The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:50 Bigfoot Found! An interview with podcaster Brian Dunning from Skeptoid.com, who comissioned a local artist in Bend, Oregon to create a giant figure of the mythical Bigfoot. Brian also updates us with the latest information on his documentary "Science Friction". 0:20:12 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:30 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "psychic" and "spoon". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:56:30 The Sound a Duck Makes Musician Nathan Eggins presents his new hit song. https://www.conspiracyofonesolo.com Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:28 Threats made to GPs We read out a letter being sent to GPs in Australia which threatens legal action and other dire consequences if they keep administering COVID-19 vaccinations. Yet another example of what we call "COVID Crazy" by conspiracy theorists. 0:19:07 Freeman on the Land. With Shelley Stocken Shelley 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. This is another tribute to our dear late reporter. We miss you Shelley. http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/the-seriously-weird-beliefs-of-freemen-on-the-land/news-story/cd91441f8f406a48457d5450b0a264f9 0:36:32 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to paranormal research. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:02 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. This week Adrienne reports on her visit to the famous tourist area of Jasper in Canada. What she discovers there, apart from the beautiful views, is a classic example of a new-age store. http://jasperrockandjade.com/Rocks/rocks.html 0:13:18 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Thought Reading". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:24:58 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:36:18 Maynard's Guide to the Lockdown On the phone from Newcastle, Maynard gives us his free advice about beating the COVID-19 lockdown blues. Was it a mistake to call him? Find out! Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:05 5G Disinformation Special guest Pascual Romero from the 'Squaring the Strange' podcast gives us his opinions on a full page of 5G misinformation that appeared in the pages of the 'Byron Shire Echo' newspaper from the Northern Rivers of NSW, the heartland of conspiracy theorists in Australia. https://issuu.com/echopublications/docs/byronecho3609/14 https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4677 0:14:00 "Freedom" Protests in Australia As the Delta variation of COVID-19 leads to the extention of lockdowns in Australia, we report on some of the violent "freedom" and protests in Melbourne and Sydney. Also a live cross to Darwin where our reporter Michelle Franklin updates us on more peacful protests in the Northern Territory. 0:24:45 More COVID-19 Crazy Customers shun masks in Mullumbimby and Byron Bay post offices and the union takes action. Also the bizzare silent protest in the city of Perth in Western Australia by a group of Anti-Vaxers. With comm

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:16 COVID-19 As the COVID-19 situation grows worse by the day in Australia, we look at some of the related news stories from the past week. People travelling while infectious and those who still think protesting in the streets is a smart move. Also the frightening story of a COVID-19 healthcare worker being attacked for doing her job. 0:18:55 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:31:00 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'Jack the Ripper'. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:00 Michael Marshall Good Thinking welcomes new Standards. The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) has announced new Standards for voluntary registers of healthcare providers, causing the Society of Homeopaths (SoH) to withdraw from the accreditation scheme. https://goodthinkingsociety.org 0:30:35 Melbourne Anti-Lockdown Protest Hundreds of protesters descended on Melbourne's CBD on Thursday night as Victoria was plunged into its sixth Covid-19 lockdown. https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/in-pictures-chaos-descends-on-melbourne-cbd-as-antilockdown-protest-erupts/news-story/feb843665f99c39c2c557b09c45ba0c4 0:38:58 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'Witchcraft'. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud The 2021 Friggatriskaidekaphobia Treatment Center Opening August 13th https:

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:16 Protester's Regrets News of the Sydney lockdown protester who now regrets his actions. Also the sad story of people in the United States who waited too long for their COVID-19 vaccine. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9837377/Covid-NSW-Sydney-anti-lockdown-protester-reveals-friends-deserted-views.html 0:14:11 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:22:10 More COVID-19 Misinformation We look at the outrageous flyers from former politician Clive Palmer who encourages people not to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Also the damaging advice to derail the vaccine roll out in Australia via making fake bookings for a jab. https://au.yahoo.com/news/facebook-users-ploy-waste-thousands-vaccines-050313429.html 0:35:00 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for reference

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:15 Freedom Protests in Sydney At the worst possible time, protesters march through the main streets of downtown Sydney, with cries of "freedom". We ask the question, "what's the harm in believing in conspiracy theories?" https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/wild-scenes-as-sydney-antilockdown-protesters-clash-with-police/news-story/e5b47e5103e55a7c6ebd1eb6d0094a78 0:11:06 Past Live Tours Join Richard on a stroll to discover the shopfront of a business offering hypnosis to solve your problems by investigating your previous lives. Included is a review of the website and a look into references to hypnosis online. https://www.pastlifetours.com.au http://skepdic.com/hypnosis.html 0:26:03 Interview with Ben Radford Following on from our hypnosis segment, we chat to paranormal investigator Ben Redford from the 'Squaring the Strange' podcast about his experiences, thoughts and opinions on the topic of hypnosis. https://squaringt

