Podcast

The Skeptic Zone

Science, Social Sciences

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'.

Social Sciences chart
#75
Episodes
944
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
1 hr 3 min
On air since
2008
Latest episode
3 days ago

Episodes

944 episodes, newest first

  1. The Skeptic Zone #943 - 1.November.2026

    Episode 943

    Show notes

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:04:24 Bigfoot and other Creatures A look at some of the other Bigfoot type animals, not found around the world. From Japan to the Amazon rainforst, reports of giant ape-like creatures are to be found. Also Richard Saunders on radio 2UE in 2017 with Rob Duckworth and Mieke Buchan talking about the mythical Yowie, Australia's answer to Bigfoot. Rex Gilroy story from 1976 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/4786070 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yowie

    00:26:58 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award. This is the last, for now, of our long running series about the winners of this award from Australian Skeptics over the years. 2024.10.09 - The Medical Republic Online 2025.10.09 - The Medical Republic Online 2026.07.30 - The Medical Republic Online http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    Next Wave presents SciFight - (with Richard Saunders) Wednesday 25 November 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Allan Border Oval Pavilion 29 Myahgah Rd, Mosman, NSW, 2088 https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1666270

    1 hr
  2. The Skeptic Zone #942 - 25.October.2026

    Episode 942

    Show notes

    Bigfoot - News - Spoons

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:04:12 Capturing Bigfoot - Review We are joined by Ross Blocher and Lara Benham to discuss the recent Bigfoot documentary. Capturing Bigfoot is a 2026 American documentary film directed by Marq Evans. The film reports new information about the often-cited 1967 film clip purported to show a walking Bigfoot, known as the Patterson–Gimlin film, and the men who filmed it, Roger Patterson and Robert "Bob" Gimlin. Official 4K Scan of the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot Film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18KLMt8amms

    00:14:40 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:27:48 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award #12. Includes a radio interview with Tim Mendham. This week Ross Coulthart, for promoting UFO conspiracies based on unsubstantiated hearsay or debunked claims. Maria Carmela Pau, for selling useless COVID vaccination exemption certificates, and claiming medical qualifications she did not have. Craig Kelly MP, for spreading misinformation about COVID and vaccinations, and offering dubious cures and conspiracy theories. 2021.11.21 - The Guardian Australia 2021.11.22 - Australian Doctor Group 2022.07.20 - ABC Online 2021.11.02 - Australian Lawyer 2022.07.20 - ABC Online 2023.12.04 - Sydney Morning Herald Online 2024.06.11 - Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    Next Wave presents SciFight - (with Richard Saunders) Wednesday 25 November 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Allan Border Oval Pavilion 29 Myahgah Rd, Mosman, NSW, 2088 https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1666270

    57 min
  3. The Skeptic Zone #941 - 18.October.2026

    Episode 941

    Show notes

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:04:38 Bigfoot puts it's Feet up! A report on the expectations of the upcoming documentary "Capturing Bigfoot" together with a newspaper clipping from 1977. 1977.06.14 - The Sydney Morning Herald Official 4K Scan of the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot Film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18KLMt8amms

    00:15:28 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con Interviews From the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast, Cara Santa Maria.

    00:33:46 Rusty Razor award Each year The Skeptic, the UK's long-running publication for analysis of pseudoscience, conspiracy theory and claims of the paranormal, names their pseudoscientist of the year, and awards them the Rusty Razor award. The prize this year goes to Lord Toby Young and the Daily Sceptic, for their promotion of antivaccine misinformation and climate change denialism. https://www.skeptic.org.uk/

    00:39:44 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award #11. SBS-TV program Medicine or Myth - Sarah Stevenson/Sarah's Day - National Institute of Complementary Medicine and the University of Western Sydney for the continued promotion of disproved and unproved alternative medicine practice - Judy Wilyman, Brian Martin, and the University of Wollongong. 2026.07.19 - The New York Post http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    Dick Smith on Wonder World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnVAMEacj8

    1 hr 3 min
  4. The Skeptic Zone #940 - 11.October.2026

    Episode 940

    Show notes

    Dowsing - Psychics - Bent Spoon

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:04:26 Mind Body Wallet - Not So Divine Once again we dare to venture into the land of delusion and magic. The festival of Mind Body Spirit. This time we look at advice given to people wanting to have a psychic reading and an encounter with the Dowsers Society of New South Wales.

