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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 #410 - 28.August.2016 Aug 28, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders (and the skeptical cats)

0:05:20

Mother who posted video of her baby is bullied by anti-vaxxers online

The mother who posted a heartbreaking video of her five-week-old baby choking for air after catching whooping cough has been bullied online by trolls who say "vaccination is what caused her baby to get sick".

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/babies/mother-who-posted-heartbreaking-video-of-her-baby-choking-is-bullied-by-antivaxxers-online/news-story/681691f600de9bbc499d2fa03fab55e7

0:12:43

The Raw Skeptic Report

This week Heidi Robertson has another report from the recent Brisbane Skepticamp. She chats to Natalie Carrington about how language can be used to fight pseudoscience and woo.

http://www.brisbaneskeptics.org

0:20:00

Chiro Board Responds to Skeptics Concerns

Following the revelation of chiropractor Ian Rossborough's 'cracking' of an infant's spine on YouTube, Australian Skeptics and many members of the public and professionals expressed their outrage.

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2016/08/23/chiro-board-responds-to-skeptics-concerns/

http://www.ahpra.gov.au/registration/registers-of-practitioners.aspx

0:28:25

Maynard's Spooky Action..

Maynard and Richard head for the Australian Museum to perfrom the Mystery Investigators show as part in Sceince Week.

We also learn about crime scence investigatoin and chat to Margaret, Rory and Willow.

http://australianmuseum.net.au/science-festival

http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com

The Skeptic Zone #409 - 21.August.2016 Aug 21, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Heidi Robertson

0:02:07

The Raw Skeptic Report

This week Heidi Robertson has another report from the recent Brisbane Skepticamp. She chats to Enrique Bustamante and learns about the real Dunning Kruger effect.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dunning-kruger-effect-importance-self-awareness-enrique-rubio

http://www.brisbaneskeptics.org

0:13:21

Maynard's Spooky Action..

Maynard and Richard head for the Australian Museum to perfrom the Mystery Investigators show as part in Sceince Week. Maynard also chats to Catherine Beehag, the manager of the festival and Alison from the University of Technology.

http://australianmuseum.net.au/science-festival

http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com

Also...

Skeptics Dinner Meeting with Lyne Kelly - 24th September

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2016/08/11/sydney-dinner-sept-24-wisdom-of-the-ancients

https://quirkologyblog.wordpress.com/

The Skeptic Zone #408 - 14.August.2016 Aug 14, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:08:50

Cupping and Wiki with Susan Gerbic

We chat to Susan who tells us of her efforts to bring the Wiki page on the quackery of Cupping up-to-date.

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

guerrillaskepticismonwikipedia.blogspot.com

0:19:45

Why Team USA's use of cupping therapy really sucks

LIke all Australians, Dr Brad can get a bit carried away while cheering for the green and gold at the Olympics. But lately it hasn't been the Aussie team causing him to yell at the TV. - by Dr Brad McKay

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/why-team-usas-use-of-cupping-therapy-really-sucks/news-story/39e6da472eba56e564139cc17e38ee5b

0:24:20

Ken Harvey

The Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science has awarded Dr Ken Harvey the 2016 ANZAAS Medal.

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2016/08/09/anzaas-medal-for-ken-harvey

0:28:44

Take Stock with Shelley Stocken

Our new reporter looks into the myths and reality of so-called Demonic Possession.

http://mentalillnesspolicy.org/coping/demonic-possession-mental-illness.html

0:40:42

The Raw Skeptic Report

This week Heidi Robertson reports from the recent Brisbane Skepticamp. Who goes to these events and why? Also an interview with a Curtis who works in an organic supermarket.

http://www.brisbaneskeptics.org

Also...

Skeptics Dinner Meeting with Lyne Kelly - 24th September

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2016/08/11/sydney-dinner-sept-24-wisdom-of-the-ancients

The Skeptic Zone #407 - 8.August.2016 Aug 07, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:05:44

Australia's Science Channel

We chat to Dr Paul Willis, director of the Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) who tells of the new Science Channel and about his many trips to the Antarctic looking for fossils.

http://riaus.tv

10:23 Campaign Against Homeopathy - Antarctic 2011

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQzOidQKafA

Aurora Expeditions

http://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/ship/polar-pioneer

0:22:12

Chiropractor charged with breaching advertising requirements

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has charged a New South Wales chiropractor with breaching advertising requirements, alleging his website advertised chiropractic services in a way that was likely to be false, misleading or deceptive.

