The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:10 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Redefining Beauty, one tongue press at a time? Can keeping your mouth shut make you more attractive? While some people believe so, it may not be for the same reasons you think. Adrienne Hill has an interesting conversation with Kat McLeod to discuss the controversial beauty trend and viral sensation known as "mewing"; the origins and the myths. 0:19:08 Alanta Colley - Live Show Trick or Treatment at Melbourne International Comedy Festival : 25- 31 March Big pharma gets a bad rap, but what about big chakra? Could horse de-wormers cure a global pandemic? Can I mainline the placebo effect? Come on a science comedy journey through the wild and weird and occasionally effective world of alternative medicine with Alanta Colley as your test subject. https://www.alantacolley.com/upcoming-gigs https://thebutterflyclub.com/show/trick-or-treatment 0:28:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptica

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:18 Strange Bedfellows Once again, Susan Gerbic finds herself under attack from an odd assortment of UFO and conspiracy believers. This time they are trying to change her Wikipedia page to include what they think is the truth. it really is a case of the blind leading the blind. https://www.abouttimeproject.org 0:23:08 Nerd Night in Bend, Oregon Join Kathy Rightmire, Brian Dunning and Richard Saunders as they enjoy Nerd Night in the city of Bend in Oregon. This is a regular meet up much like Skeptics in the Pub. Includes a portion of Brian's talk, "Sounds from Beyond". https://skeptoid.com/events/30257 0:35:14 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Bigfoot and Oregon. 1977.05.17 - The Canberra Times 1973.10.26 - PNG Post 1976.08.30 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:00 Skepticamp 2024 Brian Dunning and Richard Saunders had the pleasure of appearing live via video to the Surf Coast Skepticamp meeting. In this selection from the presentation, Brian and Richard discuss thier interest in the skeptical movement, podcasting and making documentary movies. 0:26:32 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill and surprise a special guest!. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:39:20 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to psychics. Gerard Croiset - Report on the Skeptic Zone https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-499-13may2018 1978.07.29 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1984.05.19 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1955.07.19 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:56 Healers Quacks or Mystics - A Review In 1983, ABC TV broadcast a 6 part documentary on alternative medicine. On this week's show we take a look at the series and explore some of the claims made at the time. After 40 years, what can we learn from this uncritical series. https://vimeo.com/nevilldrury 0:27:00 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to so-called psychics and clairvoyants. 1978.12.31 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1987.03.22 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1986.07.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:10 UFOs Keep Attacking! Alas for the poor UFO diehards, the UFOs just won't come. So they are channelling their anger at this sad state of affairs, towards the skeptics, who point out the fact that the UFOs are still not coming. Once again, Susan Gerbic and Brian Dunning are in the firing line of the believers. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/i-blame-the-australian-skeptics/ 0:16:28 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:29:42 Dr Eugenie Scott Recorded live before an audience at Berkeley Public Library, Dr Eugenie Scott tells Richard Saunders about the importance of studying teeth throughout human history. Also, how goes the battle against the creationists and the climate change denies? 0:43:30 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to psychics

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:07:14 Swings and Roundabouts Richard Saunders reports on the fortunes and pitfalls of that merry-go-round of wellness, Mind Body Spirit. - In October 2023, Tim Mendham, Dr Sue Ieraci and Saunders took the long and crooked road to the Festival of MindBodySpirit (MBS) held at the convention centre in Sydney's Darling Harbour. As long-time readers of the Skeptic magazine know full well, this was not their first trip through the gates of ignorance and empty claims. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:26 I Think We Need to Think From Idea to Proclamation: Making 'Critical Thinking Awareness Day' a Reality. Susan interviews Daniel Reed from the West Virginia Skeptics Society. http://www.westvirginiaskepticssociety.com http://www.westvirginiaskepticssociety.com http://www.danielareed.com https://skepticalinquirer.org/authors/daniel-a-reed/ https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/from-idea-to-proclamation-making-critical-thinking-awareness-day-a-reality

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:42 You Can Count on Adrienne For this 800th episode, Adrienne Hill will honour Richard's remarkable milestone by delving into the delightful domain of "800", exploring Guinness World Records, sports feats, and celestial numerology. DCCC. 0:11:56 Episode 800 Greetings #1 Messages from The European Skeptics Podcast Skeptics With a K Podcast 0:14:10 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard takes a look back at some of the highlights of his reporting on The Skeptic Zone Podcast over hundreds of episodes and many years. 0:19:37 Episode 800 Greetings #2 Messages from Oh No! Ross and Carry Podcast Rob Palmer 0:21:16 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:33:07 Episode 800 Greetings #3 Messages from Brian Dunning Susan Gerbic Squaring the Strange Podcast Tim Mendham 0:35:40 A Dive into a Trove A wander throug

