The Skeptic Zone

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

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:06 You Can Count on Adrienne with Adrienne Hill A new segment for The Skeptic Zone. Do bad things really happen in 3s? Adrienne looks at some of the psychology about this "bad things" myth and finds how easy it is for people to come to believe there might be something in it, even something mystical. 0:11:40 Alert on Anti-Vaxxers Police are making a list of anti-vax protesters with concerns that they could target storage facilities. A Joint Intelligence Group, made of members from the AFP, Australian Security Intelligence Information, Australian Border Force and state police forces has also been set up by the Department of Home Affairs. It will be staffed around the clock and act as a central hub for information on the anti-vaccination movement and vaccine security. - by Sarah Sharples, reported at news.com.au 0:15:48 The Book of Tim with Tim Mendham Another reading from the pages of 'The Skeptic' from Australian Skeptics Inc. This week T

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard 0:04:45 Crystal Healing: The Science and Psychology Behind What Works, What Doesn't, and Why An interview with Dan Lynch and Julie A. Kirsch Whether you're new to the practice of crystal healing or have a level of experience with it, chances are you have questions: What works? What doesn't? How and when should I spend my money etc? Forget the magic, the mysticism, and the mythology. You've come to the right place for answers. Dan R. Lynch is a professional geologist and the author of many books about rocks and minerals. Julie A. Kirsch is a trained psychologist. Together, they delve into the fascinating study of crystal healing, and they share their answers with you. https://adventurewithkeen.com/product/crystal-healing 0:18:58 The Book of Tim with Tim Mendham Another reading from the pages of 'The Skeptic' from Australian Skeptics Inc. This week Tim looks at seeing things, insights and outsights. And so it goes, the almost inevitable rea

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:43 Pete Evans Banned (Again!) Pete Evans' Instagram shut down for spreading COVID-19 misinformation. Also his bid for a Senate seat has been widely criticised. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/pete-evans-instagram-account-has-been-shut-down-for-spreading-coronavirus-misinformation 0:11:21 Logical Fallacies with Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Argument from Gibberish". This occurs when a person makes a claim that something is true, then supports that claim with an explanation that includes highly technical jargon from a field that is difficult to comprehend. It also occurs when a claim is based on pure gibberish in lieu of a strong argument. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:23:29 Facebook Puts Critical Health Information at Risk Like many organisations, Australian Skeptics Inc was affected by Facebook's changes to sharing and

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:23 Queensland Chiropractic Bad Advice Chiropractor forced to take down video on COVID-19, claiming 'nonsense' about 'big bad bug' and other bad advice. https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/chiropractor-forced-to-take-down-video-on-coronavirus-claiming-nonsense-about-big-bad-bug/news-story/57390e8ab06cce03ba5eba8e23f7f694 0:09:12 Logical Fallacies with Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Fallacy of the Single Cause". Also known as 'causal oversimplification', this fallacy occurs when it is assumed that there is a single, simple cause of an outcome, when in fact there may be a number of causes. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:18:02 The Book of Tim with Tim Mendham Another reading from the pages of 'The Skeptic' from Australian Skeptics Inc. "It'a All In Your Head!" - This week Tim looks at Phrenology,

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:44 Test Your E.S.P. From 1977 comes this test from 'The Australian Women's Weekly'. How do you rate your psychic abilities? Have you ever experienced astral travel, levitation, mental telepathy . . . or seen a ghost? https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/5845338 0:19:03 Logical Fallacies with Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Appeal to Common Sense". The 'Appeal to Common Sense' is a specific version of 'Alleged Certainty'. It occurs when someone simply asserts their conclusion as obvious and a fact, however, it may not necessarily be so. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:28:48 The Book of Tim with Tim Mendham Another reading from the pages of 'The Skeptic' from Australian Skeptics Inc. This week Tim looks at magicians, ethics, names, laws and more. https://www.skeptics.com.au 0:36:27 A Dive into a Trove A wa

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:24 The Great Australian Prediction Project A look at some of the 'psychic' predictions for HM Queen Elizabeth II over the past 20 years. What was foreseen or maybe not foreseen for the monarch?   0:16:45 Logical Fallacies with Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Fallacy of Composition". This fallacy is about transferring or projecting the properties shared by a set of individual components to the whole group or product as if they were the one and the same. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:27:55 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:36:06 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers. This week testing psychic claims from 1950 with an Australian subject. Into the Unknown - Part #5 http://www.tr