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2016/08/02/chiropractor-charged-with-false-advertising/

0:26:06

The Checkout and Pharmacy Woo

ABC TV's 'The Checkout' recently ran a story critical of Australian Chemist shops that sell quackery. Included is an exert from the show and the reading of an open letter regarding Ear Candles.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/thecheckout/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTcLpY3MWPk

0:34:00

Sydney Skeptics in the Pub

We ask the question, when should you give up trying to argue with a conspiracy theorist?

http://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics

Also...

http://australianmuseum.net.au/event/super-science-saturday

http://www.meetup.com/SocialSkepticsCanberra

The Skeptic Zone #406 - 31.July.2016 Jul 31, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:07:11

Fiona O'Leary and her VAXXing Issue

We chat to Fiona about her work promoting autism issues in Ireland and the recent letter she received telling her to more or less hold her tongue! Why? Find out in this interview.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqSIfRTGC3XQ34mHUNICVLw

http://ascienceenthusiast.com/vaxxed-makers-threaten-lawsuit-for-valid-criticism/

http://www.eveningecho.ie/cork-news/us-film-studio-threatens-to-sue-autism-rights-advocate/2500229/

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/us-film-studio-threatens-to-sue-autism-rights-advocate-412355.html

https://www.change.org/p/ken-paxton-texas-attorney-general-stop-vaxxed-and-their-reckless-campaign

http://www.skepticalraptor.com/skepticalraptorblog.php/vaxxed-distributor-threatened-fiona-oleary/

0:24:32

Edinburgh Skeptics and the Fringe

A trip to Scotland and a chat with Mark Pentler and Sean Slater from the Edinburgh Skeptics. What is coming up at the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival for skeptics to enjoy? Many things!

http://www.edinburghskeptics.co.uk

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/doug-anthony-all-stars-daas-live-on-stage

0:41:52

Maynard's Spooky Action..

Maynard finds himself on tour across Australia with the Totally 80's show. This week he invites some skeptics back stage!

http://www.metropolistouring.com/

Also...

Skeptics Sydney Dinner

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2016/06/13/sydney-dinner-6-august-how-to-make-skeptics-even-more-attractive/

Skeptics with a K

http://www.merseysideskeptics.org.uk/podcasts/

Win for No Jab No Pay Law

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/no-jab-no-play-campaign-has-a-big-win-as-thousands-of-former-antivaxxers-immunise-their-children/news-story/3876c77770cceba83c54f47a42607fb1

The Skeptic Zone #405 - 24.July.2016 Jul 24, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:05:55 The Raw Skeptic Report with Heidi Robertson Paleo and TV chef Pete Evans says sunscreen contains 'poisonous chemicals' This week Heidi looks at some of the claims made by a TV chef about sunscreen and more. Includes radio appearance by Dr Brad McKay.

0:27:55 Horror and Amazement as it's reviled Homeopathy is nothing more than sugar pills! World in SHOCK! A BRISBANE woman selling homeopathic vaccinations or boosters for diseases including whooping cough, polio, meningococcal and malaria has been found to be selling nothing but refined sugar.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-homeopath-cyena-caruana-selling-vaccinations-and-boosters-made-from-refined-sugar/news-story/30b8f3ca2944fbf7a4c634ac41a35341

0:42:15 Maynard's Spooky Action.. Maynard finds himself on tour across Australia with the Totally 80's show. He asks some of the group if they indulge in superstitions or rituals before performing.

http://www.metropolistouring.com/totally80s

Ivan Doroschuk (Men Without Hats) - Safety Dance (Totally 80's)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVN-vXl2MPk

Also...

Makers of 'Vaxxed' Threaten Lawsuit Over Valid Criticism

http://ascienceenthusiast.com/vaxxed-makers-threaten-lawsuit-for-valid-criticism/

Skeptics Sydney Dinner

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2016/06/13/sydney-dinner-6-august-how-to-make-skeptics-even-more-attractive/

The Skeptic Zone #404 - 17.July.2016 Jul 17, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00

Introduction

Richard Saunders

0:05:10

A call to ban veterinary surgeons from prescribing homeopathy as a treatment for animals

We talk to Dr Danny Chambers about his petition in the UK to stop vets from selling usless sugar pills in place of real medicine for animals.

https://www.change.org/p/the-royal-college-of-veterinary-surgeons-a-call-to-ban-veterinary-surgeons-from-prescribing-homeopathy-as-a-treatment-for-animals

