The Skeptic Zone

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".   27.01.1940    -    The World's News 03.04.1941    -    Northern Times 30.12.1936    -    The Daily Advertiser - Wagga Wagga 04.12.1943  

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'.   1989.06.06    -    The Canberra Times 1906.09.04    -    The West Gippsland Gazett 1932.04.02    -    The Mail - SA 1928.09.16    -    The Sunday Times - WA 1935.07.23    -    The Tweed Daily http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

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'. 01.06.1906 - Dungog Chronicle 11.01.1951 - Denmark Post -

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

0:00:00 Introduction Adrienne Hill 0:02:00 Crazy COVID-19 Flyers Dispite the roll out of varoius COVID-19 vaccines around the world and despite the terrible situation in countries like India and Brazil, there are still those in our society who are intent on fear moungering. We read out some typical COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy flyers that were placed on cars in an Australian Hospital car park. 0:13:21 You Can Count On Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Not long ago on the Skeptic Zone, Adrienne looked at the myth that bad things happen in 3's. This week she turns the tables and looks for examples of good things happening in 3's. Is this a case of second time lucky for the number 3? 1, 2, 3 and off we go! 0:25:14 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers, this time from the USA, on a search for references to the 'Psychic Predictions' and the Bay Area Skeptics. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:02 The Alien Space Ship... that wasn't. We chat to author and podcaster Mick West about his work in uncovering a far more realistic explanation of a UFO seen over the ocean and captured on night vision video from a US navel ship. It turns out that the aliens might well be riding in normal airliners, heading into LA airport. https://www.metabunk.org/threads/pyramid-ufos-in-night-vision-footage-maybe-bokeh.11695/ UFO caught on camera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfXwM3140Tg 0:21:56 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:32 COVID-19 India Update Abhijit Chanda from India with a report on the situation with COVID-19. Once again so-called alternative medicine is no match for a real disease. https://www.berationable.com/rationable-blog 0:41:48 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:13 King St. Newtown Join Richard Saunders has he walks the length of Newtown's (an inner west suburb of Sydney) main street, stopping along the way to investigate no end of New Age and health stores. https://www.google.com/maps/@-33.898499,151.1854725,16.1z 0:24:03 Fake Medicine - Book Launch We travel to Geebooks in Glebe, Sydney to attend the launch of the new book by Dr Brad McKay, 'Fake Medicine'. Joining Richard is Australian Skeptics Inc. President Jessica Singer, Josh Godbee and Lara Benham. https://www.hachette.com.au/bradley-mckay/fake-medicine-exposing-the-wellness-crazes-cons-and-quacks-costing-us-our-health 0:32:34 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'Telekinesis'.  http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud Tim Hunkin on youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/timhunkin1

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:55 Maynard's Spooky Action UFOs wirh Dr Steve Roberts and Brian Dunning With the 55th anniversary of Australia's famous UFOs story, 'Westall 1966', Maynard chats to Brian Dunning and Dr Steve Roberts about this strange event. They also look at other famous UFO accounts including the case of the pancake cooking aliens. https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4208 https://podcastufo.com/latest-podcast-irene-previn-stan-gordon https://westall66ufo.com.au 0:30:27 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:36:31 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Debunk". Including a report of quack medical devices from the 1950s. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131642713?searchTerm=debunk Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:12 You Can Count on Adrienne with Adrienne Hill Migraines Adrienne has suffered from migraine headaches, with some mind-bending auras, for most of her life. What is a migraine? According to the Mayo Clinic, "migraine can cause severe, throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound." These attacks can last hours or days and many people experience a warning aura. 0:15:26 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:22:13 COVID-19 Clunkers More madness from the world of COVID-19 conspiracy theorists. https://coronaconspiracy.cloud 0:33:47 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Supersitions. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:23 Dr Siobhan O'Sullivan Around 1,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Australia. Often, ovarian cancer feels like nothing. For that reason, most women are diagnosed when they are Stage III or IV. Siobhan tells us her story with this cancer and her advice for women. (With the help of Mr. Tom Toms the cat.) Siobhan O'Sullivan is an Australian political scientist and political theorist. Her research has focused, among other things, on animal welfare policy and the welfare state. She is the author of Animals, Equality and Democracy (2011, Palgrave Macmillan) and a coauthor of Getting Welfare to Work (2015, Oxford University Press). She co-edited Contracting-out Welfare Services (2015, Wiley) and The Political Turn in Animal Ethics (2016, Rowman & Littlefield International). She founded a regular podcast entitled Knowing Animals. https://www.abc.net.au/religion/what-i-learned-after-being-surprised-by-ovarian-cancer/13156080 https:/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:08 You Can Count on Adrienne with Adrienne Hill Not for Prophet From the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine from Australia, Adrienne reports on the ups and downs of checking thousands of mystical predictions covering the years 2000 - 2020. https://www.skeptics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/magazine/The%20Skeptic%20Volume%2041%20(2021)%20No%201%20(Cover).pdf 0:24:06 Maynard's Spooky Action Dr Brad McKay - Part #2 Dr Brad McKay is an Australian science communicator, TV host and GP at his clinic in Sydney. He is an experienced broadcaster, interviewer and public commentator, appearing regularly on TV and radio, including as a host of ABC's Catalyst and a regular commentator on The Today Show, and presenting several medical podcasts for health professionals. He is also on the editorial board for The Medical Republic magazine and a committee member of Australian Skeptics Inc. https://www.booktopia.com.au/fake-medicine-bradley-mckay/book/9780733646867.htm

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:50 Maynard's Spooky Action Dr Brad McKay - Part #1 The return of Maynard. In this, the first of a three part interview with Dr Brad McKay, Maynard finds out about Dr Brad's new book and asks the big questions about Vampire Facials and much more. Dr Brad McKay is an Australian science communicator, TV host and GP at his clinic in Sydney. He is an experienced broadcaster, interviewer and public commentator, appearing regularly on TV and radio, including as a host of ABC's Catalyst and a regular commentator on The Today Show, and presenting several medical podcasts for health professionals. He is also on the editorial board for The Medical Republic magazine and a committee member of Australian Skeptics inc. https://www.booktopia.com.au/fake-medicine-bradley-mckay/book/9780733646867.html 0:18:08 Susan Gerbic Thomas John And The Believers. Susan talks about a 2019 article she wrote about how people keep believing even in the face of overwhelming evi