The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:45 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson An interview with Dylan O'Donnell, an astronomer from Byron Bay who tells of "Star Stuff" where Australia's leading experts on Space, Cosmology, Astronomy, Astrophsyics, Astrophotgraphy and Science come together for a series of keynote talks on everything from Aboriginal astronomy, space photography, and even the end of the universe. https://starstuff.com.au 0:21:17 The debate about homeopathy is over. These verdicts prove it. Writing at Health Spectator, Prof. Edzard Ernst lists international health organisations that have issued strong statements against Homeopathy. Edzard Ernst, emeritus professor at the University of Exeter, is the author of Homeopathy: The Undiluted Facts and the awardee of the John Maddox Prize 2015 for standing up for science. https://health.spectator.co.uk/the-debate-about-homeopathy-is-over-these-verdicts-prove-it/ edzardernst.com 0:27:25 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to ord

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:08:22 Shingles Attack! Richard Saunders learns first-hand of the real life consequences of having Chicken Pox around 50 years ago. Includes an excerpt from the documentary "The Vaccination Chronicles" with G.P. Dr Richard Gordon talking about the condition. 0:19:20 Edith Cowan Uni bans crystal healing training seminars The seminars have apparently been running on the university grounds since 2011, and the next was due to take place on June 25. But in response to queries from Australian Skeptics Inc, ECU Vice-Chancellor Prof Steve Chapman says that "We have written to the organisation and requested that they remove all reference to these events on their website." http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/05/31/edith-cowan-uni-bans-crystal-healing-training-seminars 0:23:40 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Ben Lewis https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-iheart-hacking If you were going to hack a device, a pacemaker might not be your fi

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:07:28 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson 'Your presence here will cause babies to die' - Dr Lance O'Sullivan stuns guests at anti-vax doco by leaping on stage to explain why their message is a killer. https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-your-presence-here-cause-babies-die-dr-lance-osullivan-stuns-guests-anti-vax-doco-leaping-stage-explain-why-their-message-killer?auto=5445517891001 0:24:10 Disabled boy in danger of malnutrition removed from parents Online petition calls for malnourished son of anti-vaxxer to be returned home. Supporters of a prominent anti-vaxxer whose disabled and malnourished young son was taken by family services have launched an online petition to have him returned. Documents obtained by the ABC show the four-year-old boy, whose family lives in Newcastle, was severely underfed and was at immediate risk of serious harm. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-22/petition-calls-for-anti-vaxxers-malnourished-son-to-return-home/85

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:24 Government funding for UFO group News reports read by Shelley Stocken, followed by an interview with leading UFO expert Dr Steve Roberts from Australian Skeptics. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/central-coast-ufo-group-funding-mystery-federal-minister-calls-for-urgent-review/news-story/0a8ddefe6910b00e67b660b40dcc06a6 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-18/porter-launches-probe-into-taxpayer-funding-of-ufo-group/8539084 0:25:00 Complementary medicines body under fire over evidence-based and environmental issues The National Institute of Complementary Medicines is once again under fire for promoting unproven products, as well as having inconsistent views on the use of endangered species in traditional Chinese medicines. The Australian Skeptics have renewed their campaign against the NICM, accusing it of "apparent endorsement of unproven 'traditional medicine' treatments". https://ajp.com.au/news/unproven-issues 0:31:53 Brew Ha Ha: Science

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:08:24 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson Rates of Whooping Cough are on the increase in the very region of NSW infested by the anti-vaccination brigade. This week Heidi looks at this increasing problem for not only children, but for the rest of society. Northern Rivers Vaccination Supporters http://nrvs.info 0:23:30 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Ben Lewis https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-csiro-email-leaks/ Emails leaked from the CSIRO show that it can sometimes be Scientist Vs Management ... but we've got a better idea about where scientific leaks should wind up! 0:25:20 EUROPEAN SKEPTICS CONGRESS Claire Klingenberg joins us to talk about the 17th European Skeptics Congress. 17TH EUROPEAN SKEPTICS CONGRESS - September 2017 http://euroscepticscon.org http://www.sysifos.cz 0:33:25 Dr Rachie Reports... with Dr Rachael Dunlop From 2010, Dr Rachie and Dr Krissy Wilson appear on the Glenn Wheeler radio show to

