The Skeptic Zone

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:10 Interview with Baily Harris 13-year old Bailey Harris is an author, speaker, and advocate for freethought and human rights. She is the author of the Stardust series of science books for young readers. https://stardustscience.com 0:17:17 The Winchester Mystery House Join Susan Gerbic and Richard Saunders as they take in a tour of this amazing, ramberling mansion. - The Winchester Mystery House is an architectural wonder and historic landmark in San Jose, CA that was once the personal residence of Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester, the widow of William Wirt Winchester and heiress to a large portion of the Winchester Repeating Arms fortune. https://winchestermysteryhouse.com 0:29:30 Life is Wild... with Michelle Franklin A question for listeners outside of Australia. Are you afraid to come here? If so, what is it exactly that you're afraid of? I'm going to take a guess and say that in your top 5 of scary Australian animals, along with

Show Notes Greetings from the Surf Coast Spring Skepticamp 2019 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:15 Skeptical Outreach at the Solano Stroll Join members of the Bay Area Skeptics as they conduct PK (Psychokinesis or Telekinesis) tests at the famous Solano Stroll, one of the biggest street fairs in North America. With Dr Eugenie Scott, William Patterson and Steve Nelson. http://www.baskeptics.org https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solano_Avenue_Stroll 0:23:55 The Raw Skeptic Report... With Heidi Roberton News Byron Bay measles outbreak result of 'irresponsible parents' Health authorities are bracing for a measles outbreak in the anti-vax heartland of Byron Bay after a local unvaccinated child caught measles in New Zealand and returned to the town. - By Jane Hansen https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au https://www.nrvs.info 0:34:49 Vale: Skeptic and psychic debunker Robert Lancaster Robert Lancaster, noted American skeptical activist who created the website Stop Sylvia Browne, d

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:11 Jonathan Jarry We talk to one Canadian who has had it up to the ears with Ear Candles. Jonathan's video on the subject details his investigations into this pillar of quackery.   https://youtu.be/-GfunNxHHkw https://jonathanjarry.com/ 0:22:03 Measles alert for travellers to New Zealand NSW Health is urging NSW residents to be fully vaccinated against measles before travelling to New Zealand where almost 1000 cases have been reported this year. So far in 2019, four measles cases have been introduced to NSW from New Zealand travellers, and that number could rapidly increase due to a recent surge of cases in New Zealand since early August.   https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20190905_00.aspx 0:29:15 Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to ask pubbers this month's question - Was there one moment or event that turned you into a skeptic?   http//www.maynard.com.au Also Skepticon 2019 https://sk

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:55 Dragon*Con 2019 Dr Angie Mattke and a Walking Tour We chat to Dr Angie Mattke to get a taste of things to come over the next few days, followed by a walking tour of Dragon*Con, accompanied by Adam Bovalino from Melbourne, to help get our bearings. https://www.dragoncon.org 0:12:00 Interview with Jennifer Hathorn American Association for the Advancement of Science At a time when STEM education is struggling to produce graduates with the qualities and skills to keep the United States' science and technology sectors competitive, AAAS provides a variety of programs to make sure talent and interest in scientific endeavors are nurtured.   http://www.aaas.org 0:17:22 Dragon*Con Vendors A walk through the giant rooms devoted to selling everything under many suns for fantacy fans. 0:24:16 Pharmacy Fantasy From the pages of 'The Skeptic', Loretta Marron looks at a disturbing attempt by pharmacists to woo customers ... with woo.   https://www

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:25 Isil Arican and Cuneyt Ozdas Learn how Isil and Cuneyt help to promote science and scepticism in Turkey and around the world.   https://yalansavar.org/podcast/ http://www.acikbilim.com/ 0:20:55 Looking for Woo in Berkeley join Richard Saunders as he wanders along the streets of Berkeley in California, looking for strange and mysterious claims made on shopfronts.   https://goo.gl/maps/sFre2sxqjaf9vS3o6 0:31:47 I think we need to think... With Susan Gerbic Susan gives us an update on recent Wikipedia updates.   https://abouttimeproject.wordpress.com/guerrilla-skepticism-on-wikipedia/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detoxification_foot_baths https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facilitated_communication https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deej https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Return_to_Love https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind-body_interventions https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Australian_Bird_Guide 0:41:11 Full Moon and Empty Heads A

