The Skeptic Zone

Latest Episodes:

The Skeptic Zone #480 - 31.Dec.2017 Dec 31, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:03:45 Flat Earth.... Again! On a fine sunny day in San Francisco, Moriel Schottlender chats to Richard Saunders about the ongoing conspiracy theory of the Flat Earth.

https://www.popsci.com/10-ways-you-can-prove-earth-is-round

https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Home

0:23:40 Running a Skeptics in the Pub Pint Sized Fun – Australia has had a close association with the history of those informal gatherings known as Skeptics in the Pub. Tim Mendham reports on the highs, lows and current state of the SitP movement.

http://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine/

Happy 2018 to you all.

0:37:00 Fortune Teller - Musée Mécanique The Musée Mécanique, one of the world's largest (over 200) privately owned collection of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines in their original working condition. (You can play them!) Located on Pier 45 at the foot of Taylor Street in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Free Admission Every Day!

http://www.museemecaniquesf.com/

The Skeptic Zone #479 - 24.Dec.2017 Dec 24, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:05:17 Again with the UFOs A video capturing an unidentified object flying off the coast of San Diego in 2004 has been released by the US Department of Defense. The program (2007 - 2012) collected video and audio recordings of reported U.F.O. incidents, including footage from a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet showing an aircraft surrounded by some kind of glowing aura traveling at high speed and rotating as it moves.

https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/pentagon-ufo-video/

https://badufos.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/about-those-glowing-auras-in-pentagon.html

0:12:00 Maynard's Spooky Action! During the recent Australian Skeptics convention, Maynard interviewed Michelle Vernon from University of Newcastle Atheist & Skeptic Society and also science presenter Adam Spencer.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/UoNAtheistSociety/

https://www.adamspencer.com.au/

0:25:35 2017 - The year in review We hear from Susan Gerbic - Celestia Ward - Evan Bernstein

The Skeptic Zone #478 - 17.Dec.2017 Dec 16, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:03:12 Mayanrd's Spooky Action! Time again for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. December's guest was Samuel Hutchinson who gave a preview of his documenatary film ' Conspirituality'. We also here from pubbers who give their opinon on the project. Includes A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev.

https://www.facebook.com/mustgofasterfilms

0:23:13 Anti-vaxxer on the hunt for $$$ The on-again-off-again head of the Australian [anti] Vaccination-skeptics Network (AVSN) is trying to raise $5000 per month via the Patroen site to "help make my dream of widespread vaccination education become a reality and – nearly as important – make nocompulsoryvaccination the anti-choice government's and pharma's biggest nightmare!"

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/11/29/anti-vaxxer-meryl-dorey-spruiking-for/

0:28:05 Spoon Bending on the Radio Richard heads into the studios of Talking Lifestyle in Sydney to bend some spoons with presenters John Stanley and Garry Linnell. Audio credit Macquarie Media 2017.

See the highlight video here:

https://www.talkinglifestyle.com.au/podcast/video-gellers-spoon-bending-fact-or-fiction

Also...

Bunga Bunga LIVE 19th of Dec. http://maynard.com.au/bunga-bunga-xmas-2017/

The Skeptic Zone #477 - 10.Dec.2017 Dec 10, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:03:10 The Raw Skeptic Report with Heidi Robertson "VACCINES killed my baby." That's the alarming headline on a pamphlet currently being dropped in letter boxes around the country. It's emotive, terrifying, and wrong. Story by Jane Hansen.

0:16:30 Mayanrd's Spooky Action! More interviews and insights from Skepticon 2017 including; Mandy-Lee Noble Tim Mendham

0:26:08 An interview with Alan Melikdjanian aka Captain Disillusion. http://captaindisillusion.com The Unbearable Loneliness of Being Right on the Internet: Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbeXdotc5FU

0:43:43 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats to Jakub Kroulik at the European Skeptics Congress about Exorcism by Hypnosis.

Also...