    00:26:44 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:38:12 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon #10. Includes Pete Evans and Dr Larry Marshall. 2014.10.12 - Real Clear Science 2014.10.30 - Science Insider 2020 - ABC Media Bites 2015.10.18 - Daily Mail 2020.11.09 - Insight Plus MJA http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    Also... Squaring the Strange LIVE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@squaringthestrange7541

    1 hr 4 min
  5. The Skeptic Zone #939 - 4.October.2026

    Episode 939

    Show notes

    Wellness? - Not-A-Con - Bent Spoon

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:06:44 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne talks with returning guest Dr. Nick Tiller, author of The Health and Wellness Lie: Exposing the hype, hacks and hidden agendas of the well-being machine, about curious concoctions in the wellness and workout world. Dr Nick Tiller https://www.nbtiller.com/

    00:25:40 Barry Williams Media Award $4000 Prize The Barry Williams Award for Skeptical Journalism recognises the best piece of journalism, in any medium, that takes a critical and skeptical approach to a topic within the remit of Australian Skeptics: the scientific investigation of pseudoscience and the paranormal. It is awarded annually with a citation and now a $4000 prize, double the amount of recent years. https://www.skeptics.com.au/media-prize-2026-4000/

    00:28:10 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con Interviews Annie McCubbin from the 'Why Smart Women' podcast.

    00:39:58 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to The Bent Spoon #9. 2009.12.01 - The Daily Telegraph 2010.07.28 - The Sydney Morning Herald 2012.12.03 - The Sydney Morning Herald 2015.10.15 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    59 min
  6. The Skeptic Zone #938 - 27.September.2026

    Episode 938

    Show notes

    Talking Dogs - Not-A-Con - Bent Spoon

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:05:34 The Loons from Canada This week the Loons from Canada get hydrated while discussing alkaline water and commune with Spirit Dog Jewel via the help of interactive talking buttons. McGill University https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/technology-did-you-know-general-science/dogs-speak-breakthrough-or-illusion

    00:21:58 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con Interviews Students - Terry Kelly - George Hrab

    00:35:36 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:45:14 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to The Bent Spoon #8. 2005 - Hobart Mercury 2006.11.29 - The Australian http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    1 hr 11 min
  7. The Skeptic Zone #937 - 20.September.2026

    Episode 937

    Show notes

    Pod Toast - Not-A-Con - Polarizer

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:05:06 The Think Tank Join Annie McCubbin, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they enjoy coffee and toast in a Sydney cafe. Topics covered are Bird Flu, the quackery of homeopathy and the Festival of MindBody Wallet.

    00:18:46 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con Interviews Lara Benham - Dr Angie Mattke - Annika Harrison - Cheyanne - Tia - Paul

    00:32:42 The Book of Tim Peter Brock and his Orgone Energy Fuel Polarizer A story about how belief in pseudoscience damaged the carrer of an Australian racing car driver. From The Skeptic - Volume 7, No 2 (Winter 1987) By Barry Williams Peter Brock and his Orgone Energy Fuel Polarizer https://youtu.be/aBdppylOFX4

    00:54:20 Bent Spoon 2002 with Barry Williams From the archives, Barry Williams on Radio National (ABC) in 2002 talking about the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Award.

    Also... The Australian Skeptics Video Collection https://tinyurl.com/skepticslist

    1 hr 6 min
  8. The Skeptic Zone #936 - 13.September.2026

    Episode 936

    Show notes

    Tarot - Newsletter - Bent Spoon

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:07:02 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This is part 2 of Adrienne and Susan Gerbic getting together to react to two TikTok "Tarot" videos they found, regarding the terrible tragedy surrounding Parker Wells, the eleven year old non-verbal autistic boy who went missing in Calgary, and was later found dead in a culvert. Put on your psychic hats to predict how accurate they were.

    00:24:32 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:33:14 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to The Bent Spoon Award. Part #6 2001 - 2002 2002.04.03 - The Cairns Post 2002.08.23 - The Daily Telegraph Barry Williams - Homeopathic Vaccine Banned https://youtu.be/NGDHrK7Wm_8 http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    Also... The Barry Williams Video Collection https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC3ycM1rFKvI Richard Saunders on ABC TV talks about some of the tricks of so-called psychics https://youtu.be/3lm31R-LzYY?t=580

    1 hr 1 min
  9. The Skeptic Zone #935 - 6.September.2026

    Episode 935

    Show notes

    Mafu - Dr Karl - Dr Brian

    00:06:12 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:06:12 The Book of Tim Mafu: face-to-face with an ascended master For two weeks, beginning May 20, 1990, Australia was host to Ms Penny Torres Rubin, alleged channeller of 32,000 year old entity, Mafu. From The Skeptic - Volume 10, No 2 (Winter 1990) By Barry Williams Also Tim Mendham on TV, 1992 - Bent Spoon https://youtu.be/4xF_yunBBK8

