The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:50 Brian Dunning, Bigfoot, Science Friction and more A vist to Skeptoid HQ in Oregon and chat to Brian Dunning about his long running podcast, the Bigfoot in his yard and the sucess of the documentary "Science Friction". https://sciencefriction.tv 0:14:30 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Richard Saunders. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:26:38 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham We drop by Australian Skeptics HQ and chat to Tim Mendham about the latest issue of the journal 'The Skeptic' from Australian Skeptics. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:38:10 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Psychic Scams". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 2000, 28th January - Alington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago 1982, 21st July - Fairfeild Ledger 1997, 1st August - Panama City News Herald

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:12 Susan Gerbic in Haunted Las Vegas Join Susan as she explores the Zac Bagans haunted museum in the company of Kenny Biddle, Ben Radford and Coral Pollock. What do a bunch of skeptics make of a so-called paranormal location? https://thehauntedmuseum.com 0:20:27 TikTok Homeopathy This classic of quackery has found its way onto the popular social media platform. What do TikTok users say about this pretend medicine? Are they for it, against it or both? 0:37:54 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "reflexology". This week's trove segment is brought to you by Adrienne Hill. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:42 New Age Merry-Go-Round Join Richard Saunders and skeptical supporter Daryl Colquhoun as they once more head to the bizarre yet predictable alternative universe known as Mind Body Spirit. This festival of far-fetched and unproven ideas stretches back over 20 years. What new and ridiculous items can be seen this year? 0:18:56 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:27:32 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to a "School for water divining". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 Dr Siobhan O'Sullivan An historic vote in the NSW parliament has given Dr Siobhan the comfort of knowing people in her situation, appraoching the end of life, will be able to choose when they take their final breath. Euthanasia was legalised in NSW in the past week, bringing the state in line with the rest of Australia. https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-682-31october2021 https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/ https://www.abc.net.au/religion/siobhan-o%E2%80%99sullivan-will-vad-laws-be-available-to-me/13883018 0:21:36 TikTok Ghost Hunters We scroll through the endless, live TikTok videos featuring people who think they can contact ghosts or spirits. Spooky goings on from the comfort of your own device. 0:39:00 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "James Randi". 1984, 13 March - The Dover Times Reporter 1998, 1 January - The Times Record, NY

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:56 UFOs Invade the US Congress Again with the aliens! Yes once again UFOs disguised as jets and balloons are makimg the news. This time, those who can't handle the truth have taken their conspiracy theories all the way to capital hill in Washington. https://www.the-sun.com/news/5356929/us-wreckage-ufos-truth-congressman Mick West's videos https://youtu.be/qsEjV8DdSbs https://badufos.blogspot.com/2022/05/uaps-baffle-congress-and-dod.html 0:25:33 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Troy Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:34:20 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to "Psychic Detectives". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:12 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne Hill and Susan Gerbic visit "Explore & More", The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum in Buffalo NY and talk to Rebecca Glon, IT & Exhibits Manager. http://www.exploreandmore.org 0:17:46 TikTok Paranormal We scroll through the endless, live TikTok videos featuring people who think they have psychic insights. Others include dowsing rods, pendulums, bones, giant matches and more. 0:37:56 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Unsolved Mysteries". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 1909, 17 January - The Sunday Times 1924, 1 March - The Herald - Victoria 1939, 13 March - The Northern Star

The Skeptic Zone #709 - 8 May 2022   Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:50 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This week Adrienne finds herself riding shotgun alongside Susan Gerbic as the tour they east coast of the USA. Also we learn about the new award given to Susan for her skeptical activism. Grief Vampires, Wikipedia and More - Presented by Susan Gerbic https://youtu.be/b6_dVTsBcxA 0:13:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:22:40 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Father Figure. Part 2. By Dr Tony Wheeler A look at the truth and the myth behind Father Christmas or Santa Claus. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 15 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:50 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to "UFOs". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 1991, 22 October - Tharunka - UNSW Student