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p040ty7g

0:27:52

ABC's Catalyst under review, reporter suspended after damning review on Wi-Fi program

The ABC will apologise to its viewers and review its science program Catalyst after an independent investigation found a controversial episode on the potential health risks of Wi-Fi that went to air earlier this year breached its editorial standards.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/abcs-catalyst-under-review-reporter-suspended-after-damning-review-on-wifi-program-20160705-gpz8ty.html

0:34:38

The Cass Files with Dr Cassandra Perryman

What did Australia's top psychics predict for the year 2015? Cassandrea marks their homework. Will they get an A or an F?

http://www.psychicdirectory.com.au/

043:40

Sydney Skeptics in the Pub

Won't someone save those poor spoons from being bent?

http://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics/

Also...

Skeptics Sydney Dinner

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2016/06/13/sydney-dinner-6-august-how-to-make-skeptics-even-more-attractive/

Totally 80's Australian Tour with Maynard

http://www.metropolistouring.com/totally80s

The Skeptic Zone #403 - 10.July.2016 Jul 10, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard

0:07:05 Yes... But will it float? We talk to Dr Eugenie C. Scott about the new and very large ark just opened in Kentucky.

https://ncse.com/ https://arkencounter.com/

0:25:38 Freeman on the land - Shelley Stocken Shelly looks at a small but noisy movement that started in the US and Canada at the turn of the century, and has been simmering in Australia for about a decade.

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/the-seriously-weird-beliefs-of-freemen-on-the-land/news-story/cd91441f8f406a48457d5450b0a264f9

0:35:43 Maynard's Spooky Action.. What podcasts are on Maynard's list? We ask and he tells! Find out what the goose listens to on those long drives and train trips.

http://www.zenthinking.net/podcast/

http://thehighersidechats.com/

Maynard's 80s Tour

http://www.metropolistouring.com/totally80s

�

The Skeptic Zone #402 - 3.July.2016 Jul 03, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

0:06:42 The Cass Files with Dr Cassandra Perryman Be mindful of mindfulness! Mind woo, colouring books and breathing! What?? Find out with Cassandra.

0:12:27 Sherlock Holmes..... the skeptic. From the classic 1940s Sherlock Holmes movies comes a clip that rings true to skeptical thinkers to this very day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8p5pJtWgds

0:19:30 The case of the "fake gynaecologist" Simon Floreani, anti-vaccine chiropractor and former president of the Chiropractors' Association of Australia, has been named in court for referring one of his patients to a "fake gynaecologist".

http://www.skeptics.com.au/2016/06/30/chiropractor-floreani-embroiled-in-fake-gynaecologist-case/

0:27:32 Homeopathy can kill pets and should be banned, say vets, as read by Lauren Cochrane followed by, Homeopathic Remedies No More Effective Than Placebo Sugar Pills, as read by Richard Saunders

"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/06/24/homeopathy-can-kill-pets-and-should-be-banned-say-vets/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

http://www.medicaldaily.com/does-homeopathy-work-homeopathic-remedies-placebo-effect-sugar-pill-389214

And for the hell of it

http://maynard.com.au/

The Skeptic Zone #401 - 26.June.2016 Jun 26, 2016

Show notes

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

https://www.patreon.com/skepticzone

0:09:15 Michelle Franklin and ghosts? We catch up with Michelle from the Darwin Skeptics who tells us about her recent appearance on radio to give the skeptical point of view on a good old fashion ghost story.

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

0:22:00 The Raw Skeptic Report This week Heidi Robertson interviews Tracey from the Facebook group, 'Stop The Austrailian Vaccination Skeptics Network' (or SAVN). Find out what impact they have had via their untiring efforts.

https://www.facebook.com/stopavn/

0:37:44 Carl Sagan's Baloney Detection Kit Carl Sagan had a wonderful mind that was capable of cutting through all the noise and clearly communicating and inspiring millions. He may indeed be sadly missed, but his words and thoughts still echo loudly even today.

http://www.skeptical-science.com/bullshit/detecting-bullshit-quick-refresher-carl-sagan/

0:43:55 Dr Will Grant from CPAS Kevin Davies interviews Dr Will Grant, a lecturer, researcher and graduate studies convener at CPAS. Dr Grant's research and writing has focused on the intersection of society, politics and science, and how the relationships between these are changing with new technologies.

http://www.canberraskeptics.org.au/

http://cpas.anu.edu.au/about-us/people/will-grant

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