The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:30 A Day in Court Bradley John Hill - the licensee of a Hunter Valley pub that breached public health orders in regards to COVID-19 - was fined in a Singleton courthouse on Thursday. But just who exactly was in court? Strange story indeed. https://www.singletonargus.com.au/story/7534943/singleton-caledonian-licensee-fined-for-repeatedly-flouting-covid-19-public-health-orders/ 0:11:35 Take Stock - With Shelley Stocken Twins! Are you a twin? Are you psychic? Shelley Stocken asks her twin sister or is it the other way around? Another classic from our late and much missed reporter Shelley. 0:20:25 "Freedom" Protest in Melbourne Reporter Michelle Bijkersma ventures out into the streets of Melbourne to observe firsthand an anti-vaccination, so-called "freedom" rally and reports on some of the placards and signs she saw. 0:33:12 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Ad

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:00 Squaring the Strange with Celestia Ward Our favourite and very talented caricature artist from Las Vegas Celestia Ward drops by to chat about her career as a skeptical podcaster on 'Squaring the Strange'. https://linktr.ee/Squaringthestrange https://www.2headsstudios.com Extra video content. You can watch the complete interview with Celestia Ward, with Richard Saunders, on YouTube via the link below. https://youtu.be/RWFbBW4iPM8 0:34:20 The Book of Tim Tim Mendham reads from the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine, from Australian Skeptics. Bookkeepers - Magicians - Witches and Scientists. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:36 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Reiki. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au https://quackwatch.org/related/reiki Also Skeptics in the pub, Sweden - with Richard Saunders https://www.vof.se/blogg/skeptics-in-the-pub-online-the-adven

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders With Susan Gerbic, Rob Palmer, Michelle Bijkersma, Lara Benham and Lynden Shields. 0:05:00 The ESP We catch up with the team from the European Skeptics Podcast to congratulate them on reaching 300 episodes. The European Skeptics Podcast (The ESP) is a weekly podcast recorded in English and hosted by three skeptics from several different European countries: Andras Gabor Pinter from Hungary, Pontus Bockman from Sweden and Annika Harrison from Germany. https://theesp.eu 0:14:50 Australian Skeptics Awards for 2021 Tim Mendham presents The Fred Thornett Award - Prof Kristine Macartney The Barry Williams Media Award - Melissa Davey Jessica Singer presents The Bent Spoon Award - Craig Kelly Richard Saunders with in memoriam Michael Wolloghan Shelley Stocken Martin Hadley 0:19:00 The Book of Tim Loch Ness #2 - Tim takes a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most famous pictures of the Loch Ness monster, known as the surgeon's photograph. What is

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 COVID vaccine nurse at Perth clinic charged with fraud Western Australian Police have charged a nurse with fraudulently recording that a patient had been given a COVID-19 vaccine when the jab was allegedly never administered. https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Media-Centre/Media-Releases/4296-Registered-Nurse-Charged--Vaccine-Fraud https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-08/nurse-who-allegedly-faked-covid-vaccines-charged/100602566 0:14:42 The Book of Tim Loch Ness #1 - Tim takes a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most famous pictures of the Loch Ness monster, known as the surgeon's photograph. What is the truth behind this mysterious image? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:23:16 The Think Tank Joining us this week in our virtual restaurant for a drink and discussion are Susan Gerbic, Adrienne Hill, Lou Hillman, Rob Palmer, Leonard Tramiel and Kelly Burke. Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud https:

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:47 Uri Geller, James Randi and the CIA We find a document written by James Randi that was circulated in the CIA concerning so-called psychic Uri Geller. What did Geller's former manager have to say about the tricks and shenanigans in the 1970s? Find out with this review. https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/weird-news/uri-geller-no-faker-really-25333616 https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00791R000100450002-7.pdf 0:24:40 The Book of Tim Tim Mendham reads from the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine, from Australian Skeptics. Resistentialism. Vol 40 No 1 - June 2020 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:25 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:40:28 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to yet more UFOs. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Dona