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Includes interviews from Skeptics in the Pub and Susan Gerbic on the phone? Susan Gerbic's talk http://www.baskeptics.org 0:12:00 Interview with Michael Marshall eBay removes listings for dangerous cancer 'cure' after investigation by Good Thinking eBay has removed all listings for black salve after an investigation by Good Thinking revealed that the dangerous (and ineffective) alternative cancer 'cure' was not only available for purchase from the company's website, but could be delivered via their 'Click and Collect' service to a large number of high street stores. Good Thinking http://goodthinkingsociety.org/ QED https://qedcon.org/ 0:31:20 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Casey Harrigan https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-britain-goes-coal-free/ Britain has gone coal-free for 24 hours for the first time since the Industrial Revolution! 0:35:16 Interview with Dr Paul Doherty - And Then You're Dead What would happen if you

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:16 Ben Radford A new skeptical podcast is in town! 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.wordpress.com 0:27:35 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Kelly Wong https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-new-hope-for-premmies/ Brew Ha Ha – New Hope for Premmies - An artificial womb has been successfully used to gestate premature lambs, and the next step could be to help premature human babies. But it does raise some questions. 0:29:20 James Randi in Australia - Press reviews from 1980 The archives of the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper prove to be a gold mine of information about the 1980 visit of James Randi. We read how Randi and Dick Smith ran water divini

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:35 Anti-Vaxxers ordered to "Please Explain" Fundraising The NSW government has served papers on the Australian [anti] Vaccination-Skeptics Network as one step in the government's inquiry into its fundraising activities. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/04/16/anti-vaxxers-ordered-to-please-explain-fundraising/ 0:11:50 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Casey Harrigan https://www.australiascience.tv/vod/brew-ha-ha-sperm-drug-smugglers/ Researchers have created a hilarious but incredible new way of tackling cancers. They've recruited sperm to deliver drugs direct to cancer cells. Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee. 0:14:42 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Sydney March for Science A HUGE day out for Maynard and the Skeptic Zone crew in Sydney as we cover the March for Science on the 22nd of April. Included in the report is the press release from Australian Skeptics, and interviews with... Dr Karl - Eran Segev -

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Incudes an update on the Belle Gibson story and details on the March for Science in Sdyney. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/apr/07/belle-gibson-hit-with-30000-in-court-costs-over-false-cancer-claims https://marchforscienceaustralia.org/ 0:11:32 Late Night Radio Skeptics Saunders' radio segment throughout Australia with Mike Williams. This week we look at strange energies and even stranger claims. http://www.4bc.com.au/podcast/richard-saunders/ 0:23:46 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Kelly Wong https://www.australiascience.tv/?s=Brew Black liquorice jelly beans are the worst jelly beans! A Canadian man was recently hospitalised because of his addiction to these treats Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee ? bit.ly/2o0fMN6 0:25:15 $10 Million Dollars! Vitamin company Blackmores has donated $10 million to the National Institute of Complementary Medicine at Western Sydney University. The amount

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:40 The Diet Skeptic... with Mandy-Lee Noble Are you nuts about Coconut Oil? Is it the wonder food for the 21st century or just another fad? This week Mandy-Lee takes a close look at the claims and the science of Coconut Oil. 0:14:28 Dr Rachie Reports... with Dr Rachael Dunlop Dr Rachie on ABC radio to chat about Conspiracy Theories. Full interview here: http://www.drrachie.com/research/2017/4/5/afternoons-on-abc-radio-canberra-conspiracy-theories 0:23:34 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Ben Lewis https://www.australiascience.tv/?s=Brew If you need 20,000 people in your study, what do you do? Go large! Studies are more and more turning to crowdsourcing their samples, and it's a great opportunity for us. Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order coffee. Further reading about the QIMR Australian Genetics of Depression Study via ABC: ab.co/2owkrt0 To get involved in the study, check out geneticsofdepression.org.au 0:25:0

