The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:13 CSIcon 2017 Part #1 Join us at CSIcon 2017 as we wander the rooms and halls looking for skeptical people to interivew. This week: Eugenie C. Scott Rob Palmer Brian Dunning Extended interview with Britt Marie Hermes http://guerrillaskepticismonwikipedia.blogspot.com http://principlesofcuriosity.com/ https://www.naturopathicdiaries.com/ 0:23:05 Australian patients vulnerable to quacks We live in the most scientific of ages where it is more than reasonable to expect that modern healthcare strategies will be underpinned by credible scientific evidence for their clinical effectiveness. However, we find flourishing, pseudoscientific concepts and practices that are an affront to our detailed knowledge of how our bodies function in health and disease. - John Dwyer http://www.smh.com.au/comment/australian-patients-vulnerable-to-quacks-20170924-gynuhn.html 0:32:03 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats Mariusz Blochowiak at the European Skeptics Congress. Rat

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:40 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats THE ESP PODCAST at the European Skeptics Congress. András G Pintér, Hungary - Jelena Levin, Latvia - Pontus Böckman, Sweden. The European Skeptics Podcast is an independent, weekly show hosted by three skeptics from different countries, representing several organisations and projects. The main focus of the podcast is to support European level actions within the skeptical movement. http://theesp.eu 0:22:30 "Illegal" for health funds to support some 'natural' therapies As part of its overhaul of private health insurance, the Federal government has decided to remove the insurance subsidy from a range of 'natural' therapies. A statement from the Department of Health says that consumers can still choose to access these services, but they will not be able to claim benefits from their insurer. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/10/17/illegal-for-health-funds-to-support-some-natural-therapies/ 0:27:27 A chat with Deborah

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:40 Interview with Ben Radford We ask Ben about so-called "Psychic Detectives", people who investigate crimes by using purported paranormal psychic abilities. Benjamin Radford is deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer science magazine and a Research Fellow with the non-profit educational organization the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He has written over a thousand articles on a wide variety of topics, including urban legends, the paranormal, critical thinking, and media literacy. https://squaringthestrange.wordpress.com/ 0:24:40 "Australian-first" penalties for male hormone clinic Wellness Enterprises Pty Limited, which traded as Australian Male Hormone Clinic, has been fined $127,500 plus costs after being found guilty and convicted of 17 charges related to unlawful advertising of regulated health services. Charges brought by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) followed advertisements the business published in newspapers around Australia betw

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:40 Interview with Dr Pamela Gay We find out how Dr Pamela Gay and you can help NASA analyze more than 1.5 million images taken by astronauts on the International Space Station! They need your help analyzing these images – this is a task only a human like you can accomplish. Please join them in enhancing NASA's extensive catalogue of astronaut images that can be used for science and enjoyed for their beauty. https://cosmoquest.org/x/beta/ 0:23:14 SHONKY Awards CHOICE's annual awards name and shame the shonkiest products and companies taking advantage of Australian consumers. - SHONKY: (adjective) Australian slang meaning "unreliable, unsound, dishonest, poor or of dubious quality; shoddy". https://www.choice.com.au/shonky-awards 0:30:55 Maynard's spooky action... at a distance Billie and the Dinosaurs Interviews with Tim Ferguson, Geoff and David Willis Three hundred million years ago, the world of the dinosaurs was called Pangea - a landmass that covered half the Ear

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:07:00 Interview with Stevyn Colgan Stevyn Colgan is a British writer, artist and speaker. A former researcher and scriptwriter for the BBC TV series QI and the regular QI Annuals, and for QI's BBC Radio 4 sister show The Museum of Curiosity. Why did the policeman cross the road? TED X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFfUskk2aXg https://unbound.com/books/why-did-the-policeman-cross-the-road https://unbound.com/books/a-murder-to-die-for 0:25:34 Australian Skeptics offers funds for skeptical programs and activities Australian Skeptics Inc (ASI) is committed to increasing and fostering the skeptical movement in Australia, and consequently has a history of supporting various programs around Australia that promote our aims http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/09/25/asi-offers-funds-for-skeptical-programs-and-activities/ 0:27:34 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Casey Harrigan On Sept 22, we said happy birthday to scientist and inventor, Michae