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 Ben Radford Kills Bigfoot? How can you kill something that was never alive? We ask Ben about the history of this elusive cryptid and why he thinks it has never been captured. We also discover that the diehard Bigfoot believers now blame the skeptics for the lack of succes in presenting evidence for the hairy monster. 0:18:40 Susan Gerbic Under Attack! Is Susan a secret agent of the government or Satan.... or both? Why are "confused" people outraged at her work and the work of GSoW? Find out as we chat to Susan from her War Room deep u derground in a not so hidden location. 0:34:40 The Strange Comments of UFO Believers. The success of Brian Dunning's movie, "The UFO Movie They Don't Want You To See", has led to some very strange comments coming from those who think we are being visited by aliens from distant worlds. http://www.theufo.movie 0:40:24 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspap

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:18 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill The Winchester Mystery House. Adrienne has a special interest in finding out the truth of this famous, rambling mansion in southern California. Although legend has it the house was built to cater for the superstitions of its owner, the truth is actually far more interesting. Adrienne and friends visit the house to find out more. The Winchester Mystery House is a mansion in San Jose, California, that was once the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearms magnate William Wirt Winchester. The house became a tourist attraction nine months after Winchester's death in 1922. The Victorian and Gothic-style mansion is renowned for its size and its architectural curiosities. Adrienne and friends discussing the Winchester Mystery House https://youtu.be/2xyL5gQ3EmI Wikipedia entry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Mystery_House 0:19:14 Anti-Vaxxers in New Zealand Reports of an a

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, live from Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. 0:02:20 Maynard's Spooky Action Susan Gerbic Interview. Part #3 of 3 Maynard interviews the one and only Susan Gerbic, live from The Skeptic Zone Studios. Susan tells Maynard about how her team follow the Wikipedia rules. https://www.abouttimeproject.org 0:17:36 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham An interview with Tim conducted at Sydney Skeptics in the pub. Tim talks about why he got interested in skepticism and the early days of the journal from Australian Skeptics, The Skeptic. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:27:26 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the TV doctor, Dr James Wright. 1983.06.19 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Surf Coast Skepticamp 2024 http://tinyurl.com/scsc2024

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:18 The Don Lane Show - "Psychics" 43 years ago, on the very popular Don Lane Show, a lineup of so-called psychics appeared to give their mystical insights into the winner of the upcoming 1981 Melbourne Cup horse race. Don Lane is the same man who once threw James Randi off his TV chat show. The Don Lane Show - Uri Geller https://youtu.be/jQTVHkBrECQ&t=4340 The Don Lane Show - 1981 Psychics https://youtu.be/5GlNohjgTn8&t=382 0:24:54 Maynard's Spooky Action Susan Gerbic Interview. Part #2 of 3 Maynard interviews the one and only Susan Gerbic, live from The Skeptic Zone Studios. Susan tells Maynard what Wikipedia pages need updating by the Guerrilla Skepticism group. https://www.abouttimeproject.org 0:29:30 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Don Lane and the Paranormal. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:24 Quackery in Australian Pharmacies We look over some of the flyers, posters and other information promoting medical quackery, found at Australian pharmacies over the last few decades. From homeopathy to iridology, quackery in chemist shops has a dishonourable history. 0:25:18 Maynard's Spooky Action Susan Gerbic Interview. Part #1 of 3 Maynard interviews the one and only Susan Gerbic, live from The Skeptic Zone Studios. Susan tells Maynard what it's like to be an editor on Wikipedia for the Guerrilla Skepticism group, and what it takes for somebody to be notable enough to appear on Wikipedia. https://www.abouttimeproject.org 0:39:36 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Luck Charms". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also THE UFO MOVIE THEY DONT WANT YOU TO SEE https://theufo.movie

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:58 Over 20 Years of Skeptical Archives Richard Saunders reviews some of the many thousands of clippings, posters and information flyers collected over the past two decades at Mind Body Wallet festivals and other peddlers of misinformation. 0:30:46 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard chats to Melanie Trecek-King about her visit to Australia and what it's like to be in Facebook prison. 0:43:10 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Miracle Water". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Origami Calendar 2024 https://www.skepticzone.tv/files/OrigamiCalendar2024.pdf