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Included is Maynard's big moment winning the Cast Away Podcast Award 2017, and a tribute to Jo Alabaster for all her wonderful work. Video - Cast Away with Maynard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcb95oKN7zI&feature=youtu.be&t=2652 0:09:33 Take Stock... with Shelley Stocken Pete Evans, celebrity chef, Paleo diet promoter, and 2015 winner of the Australian Skeptics' Bent Spoon award, can't understand why the Australian Medical Association thinks he's irresponsible and putting people's health at risk by exercising his "wilful arrogance" in "mischievously questioning medical advice". "Well well well," he said, following a barrage of criticism from the AMA and others. "The AMA has once again tweeted that I am putting people's lives at risk….WHY?" http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/03/29/pete-evans-who-needs-qualifications/ 0:17:27 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Dr Brian Greene Maynard and crew head into the city of Sydney to hear a talk by Dr Brian Greene. Time travel, bl

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:20 Geoclense Home Harmonizer review from CHOICE Magazine The Geoclense Home Harmonizer promises to neutralise electromagnetic radiation, radio frequencies and cosmic energy – all of which can apparently sap your energy, rob you of sleep and drain your life force. In our modern world these things are impossible to avoid, but this solid block of plastic promises to bring an end to your suffering. Geoclense Home Harmonizer review https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/gadgets/tech-gadgets/articles/geoclense-home-harmonizer-review Orgone Geoclense Home Harmonizer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2Al295UQas 0:19:15 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson Agrohomeopathy This week Heidi looks at the bizzare, strange, odd, unusual, out there, extraordinary, fantastic, curious, weird, way-out, peculiar, eccentric, abnormal, ludicrous, irregular, rum, uncommon, singular, grotesque, perplexing, uncanny, mystifying, off-the-wall, outlandish, comical, oddbal

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:48 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson This week Heidi with the latest on the David "Avocado" Wolfe tour of Australia. Included is Heidi's interview on local TV news. Mullumbimby residents angry at antivaccination talk in council premises - Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot9zOj6oZUo Vaccination debate flares on NSW north coast after 7yo contracts tetanus http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-17/tetanus-girl-not-vaccinated-say-health-authorities/8362722 0:25:03 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee With Tania Meyer Where do you stand on the great debate between antibacterial soap, and good old-fashioned scrubbing? Science and technology is as much a part of our cultural fabric as art, music, theatre and literature. They play a significant role in our daily lives, yet, in a world dependent on science, we often take them for granted. Australia's Science Channel believes every citizen has a right, and a responsibility, to be info

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Mayanrd   0:04:38 Sensing Murder or Sensing Nothing Sensing Murder is a New Zealand television show in which three psychics are asked to act as psychic detectives to help provide evidence that might be useful in solving famous unsolved murder cases by communicating with the deceased victims. So far no help from the psycics has been forthcoming. We talk to Mark Honeychruch, the Chair of the NZ Skeptics about the return of this lamentable show. Duncan Greive: Sensing Murder a 'grotesque sham' - nzherald http://tinyurl.com/zw9kw8o   0:25:07 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee https://www.australiascience.tv/?s=Brew With Kelly Wong Here are some facts that we definitely did not already know about women in STEM this International Women's Day. /sarcasm https://womeninscienceaust.org Brew Ha Ha: science in less time than it takes to order a coffee   0:27:38 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Witches and Witchcraft! Mayanrd askes people at Sydney Skepti

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:48 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson This week Heidi tells us about the David "Avocado" Wolfe tour of Australia and what steps are being taken in the media and via social media, including an open letter. Also reports from Jane Hansen. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/david-wolfe-aussie-antivaxxers-funded-flat-earthers-tour/news-story/6d80b581b87329394061421a0480a740 0:25:16 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee https://www.australiascience.tv/tags/brew-ha-ha With Kelly Wong Science and technology were honoured on stage at the main Oscars event with special guests. But that's not all, science and technology even had their own Academy award ceremony. See the winners of the The Academy's Scientific and Technical awards: http://oscar.go.com/news/winners/19023 0:28:54 Vic Skeptics reveal dangerous products on sale at Melbourne hospital Victorian Skeptics committee member Peter Hogan and president Chris Guest have revealed