Bunga Bunga LIVE 19th of Dec. http://maynard.com.au/bunga-bunga-xmas-2017/

Blue Mountains Skeptics Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1121976514605992/

The Skeptic Zone #476 - 3.Dec.2017 Dec 03, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:04:50 Water Divining .... still a thing? We chat to Prof. Richard Wiseman in the UK about companies still using the services of water diviners to look for ..... water!

https://richardwiseman.wordpress.com/

0:26:30 Mayanrd's Spooky Action! Reactions of the audience to the Skeptic Zone LIVE. Includes interviews with Dr Karl, Dr Brad, Heidi Robertson, Mandy-Lee Noble, Stefan Sojka and more.

0:42:34 A Skeptical Birthday Join a small but happy crew at the club at the end of the street as we eat, drink and be merry and chat about skeptical issues like... UFOs.

Also...

Bunga Bunga LIVE 19th of Dec. http://maynard.com.au/bunga-bunga-xmas-2017/

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

UFOs - Are they myth... or do they actually exist? http://www.abc.net.au/radio/darwin/programs/afternoons/ufo-sceptic-richard-saunders/9202932

Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/?s=Skeptics

Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://www.talkinglifestyle.com.au/?s=Skeptics

The Skeptic Zone #475 - 26.Nov.2017 Nov 25, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:04:50 Mayanrd's Spooky Action! We join Mayanrd at the pre-convention drinks in Sydney. Skeptics from all over Australia and overseas crammed into one pub! Includes Paul Gibbs, Beth Place, Heidi Robertson, Paul Roberts, Eran Segev, Joanne Benhamu, Trish Hann, Dr Brad McKay, Jessica Singer and Richard Saunders.

0:31:00 2017 Bent Spoon to NICM; Skeptic of the Year Christine Bayne Every year, Australian Skeptics hand out a range of awards – some positive, and the not-so-desirable Bent Spoon. This year's winners include a couple of key campaigners against pseudomedicine, and one university-based proponent of pseudomedicine.

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/11/19/2017-bent-spoon-to-nicm-skeptic-of-the-year-christine-bayne/

0:37:05 Blue Mountains Skeptics in the Pub We take a train up to Wentworth Falls in the Blue Moutains west of Sdydney to kick off the first Skeptics in the Pub. Good food, good beer and a piano. With Peter Bowdtich and Tim Medham.

Blue Mountains Skeptics Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1121976514605992/

Grand View Hotel https://tinyurl.com/y6uudb94

0:49:05 United action by Skeptics on anti-vax presentation – Sydney Council under fire The cancellation of the listing for an anti-vaccination lecture, posted on the City of Sydney Council's "what's on" site, is indicative of the sort of rapid and definitive results that can be achieved by concerted and united action by Skeptics.

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/11/20/united-action-by-skeptics-on-anti-vax-presentation-sydney-council-under-fire/

Also...

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

Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/

Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they

The Skeptic Zone #474 - 19.Nov.2017 Nov 18, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, Stefan Sojka and Maynard

0:05:20 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev The skeptical community has a role to play when it comes to stopping sexist behaviour and harassment. Eran gives us his point of view and what we can do.

0:17:00 The Raw Skeptic Report This week Heidi Robertson looks at a Tick Repellent.

0:36:24 "Dr" Stefan Sojka Scientists, vested interests, big pharma, corporate media, greenies, the illuminati and the social justice warriors of the far left have been hiding a shocking truth from you… We are living in a parallel universe to the one we thought we were living in!

0:44:40 The Diet Skeptic... with Mandy-Lee Noble Looking at the science behind your weight and fad diets.

Also...

