The Skeptic Zone – Details, episodes & analysis

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 00:04:08 You Can Count on Adrienne

The Travels of a Skeptic Zone Reporter

Adrienne interviews Andras Pinter from The European Skeptics Podcast and Coleman Watts, a former conspiracy theorist turned science communicator, on her travels to the Rocky Mountains and then onto Iceland. Join her for these informal but informative interviews across the globe.

The ESP Podcast
https://theesp.eu

Coleman Watts YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkThisThroughChannel 0:21:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:35:14 A Dive into a Trove

A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the psychic predictions of Andreas Zee.

1975 July to December - The Australian Women's Weekly


http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - Special Presentation
The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See
Thursday 5 September - Occidental Hotel in the City

https://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 00:02:50 Kate & Allie

Folklore or Future Quiz

Join Kate this week as she challenges Allie with a quiz. Kate will uncover a mysterious array of treatments and Allie will have to unravel the enigma of whether these practices hail from folklore of old or persist in the modern day. Play along to test your knowledge and possibly discover secret remedies you may have never heard of. 0:19:36 I Think We Need To Think

Once again Susan Gerbic heads to a SkeptiCamp, this time in Seattle in the US state of Washington. Her interviews with organisers and attendees give us a flavour of the event. Susan's reports from local events encourage all of us to be more proactive no matter where in tne world we are. 0:30:42 A Dive into a Trove

A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to prediction of the future from the past and mindbody spirit.

1984.12.29 - Canberra Times
1988.01.03 - Canberra Times
1995.09.04 - Canberra Times

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - Special Presentation
The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See
Thursday 5 September - Occidental Hotel in the City

https://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 00:05:02 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill.

SkeptiCampNM - Presented by New Mexicans for Science and Reason

Adrienne flies to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend a meet up of local and regional skeptics.

Interviews with... Stirling Forsyth, Mary Catherine Harris, Tom Parker, Kurly Tlapoyawa, Sonia Veronica, Frank T. Etscorn, and from the Squaring the Strange podcast Celestia Ward, Ben Radford and Pascual Romero.

https://talesfromaztlantis.com 0:21:46 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod.

This week Kat takes a look at the pseudoscience of Grathology.

James Randi investigates Grathology.
https://youtu.be/iyXozHKWsDs 0:30:10 Skepticamp Interviews #4

Guest reporter Rob Palmer attended the inaugural Triangle SkeptiCamp that took place on 25th of May 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

In part #4 of a series of interviews from the event, Rob chats to the one and only powerhouse of Skeptical Activisim, Susan Gerbic.

https://triskep.org/home/triangle-skepticamp-2024 0:40:44 A Dive into a Trove

A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to The New Age - Part #2.

1988.5.14 - The Sydney Morning Herald


http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Richard Saunders on ABC Radio Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/overnights/ovn-skeptics/104010516

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 0:03:36 Claire Klingenberg for Skepticon 2022

Claire Klingenberg is the president of the European Council of Skeptical Organisations. She has been involved in the skeptic movement since 2013 as co-organiser of the Czech Paranormal Challenge.

https://www.clairek.com 0:14:04 Take Stock - With Shelley Stocken

Does Naturopathy work? The truth about ‘natural’ medicine.

Recent reports of a Sydney naturopath allegedly endangering the life of a baby; the son of a naturopath shunning radiotherapy for “alternative therapies”; and a disgraced Gold Coast doctor turning to naturopathy rather than maintaining her registration raises the question, what’s the deal with naturopathy? (From 2016)

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/does-naturopathy-work-the-truth-about-natural-medicine/news-story/ebba033e2bad6801f736db1a9235cc9e 0:20:56 A Major Battle Won in the Continuing War on Homeopathy Fraud

On Thursday, a three judge panel for the D.C. Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal of suits the Center for Inquiry brought against Walmart and CVS over claims that they deceived customers by marketing fake medicine as if it were real.

Walmart and CVS shelve homeopathic products alongside real medicine. This placement is deceptive to consumers who can easily confuse it for scientifically-tested products that provably work – which they are not.

https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/score-one-for-the-good-guys-a-major-battle-won-in-the-continuing-war-on-homeopathy-fraud 0:27:50 Alternative health clinics face closure

The NSW health watchdog has been given the power to shut alternative health clinics, including naturopaths and chiropractors, for not complying with its code of conduct.

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianSkepticsIn

Press Conference NSW Minster for Health 2002
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pXs4Gwy3o0 0:34:04 A Dive into a Trove

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to "Ghosts in Canada". With special guest reader Adrienne Hill.

• The Calgary Albertan - 22nd June, 1912

 

• The Vancouver Province - 24th November, 1996

• The Winnipeg Free Press - 28th October, 2012

https://www.calgary.ca/arts-culture/heritage-sites/city-hall-ghosts.html Also Australian Skeptics National Convention 2022
Science & Skepticism in a changed world
3 - 4 December, National Library of Australia, Canberra
https://skepticon.org.au

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 0:04:24 You Can Count on Adrienne

Pseudoscience in Education

In this discussion, Adrienne Hill, Kelly Burke, and the Skeptical Fairy Godmother Angel from the internet, aka the tooth fairy, aka Michelle Bijkersma, get together to discuss pseudoscience in education within their three countries of Canada, the USA and Australia.

This is an edited version of the conversation, only touching on a few of the topics they cover in the full recording. But you can hear the unedited version by going to the Skeptic Zone YouTube page or by clicking on the link in this week's show notes. We also ask you to tell any teachers you might know about this conversation.

Full version here: https://youtu.be/EVRvs01tXPQ 0:22:34 A Dive into a Trove

A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Kebrina Kinkade".