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:14 You Can Count on Adrienne Dr Christopher Lobos Adrienne Hill engages in a conversation with Dr. Christopher Labos, discussing his book titled "Does Coffee Cause Cancer? And 8 More Myths About the Food We Eat." For an extended interview that also explores Dr. Labos' efforts with science communication, follow this link: https://youtu.be/RawriuUMQwQ 0:17:44 Round Table - Part #5 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast and Richard Saunders from the Skeptic Zone podcast to talk about the skeptical world and related issues. This week the three science communicators talk about AI and future skeptical projects. https://www.universetoday.com https://skeptoid.com 0:30:34 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:43:08 A Dive into a Trove This week, instead of looking into the online archives, w

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:42 Vale Dr Alex Ritchie We reflect on the life of Dr Alex Ritchie, the world renowned palaeontologist and staunch defender of science against the now almost defunct creationism lobby in Australia. 0:11:00 Round Table - Part #4 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast and Richard Saunders from the Skeptic Zone podcast to talk about the skeptical world and related issues. This week the three science communicators talk about AI and the perception of skepticism. https://www.universetoday.com https://skeptoid.com 0:22:08 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard, heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to ask pub goers, after a drink or two, if they have ever seen a UFO. Maynard chats with; Stephen Bavaro, Anthony Trecek-King, Lara Benham, Tim Mendham and Jessica Singer. 0:34:10 Melanie, Tracy King interviews Richard Saunders The tables are turned as Melanie interviews Richard Saunders about skepticism in Aus

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:24 Bend Spoon 2023 Walkley winner Coulthart wins 2023 Bent Spoon for UFOs! Ross Coulthart, who has won five Walkley awards (including the top Gold Walkley) during his career as a journalist, can now add another prize to the list - the Australian Skeptics' Bent Spoon award. Also we report on some of the more positive awards. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:11:44 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:23:18 The upside of DOOMSDAY Report about a group promising salvation in the face of doom, and your very own Star Trek replicator! The claims of the creative society come straight out of science fiction. 0:32:42 Round Table - Part #3 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast and Richard Saunders from the Skeptic Zone podcast to talk about the skeptical world and related issues. This week the th

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 A Rough Guide to Spotting Bad Science Being able to evaluate the evidence behind a scientific claim is important. Being able to recognise bad science reporting, or faults in scientific studies, is equally important. These 12 points will help you separate the science from the pseudoscience. https://www.compoundchem.com/infographics 0:14:42 Round Table - Part #2 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast and Richard Saunders from the Skeptic Zone podcast to talk about the skeptical world and related issues. This week the three science communicators talk about true believers vs scammers, fake health tests, and changing people's minds. https://www.universetoday.com https://skeptoid.com 0:27:14 Susan Gerbic in New Zealand Trains, boats and cars! Susan travels the length of New Zealand on her way to the Skeptics Conference. 0:37:08 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Austral

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:08 You Can Count of Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne Hill has Kat back again to give an update or three regarding episodes 778 and 775. They also discuss Tara flour and a supplement Adrienne discovered for humans at a wild bird store in Canada. https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-launches-new-directory-ingredients-used-products-marketed-dietary-supplements 0:17:02 Round Table - Part #1 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast and Richard Sanuders from the Skeptic Zone podcast to talk about the skeptical world and related issues. This week the three science communicators talk about their introduction to skepticism. https://www.universetoday.com https://skeptoid.com 0:29:24 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:43:50 CICON 2023 Interviews A catch up with our f

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:32 You Can Count on Adrienne This week Adrienne interviews Susan Gerbic ftom Guerrilla Skeptics on Wikipedia. Susan, together with a host of other sceptics, as soon to head to Melbourne for the Australian Skeptics National Convention. Find out what Susan will be talking about in Melbourne and how you can meet this inspirational, skeptical activist. http://www.skepticon.org.au 0:10:24 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham What Goes Around By Tim Mendham Geese, Golddiggers and San Francisco. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 34 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:18:32 Testing a Paranormal Claim We join the Center for Inquiry Investigations Group as they test a claim of being sble to move clouds with paranormal powers. Incudes commentary by Kenny Biddle, Chief Investigator for the CENTER FOR INQUIRY. https://cfiig.org 0:27:10 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:58 CSICON 2023 We catch up with... Melanie Trecek-King An Associate Professor of Biology at Massasoit Community College, where she teaches a general-education science course designed to equip students with empowering critical thinking, information literacy, and science literacy skills. Melanie will aslo be appearing at Skepticon, Melbourne. https://thinkingispower.com https://youtube.com/@ThinkingPowers Ross Blocher An accomplished animation professional who has worked on award-winning films including The Princess and the Frog and The Simpsons Movie. He is also a co-host of Oh No, Ross and Carrie! https://ohnopodcast.com 0:17:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:56 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to ask what Australians think of Halloween. 0:44:02 A Dive into a Trove A wand