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:42 The Great Australian Prediction Project A look at some of the 'psychic' predictions for Donald Trump over the past 20 years. What was foreseen or maybe not foreseen for the former president? 0:20:13 Logical Fallacies with Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Perfect Solution Fallacy". The perfect solution is an 'all or nothing' way of thinking, unless the outcome is 100% perfect, the baby may end up being thrown out with the bath water. In other words, the idea is being rejected altogether. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:27:33 Vaccination Rates in Australia Australia has surpassed the immunisation gold stan dard, with a 95.09 per cent vac cination rate for five-year-olds. With 95 per cent of the population vaccinated, child hood diseases that kill cannot get a foothold due to "herd immunity". - By Jane Hansen 0:

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:20 Society of Homeopaths in Hot Water From 'The Good Thinking Society'. Professional Standards Authority suspends the Society of Homeopaths (UK). The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) announced it had suspended the accreditation of the Society of Homeopaths (SoH). - Read by Lara Benham https://goodthinkingsociety.org 0:09:24 Logical Fallacies with Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Red Herring". This is when someone gives irrelevant information in an attempt to distract you from a topic at hand, often to avoid a question or shift the discussion in a new direction. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:16:00 Typewriter Time - Dialup Astrology We discover that Richard Saunders and Maynard have started a new age Astrology service. What advice can they offer Annika Harrison from the European Skeptics Podcast? 0:25:07 Aust

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:25 An interview with Adrienne Hill Adrienne Hill from Canada tells us about Tourette Syndrome and some of the so-called alternative treatments that have been offered over the years. https://tourette.ca https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/resource/tourette-ocd/home Monterey Skepticamp Youtube (at 4:53:10) https://youtu.be/DktlgzdFUTI 0:22:30 Logical Fallacies with Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at the fallacy of "Affirming the Consequent". This is when you assume or conclude a cause for a phenomenon based on the phenomenon itself without taking other possibilities into account. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:30:25 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers. This week testing psychic claims from 1950. Into the Unknown - Part #2 http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Aust. Skeptics YouT

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:36 COVID-19 Conspiracy An alleged quarantine escapee left her hotel after she denied the existence of coronavirus in a series of bizarre online rants. Self-proclaimed "world changer" Jenny D'ubios sparked a manhunt in Perth when she was found missing from her Perth hotel while in COVID-19 quarantine. https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/jenny-dubios-woman-who-allegedly-fled-covid-hotel-quarantine-shared-bizarre-online-rants-before-incident-c-1848398 0:15:09 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at the fallacy of "Unfalsifiability". Also known as 'untestability', this is when you make a claim that cannot be shown or proved to be incorrect or even correct via testing. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:21:02 Monterey Skepticamp 2021 Susan Gerbic with details of the first Skeptical Meeting of the year

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:00 Pete Evans Booted Off Pete Evans has been removed from Facebook just days after telling Sydney followers to not get tested for COVID-19. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/facebook-boots-celebrity-chef-pete-evans-over-covid-19-misinformation-20201223-p56px0.html 0:11:30 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Slothful Induction Fallacy". This is when even though there is enough good evidence to support a conclusion, this evidence is rejected and replaced by something possibly unrelated but more inline with a particular worldview. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:19:18 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Astrology".   1939, 9 December - Smith's Weekly 1942, 6 February - The Cairns Post 1977, 1 February - The Canb

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:07 Susan Gerbic We find out what GSoW are doing to support those fighting COVID-19. Also the latest ravings from two time Bent Spoon winner, Pete Evans. https://abouttimeproject.wordpress.com 0:17:00 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Uri Geller in the 1970s.   1973.12.08    -    The Sydney Morning Herald 1974.02.06    -    The Canberra Times 1975.01.23    -    The Canberra Times 1975.02.24    -    The Sydney Morning Herald 1975.03.03    -    The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:38:55 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "Ipse Dixit". Also known as "It Simply Is", this is when an opinion is given as if it were an undisputed fact, without any need for supporting evidence. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view.

