The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:35 Grain of Salt... With Eran Segev Interview with Edva Lotan from Midaat Fighting Anti-Vax nonsense and promoting good health. Midaat was established with the goal of aiding the public in Israel to gain necessary information, identify health risks, and protect itself from those risks. http://midaat.org.il/midaat/midaat_english/ 0:24:22 Maynard's Spooky Action The last of the Skepticon interviews with Dr Ian Musgrave, Dr Brad McKay and Kate Browne 0:32:44 Misleading and Unsafe Practices by Anti-Vaccination Campaigners The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission has received multiple complaints regarding misleading and unsafe practices by anti-vaccination (anti-vax) campaigners and the potential risks that such persons and associations pose to the public health and safety. http://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au 0:41:05 Silly Season with Maynard and Richard at the Skeptic Zone Christmas Party Local news photographers are hugely skilled and poorly paid, and

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:03:35 Maynard's Spooky Action Skepticon interview with Carrie Poppy http://www.facebook.com/onrac   0:26:00 Sydney Skeptics in the Pub for December We ask pubbers what podcasts they would like to hear. With Trish, Jessica, Rowland, Gavin and Jessica Singer.   0:42:00 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson Release of NCIRS 2017 Immunisation Coverage Report and Australian Immunisation Register Data Transfer Study Report. Two new reports released by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) shine a bright new light on immunisation coverage in Australia. http://www.ncirs.org.au   0:49:37 Megaquake for Christmas? 'Quake mystic' Frank Hoogerbeets warns cosmic event could 'trigger megaquake' over Christmas https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/quake-mystic-frank-hoogerbeets-warns-cosmic-event-could-trigger-megaquake-over-christmas/news-story/8d302c7dc630923b524c11585449ee7e   https://www.ditrianum.org   Also Canberra Skeptics ht

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:03:20 Maynard's Spooky Action...  Interviews from Skepticon 2018 Part #6 Lee Murray Dr Pamela Gay Luke Freeman Dr Vyom Sharmer   0:33:35 Anti-vax activist charges parents $4000 for 'expert report' An anti-vaccination activist with no medical training is charging $4000 for an "expert report" to present in court cases to help parents who do not want to have their children vaccinated. - By Jane Hansen   https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au   0:38:00 Radio Skeptics Sydney radio from a few years back with Richard Saunders talking about Chemtrails and Yowies.

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:03:40 Maynard's Spooky Action...  Interviews from Skepticon 2018 Part #5 Kate Browne Dr Vyom Sharmer Eran Segev and more   https://www.finder.com.au/   0:25:00 Science Friction with Brian Dunning Finally, a documentary about scientists who get misrepresented by the media. 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 is going to expose these faux documentaries by name, and will give the scientists a chance to clear the record.    https://sciencefriction.tv/   0:40:00 Maynard with Fiona Patten The Reason Party stands for forward-thinking, evidence-based and inclusive change for Victoria. We represent reasonable people who want real change for the better.    https://reasonvic.org.au/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:05:00 Susan Gerbic from GSoW Update on Facilitated Communication https://www.facebook.com/GSoWproject   0:16:04 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2018 Part #4 Magicians Nick Kay and Peter Rodgers https://nickkaymagic.com   0:37:27 Life is Wild! With Michelle Franklin Bio Control https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkeptiCamp

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:25 Maynard and Richard's Spooky Action... Interviews from the Oz Paranormal & Spiritual Expo 2018 Good Games Miranda https://www.goodgames.com.au/au/stores/nsw/miranda.html Cast from Dungeon fx https://castfromdungeonfx.com UFO PRSA http://www.ufosociety.net.au Secret Witch Business https://www.facebook.com/secretwitchbiz/ Oz Paratech https://ozparatech.com/ APPI Ghost Hunts & Tours https://www.appighosthunts.com/ Beth Darlington https://www.accessparanormal.com/ Peet Banks https://www.ozparaexpo.com.au/ 0:32:25 Massimo Polidoro and Stranger Stories Randi Tricks the Trickster. How was the Amazing Randi able to break a spoon and read inside a sealed envelope during an unexpected challenge on a TV show in Canada? Here Randi reveals his secret... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHiMHkvIz0M 0:44:14 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2018 Part #3 Mal Vickers Yvette d'Entremont, also known as The SciBabe Part #3 Kirsten Banks Dr Pamela Gay