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:10 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard and Richard Saunders join Dr Siobhan O'Sullivan on a field trip to visit Sydney's most "haunted" street. We also find out more about Dr Siobhan's journey with Ovarian Cancer. Special extended content of this story on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykB67Sj5cYs 0:24:55 The Book of Tim Tim Mendham reads from the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine, from Australian Skeptics. Sturgeon's Law. Vol 32 No 2 - June 2012 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:31:15 The Arm of the Octopus Our reporter Michelle Bijkersma was surprised to find a strange letter in her letterbox. On the envelope was a hand-drawn picture of an octopus and the letter itself posed questions about the creature's arm. What does it all mean? Find out with Michelle. 0:35:40 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Halloween. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:10 Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - Part #2 Famed science communicator Dr Karl tells us about COVID in chickens, making vaccines on a 3D printer, fighting climate change and Mr. Spock. Dr Karl is an Australian science communicator and popularizer, who is known as an author, and as a science commentator on Australian radio and television. Dr Karl is the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow in the Science Foundation for Physics at the School of Physics, University of Sydney. http://www.drkarl.com http://www.tiktok.com/@drkarl 0:25:44 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Michelle Bijkersma. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:10 I Think We Need To Think Susan Gerbic tells us about putting together Wikipedia pages for noted skeptics and celebrating the fact that her organisation has now chalked up over 100 million page views. http://www.facebook.com/GSoWproject Also Corona Conspiracy - Upl

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:40 Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - Part #1 Famed science communicator Dr Karl tells us about snipers, TikTok, Anti-Vaxers and the way in which social media companies pander to the advertising dollor. Dr Karl is an Australian science communicator and popularizer, who is known as an author, and as a science commentator on Australian radio and television. Dr Karl is the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow in the Science Foundation for Physics at the School of Physics, University of Sydney. http://www.drkarl.com http://www.tiktok.com@drkarl 0:31:52 The Book of Tim Tim Mendham reads from the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine, from Australian Skeptics. Sundry seekers after truth. Vol 32 No 2 - September 2012 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:38:00 Interview with Tim Mendham Join Tim in the portable Skeptic Zone studio to chat about life in lockdown, predictions and the upcoming Skepticon 2021. 0:44:50 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digi

The Skeptic Zone #679 - 10 October 2021 Dedicated to the memory of Michael Wolloghan The Skeptic Zone is very sad to inform you that one of our founding reporters Michael Wolloghan died unexpectedly in October 2021. Episode #679 is dedicated to his memory, including a replay of one of his reports. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Thank you Michael for being there at the beginning.   Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:55 The Round Up. With Michael Wolloghan From December 2008, founding reporter Michael Wolloghan with skeptical news of the day. 0:10:52 Planets and Predictions We look at and try to make sense of some of the predictions made by Milton Black using astology. Is Pluto playing games? Where is Mars when you need it? 0:19:20 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:10 A Dive into a Trove A wander

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:44 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill The Herman Cain Freedom Award (HCFA) is reminiscent of the Darwin Awards. Taken directly from the sub-Reddit it says "Nominees have made public declaration of their anti-mask, anti-vax, or Covid-hoax views, followed by admission to hospital for Covid. The Award is granted upon the nominee's release from their Earthly shackles." https://www.reddit.com/r/HermanCainAward 0:13:00 YouTube Boot Anti-Vaxers YouTube is blocking anti-vax content when it somes to COVID-19, including content that contains misinformation about other approved vaccines as well. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-30/youtube-blocks-all-anti-vaccine-content/100502612 0:18:22 Maynard's Spooky Action Meet Maynard's dad on his 93rd birthday! What was life like in Australia after the last pandemic? Maynard chats to his dad about the good old days and not so good old days. http://maynard.com.au 0:27:10 A Dive into a Tr

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:10 All Shook Up! What happens when a team of skeptics meet to analyse earthquake predictions? An earthquake! Skeptic Zone reporter Michelle Bijkersma (a friend of the Skeptical Fairy Godmother Angel from the Internet) tells us about the 'moving' experience. 0:09:33 TikTok Tarot A look at the hundreds of TikTokers taking to Tarot Cards. What do they have in common and why is it so popular? 0:26:25 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:39:32 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Tarot Cards". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:00 The Potential Harm of Psychics A dissussion with Susan Gerbic and Rob Palmer about the potential harm of believing in, and taking the advice of those who claim to be able to see into the future. Prediction Talk for Bay Area Skeptics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Emu-p0vIPU https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/belief-in-psychics-whats-the-harm-and-whos-to-blame https://www.sorryantivaxxer.com 0:24:30 Take Stock... with Shelley Stocken From 2017, Shelley gives us her unique take on actions of Robert De Niro and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding their anti-vaccination campains. Sounds just like the plot of a 'B Grade' Hollywood movie. This is another tribute to our dear late reporter. 0:31:30 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the 1919 Flu Epidemic. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.clou

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".   1987.10.08    -    The Big Spring Herald - Texas 1985.07.24    -    Herkimer Evening Telegram NY 1987.05.20    -    Syracuse Herald-Journal NY 1976.07.24    -    The Las Vegas Sun  1986.09.16    -    Record Argus - Greenville PA 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

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.   1953.07.29    -    The Courier-Mail - Qld 1995.11.30    -    The Canberra Times 1938.04.18    -    The Newcasle Sun

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