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:16 Zealot with Jo Thornley Why would anyone join a cult? Maybe they're unhappy with their current religion, or they want to change the world, or they're disappointed with their lives and want to find something bigger or holier that makes sense of this confusing, chaotic and dangerous world. Or maybe they just want to give themselves the best possible chance of having sex with aliens.   https://www.amazon.com.au/Zealot-about-cults-Jo-Thornely-ebook/dp/B07G58PSY6/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/zealot/id1245635983 0:23:36 The Raw Skeptic Report... With Heidi Robertson TGA cracking down on non-compliant advertising of bioresonance and similar devices In May 2019, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) commenced work on a sector-wide compliance activity relating to the advertising of 'bioresonance' devices, which are sometimes mistakenly promoted as 'biofeedback' devices. This sector has been identified as having a high rate of advert

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:55 Interview with Pontus Bockman Pontus discovered skepticism in 2010 and soon thereafter became deeply involved in local activism, such as organising Skeptics in the Pub and giving lectures on skepticism in local schools in his native Sweden. The ESP   http://theesp.eu European Skeptics Congress 2019 https://www.esc2019.be 0:26:30 Super Science Saturday Ian Bryce and Richard Saunders from The Mystery Investigators once again bring their science show to the Australian Museum in Sydney.   http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com 0:38:30 Vinegar Can be Used for What? In 1996 Glenn Cardwell sent in a complaint about an advertisement for 'The Vinegar Book'. This report from the pages of the Skeptic Magazine details the reaction he received. http://www.skeptics.com.au Also Curious Recollections - Book https://www.wakefieldpress.com.au Surf Coast Skepicamp https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/surf-coast-spring-skepticamp-2019-september-tickets-

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:20 Interview with Derek Colanduno We catch up with one of the original skeptical podcasters. Derek gives us an overview of the early days of 'Skepticality' and sets the scene for the upcoming Skeptrack at Dragon*Con 2019 in Atlanta.   http://skeptics.dragoncon.org 0:20:21 Nominations open for the Bent Spoon Award From psychics to quacks, TV shows and racing car drivers, the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Award has a colourful list of past winners. Can you help find a worthy recipient for 2019?   https://www.skeptics.com.au/features/bent-spoon/ 0:30:23 Skeptics Investigate "psychic surgery" The very first story in the very first issue of "The Skeptic" magazine from Australian Skeptics. Melbourne skeptics take on a psychic surgeon.   http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:41:30 The Think Tank with James Randi A blast from the past. In 2012 James Randi visited Melbourne to take part in the Australian Skeptcs national convention. We took the opp

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:28 A Random RANT! With Dr Paulie Stories of people being terrified by Yowie like creatures go back decades and had their heyday in the 1970s when it seems some here in Australia were somewhat jealous or maybe inspired by the reports coming out of North America. It was a golden age for UFOs, Psychics such as Uri Geller, the Loch Ness monster and BigFoot sightings. All good fun at the time and as the years went by interest both here in Australia and in the USA tapered off. But not completely. https://www.gcskeptics.com 0:13:15 An interview with Evan Bernstein We catch up with the SGU rouge and find out about the upcoming trip to New Zealand and Australia. Evan is a co-host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe and The Skeptics Guide 5×5 podcasts. He also serves as the Connecticut chapter chairman of the New England Skeptical Society. Evan is a technical adviser for official NESS investigations, and is the SGU's audio engineer for live remote

  Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:47 Apollo 11 - Sydney Morning Herald 1969 MEN ON MOON U.S. astronauts open a new era for mandkind. - Man has landed on the moon. The U.S. spacecraft, Eagle, carring Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, touched down on the lunar surface early today (Sydney time). 0:12:30 Moon Landings Were No Hoax Continuing to believe that the Moon landings were faked, despite the solid evidence from many quarters that confirm the missions, despite the thorough and painstaking debunking of every major objection from the conspiracy theorists (from popular TV shows such as MythBusters to hundreds of detailed explanations online) is NOT being sceptical... it is being a science denier. It is the same mindset that leads people to deny the Earth is round or that climate change is also just another hoax.   https://www.skeptics.com.au/2019/07/16/leaflet-on-moon-landings/ Scimandan - Flat Earth Friday https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWYePF35K6BdrC67K2TSQ1jBeOB

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:15 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Casula Powerhouse presents GIANT LEAP, a multi-arts program, which includes six new exhibitions created to mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in 1969. The launch and first steps on the moon were televised and watched around the world. The exhibitions provide insight into the impact of the first humans on the moon, on popular culture, on individuals and on their artwork and acknowledges the ancient and important influences of the moon in most cultures. An interview with Jenny Cheeseman - Head of Curatorial http://www.casulapowerhouse.com/whats-on/lcc-whats-on/giant-leap 0:17:15 Skeptics in the Pub with Maynard Joins us at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub as Maynard asks the big question.... 'Why do people take advice from celebrities over scientists?' 0:32:20 Skeptics in the Pub with Dr Karl Maynard's wide ranging interview with Dr Karl. 0:52:50 Britt Hermes Update Eran Segev brings us the latest goo

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:50 Harmful Homeopathic 'Cures' We interview Michael Marshall from The Good Thinking Society in the U.K. about the action being taken to fight the extreme foolishness that is Homeopathy.   https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/gts-cease-psa/ 0:20:02 Chabot Space & Science Center A tour with Leonard Trameil The only thing more extraordinary than the science we are learning about the Moon is its incredible beauty. Chabot's stunning new photographic essay explores the Moon's sweeping craters and once-active volcanoes, with photos by NASA astronauts who witnessed its beautiful desolation firsthand, new views captured by their astronomers using Chabot's reflecting telescope, and images taken via satellite that allow us to explore places we have not even yet visited.   https://chabotspace.org/visit/exhibits/luminous-moon/ Also Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au Canberra Skeptics Talks https://www.meetup.com/SocialSkepticsCanberra/

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Ben Radford 0:07:04 Trish & Chips... with Trish Hann Sally Morgan is a British television and stage performer who claims to have psychic abilities. In mid 2019 she brought her stage show to Australia. On hand outside the theatre for her Sydney performance were members of Australian Skeptics.   Mark Tilbrook confronted my Sally Morgan's people - video https://youtu.be/sCdvA7Lu1jM BBC News - Paul Zenon on 'Psychic Sally' - video https://youtu.be/4Xu2cUAVlr8 0:16:05 The long and the sad history of Psychic Detectives Ben Radford joins Richard Saunders to once again look into people who think they have magical, psychic powers and have plagued the police for decades. 1935, 26 January - Australian Women's Weekly https://trove.nla.gov.au 0:36:45 Interview with Tony Ortega Guest reporter Susan Gerbic interviews Tony Ortega an American blogger who is best known for his daily blog about the Church of Scientology called The Underground Bunker. h

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:54 Psychics and Missing Persons Again and again, so-called "Psychics" chime in with mystical informaion on missing persons. Worse still they send usless information to the Police and give false hope to heartbroken parents. We look at a few cases in the news.   http://www.google.com/search?q=Theo+Hayez+Psychic http://www.google.com/search?q=William+Tyrrell+Psychic http://undeceivingourselves.org/S-ican.htm 0:23:50 Bugs in Berkeley We join Dr Eugenie Scott for a visit to the Berkeley Botanic Gardens, where we find a table dedicated to science outreach from the National Centre for Science Education.   https://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu https://ncse.com 0:38:55 ESP... Sence or Nonsence? How did the popular magazine 'The Australian Woman's Weekly' cover the topic of the paranormal over 40 years ago. Find out as we dive into the pages from 1977. A report by Patricia Angly   https://trove.nla.gov.au/aww https://trove.nla.gov.au/aww/rea