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:20 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2018 Yvette d'Entremont, also known as The SciBabe Part #2 Adam Reakes - Ruth Ellison - Tim Mendham - Jessica Singer http://www.herdmentalitypodcast.com/ https://crankybot.com/ 0:27:15 Trish Hann and the risks of avoiding Ante Natal Care This week Trish talks about the red flags and dangers of home birthing and the reluctance of some to take advantage of basic medical procedures. 0:35:15 Skeptics in the Pub Pine Gap talk with David Rosenberg. Interviews from the bar stools. https://www.amazon.com/Pine-Gap-David-Rosenberg-ebook/dp/B07H3488C7

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:20 Crowd Interviews from Skepticon 2018 We chat to Mandy-Lee Noble Heidi Robertson The GSoW Team Dr Sue Blackmore 0:13:33 Aust Skeptics Campaigns and Investigations – have your say Australian Skeptics Inc is regularly involved in a range of campaigns and investigations, some of which have been well-publicised (like the investigation of the PowerBalance wrist band), and others that are on-going and still under wraps. This is your chance to get involved. Feel free to contact us with tips and suggestions. You might also like to add your own active contribution and play a part in the campaign and/or investigation itself. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/10/01/aust-skeptics-campaigns-and-investigations-have-your-say/ 0:17:42 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2018 Yvette d'Entremont, also known as The SciBabe Part #1 Dr Vyom Sharma Trish Hann Also... RSVP for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub with David Rosenberg https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/AustSkeptics/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:15 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon Trivia Night Maynard chats to Mandy-Lee Noble Jo Benhamu Beth Darlington Dr Sue Blackmore Kirsten Banks Dr Pamela Gay 0:21:25 Australian Skeptics Awards for 2018 The Bent Spoon - The Fred - The Wallaby - Life Memberships https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/10/13/a-bad-day-for-sarah/ 0:26:50 Jane Hansen A chat with the winner of the inaugural Barry Williams Award for Skeptical Journalism. Jane Hansen, reporter for News Corp, has written extensively on the anti-vaccination and anti-fluoride movements, fad diets, and quack cures. 0:34:20 Maynard with Dr Karl What is Dr Karl's advice when confronted by tricky questions over dinner? http://drkarl.com/ 0:39:00 Pine Gap Book Launch We ask author David Rosenberg about Australia's "Area 51". https://www.pinegapbook.com/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:04:20 Mark Mayer and so-called "Psychic Detectives" From 2005 an interview with the Melbourne magician about his investigations.   0:16:18 Mind Body Wallet for October 2018 Once again we head for the newage fair.   0:25:38 Maynard's Spooky Action... Sydney Skeptics in the Pub and some questions about the science of music. Can you produce a hit song if you know the formula?      

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:20 Carrie Poppy Direct from Hollywood, we chat to Carrie about her upcoming trip to Australia and about the Oh No Ross and Carrie Podcast. http://www.maximumfun.org/shows/oh-no-ross-and-carrie 0:16:18 Maynard's Spooky Cat ActionAn interview with cat expert Dr Dr Kersti Seksel from the Sydney Animal Behaviour Service http://sabs.com.au/staff_profiles.htm 0:25:38 We announce the MC for the Skepticon Dinner 0:26:26 Shonky Awards 2018In the firing line are Bioglan homeopathic melatonin and Magnetic therapy devices from Dick Wicks and BioMagnetic Sport. https://www.choice.com.au/shonky-awards 0:36:45 David Rosenberg and Pine GapMaynard interview the technical adviser for the new ABC TV series. https://tv.press.abc.net.au/new-thriller-pine-gap-launches-in-october https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Pine-Gap-Came-Desert/dp/1742701736