    00:20:38 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con Interviews

    • Dr Brian Wecht, also known by his character name Ninja Brian, a musician, internet personality, podcaster, and theoretical physicist. He is best known as a member of comedy musical duo Ninja Sex Party and video game-based comedy music trio Starbomb.
    • Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
    • Not-A-Con attendee Oliver and his mum

    00:34:18 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award. Part #5 1997 - 2000 1997.08.11 - The Age 1997.08.11 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1997.08.12 - The Age 1999.08.16 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1999.09.23 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    57 min
  10. The Skeptic Zone #934 - 30.August.2026

    Episode 934

    Show notes

    Philosophy - Psychic Detectives - Bent Spoon 00:00:00

    Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:04:20 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Psychic Detectives #1 of 2 After a terrible tragedy struck Calgary when a missing boy was found deceased after an intensive two week search, Adrienne pondered if any psychics had tried to insert themselves into the investigation. Use your psychic powers to imagine how much time it took for her to find examples of these alleged intuitives offering their opinions to the public and the police. She called on expert Psychics Explained YouTube host and Skeptic Zone reporter Susan Gerbic to help her navigate this heartbreaking, psychic cinema.

    00:23:32 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con Interviews This week Maynard talks to former think tank member and PhD student Jo Shafer. What is her philosophy when it comes to critical thinking and skepticism?

    00:32:24 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:41:40 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to The Bent Spoon Award. 1982.04.06 - The Bulletin https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1400945990/view?sectionId=nla.obj-1639131089tId%3Dnla.obj-1400980278&partId=nla.obj-1400980013#page/n56/mode/1up

    1 hr
  11. The Skeptic Zone #933 - 23.August.2026

    Episode 933

    Show notes

    Not-A-Con - Quackery - Bent Spoon

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:05:20 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con Interviews Spoon Bending with Saunders - Jeremy - George Hrab fans - Howard Lovatt https://www.suff.com.au/starstruck

    00:19:04 The Think Tank Join Dr Sue Ieraci, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they enjoy coffee and toast in a cafe in the suburb of Glebe, Sydney. Up for discussion this week are phone call protocols in public and quackery in pharmacies.

    00:43:48 Woo of the Week! With Kate Thomas Kate wonders why Chemist Warehouse is selling wormimg tablets without the scientific evidence to back them up. Kate on Radio JJJ with Dr Karl https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/dr-karl-podcast/sciencetriplej-20260820/107058392 Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

    00:46:10 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award. Part #2 1990 - 1989 1993.06.23 - The Canberra Times 1995.06.01 - The Canberra Times 1994.06.12 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    1 hr 9 min
  12. The Skeptic Zone #932 - 16.August.2026

    Episode 932

    Show notes

    Ben Radford - George Hrab - Bent Spoon

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:04:20 Maynard's Spooky Action George Hrab - 3 of 3 George Hrab, in Sydney for Not-A-Con, visits Maynard's International Studios annex in the suburb of Glebe. This week - Being skeptical when it's hard to do so, being on "X" (Twitter), Ringo Starr and Kookaburras.

    00:12:18 Maynard's Spooky Action Lee Traynor talks about his foundation to promote critical thinking in young people. Also Maynard chats to conference attendees at the social evening. https://leetraynor.com/blog.multi/foundation

    00:21:55 Interview with Ben Radford - 2 of 2 This week framed psychic investigator Ben Radford talks about the recent US senate appearance by Dr Anthony Fauci. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/covid-conspiracies-and-the-fauci-farce/ Prof. Dave - Dr Anthony Fauci https://youtu.be/wWxqBaWt5uY?si=DanaMX9XOIM_bT7u

    00:36:48 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:48:42 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award. Part #2 1986 - 1989 1987.04.19, 1987.02.20, 1987.02.22, 1988.04.03, 1987.07.08, 1989.04.02, 1989.03.26 - The Canberra Times 1987.04.20, 1987.04.03 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    1 hr 13 min
  13. The Skeptic Zone #931 - 9.August.2026

    Episode 931

    Show notes

    Ben Radford - George Hrab - Dr Karl

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, Lara Benham and Dr Sue Ieraci at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub.

    00:04:22 Interview with Ben Radford - 1 of 2 This week framed psychic investigator Ben Radford talks about his new book Weird New Mexico and a very strange hum that was once heard across the land. Weird New Mexico https://www.unmpress.com/9780826370341/weird-new-mexico/

    00:13:58 Maynard's Spooky Action George Hrab - 2 of 3 George Hrab, in Sydney for Not-A-Con, visits Maynard's International Studios annex in the suburb of Glebe. This week - Being skeptical when it's hard to do so, being on "X" (Twitter), Ringo Starr and Kookaburras. From Not-A-Con - Maynard chats to Star Trek fan Amanda and Dr Sue Ieraci.