Show Notes   0:00:00 Introduction  Richard Saunders   0:08:10 Flat Earhers flat out with excuses We talk to Ross Blocher from the Oh No! Ross and Carrie Podcast about the day members of the Committee For Inquiry set out to prove (again) that the world really is a sphear.   CFI Investigation Video   https://youtu.be/CnrjdD08dWg    Oh No! Ross and Carrie   https://www.maximumfun.org/shows/oh-no-ross-and-carrie   0:24:42 Skeptical Con Interview Guest reporter Susan Gerbic reports from Skeptical 2019 in San Francisco where she interviews Thomas Westbrook from Holy Kool-aid on YouTube. https://youtu.be/faBIIFA5wng   0:28:50 Poles Apart Are the magnetic poles about to flip? Ken McLeod takes a break from the AVN - sort of - to look at some silly science.   http://www.skeptics.com.au   Also    Skepticon 2019   https://skepticon.org.au    Maynard's Love Shack and Movie nights    http://www.maynard.com.au

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction  Richard Saunders 0:03:35 Bigfoot and the FBI We catch up with famed skeptical investigator Ben Radford for his opinion on the latest news regarding Bigfoot in the FBI. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/06/us/fbi-bigfoot-file.html 0:13:13 Britt Hermes successful in defamation lawsuit  Britt Hermes has been successful in the defamation law suit brought against by US naturopath Colleen Huber.  On May 24, 2019, the District Court (Landgericht) of Kiel, Germany ruled against Huber in the lawsuit that Huber brought against Hermes in September 2017. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2019/06/04/britt-hermes-successful-in-defamation-lawsuit/ https://www.naturopathicdiaries.com/justice-prevails-cancer-quack-colleen-huber-loses-her-defamation-suit-against-me 0:19:36 Cold Feet over Cold Fusion with Ian Bryce Long time skeptical investigator from Australia Skeptics Ian Bryce has been published in the Skeptical Inquirer regarding a claim of cold fusion. 0:35:50 Where to look online for reliable,

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:15 "Chemtrails" on TV Ken Mcleod is a retired air traffic controller and national manager of aviation search and rescue, Australian aviation representative on two UN committees, and once upon a time a private pilot. Recently he appeard on national TV in Australia to cross swords with a Chemtrail Conspiracy Theorist. Video: Studio 10 segment https://youtu.be/UkLfPtYiidQ 0:18:36 UFOs - the first 50 years From the pages of 'The Skeptic', the journal of Australian Skeptics. Dr Steve Roberts takes a look at how UFOs and movie cultures have interacted from the 1940s up to the 1990s. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:38:06 Pint of Science in Canberra Belinda Wilson is a conservation ecologist who specialises in reintroduction biology, behavioural ecology, and spatial dynamics. She has worked in the university, government and private sectors, and is currently undertaking a PhD in the Fenner School of Environment and Society at The Australian National

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 CFI takes legal against Walmart Walmart is committing wide-scale consumer fraud and endangering the health of its customers though its sale and marketing of homeopathic medicines, the Center for Inquiry alleges in a lawsuit filed in the District of Columbia on May 20. We talk to Nicholas Little CFI's Vice President and General Counsel   https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/walmart-sued-for-fraud-homeopathy/ 0:22:00 The ghost tour of haunted Melbourne On Saturday July 10, 1999, three adventurous Victorian committee members (Rosemary Sceats, Bob Nixon and Jane Curtain) embarked on a fascinating journey through "haunted Melbourne". By Jane M Curtain   https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine/ 0:37:08 Maynard's Spooky Action.... We look at the number of votes for 'The Involuntary Medication Objectors (Vaccination/Fluoride) Party (IMOP)' at the 2019 Australian Federal Election. Also we hear from Brian Dunning about his new film 'S

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:50 Down the Rabbit Hole An interview with author Mick West about his new podcast and a discussion about conspiracy theories is in general.   https://www.tftrh.com 0:21:00 Skeptics Vs Psychic Surgeon In 1984, two members of Australian Skeptics went undercover to try and expose a psychic surgeon. The whole thing ended up in court with surprising results.   https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine/ Also Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au