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:00 Susan Gerbic All roads lead to Europe and the European Skeptics Congress. We catch up with Susan Gerbic as she travels from country to country, making her way to the main event. http://guerrillaskepticismonwikipedia.blogspot.com.au 0:16:35 Bent Spoon nominations for 2017 The nominations for the 2017 Australian Skeptics' Bent Spoon award have been published, featuring an array of potential winners and dis-honourees. The Spoon is awarded to the most preposterous piece of paranormal or pseudoscientific piffle of the year, and is one of the least sought-after awards on the woo calendar. Past winners include Paleo Pete Evans, Homeopathy Plus, the Lutec free energy generator, a whole range of universities, and a psychic dentist. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/09/21/bent-spoon-nominations-for-2017-abc-nicm-newcastle-city-council-and-more/ 0:20:20 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Kelly Wong History became HERstory when researchers us

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:05 An interview with Kurt Andersen We discuss his new book FANTASYLAND: How America Went Haywire: A 500-Year History Conspiracy Theories: Nearly 1/2 of Americans believe that millions of people voted illegally in the 2016 election. 1/3 believe global warming is a hoax. 1/3 believe that extraterrestrials have visited (or now reside) on earth. 1/4 believe that U.S. officials planned the 9/11 attacks. How did we arrive at this point? http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/209776/fantasyland-by-kurt-andersen/9781400067213/ 0:16:30 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Ben Lewis Your 5 Step Asteroid Success Plan. Want to become an asteroid mining magnate? Thanks to a new law in Luxembourg we've come up with a foolproof five step plan. https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-your-5-step-asteroid-success-plan/ 0:18:40 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, one of Australia's top science communicators, talks to Maynard abo

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Including an update on anti-vaccination GP John Piesse. http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/medical-regulator-police-raid-antivax-gp-john-piesses-mitcham-clinic-20170909-gye3ak.html 0:06:15 Stranger Things Down Under at the Oz Paranormal Expo Join Lara Benham, Alethia Dean and Richard Saunders as they once again brave the wonders of the paranormal expo. https://www.facebook.com/StrangerThingsDownUnder http://www.ozparaexpo.com.au https://www.facebook.com/sydney.ufoclub http://www.moonlarkmedia.com http://www.appighosthunts.com 0:18:45 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats to Dr Keren Landsman Dr Landsman is an Israeli physician specialising in epidemiology and public health. She writes science fiction and the Hebrew blog 'End of the world'. http://www.realitybugs.me 0:32:31 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Ben Lewis Some scientists think humans have an upper age limit of 115, but others think we could live far longer. Our lif

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:05:27 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats to Cara Santa Maria. Cara Santa Maria is a Los Angeles Area Emmy and Knight Foundation Award winning journalist, science communicator, television personality, producer, and podcaster. She is also part of the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast. http://carasantamaria.com 0:27:24 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Casey Harrigan In the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor, the most dangerous things in the boxing ring might have been the gloves. This is why the ref's call - and declaration of Mayweather as the winner - was the right call. https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-the-most-dangerous-thing-in-boxing-may-be-the-gloves/  0:29:10 An interview with Prof. Paul Willis Paul is a former Director of the Royal Institution of Australia, presenter on ABC TV's Catalyst program, palaeontologist and career science communicator. His life has centred around

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Including Evan Bernstein from the Skeptics Guide to the Universe remarks during the solar eclipse. 0:07:14 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats to Astronomer Dr Pamela Gay, the Director of Technology and Citizen Science at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Planet maps and more! https://www.astrosociety.org http://www.astronomycast.com 0:17:50 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson Exciting news for the Northern Rivers Vaccination Supporters Group as they have been nominated the North Coast Primary Health Network's 2017 Community Choice Excellence Award. You can view their video and vote here: http://ncphn.org.au/excellence/community-choice 0:22:16 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Shuj Esufali Let's make algae Australian of the Year! The first evidence of an algae explosion which led to all life on Earth has been found in central Australia. It's time we recognised this little Aussie battler. bit.ly/2whTkFj

