chat to Beth about her part in the upcoming convention.

Also...

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

Sydney Science Week

https://sydneyscience.com.au/2018/event/maasive-lates-science/

The Skeptic Zone #509 - 22.July.2018 Jul 21, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:05:25

Why communication from a 'locked-in' child is a miracle we must question

If Jonathan Bryan can communicate we should celebrate, but hard evidence is needed before we change how severely disabled children are cared for. By Christopher French and Michael Marshall

https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2018/feb/05/why-communication-from-a-locked-in-child-is-a-miracle-we-must-question

Video of Jonathan Bryan

https://www.facebook.com/ThisMorning/videos/10156709688777122/

0:17:05

Interview with Susan Gerbic about Facilitated Communication

Susan tells us about efforts to investigate facilitated communication and action regarding universities.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facilitated_communication

Facilitating Communication - The Correx Files with Paul Willis and James Randi

http://www.abc.net.au/science/correx/archives/faccom.htm

0:30:50

Doom for Sydney in September!

Will a giant tsunami wipe out Sydney? Will the Skeptic Zone cats need a life boat? What about horror from the skies via Geoengineering?

0:39:24

Maynard's Spooky Action....

A Skeptics Guide To Conspiracy - Maynard chats to Mike Bohler about his podcast that looks into new and classic conspiracy theories. 9/11 and more.

http://mikebohler.com/

Also...

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict

https://www.facebook.com/CanberraSkeptics/

Yellowtec ixm

https://www.yellowtec.com/ixm.html

The Skeptic Zone #508 - 15.July.2018 Jul 15, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders and Maynard

0:05:10

Maynard's Spooky Action....

Once again Maynard heads to Sydney's Skeptics in the Pub to chat to pubbers and ask the bi questions... "Would you like to be abducted by Aliens?"

Also interviews with Dr Angela Mattke, Dr Brad McKay and many others

0:44:26

Center for Inquiry files lawsuit over homeopathy

The Center for Inquiry has filed a lawsuit in the District of Columbia on behalf of the general public against drug retailer CVS for consumer fraud over its sale and marketing of useless homeopathic medicines. CFI, an organization advancing reason and science, accused the country's largest drug retailer of deceiving consumers through its misrepresentation of homeopathy's safety and effectiveness, wasting customers' money and putting their health at risk.

https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/cfi-sues-cvs

Also...

Richard Saunders on ABC Overnights Radio (starts at 2:06:45)

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/overnights/overnights/9954180

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict

https://www.facebook.com/CanberraSkeptics/

The Skeptic Zone #507 - 8.July.2018 Jul 08, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:03:40

The Diet Skeptic Report - With Mandy-Lee Noble

This week the Diet Skeptic and special guest Dr Chris Noble PhD will be looking at psychological acupuncture, a counselling therapy referred to as Emotional Freedom Techniques often abbreviated to EFT or more commonly described as tapping. EFT is being used for a plethora of physical and mental health conditions as well as life coaching and self-improvement but this report will examine the evidence for reducing food cravings and weight loss.

0:15:30

You belong in Oakland Zoo - With Dr Eugenie Scott

Join Richard Saunders and Dr Eugenie Scott as they wander around this impressive zoo in the city of Oakland, California.

http://www.oaklandzoo.org/

0:34:00

TGA's new complaint system fails the Ease-a-cold test

By Dr Ken Harvey

Stimulated by an article in "The Conversation" on Pharmacare Laboratories Ease-a-Cold, Dr Ken Harvey decided to try the TGA's new complaint system.

http://www.medreach.com.au/?p=2654

https://theconversation.com/science-or-snake-oil-does-easeacold-really-help-to-shorten-your-cold-98311

Also...

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - 12th of July

https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/AustSkeptics/

The Skeptic Zone #506 - 1.July.2018 Jul 01, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:02:30

Interview with Mick West

In Escaping the Rabbit Hole, author Mick West shares over a decade's worth of knowledge and experience investigating and debunking false conspiracy theories through his forum, MetaBunk.org, and sets forth a practical guide to helping friends and loved ones recognize these theories for what they really are.

https://www.metabunk.org/escaping-the-rabbit-hole-book.t8971/

0:19:50

The Sci Babe coming to Australia

There have been a couple of changes for the speaker line-up at the Australian Skeptics 34th National Convention in Sydney, October 13-14.

We're excited to announce that Yvette 'SciBabe' d'Entremont is coming to Australia to share her experiences fighting the forces of ignorance and pseudoscience, especially in the field of food, nutrition, and 'wellness'.

https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/06/27/speaker-changes-at-2018-convention/

0:22:10

Interview with Dr Angela Mattke

Join Dr Angela Mattke (MD, FACEP) as she traces the sceptical path through medical history.

Dr Angie is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine as an Emergency Physician and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She practised in Atlanta for years, but loves being on the move. Dr Angie has combined her passions for emergency medicine, patent protection and travelling and now works all over the United States.

She is the Assistant Director of Skeptrack at DragonCon in Atlanta and has given talks at many skeptics meetings in the United States and Australia.

https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/AustSkeptics/events/rknlrpyxkbhb/

Also...