    00:25:52 Maynard's Spooky Action Dr Karl Kruszelnicki talks about critical thinking, advertising claims, flat earthers, going down the rabbit hole, conspiracy theories and the future of science.

    00:37:18 Elaine and Dorothy's New Age Bingo! Skeptics Zone fans Elaine and Dorothy have cooked up a great way to have fun at New Age festivals using the following words. Quantum, Regression, Biome, Regulate, Ancestral , Cellular , Channeling , Aura , Colloidal , Psychic Energy , Amino Acids , Peptides , Orgone , Crystal Energy , Holistic , Past Life , Essence , Balancing Chakras , Grounding , Ancient Chinese , Meta Physical , Frequency , Realignment , Red Light Therapy Angels Download and print out "Lidia's New Age Bingo Card" for MindBody Wallet. Lidia's New Age Bingo! (pdf)

    00:41:56 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award. Part #1 1982 - 1985 2012.03.28 - The Melbourne Observer 1999.02.03 - The Hills Messenger SA 1987.07.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1978.02.15 - The Hills Gazette SA 1986.03.11 - The Canberra Times

    1 hr 3 min
  14. The Skeptic Zone #930 - 2.August.2026

    Episode 930

    Show notes

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:23:06 Maynard's Spooky Action George Hrab - 1 of 3 George Hrab, in Sydney for Not-A-Con, visits Maynard's International Studios annex in the suburb of Glebe. This week - Vegemite crackers, drinking alcohol, performimg live, gas stations, the Geologic Podcast, pens and exercise.

    00:09:36 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Ginger beer, ginger ale, ginger tea... the list of ginger products is endless but do they live up to the claim that they can help you with nausea or morning sickness. This week Kate looks at the myths and the reality of ginger. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

    00:23:06 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:36:22 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to psychometry, a type of extrasensory perception where a person claims to know facts or history about an item or its owner by holding or touching it. 1979.03.23 - The Kingsmen Daily Miner 1993.08.07 - Williamson Daily News http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    1 hr
  15. The Skeptic Zone #929 - 26.July.2026

    Episode 929

    Show notes

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:06:00 2026 Bent Spoon Award Australian Skeptics president Jessica Singer together with Richard Saunders announce the winner of the 2026 Bent Spooner award. This year's winner is Dolly Adamson of Kyneton Paranormal, Victoria, who claims to talk to the ghosts of murdered children, and their killers, via a radio. https://www.skeptics.com.au/bent-spoon-award-for-2026/

    00:15:10 Why Smart Women on the Mones Zone Join Annie McCubbin from the Why Smart Women podcast, Kate Thomas from On The Mones podcast, Richard Saunders from the Skeptics Zone podcast and special guest Dr Angela Mattke as they ponder the world of quackery over coffee and toast. Applied kinesiology https://youtu.be/hlhvgG8lRhk?si=cbDVunPJgbf5Fp-R

    00:51:50 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con + Skepticon Interviews The Board Meeting - Maynard reports from a room full of Skeptics, all having a great time playing a variety of tabletop board games. Among the celebrities dotted around the room, Maynard finds George Hrab and Bob Novella.

    Also Richard Saunders in TV Week https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/the-one-search-for-australias-most-gifted-psychic/

    1 hr 4 min
  16. The Skeptic Zone #928 - 19.July.2026

    Episode 928

    Show notes

    ESP - Quack Watch - Crime

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:04:38 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne catches up with András Pinter, co-host of the European Skeptics Podcast (ESP), in their annual meetup in Canmore, Alberta. The pair attempt to walk, talk, avoid traffic, and occasionally giggle about skeptical topics from Europe and Canada. The ESP - European Skeptics Podcast https://theesp.eu/

    00:20:25 Quack Watch - Barbara O'Neill Be Wary of Barbara O'Neill's Health Recommendations - by Ken McLeod Wellness guru Barbara O'Neill has an enormous, devoted global audience for her many egregious, non-evidence-based claims about "natural" health. She has credited God for at least some of the advice she has offered. She has gained 4.7 million followers. https://quackwatch.org/11ind/be-wary-of-barbara-oneills-health-recommendations/

    00:34:34 Origami Posters Michelle Bijkersma tells our Japanese listeners about free origami posters.