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:22 Look out! Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Evan Bernstein from the Skeptics Guide to the Universe joins us to talk about the upcoming eclipse. Evan also notes the 10 year anniversary since the passing of Perry DeAngelis. https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_July_22,_2028 0:18:00 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Kelly Wong In the green corner: South Australia's newly announced solar thermal power plant. In the black corner: Queensland's proposed coal mine. Which form of energy production will triumph? We know where we're placing our bets https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-australias-energy-showdown 0:19:42 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson While at the recent Star Stuff Astronomy weekend, Heidi met John who has touching story to tell of the struggle of his late son. A cautionary message for us all about the dangers of not vaccinating. https://campaigns.health.gov.au/immunis

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:05:22 Reports from NECSS This week we chat to Natalie Newell from The Science Enthusiast Podcast. http://scienceenthusiast.libsyn.com   0:11:30 Interview with Ann Reid #4 Ann Reid from the National Center for Science Education in the USA tells us about science outreach to schools. https://ncse.com/   0:21:30 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Casey Harrigan Researchers have found a protein that mimics the effects of exercise on the heart, while it's great news for those with heart failure, it's not an excuse to skip your workouts. https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-theres-no-such-thing-as-an-exercise-pill/   0:24:20 Anti-vaccination advocate 'banned from Australia' after documentary tour The producer behind a controversial anti-vaccination film which has been touring Australia has been banned from returning to the country for three years. http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/controversial-antivaxers-banned-from-australia-a

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:30 The Diet Skeptic... with Mandy-Lee Noble Australia is one of many countries that have water fluoridation programs currently operating, however there are forces at work trying to remove this important health initiative. 0:15:00 Professor Stefan sojka The 'eat less' diet! 0:16:23 VaXXed on Tour in Australia We report on some of the media coverage of this anti-vaccination crusade. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-26/school-tricked-into-allowing-anti-vaxxer-film-screening/8745154 http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/08/01/anti-vax-film-screened-at-anu https://www.immunisationfoundation.org.au/light-for-riley http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/inside-the-antivaccination-cult/news-story/10ba867d15778a30d88b3ae4ed262a05 http://www.2gb.com/podcast/ray-hadley-bars-anti-vaxxers-for-life https://omny.fm/shows/mornings-with-neil-mitchell/neil-mitchell-speaks-with-dr-john-cunningham-about https://christianporter.dss.gov.au/media-releases/no-jab-no-pay-lifts-immunisation-rates

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:10 More Good Thinking with Michael Marshall Marsh brings us up to date with the latest news on homeopathy in the UK with recommendations being looked at that would help curtail this quackery. http://goodthinkingsociety.org 0:15:00 Reports from NECSS Bob Novella from the The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe Podcast joins us to chat about what it's like to perform live in front of a skeptical audience.. 0:23:00 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Shuj Esufali NASA is looking at the art of origami to help it send people to Mars! https://www.australiascience.tv 0:24:40 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson Hendra virus infection is a serious condition which can be fatal. The virus was first discovered after an outbreak of illness in horses Hendra, Brisbane in 1994. 0:35:20 Interview with Ann Reid #2 This week Ann Reid from the National Center for Science Education in the USA tells us about the problems faced when trying to commun

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:06 Reports from NECSS Claire Klingenberg joins us to talk about the 17th European Skeptics Congress. http://euroscepticscon.org http://www.sysifos.cz 0:10:52 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Ben Lewis The Government has announced a review into the space industry in Australia. We think it's time we had an agency of our own. Australia - let's go to space. https://www.australiascience.tv 0:14:15 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson This week Heidi gives us an overview of the recent Star Stuff astronomy meetining in Bryon Bay, and even goes for a walk on Mars! Dr Duane Hamacher https://starstuff.com.au/2017/02/21/speaker-spotlight-dr-duane-hamacher/ Mark Gee http://theartofnight.com/ Dr David Malin https://www.davidmalin.com/ Dr Fred Watson http://www.fredwatson.com.au/ Dr Katie Mack http://www.astrokatie.com/ Dr Karl Kruszelnicki http://drkarl.com/ Dylan O'Donnell http://deography.com/ Dr Alan Duffy http://www.alanrduffy.c