Sydney Morning Herald - 16th March 1980

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:40:22 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:50:54 Maynard's Spooky Action

What's on Maynard's Podcast? A new book from longtime music industry insider Jane Gazzo fills in Australian music history from a time before oversharing became endemic. Sound As Ever: A celebration of the greatest decade in Australian music (1990-1999), a book with Andrew P Street covers most things that you should know about the optimistic musical decade that was dashed against the uncaring digital rocks of the 21st century.

http://www.maynard.com.au Also https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Mystery_House

Australian Skeptics National Convention 2022
Science & Skepticism in a changed world
3 - 4 December, National Library of Australia, Canberra
https://skepticon.org.au

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 0:04:18 Did Nostradamus Predict death of the Queen?

Some claim Nostradamus predicted with accuracy the year in which Queen Elizabeth II would die, but also that he foresaw the crowning of Prince Harry as king. It turn out either is true. We look into the claim and hear from some who believe it to be true.

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/nostradamus-king-charles-harry 0:17:14 The Skeptical Fairy on a Train

Appearing from a thunderclap and a puff of smoke, the Skeptical Fairy reminds us that we can enjoy skeptical events online. 0:19:34 King Charles III - Predictions

With the accession to the British throne of King Charles III, we take a look at some of the predictions made about him (as the Prince of Wales) over the last 20 years, catalogued in the database of the Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project. 0:31:46 Jim Wilshire - Skeptical Poem

The Donor 0:32:46 A Dive into a Trove

A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers and other publications. This week "What's Happening in ESP Today?" from 1980.

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

Vic Skeptics https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/events

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 0:04:00 Queen Elizabeth II - Predictions

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we take a look at some of the predictions made about her over the last 20 years, catalogued in the database of the Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project. 0:11:52 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:19:48 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham

The Unicorn - Part 3 - By Anthony G Wheeler

Do Unicorns exist? Have Unicorns ever existed?

These may seem like simple questions, questions to which the answers are well known. Nevertheless, they are not. We cannot select our answers from just 'yes' or 'no'. The answers have been sought for hundreds of years, and even now the answers are not simple.

A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 14 No. 1

http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:34:22 Jim Wilshire - Skeptical Poem

Beneath a Black Balloon 0:36:32 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 Australian Skeptics National Convention 2022
Science & Skepticism in a changed world
3 - 4 December, National Library of Australia, Canberra
https://skepticon.org.au

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 0:05:30 A Psychic in Court

With a guilty verdict handed down in the Chris Dawson murder trial, Richard Saunders recounts the day he was in court in 2020 to hear the testimony of a so-called 'Psychic' who has a tenuous link to the case.

This report, together with comments form Nicholas Cowdery AO, QC, appeared in the March 2020 issues of 'The Skeptic'. 0:25:52 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham

The Unicorn - Part 2 - By Anthony G Wheeler

Do Unicorns exist? Have Unicorns ever existed?
These may seem like simple questions, questions to which the answers are well known. Nevertheless, they are not. We cannot select our answers from just 'yes' or 'no'. The answers have been sought for hundreds of years, and even now the answers are not simple.

A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 14 No. 1

http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:35:38 Anti-vaxxers to pay $214,023 in legal costs

A group of Australian anti-vaxxers who tried to sue governments citing fears over "a new world order" have been slugged with a $214,023 legal bill after the case was thrown out of court.

https://tinyurl.com/29vy2zrt 0:40:38 A Dive into a Trove

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

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:55:12 Jim Wilshire - Skeptical Poem

Zodiac Man

https://youtu.be/Mi5Z9MTTuuU

Also Australian Skeptics National Convention 2022
Science & Skepticism in a changed world
3 - 4 December, National Library of Australia, Canberra
https://skepticon.org.au

Bob Nixon investigation
https://youtu.be/6n0S8ENMlEo

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 0:04:34 Tik Tok Astrology

Hundreds of Tik Tok videos are dedicated to Astrology. What do they tell us about this ancient belief system? What can we learn? Find out as we review a small selection of those who claim to read the stars. 0:18:48 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:24 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham

The Unicorn - Part 1 - By Anthony G Wheeler

Do Unicorns exist? Have Unicorns ever existed?

These may seem like simple questions, questions to which the answers are well known. Nevertheless, they are not. We cannot select our answers from just 'yes' or 'no'. The answers have been sought for hundreds of years, and even now the answers are not simple.

A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 14 No. 1

http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:40:12 Jim Wilshire - Skeptical Poem

God's Dad

https://youtu.be/es95UEpQmDY

0:41:00 A Dive into a Trove

A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "The Bermuda Triangle".

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

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 0:04:40 Maynard's Spooky Action

Family Science Day at Parramatta

The Mystery Investigators team take part in Family Science Day at Parramatta Square. No spoon is safe as Richard Saunders, Ian Bryce and Maynard entertain hundreds of mums, dads and kids. Maynard also asks the big question "What does science mean to you?"

With special thanks to Frankie Lee, the City of Parramatta, Western Sydney University and The Powerhouse Museum. 0:19:38 Mind Body Wallet

20 years of predictable surprises. From so-called psychics to quack medical machines, Sydney's Festival of Mind Body Spirit never fails to trot out the same old tired nonsense. 0:26:42 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham

The Little People

Tim looks at those micro nations and principalities that spring up around the world. You too can be a monarch of your own country... sort of.

A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 40 No. 3

http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:38:40 A Dive into a Trove

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

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:53:58 Jim Wilshire - Skeptical Poem

Min Min Man

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqo5nPig3NY