The Skeptic Zone

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:32 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod This week Kat relates her journey, over the past year, from attending a skeptical conference in Canada to becoming a reporter for the Skeptic Zone. This is right from the 'who could have ever see this coming?' files and is a great illustration of how important it is to support skeptical events. Plus we hear Kat's theme music for the first time. 0:11:28 Ben Radford, Australia Bound The legend himself! Ben Radford has been a fulltime scientific investigator and writer for 25 years. Now for the first time he is heading to Australia to talk at the Austraian Skeptics National Convention in November in Sydney. Will he find the elusive Yowie during his trip? We also hear about other meetings Ben is attending and more about the Squaring the Stange Podcast. 0:23:56 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham The History of EUTSBy Barry Williams (aka Sir Jim) In this classic article, Sir Jim R. Wallaby

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:14 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. This week, Adrienne gives us an overview of the recent 'We Can Reason' conference held in Calgary, Canada. We hear about each of the invited speakers and meet one of the delegates, a listener of the Skeptic Zone right from episode #1, Brenda Hill. Next it's a road trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses one of world's premier collection of dinosaur fossils. Here Richard Saunders gives us his thoughts on this wondrous example of science in action. Finally, on the drive home, Adrienne interviews Jonathan Jarry, one of the hosts of the popular Body of Evidence podcast from Canada. Jonathan was also an invited speaker at the conference.https://tyrrellmuseum.com 0:23:18 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:35:48 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised A

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders with Adrienne Hill and Kat McLeod 0:02:20 Kate & Allie at We Can Reason - Calgary Canada We are delighted to accounce that 'Kate', Kat McLeod from Edmonton, is our newest reporter on the Skeptic Zone. Hear her reaction as Richard Saunders confirms her appoitment. Weclome Kat! Her segment will be know as "For Cryin' Out! It's Kat McLeod". Also we hear more about the convention, Adrienne's video presentation from LA Skepticamp, and a short interview with speaker Jonathan Jarry. LA Skepticamp Videos https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb82CF-DGYCfxT6IKckZtm6KnMNMqxDQr 0:09:34 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham This week Tim heads to the regional city of Armidale in Australia's 'New England' area to help launch a new Skeptics in the Pub. We hear from the organiser, Walkely Award winning journalist Amelia Willmer. Armidate Skeptics in the Pub is held at the Wicklow Hotel, 6pm last Wednesday of the month. https://www.facebook.com/WicklowHotel 0:2

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:48 Can AI Replace Your Host? Is AI all that it's cracked up to be? This week Richard Saunders tempts fate by asking AI to write a script in his own style. Are the results worth it? You be the judge..... Mate! 0:12:12 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:24:58 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham What Goes Around By Tim Mendham The Vatican, Meteorites and Science. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 43 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:33:22 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Haunted Houses 1955.07.19 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1955.07.30 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1970.02.25 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1986.10.26 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also We Can Reason - Calgary Canada https://wecanreason.com

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:34 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. Kate and Allie revisit another frightening herbal development this time from Japan. With guest Kat McLeod. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-supplement-pill-recall-death-illnesses-kobayashi-pharmaceutical-co 0:12:38 Dr Steve and the UFOs For many decades, Dr Steve Roberts has been investigating reports of UFOs. In this informal chat with Richard Saunders, Dr Steve looks at various recent UFO fads and some from history. 0:23:08 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham What Goes Around By Tim Mendham Scares, Sounds, Sickness and Spooks! A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 42 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:54 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Crop Circles", a blast from the past. 1991.12.22 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1991.06.24 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1991.09.10 - The Sydney Morning Herald http

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:00 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This week Adrienne talks to the organizers of the Los Angeles Skepticamp on the day after the event which was held on March 24, 2024. Interviewed are Wendy Hughes, Heather Henderson, Paula Lauterbach, Jane Selkie, Deborah Warcken, and Susan Gerbic. https://skepticampla.fmtpo.com https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherHenderson https://www.abouttimeproject.org 0:14:16 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Join Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub as they talk about the special guests lined up for the Australian Skeptics national convention in November. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:21:48 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:34:12 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Australian Skep

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:30 My Mum Talks To Aliens - Or Does She? A review of a TV documentary from 2010. Mary Rodwell travels Australia seeking out those who claim to be abducted by UFOs. Can she convince her son during the course of the two week adventure? What, if any, real evidence does the documentary provide? https://youtu.be/zZ6dJergQ8o https://www.metabunk.org/threads/debunked-2007-avebury-ufo-sighting-military-exercise-flares.6411/ 0:18:34 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham The Pauline Conspiracy By Dr Paul Willis Paul Willis puts on both his pop hat and his tinfoil hat to look at a classic plot from the Fab Four. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 34 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:18 Milbourne Christopher Milbourne Christopher (1914 - 1984) regarded those individuals who claimed extrasensory perception or psychic powers to be actually using magic trickery. He wrote three book-length exposes regarding those he said were false seers or psychics:

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:36 Kenny Biddle Tiks on Tiktok It's hard to believe, but much of what you see on Tiktok may not be all it seems! Chief Investigator for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, Kenny Biddle, hunts for claims of the paranormal on Tiktok. Can he explain the unexplainable? https://www.tiktok.com/@kennybiddle42 0:20:56 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:20 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to yet more UFOs. 2014.01.27 - Woman's Day 2010.11.29 - New Idea http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Dick Smith's Helicopter Adventure - Parkinson 1982 https://youtu.be/TM_0q3m5i40 We Can Reason - Calgary Canada https://wecanreason.com

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 Skeptical Highlights of Dick Smith As we send our birthday wishes to Dick Smith, who just turned 80 years old, we look back at his influence on the skeptical movement in Australia. We also cover his great friendship and productive cooperation with James Randi. James Randi in Australia - With Dick Smith https://youtu.be/gN-0FEqAkQM This Is Your Life - Dick Smith 1997 https://youtu.be/FEXr2Wh4fPQ 0:17:32 The Skeptic Magazine, From Australian Skeptics - March 2024 A look through some of the features and stories of the current issue of this long-running magazine, including a closer look at a report by Richard Saunders into the so-called "power bands" of the last 15 years. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:26:04 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham It's Behind You! By Adam van Langenberg Do you ever get that feeling that you're being stared at? Then, when you turn around, you notice somebody looking right at you? Sometimes with a knife? Adam doe

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