The Skeptic Zone – Details, episodes & analysis

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 0:06:04 I Think We Need to Think. With Susan Gerbic

An interview with Susan about her recent feature in major Australian newspapers talking about fake psychics. We also learn about her ongoing investigations into those giving psychic readings on the Internet and her ongoing efforts to improve Wikipedia.

Susan's analysis of Dave the Medium

https://youtu.be/g0XDybFzbHg

https://youtu.be/r3B7SSitzI8 00:22:12 Maynard's Spooky Action

Join Maynard at Sydney's Skeptics in the Pub as he seeks the thoughts and opinions of thinkers and drinkers. This time, what 'alt-med' would pubbers like to see gone from our society? 0:39:06 The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Orgone Energy.

1977.12.28 - Bangor Daily News
1987.02.19 - The Sydney Morning Herald
2006.06.28 - Irregular - Maine
1992.07.03 - The Sun Journal

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
"Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December

https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

Support Dr Siouxsie

https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/8521-support-dr-siouxsie-after-she-supported-us

 

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 00:02:44 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

This week Kate is interviewed at Skeptics in the Pub by Maynard.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:18:28 Kinesiology and Applied Kinesiology

We look at science versus quackery when it comes to Kinesiology and Applied Kinesiology. What is the difference?

https://youtu.be/I8XscN_GjtE 0:30:34 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week?
Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:02 The Loons from Canada

This week, Kate and Ally (Adrienne and Kat) join Dr. Schmaltz of the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University, to report from a very successful Skepticamp in Edmonton, Canada. 0:48:10 The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Skeptics in New Zealand #2.

1981.11.05 - The Press
1984.03.03 - The Press
1984.08.07 - The Press


http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
"Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December

https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

 

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders and Tim Mendham 00:06:06 A Look into the Stars

We take a sceptical look at the claims and promises of the age old practice of Astrology. Can the stars and planets really predict your future or influence your characteristics? 0:17:50 Gone and Forgotten #1

Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal.

At the time, members of the public and members of the media gave them credence beyond what they deserved. Some have stuck around, and even prospered - UFOs and psychic powers, to name two - but many more have died the death of irrelevance and fast fashion. Some might still be around, but only as a vestige of their once high-profile status. Others truly are forgotten.

So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. 0:30:38 The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Astrology.

1980.09.11 - The Evening Times - Scotland
1968.07.31 - The Calgary Herald
1977.03.04 - The Lawrence Journal-World


http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5
https://skepticon.org.au

 

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, we read from an information flyer promoting the quackery of Acupuncture.



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Brian Dunning - YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thebriandunning

Melanie Trecek-King Melbourne 18th Dec.
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1158910

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 Australia and his origami flying pig. 0:44:30 A Dive into a Trove

A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Dr Alex Ritchie.



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

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 three science communicators talk about what it feels like when we are wrong.

https://www.universetoday.com

https://skeptoid.com 0:41:44 Susan Gerbic - New Zealand Skeptics conference roundup.

Susan is joined by Melanie Trecek-King as they discuss the highlights from the recent conference held in New Zealand.

Also Sydney Skeptics in tne Pub

https://www.meetup.com/Austskeptics 10 Years Ago

The Skeptic Zone #267 - 2.December.2013

Welcome message from James Randi. Those at the 2013 Australian Skeptics National Convention were delighted to see James Randi on the big screen - Australian Skeptics Awards. Who were the winners of this year's awards? Find out with news from the convention - Dr Rachie Reports... This week Dr Rachie finds herself in Qatar where she is attending a conference on toxins. She tells us about the recent court case involving the Australian Vaccination Network (or soon be called... ?? Who know? Maybe you can think up a good name for them.) - A Week in Science - Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews with delegates and guests at the Australian Skeptics Convention. This week Maynard chats to Ketan Joshi - Mr. X - Kevin Davies - Graham Wilson

https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-267-2-dec-2013

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 Australian newspapers on a search for references to telepathy.



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also   10 Years Ago

The Skeptic Zone #266 - 24.November.2013

Sense about Science We chat with Dr Chris Peters about the 'Ask for the Evidence' program - Maynard's Spooky Action... Part 1. UFOs over Newcastle? Maynard finds out more with Ian Kirkwood - A Week in Science - Maynard's Spooky Action... Part. Random interviews with delegates and guests at the Australian Skeptics Convention.

https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-266-24-nov-2013

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 favourite skeptical singer/songwriter George Hrab from the Geologic podcast.

http://geologicpodcast.com 0:47:06 A Dive into a Trove

A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Mind Reading.



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also   10 Years Ago

The Skeptic Zone #265 - 16.November.2013

Maynard interviews Brain Dunning from the Skeptoid Podcast and finds out more about the stories from Australia. Tasmanian Tigers, UFOS and more under his skeptical eye - A Week in Science - Robert Blaskiewicz and the Burzynski Clinic. USA Toady are reporting on the Burzynski Clinic, the centre that seems to claim it can sure cancer. Robert Blaskiewicz fills us in on this clinic and some of the web sites that counter the claims - Maynard's Spooky Action... Part 2. Thinking of getting married? Would you like to marry your.... car? Maynard interviews Kate Alway from Sydney who wants to be wed to her VW Beetle.

https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-265-16-nov-2013

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 to "Telepathic Twins".



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also   10 Years Ago

The Skeptic Zone #264 - 9.November.2013

Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard interviews Dr Rob Morrison about 'The Curiosity Show', an Australian educational children's television show produced from 1972 to 1990. Find out how the show started, some of the adventures along the way and how you and your children can now enjoy this landmark of Australian TV - A Week in Science - Don't get fooled at the Track. From the Scamwatch web site, advice about not getting taken for a ride at the racing track - Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. The question this week... If you could go to Mars but not come back.. would you?

https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-264-9-nov-2013

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 wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Natural Healing".



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also   10 Years Ago

The Skeptic Zone #263 - 3.November.2013

Science Teachers' Association of New South Wales Inc. Young Scientist Awards. Richard Saunders takes a trip to the city of Wollongong to help present the 2013 Young Scientist Awards - Mind Body Spirit. Join Richard Saunders has he wonders around the maze of newage stalls at Sydney's Mind Body Spirit - A Week in Science - Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard visits SkeptiCamp Sydney and interviews a wide range of people about all sorts of things. Highlights include a chat with Kate and Robin.

https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-263-3-nov-2013