    00:35:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:47:00 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Crime and Supernatural. 1924.08.24 - The Sun - Sydney

    1 hr 4 min
  17. The Skeptic Zone #927 - 12.July.2026

    Episode 927

    Show notes

    EVP - Cupping - Hinch 00:00:00

    Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:06:00 The Loons From Canada This is part 2 of the Loons from Canada discussing the results of testing Rodney Schmaltz's Psychology students and the participants of the Western Canadian Reason Conference to see if people hear the same audio pareidolia as purported to be heard on an EVP. Which will have clearer spirited voices? The spirit box from part 1, or the EVP in part 2? Listen to find out. Adrienne's WeCanReason talk: Produced by Seth Andrews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwFiu2-kYVU&t=133s Mondegreens taken out of Seth's production of Adrienne's talk: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Sa9sHyi__9s

    00:24:28 Cupping Woo We are joined by the secretary of Australian Skeptics, Lara Benham who recounts her frustration in trying to find an evidence based physiotherapist.

    00:40:52 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the late skeptical broadcaster Derryn Hinch. 1984.05.13 - The Sun Herald 1984.05.18 - The Age 1984.05.20 - The Sun Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    1 hr 4 min
  18. The Skeptic Zone #926 - 5.July.2026

    Episode 926

    Show notes

    Spirits - Newsletter - Paranormal

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:03:50 The Loons From Canada The Loons from Canada revisit Episode 775 of The Skeptic Zone by testing Rodney Schmaltz's Psychology students and the participants of the Western Canadian Reason Conference to see if people hear the same thing as psychic medium Cael O'Donnell claims he heard while using a spirit box during a walk through a graveyard. This is part I of a 2 part investigation testing spirit boxes and EVPs.

    00:23:12 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:36:38 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to 'Paranormal and Berkeley'. 1980.04.19 - The Lodi News-Sentinel 1985.01.11 - Ocala StarBanner http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    54 min
  19. The Skeptic Zone #925 - 28.June.2026

    Episode 925

    Show notes

    Looksmaxxing - Movies - Students

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders - LIVE from SkeptiCal 2026, Oakland, California.

    00:03:12 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Looksmaxxing (often associated with the term "man maxing") is an internet subculture focused on optimizing physical attractiveness. It spans from standard self-improvement (like skin care and fitness) to more extreme and potentially hazardous methods involving cosmetic procedures, performance-enhancing substances, or high-risk physical manipulation. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

    00:17:58 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill At CSICon 2026 in Buffalo, NY, Adrienne chats with Fresno State University students Kimberly Salinas, Wasayef Ghannam, and Tyler Woolrich regarding their poster presentations based on their research surrounding critical thinking and that stubborn myth that won't go away, learning styles. During a break between sessions, she crosses paths with presenters Katie Suleta and Alejandro Borgo on a break between sessions where they discuss the importance of involving young people in skepticism.

    00:31:32 Movie Reviews Join in on a road trip with Dr Eugenie Scott and Richard Saunders as they discuss the recent movies, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" and "Disclosure Day". Were they impressed? Would they go again? Find out in this week's episode.

    00:46:44 Sunday Speakers Adrienne Hill, Rob Palmer and Susan Gerbic report on the wonderful Sunday Speaker session at the recent CSICon 50th.

    1 hr 2 min
  20. The Skeptic Zone #924 - 21.June.2026

    Episode 924

    Show notes

    CSiCon Choir - Astrology - SkeptiCal

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders

    00:03:12 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill The CSiCon Choir - CSiCon 50th Adrienne interviews Anthony Trecek-King about conducting the CSiCon Choir at the conference in Buffalo. Incuded is the performance of the chior on the final day of the meeting in stereo.

    00:16:10 What Science Says About Astrology Interview with Carlos Orsi For thousands of years, people have believed that the configuration of stars and planets in the sky influences earthly events. Today, astrology is a lucrative global market, with newspaper columns, mobile apps, and professional counselors weighing in on everything from love life to health to the stock market. Yet scientific evidence shows indisputably that it is simply superstition. https://cup.columbia.edu/book/what-science-says-about-astrology/9780231221399/

    00:31:30 SkeptiCal Update with Eugenie Scott The latest news on the fabulous lineup of guest speakers appearing at SkeptiCal, the conference that brings stimulating and entertaining speakers to Northern California science fans, critical thinkers, and anyone who questions "extraordinary claims". https://www.skepticalcon.com/

    00:40:38 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au/

    00:49:30 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Paranormal and Buffalo. 1995.01.05 - The Canberra Times 1986.04.03 - The Canberra Times 1992.10.17 - Lawrence Journal-World http://www.trove.nla.gov.au/

    1 hr 3 min