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:00 Reports from NECSS Sharon Roney from Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia and Richard Saunders wander around the auditorium before the start of the Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism in New York. https://www.facebook.com/GSoWproject Later Richard catches up with Dr Harriet Hall, MD to chat about her video series. https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/author/harriet-hall 0:12:20 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Shuj Esufali A smart device with AI called emergency services during a domestic violence incident and possibly saved lives as a result. When it comes to domestic violence, AI could save a lot more. https://www.australiascience.tv 0:15:00 Dr Rachie Reports... wih Dr Rachael Dunlop This week Dr Rachie interviews Craig Egan about the Vaxxed bus is tour across the USA, spreading fear and disinformation about vaccines. Craig is following their route, refuting them with facts and evidence and sometimes lulz at every stop. h

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:12 An interview with James Randi From travels in Australia to making TV shows in the UK and Russia, James Randi recounts some of his amazing adventures. Secrets of the Psychics Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MFAvH8m8aI James Randi: Psychic Investigator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix_DEto6nH4 0:18:04 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Casey Harrigan Your microbiome might not be made up just of bacteria - if there's less than 12 or more than 59 candles on your birthday cake, you're probably hosting some pretty healthy Archaea as well! https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-welcome-to-the-microbiome-archaea/ 0:20:50 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Maynard at Skeptics in the Pub Another night with Sydney Skeptics. Maynard's big question, do pubbers think skeptics make a differance in the world? Also an interview with Beth Luscombe. With... Jessica Singer Dr Brad Lara Benham Alethea Dean Jessica Hazzard-White and m

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:06 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson An interview with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki. Heidi and Karl chat about science while they drive along the roads of the far north coast of NSW. http://drkarl.com 0:27:48 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Kelly Wong Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee. Happy Census results day, data nerds! We reckon an even better way to celebrate would be to have some concrete data on everyday Australian environmental impact https://www.australiascience.tv 0:29:36 Bees, Bees and is there still honey for tea? Part 2 The science of beekeeping is brought to us by advocate for science education, Dr Eugenie Scott. https://ncse.com http://www.worldofbeekeeping.com 0:55:10 Live from Times Square, New York. Join Richard Saunders as he ventures into the madness that is Times Square. His tour guides are Autumn, Julia and Jocelyn Novella. Also... Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics chat

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:45 Exploring the Exploratorium We join Dr Paul Doherty at San Francisco's premier science outreach centre, the Exploratorium. Will Richard Saunders fall through the looking-glass? Why are there so many sciecne teachers in the building? Find out all this and more as we take a guided tour. https://www.exploratorium.edu 0:34:20 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Ben Lewis Trees Alone Can't Save UsRelying on planting trees to offset carbon emissions will be physically impossible, as new calculations show that they would take up too much space. https://www.australiascience.tv 0:36:36 Bees, Bees and is there still honey for tea? The delights of beekeeping are brought to us in the back yard of physical anthropologist and advocate for science education, Dr Eugenie Scott. https://ncse.com http://www.worldofbeekeeping.com Also... Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics chats on radio about the Bermuda Triangle and Hanging Rock. http://www.2gb.co

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:04:45 Queen's Birthday honour for Ken Harvey Dr Ken Harvey, one of Australia's leading campaigners against pseudomedicine, has been honoured with a Member (AM) in the general division of the Order of Australia in the recent Queen's Birthday Honours list. Harvey is well-known to Skeptics for his ongoing battle, both through and with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, over claims made by alt med companies in their advertising and promotional material. His complaints have all been upheld upon investigation. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/06/14/queens-birthday-honour-for-ken-harvey 0:10:50 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Casey Harrigan Alcohol is bad for your health. Then it's good. Now it's bad again? Scientists aren't changing their minds - you might just need to look closer at what they're saying. https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-cheers-to-brain-health/ 0:12:37 Late Night Radio Skeptics Saunders' radio segment t