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:36 Doctor at LARGE Ken McLeod reports on how anti-vaccination campaigner Judy Wilyman is trading on her flawed doctorate, and the implications for her, the University of Wollongong, and the community. - Read by Richard Saunders. https://www.skeptics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/magazine/The%20Skeptic%20Volume%2040%20(2020)%20No%204%20(Cover).pdf 0:27:16 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Water Diviners and Sceptics from 1945. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud Let's Crack Zodiac - Episode 5 - The 340 Is Solved! https://youtu.be/-1oQLPRE21o TRICKY NICK by Nicholas J. Johnson https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781760787363/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:54 Living a Skeptical Life From a talk given some years ago by Richard Saunders at a meeting of the Victorian Skeptics, what does it mean to be a skeptic from day to day? The Mysterious Monsters 1975 https://youtu.be/44BUjnxwC_g 0:31:04 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Water Divining in 1912. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:38:37 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au Also Corona Conspiracy - Upload Images https://coronaconspiracy.cloud Maynard - A Very 2020 Christmas and Calendar http://www.maynard.com.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:30 Ben Radford's New Book The famed skeptical investigator, podcaster and author tells us about his new book, a collection of stories covering almost 2 decades. http://benjaminradford.com 0:17:25 ESP - 250 We join a live broadcast of the European Skeptics Podcast to congratulate them for 250 episodes. https://theesp.eu 0:19:52 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Appeal to Emotion". Also known as "argument from passion", this is when you manipulate emotions in order to try and win an argument or promote your point, especially in the absence of good evidence. It is also a red herring, that is, a way of diverting attention away from the issue at hand. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:25:50 GSoW News with Susan Gerbic Susan and friends chime in to bring us up to date with the latest from Guerr

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:00 His Goose is Cooked Another twist in the ongoing sad Soap Opera that is former celebrity Pete Evans. He's lost his sponsorships, he's lost his TV deals, he's lost his book deals along with his marbles. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-54972101 0:13:04 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Fallacy Fallacy". Also known as the bad reasons fallacy, this is when, because your opponent uses logical fallacies, you assume their main argument or point must therefore also be wrong. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:19:05 Prof. Ken Harvey and the TGA After a frustrating time as an advisor to the government agency, Professor Ken Harvey has finally had enough. https://www.smh.com.au/national/top-doctor-resigns-tga-role-over-concerns-with-policing-of-fringe-medicine-20201116-p56f11.html 0:27:43

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:26 From 9/11 to COVID-19 An interview with Claus Larsen from Denmark about the ongoing research into some of the biggest conspiracy theories in recent history. What are some of the COVID-19 conspiracies doing the rounds and why do people believe in them? http://www.911facts.dk 0:29:50 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Appeal to the Stone". This is when you dismiss an idea or statement as absurd, invalid, or incorrect, without giving a satisfactory reason as to why. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:34:54 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Australian Skeptics.   1986.01.06    -    The Canberra Times 1987.04.18    -    The Canberra Times 1986.05.27    -    The Canberra Times 1986.06.04    -    The Canberra Times 1988.

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:50 The Misadventures of the VeXXed Bus We look at the bumpy road and comic mishaps of the "Vaxxed II" bus as it travels along its sorry road. 0:16:44 James Randi, a quiet chat. In 2014, Randi and Saunders toured Australia. During some downtime they chat about magic, memories and TV productions. James Randi: Psychic Investigator - YouTube https://youtu.be/ix_DEto6nH4?t=820   0:28:57 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma This week Michelle looks at "The Hasty Generalisation Fallacy". Also known as the argument from small numbers and the lonely fact fallacy, this is when you base your conclusion upon limited or inconclusive information. A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:35:47 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:42 The Book of T

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 James Randi on The Skeptic Zone Since the podcast begain in 2008, James Randi appeared on about 22 episodes. We present some edited highlights from over the years. 0:39:32 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the James Randi, with a focus on the year 1980, the year of the famed water divining tests.   1980.06.28    -    The Sydney Morning Herald 1980.06.30    -    The Canberra Times 1980.08.17    -    The Sydney Morning Herald 1980.10.11    -    The Sydney Morning Herald 1980.11.09    -    The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au James Randi in Australia - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN-0FEqAkQM Also Interview with James Randi 2006. With Richard Saunders https://youtu.be/ukqsZYHLcuI An Evening with James Randi 2014. With Richard Saunders https://youtu.be/Th1VjbjWpAU