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:37 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard interviews author George Ivanoff about his new book, "The Supernatural Survival Guide". How should young people approach investigating the strange, the mysterious and the unknown? What can we learn from George's book about the claims of the paranormal in Australia? THE SUPERNATURAL SURVIVAL GUIDE will tackle these and other questions about all things paranormal. There is so much WEIRD stuff out there . . . but the TRUTH is IN HERE! https://georgeivanoff.com.au/books/survival-guide 0:23:28 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Father Figure. Part 1. By Dr Tony Wheeler A look at the truth and the myth behind Father Christmas or Santa Claus. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 15 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:34:49 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to skeptical stories from the United States. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:22 Homeopathy on Trial On January 13, the Center for Inquiry reached a major milestone in its groundbreaking consumer-protection lawsuits against retail giants Walmart and CVS. CFI is suing these mammoth corporations over their deceptive sale and marketing of homeopathic products under the Consumer Protection laws of the District of Columbia, and on January 13, CFI Legal Director Nick Little presented oral argument for our cases before the DC Court of Appeals. https://centerforinquiry.org/news/cfi-meets-walmart-and-cvs-in-dc-court-over-homeopathy-lawsuit/ https://cdn.centerforinquiry.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/14130827/CFI-v-Boiron-Complaint-FINAL.pdf 0:18:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:26:22 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Out of Body, Out of Mind. Part 2. By Prof. Marcello Costa Pinocchio, self-mutilation, h

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:35 Science Friction with Brain Dunning You know those TV documentaries you see, and the science experts they feature? Did you know that producers often edit them out of context, and twist their words, to make it seem like they promoted some pop sensationalism instead of the real facts? Science Friction exposes this practice and gives the scientists a chance to clear the record. https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B09RQFWJ4L https://tubitv.com/movies/661210/science-friction 0:18:54 Maynard' Spooky Action A visit to Manard's International Studios (annex) in Sydney. http://maynard.com.au 0:27:47 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Out of Body, Out of Mind. Part 1. By Prof. Marcello Costa Pinocchio, self-mutilation, having someone else's limbs and feeling presences - our sense of body is strange and wonderful thing. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 30 No. 1 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:40:24 A Dive into a Trove A wander through

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:10 Bob Swanson's Critical Thinking Videos Bob Swanson, Instructor / Lab Coordinator from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Mississippi State University, tells us of his videos about critical thinking, inspired by the claims of Power Balance wrist bands. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4znmeoL66Lkpaae5DYMHQWqQQl4jkG23 0:23:04 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:40 An Eye to the Sky By Tim Harding A look at the history of Astrology and Astronomy. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 33 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:47:53 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Astrology". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 1950, 27 March - South Coast Times 1941, 17 May - Smith's Weekly Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub https://www.meetup.com/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:38 AVN Lose Again We talk to noted skeptical activist Ken McLeod about the Federal Court of Australia and its decision made against the Australian Vaccination Risks Network. Why is it that this anti-vax organisation keeps losing court battles? PDF of the court's ruling https://tinyurl.com/2hfubwkj 0:16:38 Nurses and Midwives Protest Once again nurses and midwives in New South Wales feel compelled to take to the streets to voice their concerns. Richard Saunders catches up with some nurses after a recent protest in Sydney to hear about their concerns regarding staff to patient ratios. 0:21:25 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham The Call of the Quack. Part 2. By Tim Harding A look at the history of the word 'Quack'. This week, ancient Rome. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 33 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:12 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Jame

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:30 Meta Sued by Australian Watchdog Over Scam Ads Facebook owner Meta is being sued by Australia's competition watchdog for publishing scam ads for crypto on its platform. We look at even more questionable ads appearing on Facebook every day for such things as medical products and psychics. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-18/meta-sued-by-australian-watchdog-over-scam-crypto-advertisements 0:14:24 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:23:16 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham The Call of the Quack. Part 1. By Tim Harding A look at the history of the word 'Quack'. This week its place in ancient Greece. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 33 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:38:20 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the parnormal and