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

Mordi Skeptics

https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/Mordi-Skeptics-in-the-Pub/

The Skeptic Zone #505 - 24.June.2018 Jun 23, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:04:35

The Raw Skeptic Report.... with Heidi Robertson

Heidi heads to the city of Brisbane, Queesland to aid the stand of Light for Riley at the Pregnancy Babies & Children's Expo. After a wander around to snoop out any woo, Heidi chats to Catherine Hughes about her ongoing campaign to protect babies in the name of Riley Hughes.

Light for Riley

https://www.facebook.com/lightforriley

0:25:45

Fair Trading takes beef with unsubstantiated cancer cure

A Queensland business has been ordered to pay more than $11,000 by the Brisbane Magistrates Court today (13 June 2018) for failing to substantiate claims, following an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation.

https://tinyurl.com/y9cuklg7

0:30:05

The Data Skeptic - An interview with Kyle Polich

Are you skeptical of data, computers, numbers and data in general. We chat to Kyle Polich who might just have the podcast for you!

https://dataskeptic.com/

Also...

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

The Skeptic Zone #504 - 17.June.2018 Jun 17, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Hunting for Bigfoot

0:01:48

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:06:12

Interview with Yvette d'Entremont

Yvette d'Entremont, also known as SciBabe, is a public speaker, science blogger, and former analytical chemist. She has a background in forensics and toxicology.

0:23:00

Skeptics in the Pub - USA

We head for Skeptics in the Pub in the city of Berkeley California to find Susan Gerbic and a band of merry thinkers.

0:32:00

Brian Dunning - BigFoot, Lava Caves and Science Friction

We explore in the state of Oregon looking for Bigfoot but ending up in a lava cave. Also we hear about a new movie project.

Science Friction

https://sciencefriction.tv/

Also...

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

Saunders' talk in Bend, Oregon

https://www.meetup.com/Skeptics-in-the-Pub/events/250879095/

The Skeptic Zone #503 - 10.June.2018 Jun 09, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:05:50

Michael Marshall from The Good Thinking Society

The British Homeopathic Association lost their legal case against NHS England, with the judge dismissing all four parts of their case. The BHA had sought to overturn NHS England's announcement in November 2017 of new guidance which advises GP's not to prescribe homeopathic remedies.

https://goodthinkingsociety.org/homeopaths-legal-challenge-to-nhs-england-fails/

BHA's reply to legal loss - Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MOwo6XHZ5M

0:22:15

Maynard's Spooky Action....

Once again Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to ask those hard questions. We hear from Jessica Singer, Eran Segev, Aletha Dean, Trish Hann, Lara Benham, Tim Mendham and more. What can skeptics learn from believers?

0:33:00

Maynard's Spooky Action....

Interview with TV's Dr Brad McKay. "Doctor Shopping", Drug use, warm milk, spooning, Bilirubin, Spanish Flu and more.

Also...

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

SkeptiCal 2018

http://www.skepticalcon.com

SkeptiCal Pre-Conference Skeptics in the Pub

https://www.facebook.com/events/172114056794746/

Saunders' talk in Bend, Oregon

https://www.meetup.com/Skeptics-in-the-Pub/events/250879095/

The Skeptic Zone #502 - 3.June.2018 Jun 03, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:05:00

Mind - Body - Wallet

Once again, with no regard for personal sanity, our small but brave band of skeptics venture into the world of woo, magic, woo, quackery and woo.

Will they make it out in time to find a drink?

0:21:00

Amazing Claims for pets

Is your cat sick and tired of being sick and tired? We look a the claims being made by a new age pet health company.

0:26:40

Unvaccinated medical students

Guest reporter Trish Hann looks into the problem of students wishing to do degrees in medical studies discovering they were not vaccinated as children.

Also...

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

SkeptiCal 2018

http://www.skepticalcon.com

Saunders' talk in Bend, Oregon

https://www.meetup.com/Skeptics-in-the-Pub/events/250879095/

Michio Kaku: Future Of Humanity

https://thisis42.com

The Skeptic Zone #501 - 27.May.2018 May 26, 2018

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:04:12

Interview with Sharon Hill

Sharon Hill's Spooky Geology - June Skeptics Café speaker in Melbourne. Sharon is a Pennsylvanian geologist who researches the paranormal, pseudoscience, and anomalous natural phenomena. She is the author of Scientifical Americans: The Culture of Amateur Paranormal Researchers. Skeptics Café is a regular monthly event in Melbourne and members of the public are welcome.

Monday June 18, The Clyde Hotel Carlton, 8pm (or join us for a meal from 6 pm)

https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/2018/05/25/sharon-hills-spooky-geology/

Paracon 2018 Sydney

http://www.paraconaustralia.com

0:24:05

Choice Magazine needs your help

The consumer association is urging Federal Senators to block proposed legislation that would legalise dangerous claims on complementary medicine.

https://ajp.com.au/news/choice-calls-out-supplement-claims/

0:30:08

The Cass Files - With Dr Cassandra Perryman

Why do people reject the truth? Find out with Dr Cassandra.

Also...

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018

https://convention.skeptics.com.au

SkeptiCal 2018

http://www.skepticalcon.com

CSIcon 2018

http://www.skeptiCalCon.com

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