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:27 Dr Rachie Reports... with Dr Rachael Dunlop This week Dr Rachie looks at the action taken by Google against the so-called 'Health Ranger', Mike Adams. Looking for his site? Don't ask Google! 0:13:20 Healing Touch at Queensland University - UPDATE James Cook University has issued a short statement saying that it has closed a Healing Touch Clinic that had been operating on its Townsville campus. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/02/21/update-jcu-closes-healing-touch-clinic 0:20:02 Take Stock... with Shelley Stocken Shelley gives us her unique take on actions of Robert De Niro and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding their anti-vaccination campains. Sounds just like the plot of a 'B Grade' Hollywood movie. 0:45:56 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee https://www.australiascience.tv/tags/brew-ha-ha With Ben Lewis It's really bloody hot in Australia. Talking about blood, extreme and prolonged heat exposure to the human body can do disastrous thi

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:05:40 Healing Touch at Queensland University Australia's first university-based (but not university endorsed) healing touch clinic has opened in Townsville at James Cook University (JCU). Healing touch is described as an energy-balancing therapy administered through gentle touching and manipulation of energy from a distance, similar to reiki or acupressure. Dr Steve Roberts and Richard Saunders comment on this sad state of affairs. Healing touch clinic opens at James Cook University in Australian-first http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-13/healing-therapy-clinic-opens-james-cook-university/8266280 STOSSEL TESTING THERAPEUTIC TOUCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNoRxCRJ-Y0 Therapeutic Touch https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4203   0:22:00 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee https://www.australiascience.tv/tags/brew-ha-ha With Casey Harrigan If we've learnt one thing from science fiction, it's that travelling to galaxies far far away will mea

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   0:06:50 The Diet Skeptic... with Mandy-Lee Noble A2 or not A2... that is the question. Is A2 milk better than A1? Should you be raiding your local supermarket for all the A2 milk you can carry? Will the cows go on strike? Find out this week as Mandy-Lee take a long slurp of A2 milk. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.231r/abstract https://www.healthkit.com/profile/-mandy-lee-noble/dietitian/342517   0:15:46 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee https://www.australiascience.tv/tags/brew-ha-ha With Ben Lewis US scientists have gone rogue … 140 characters at a time. Rogue Twitter accounts have popped up since being ordered by the government to stop tweeting valid, factual scientific information. Just ignoring scientific issues like climate change isn't going to make them go away and we're all for keeping the science communication going. Further reading via ABC News: http://ab.co/2k83Hp2 In Mozambique, humans and birds have

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:07:05 Fiona O'Leary and "VaXXed" at the European Parliament We chat to Fiona about the push to have the movie "Vaxxed" removed from a special screening in the European Parliament. Find out if forces of resaon prevail. http://www.todayfm.com http://vakcinainfo.org/2017/02/04/scandal-eu-parliament-banned-the-subject-of-unsafe-vaccines/ 0:35:00 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee https://www.australiascience.tv/tags/brew-ha-ha With Kelly Wong Is the recently announced Pig-human hybrid controversial science news, or the latest (and weirdest) superhero? Let's break it down. Read more at ScienceAlert: http://bit.ly/2klNjS4 Overseas produce suppliers are using laser-marked fruit to cut down on unnecessary plastics and replacing stickers on individual produce. We can't wait for this to become popular in Australia! Further reading via The Guardian: http://bit.ly/2iDsS3j 0:39:55 New Complaints Watchdog On The Job To Protect Patients A new watchdog wi

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:08:10 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson An open letter to the Editor of the Tweed Daily News The Northern Rivers Vaccination Supports take action after a local newspaper published an uncritical story and interview with Anti-Vax conspiracy theorists.. With Heidi Robertson and Alison Gaylard https://www.facebook.com/150057145203234/posts/596209557254655 0:21:28 Wide condemnation of pro-acupuncture research paper on infant colic A controversial study that claims to have found proof that acupuncture is effective in treating colic in infants has been widely rebuked. In fact, even the associate editor of the journal where the study was published said "in technical terms, the study is negative … the primary outcome did not turn out to be statistically significant". http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:18 Brew Ha Ha: Science in less time than it takes to order a coffee https://www.australiascience.tv/tags/brew-ha-ha With Tania Meyer With the latest disaster that is -