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:00 Lockdown Showdown Anti-lockdown protesters in Melbourne. Melbourne was plunged into chaos hours before the state entered its fifth lockdown as protesters took to the streets. https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/antilockdown-protesters-storm-melbourne-hours-after-daniel-andrews-announcement/news-story/b8ddd8f95df6640bd0936add28f6d8f1 0:12:55 Skeptical Prize Money We chat with Leonard Tramiel from the USA and Ian Bryce from Australia about the prize money on offer for proof of the paranormal. https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/prove-your-paranormal-powers-and-win-250000-from-the-cfi-investigations-group/ 0:21:49 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:31:36 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the "psychic + tests". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:12 You Can Count On Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill What's the deal with 666? This week Adrienne is joined by Kelly Burke to discover that if you look for it, the number 666 pops ups everywhere. Humans certainly are the pattern seeking, storytelling animal. Numberphile 666 - video https://youtu.be/UkZqFtYtqaI 0:22:10 The Book of Tim This week Tim Mendham talks about being on the front line at Australian Skeptics HQ and the work that goes into creating 'The Skeptic' magazine. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:41:50 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard reveals to the world the incredible Broadway singing bowl. https://soundcloud.com/maynard-1/the-castanet-club-broadway 0:45:09 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Psychic animals". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud Sydney Skeptics in the Pub -

The Skeptic Zone #665 - 4 July 2021 Dedicated to the memory of Shelley Stocken The Skeptic Zone is very sad to inform you that our much loved former reporter Shelley Stocken died unexpectedly on Saturday 26 June 2021. She was surrounded by family. Episode #665 is dedicated to her memory, including a replay of one of her reports. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family. Shelley's reports were interesting, funny and educational. Her work in the skeptical community made a difference. She was a delight to know and work with. Thank you Shelley, from the team at the Skeptic Zone. Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:43 Take Stock. With Shelley Stocken From 2016 when new reporter Shelley Stocken looked into the myths and reality of so-called Demonic Possession. http://mentalillnesspolicy.org/coping/demonic-possession-mental-illness.html 0:15:21 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.co

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:23 More COVID-19 Madness Thanks to alert listeners of the Skeptic Zone, we have yet more examples of COVID-19 conspiracy flyers. Palmer's dangerous ads https://youtu.be/DKG9jxbqJzU?t=690 0:15:18 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. This week Adrienne is joined by Kelly Burke for a look at some of the more 'wafflely' predictions from the Great Australian Predition Project. 0:26:38 The Book of Tim Tim Mendham reads from the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine, from Australian Skeptics. 'Seers, Spies and Satan'. Vol 35 No 2 - June 2015 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:35:32 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'Psychic' and 'Fraud'. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud What Sound Does a Duck Make? https://www.conspiracyofonesolo.com Sydney Skeptics in the Pub https://www.meetup.co

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:55 Operation Onion Ring Susan Gerbic strikes again! We are begining to wonder why these "psychics" don't see it coming! Once again Susan and her team go undercover to tumble someone who claims to talk with the dead and this time it involves children. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/right-turns-only-circling-back-to-seatbelt-psychic/ https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/operation-onion-ring-thomas-john-and-the-children/ 0:18:38 The Book of Tim Tim Mendham reads from the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine, from Australian Skeptics. 'Seances'. Vol 35 No 3 - Sept. 2015 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:26:03 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:36:53 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'The Flat Earth'. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy -

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:18 The Raw Skeptic Report. With Heidi Robertson A hairdressing business in the town of Mullumbimby shows they are not a cut above the rest by displaying their ignorance via a 'hair-brained' poster, "Do not enter if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19". Heidi Robertson is on tne case with scoop for the Skeptic Zone. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/08/vaccine-wont-give-you-covid-health-officials-battle-anti-vaccination-messages-in-northern-rivers 0:24:19 The Book of Tim Tim Mendham reads from the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine, from Australian Skeptics. 'Phantoms'. Vol 34 No 4 - Dec. 2014 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:55 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to "The Occult". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Learning from Indigenous memory methods https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/SocialSkepticsCanberra Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coron

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, live from Sydney Skeptics in the Pub 0:02:35 UFOs Those strange lights in the sky are back in the news again with a soon to be released report from the U.S. govenment. Alas, those needing confirmation of their long held belief that earth is being visited by little green men or little blue women may be in for yet more disappointment. https://www.facebook.com/centerforinquiry/photos/a.94000694772/10158405227984773/ https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/03/politics/intelligence-officials-navy-pilot-ufo-encounters/index.html Carl Sagan Cosmos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llZNU799lOg 0:12:12 Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Time for beer and some 'Fish & Chips' as we return to Skeptics in the Pub. Richard bends some spoons and chats to Daryl Coloughn, Tim Mendham and Dr Brad McKay. 0:18:31 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:29:02 The Book of Tim Tim