0:00:00IntroductionRichard Saunders 0:04:28Life is Wild! With Michelle Franklin The problem of poachingEndangered species that are killed, so that their bones and eyes and various other equally useless body parts can fail to cure anything from malaria to broken arms. 0:23:30Anti-vaccination activist turns expert witness in family court immunisation brawl The country's most prominent anti-vaccination activist is claiming to be an expert witness in a family legal brawl over whether their children should be immunised. - By Kylar Loussikianhttps://www.theage.com.au/national/anti-vaccination-activist-turns-expert-witness-in-family-court-immunisation-brawl-20180922-p505dk.html 0:32:00Maynard's Spooky Action....Talk to the Animals - Part #1During science week, Maynard met up with no end of animal experts has he hosted a public talk in Parramatta. Deborah and Caroline from WIREShttps://www.wires.org.au/branch/sydneynorthwest Dr Grace Thurtell from Sydney Animal Behaviour Servicehttp://www.sabs.com.auDr. Matthew Bulb

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:28 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson Heidi tells us of her efforts, via her local council, to stop the Anti-Vax crowd from using council facilities in the Byron Shire of NSW. 0:23:30 The end of the world put on hold..... again. DATELINE AUSTRALIA – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – TSUNAMI HITS SYDNEY Yesterday, September 20th 2018 at 9pm, a tsunami wreaked havoc along the NSW coast from Newcastle in the north to Nowra in the south. Huge regions of Sydney where devastated including the seaside suburbs of Cronulla, Bondi and Manly. The Tsunami surge also wiped out inner harbour suburbs such as Balmain and Kirribilli, destroyed the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as the airport and flooded the central business district. Waves reached as far inland as Parramatta. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/09/21/sad-day-for-doomsday/ 0:32:00 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Interview with Nathan "Mudyi" Sentence about promoting scepticism in museums, galleries, libraries and archives.

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:45 Interview with Dr Alice Howarth Dr Alice Howarth (PhD) is a cellular and molecular biologist with a specialism in cancer research who is currently researching nanomedicines at the University of Liverpool in the UK. Alice is a board director of the Merseyside Skeptics Society and co-host of the skeptical podcast Skeptics with a K. https://convention.skeptics.com.au/speakers/dr-alice-howarth/ 0:15:20 Dextox? My Foot! One way to scam people is to diagnose and correct a nonexistent problem. Aqua Detox practitioners do this by claiming to remove toxins and balance cellular energy. During treatment sessions, the customer's feet are bathed for 30 minutes in salt water that is subjected to a low-voltage current transmitted through an electrode assembly called an "array" (the dark cylindrical object to which the wire is attached). https://www.devicewatch.org/reports/aquadetox.shtml 0:25:15 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Another fun night at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. This w

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:45 Interview with Celestia Ward Squaring the Strange brings evidence-based analysis and commentary to a wide variety of topics, ranging from the paranormal to the political. Investigating ghosts. Debunking conspiracies. Dodging chupacabras. If a claim seems strange, Ben and Pascual will try to square it with the facts. https://squaringthestrange.libsyn.com/ 0:15:00 A Random RANT! With Dr Paulie Interview with Hana Svobodová from Save Turtle. Save Turtle Organization is Czech NGO founded in 2017. It concentrates on the protection of sea turtles and their natural habitat. They wish for a world where people care for nature and take an interest in sea turtles. http://saveturtle.net/ 0:28:20 Open letter to the RSL : Let the Dead Rest in Peace Through its clubs, the Returned Services League commemorates our servicemen and women, including some who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are concerned that those clubs are occasionally used for a form of entertainment that is disres