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:10 Arjun Nidigallu and Vulture Watch Vulture Watch is about creating awareness of exploitation, irrationality, discrimination or misinformation. It delves into the motives of such vulturous activities and looks at how it can hold such behaviour accountable. https://youtube.com/c/VultureWatch https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/healy-world-australia-pty-ltd-fined-26640-alleged-unlawful-advertising-tens-device 0:23:52 Another Milestone for GSoW Susan Gerbic joins us to annouce a huge milestone for her team. If that is not enough, she also has information about her upcoming talk for the Gold Coast Skeptics in April. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/301133136317 0:29:38 From Russia with Sorrow We read a letter sent to Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast from a listener in Russia. An interesting if melancholy look into the state of affairs in that country at the moment. 0:34:50 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of di

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:32 Former TV Celebrity Chef Blunders Again Trolls are hijacking the death of 52-year-old Australian cricket legend Shane Warne to spread wild conspiracy theories. Report of the strange actions by Bent Spoon winner, Pete Evans. https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/antivaxxer-trolls-hijack-shane-warnes-death/news-story/c1b84e32411c5ed37f34c2f12a72274f 0:12:22 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:26:40 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham The Dunning-Kruger effect is the cognitive bias whereby people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 38 No. 1 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:33:52 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "UFOs Paranormal Psychics". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Stefan Sojka 0:11:35 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. Since this is The Skeptic Zone's 700th episode, Adrienne decided to see if there was anything interesting that she could find about the number 700 and she wasn't disappointed. Get ready for some math facts, more Barnum statements, and the significance of three and seven as it relates to 700. 0:21:08 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Tim looks at Designs, Accidents, Villainy and Stupidity. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 41 No. 1 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:31:14 A Dive into a Trove This week we look at a new age magazine from 1993 called "Southern Crossings". What are the some of the strange and bizarre advertisements from all those years ago? http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:26 UFOs... Again? Today's skeptics tend to look upon reports of UFOs with more a sense of nostalgia than any real expectation of new and startling evidence of alien visitation being produced. As decade after decade passes and the aliens remain... shy... we can look back at all the UFO documentaries, books, TV specials and so on that each promised so much, but delivered so little. https://www.facebook.com/282292778554961/posts/4813523685431825/ UFO TV Special https://youtu.be/bSMfOPw8JA0 Mick West videos https://tinyurl.com/35znrfrs 0:12:58 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:21:56 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham This week Tim looks at Movies, Monsters and Magicians. This reading comes from The Skeptic, Vol. 41 No. 4 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:29:10 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:22 Nurses' Protest We head to the parliament building in Sydney Australia to report on the protest by nurses and midwives about the tough conditions they are facing since the outbreak of COVID-19. What we find is a sea of blue scrubs and a sea of blue facemasks. This report includes interviews with some of the nurses who took the time to make their voices heard in the protest. 0:17:12 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham This week Tim looks at the origins of the word "bunk". Why do we call something bunkum? Where was this term first used and why do we use it today? This reading comes from The Skeptic, Vol. 33 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:29:07 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Festival of Mind Body Spirit". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Richard Saunders on the radio to talk about the Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project. https://www.4bc.com.au/podcast/australian-

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:48 Any Day Now... I Promise! From the pages of 'The Skeptic', the journal of Australian Skeptics, Richard Saunders looks at the bait that keeps the believers hooked for years, decades, centuries, and millennia. 0:17:50 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:38 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Numerology". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/feburary-gold-coast-skeptics-in-the-pub-online-tickets-251674534307

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:09 You Can Count on Adrienne This week Adrienne looks at the mystical and mysterious meanings behind the number 7. Is 7 good luck, bad luck, out of luck, lucky duck, or none of the above? What does numerology have to say about your personality? 0:14:29 An Award for Susan Gerbic CSI awards the Robert P. Balles Annual Prize in Critical Thinking annually. The $2,500 award is given to the "creator of the published work that best exemplifies healthy skepticism, logical analysis, or empirical science." Also Susan and the trivia crew try their luck at predicting the roll of a six sided die. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_Skeptical_Inquiry#Robert_P._Balles_Prize 0:24:17 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Spoon Bending Kids from the 1970s". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Richard Saunders on the radio to talk about the Great Australian Psychic Pr