A Grain of Salt. With Eran Segev Interview with Julia Galef Julia Galef is an author, podcaster, and speaker with a passion for good reasoning. Her first book, The Scout Mindset, is about the skill of looking at things honestly and objectively - why that's so valuable, why it doesn't come naturally to humans, and how we can get better at it. For over a decade, she has been the host of Rationally Speaking, a biweekly podcast featuring interviews with scientists and other thinkers. 00:01:10 Scout v. Soldier Mindset 00:05:47 Scout and Critial Thinking 00:15:10 Noticing Bias 00:16:13 Selective Skeptic Test 00:20:45 Status Quo Bias 00:23:34 Identities 00:26:58 Moral and Political 00:29:49 "Rigidity of the Right" 00:31:37 TED Talk 00:33:59 Rationally Speaking 00:35:02 Just Asking Questions 00:40:55 Cancel Culture 00:46:55 Finding the Truth 00:56:32 Contact Info https://www.amazon.com/Scout-Mindset-Perils-Defensive-Thinking/dp/0735217556/ https://juliagalef.com/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:40 Saunders rolls up his sleeve Join Richard as he makes his way to the Sydney COVID-19 Vaccination Hub to get the first of two shots. Later we catch up with Susan Gerbic, Adrienne Hill, Kelly Burke and Leonard Tramiel as they relay their vaccination experiences. 0:18:46 Back to Mind Body Wallet After a year's break, the Skeptic Zone dives once more into the bizzare world of a new age festival in Sydney. Joining in on the 'fun' is Daryl Coloughn and from 'The Medical Republic' magazine, Penny Durham. https://medicalrepublic.com.au 0:30:28 Pete Evans Cooks his own Goose The Therapeutic Goods Administration, has issued infringement notices totalling almost $80,000 to Peter Evans Chef Pty Ltd. The TGA also issued a directions notice to the company and to sole Director, Peter Evans, for removal of alleged non-compliant advertising. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-25/pete-evans-company-fined-80000-for-repeated-breaches/100165090 https:

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:09 Anti-Vax Hairdressers Gold Coast hair salon refuses customers who have had a COVID-19 vaccine. - 9News https://www.9news.com.au/national/gold-coast-hair-salon-refuses-customers-who-have-had-covid19-vaccine/15755f96-66c0-403f-b951-f3d9ca2bdd13 A hairdresser in south-west Victoria has come under fire from a local health authority for saying she won't accept customers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. - Matt Neal from the ABC https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-21/anti-vax-hairdresser-bans-covid-jab-customers/100154936 0:13:50 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:25:30 The Book of Tim Tim Mendham reads from the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine, from Australian Skeptics. 'The Scopes Monkey Trail'. Vol 34 No 2 - June 2014 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:24 Kelly Burke talks about Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia Join members of th

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:58 Maynard's Spooky Action An interview with Dr Sathana Dushyanthen. Cancer research and COVID-19 myths. Dr Sathana Dushyanthen is a Science Communicator and Lecturer at the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. As part of her Sci Comm work, she has a YouTube channel through which she covers popular science topics and current research. Most recently, she has done a series on COVID-19 vaccine conspiracies. https://youtu.be/xe5HLfE8TEA https://pintofscience.com.au 0:17:50 The Long Arm of the Law The Federal Trade Commission (USA) charged St. Louis-based chiropractor Eric Anthony Nepute and his company Quickwork LLC with violating the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act, by deceptively marketing products containing vitamin D and zinc as scientifically proven to treat or prevent COVID-19. This is the first case the FTC has brought under the new law. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 Letter to the Editor A follow up to a story we mentioned a few weeks ago where a letter to the editor was published in the Byron Bay Echo newspaper. This week we feature the response from skeptic Ken McLeod. Just who is this mysterious midwife who is complaining about COVID-19 vaccinations? 0:10:20 Crazy COVID-19 Claim You will not believe the crazy claim the Australian government has had to rebut on their official COVID-19 website. Joining Richard to discuss this foolishness are Adrienne Hill and Leonard Tramiel. COVID-19 vaccines do not - and cannot - connect you to the internet. Some of the mRNA vaccines being developed include the use of a material called a hydrogel, which might help disperse the vaccine slowly into our cells. Bioengineers have used similar hydrogels for many years in different ways. For instance, they've used them to help stem cells survive after being put inside our bodies. Because of this, some people believe that hydrog