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:02:57 Prof. Paul Willis Australian university students appear to give far more credit to the science of human evolution and far less to creationism or divine guidance than the previous generation. https://theconversation.com/fewer-australian-university-students-than-ever-before-believe-in-creationism-101674 https://www.nationalsecularlobby.org/   0:21:32 Life is Wild! With Michelle Franklin Maggie the Maine Coon moggie recently moved here from South Africa, and after clearing quarantine she moved into a suburban house in Brisbane. All seems to be going well thus far, except that one day recently Maggie got a new housemate (let's call her Sally the snake), a very large and non-venomous coastal carpet python.   0:37:44 Speed Meet the Scientists at the Powerhouse Museum #3 This week, interviews with... Dr James Hunter - Maritime Archaeologist http://www.anmm.gov.au/ Dr Ceridwen Boel - Archaeologist / Evolutionary Biologist https://epicaustralia.org.au/ Dr Kelsey Zimme

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:05:10 Stephen Barrett, M.D from Quackwatch Stephen Barrett, M.D., a retired psychiatrist who lives near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has achieved national renown as an author, editor, and consumer advocate. In addition to heading Quackwatch, he is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. http://www.quackwatch.org/   0:21:33 Speed Meet the Scientists at the Powerhouse Museum #2 This week, interviews with... Dr Hayley Green - Forensic Anthropologist https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/staff_profiles/uws_profiles/doctor_hayley_green Dr Katherine Dafforn - Marine Ecologist / Ecotoxicologist http://katherinedafforn.com Alison Luk - Microbiologist https://sydney.edu.au/science/people/alison.luk.243.php   0:37:46 Skeptics Award for Critical Thinking in Journalism Australian Skeptics Inc is adding to its portfolio of annual awards with one for the best piece of skeptical journalism. The award is named for the late Barry Williams, past president and executive officer of

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:04:30 Kate Browne Kate is an investigative journalist and leader of the news team at CHOICE. She is also known as 'The Gulty Mum' from the ABC TV show 'The Checkout' and will be the M.C. for the upcoming Skepticon in October. https://www.choice.com.au/authors/kate-browne https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcnP8uT1FzoUVv3WOpQDFNlU_YmVszNoP   0:14:33 Maynard's Spooky Action.... The launch of Science Week #2 Maynard heads to Australian Museum to attend the launch of Science Week 2018. Interviews with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - All round Science Communicator http://drkarl.com/ Catherine Polcz - Program Producer (Science) Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences - producer of the Sydney Science Festival. https://catherinepolcz.com/   0:27:10 Interview with Alethea Dean from Australian Skeptics Over a coffee or two, Alethea tells us of some of the people lined up for Skepticon 2018. Also news about a possible crèche and sign language interpreter at the convention. https://conv

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:04 Dr Vyom Sharma Magic - Science - Medicine Meet Vyom at Skepticon 2018 in October. https://www.vyomsharma.com.au/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS0yG1kzAeE 0:16:45 Naturopath banned for life following baby's near-death Marilyn Bodnar, an "extreme diet" naturopath who was acquitted of a manslaughter charge in 1987 when one of her clients starved themselves to death on a water-only diet, has now been banned for life from "providing any health service in any capacity, either paid or voluntary". https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/08/03/naturopath-banned-for-life-following-babys-near-death/ 0:21:30 Maynard's Spooky Action.... The launch of Science Week #1 Maynard and Richard Saunders head to Australian Museum to attend the launch of Science Week 2018. Interviews with Alanta Colley - Comedian, Science Communicator and Storyteller https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5547887/when-science-meets-comedy/ Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - All round Science Communicator http://drkarl.com

0:00:00 Introduction Heidi Robertson 0:01:40 The Raw Skeptic Report.... with Heidi Robertson A special report and review of the new documentary "Vitamainia", screened in the Anti-Vax heartland of Mullumbimby, NSW. Also local council under fire for a screening of "Sacrificial Virgins". https://www.vitamaniathemovie.com/ https://nrvs.info/