Gold Coast Skeptics https://www.gcskeptics.com/

Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunde

The Skeptic Zone #473 - 12.Nov.2017 Nov 12, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:03:37 CSIcon 2017 Part #3 Join us at CSIcon 2017 as we interview Ross Blocher from "Oh No, Ross and Carrie!" The podcast where they don't just report on spirituality, fringe science and the paranormal (from a scientific, evidence-based standpoint), but dive right in by joining religions, attending spiritual events, undergoing "alternative" treatments, partaking in paranormal investigations, and more. At Oh No, Ross and Carrie!, they show up, so you don't have to.

http://ohnopodcast.com

0:15:50 Northern Territory healer permanently banned A Northern Territory man who claimed to cure a range of medical illnesses and addictions through mind communication and supernatural healing has been permanently banned from conducting his business in the Territory.

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/11/09/northern-territory-healer-permanently-banned/

0:20:14 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats to Jessica Schab and Élisabeth Feytit. Jessica Schab, born in Vancouver, Canada, is a former ''spiritual speaker''. After ten years, she renounced her "New-Age metaphysical path" when she understood how this route was causing psychological harm and cognitive instability.

Memoirs of a Former Mystic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHQkXYIO6i4

All Is Not Well Production Trailer Official https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO91gyD70oA

http://http://www.jessicaschab.com

Also...

Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/

Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they

Maynard and Bunga Bunga LIVE EVENT http://www.maynard.com.au

Skepticon Sydney http://www.skeptics.com.au

https://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics/events/244857317/

http://www.devicewatch.org/reports/spooky2/overview.shtml

The Skeptic Zone #472 - 5.Nov.2017 Nov 04, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:07:06 CSIcon 2017 Part #2 Join us at CSIcon 2017 as we interview Joe Nickell and ask about JFK conspiracy theories, strange monsters and more. https://www.joenickell.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Case-Closed-Harvey-Oswald-Assassination/dp/1400034620 https://www.amazon.com/Reclaiming-History-Assassination-President-Kennedy/dp/0393045250 On Trial: Lee Harvey Oswald https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojkf48Tmi1g

0:24:30 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats to Sophie Vanthournout at the European Skeptics Congress. Sofie has been the director of Sense about Science EU since May 2016. She is based in Brussels and focuses on EU policy. She was trained as a botanist and has a background in molecular biology research. http://senseaboutscience.org/team/sofie-vanthournout/

0:38:08 CSIcon 2017 Part #3 Susan Gerbic from Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia chats to us before and after the convention. http://guerrillaskepticismonwikipedia.blogspot.com

Also...

SYDNEY Volunteer EOI Form - Skepticon Australia + Jason Silva: Awestruck

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyuhG_sp7i-7oQMRjnmaP0WsYaNO3pJM5bHSMF1doEOnxlzg/viewform

Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/

Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they

Maynard and Bunga Bunga LIVE EVENT http://www.maynard.com.au

Skepticon Sydney http://www.skeptics.com.au

The Skeptic Zone #471 - 29.Oct.2017 Oct 28, 2017

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:03:13 CSIcon 2017 Part #1 Join us at CSIcon 2017 as we wander the rooms and halls looking for skeptical people to interivew. This week: Eugenie C. Scott Rob Palmer Brian Dunning Extended interview with Britt Marie Hermes

http://guerrillaskepticismonwikipedia.blogspot.com

http://principlesofcuriosity.com/

https://www.naturopathicdiaries.com/

0:23:05 Australian patients vulnerable to quacks We live in the most scientific of ages where it is more than reasonable to expect that modern healthcare strategies will be underpinned by credible scientific evidence for their clinical effectiveness. However, we find flourishing, pseudoscientific concepts and practices that are an affront to our detailed knowledge of how our bodies function in health and disease. - John Dwyer

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/australian-patients-vulnerable-to-quacks-20170924-gynuhn.html

0:32:03 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats Mariusz Blochowiak at the European Skeptics Congress. Rational justification for the existence of the devil and the exorcism Mariusz Blochowiak studied physics at the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznan, Poland. Afterwards he did his PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany, focusing on polymer physics.

Also...

Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/

Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they

Maynard and Bunga Bunga http://www.maynard.com.au

Skepticon Sydney http://www.skeptics.com.au

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