The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:00 Conspiracy Leaflet in my Letterbox. From the One World Government to COVID-19 to H.A.A.R.P and much more besides. We examine a small leaflet that's been left in the letterboxes around Sydney suburbs. 0:21:02 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:33:34 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham A review of an important book in the history of Australian Skeptics. Creationism: An Australian Perspective Edited by Martin Bridgstock and Ken Smith Australian Skeptics https://tinyurl.com/CreationismAustSkeptics A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 40 No. 3 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:43:44 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Australian Skeptics National Convention in 1990. http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also   10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:08 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill WikiProject Skeptical With the help Richard Saunders, Adrienne takes a look at the top ten list of topics at "WikiProject Skeptical", which is "dedicated to creating, improving, and monitoring articles related to Scientific skepticism (British English spelling: scepticism), also known as rational skepticism or skeptical inquiry. The focus includes articles about claims which are contrary to the current body of scientific evidence, or which involve the paranormal. The project ensures that these articles are written from a neutral point of view, and do not put forward invalid claims as truth." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Skepticism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Skepticism/Popular_pages WikiProject Report, Special:FAQs https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikipedia_Signpost/2013-04-01/WikiProject_report 0:28:12 ChatGPT on Skeptical Topics Another tr

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:22 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Vale 'SkepDoc' Dr Harriet Hall MD Adrienne pays tribute to Harriet, who was a retired family physician, former U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, author, science communicator and skeptic of international acclaim, who wrote about alternative medicine and quackery for magazines and articles discussing evidence-based medicine for the Science-Based Medicine blog. She usually wrote under her own name or used the pseudonym "The SkepDoc". She was also a frequent speaker at science and skepticism related conventions in the US and around the world. https://tinyurl.com/skepdocseries https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=Harriet 0:17:42 Sydney Skeptics in the Pub At long last Sydney Skeptics in the pub is back and looking forward to 2023. We hear from new pubber Stephen Bavaro, who was a recent speaker at the Australian Skeptics convention. Also from Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders as they address the

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:06 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill WikiProject Paranormal With the help of Rob Palmer and Richard Saunders, Adrienne takes a look at the top ten list of topics at "WikiProject Paranormal", which "aims to provide a framework for the improvement and organisation of articles related to the paranormal, anomalous phenomena and other similar areas." https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Paranormal https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Paranormal/Popular_pages WikiProject Report, Special:FAQs https://Wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikipedia_Signpost/2013-04-01/WikiProject_report 0:24:36 A new book from Susan Gerbic In this interview, Susan tell us of the book she is writing about so-called "Grief Vampires", people who prey on grieving and vulnerable people by apparently receiving messages from their dead loved ones. 0:37:32 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspaper

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:00 Pseudo Archaeology An interview with Stephen Bavaro, a student and contributor to the Skeptic Magazine. His interest is in real archaeology versus pseudo archaeology. 0:17:36 The Skeptic Zone in Review From January to December, 2022 was full of surprises, interesting reports and interviews on The Skeptic Zone Podcast. Richard Saunders takes a look at some of the highlights of the past year. 0:27:44 Evidence Please... with Jo Alabaster In this classic report from 2015, Jo looks into "cupping therapy", a sure way to gain bruises on your back but little else. 0:34:02 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "New Year Predictions". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also   10 Years Ago The Skeptic Zone #220 - 6.Jan.2013 Maynard interviews with James Randi - Dr Rachael Dunlop. The AVN and Google - Maynard in the Pub! Sydney Skeptics in the Pub give May

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:54 Dr Eugenie Scott - Part #2 In part two of a two part interview with Dr Eugenie Scott, we look at the lamentable so-called documentary series on Netflix entitled "Ancient Apocalypse". Also we hear about Eugenie's thoughts on debating creationists and other pseudoscientists. 0:24:32 Dog ate my... what? Adrienne from very cold Calgary gives a report on a humorous but potentially serious mini labradoodle adventure that resulted in a vet visit, leading her to investigate nutritional trends for pets. She enlisted the help of the Triangle Area Skeptics member Faith Newsome Rodriguez, from Raleigh, North Carolina, whom she had the pleasure of staying with when she was on tour with Susan Gerbic of GSoW fame. 0:42:07 A Dive into a Trove Funding for Trove under threat! We read a report about the possible discontinuation of this valuable resource. With thanks to listener Daryl Colquhoun. A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspape

The Skeptic Zone #741 - 18 December 2022   Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:16 Dr Eugenie Scott - Part #1 In part one of a two part interview with Dr Eugenie Scott, we look at the ongoing battle against intelligent design, or creationism as it's truly known, and science. Eugenie also looks at the encroaching creationism and religious point of view into the public school system. 0:21:11 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:38:50 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Crystal Power".   1992.02.25    -    Port Lincoln Times 1989.04.11    -    Tharunka http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:07:56 ChatGPT What can AI tell us about a skeptical podcast from Australia, Brian Dunning's movie, why people believe in UFOs, and the Skeptical Fairy Godmother Angel from the Internet? 0:00:00 The European Skeptics in Sydney A relaxed chat around the table with the European Skeptics Podcast crew who were in Sydney as part of their Australian tour. 0:36:32 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Erich von Daniken". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Adrienne Hill 0:03:02 Skepticon 2020 Tim Mendham phones in his report from the first day of the Australian Skeptics National Convention, including the winnner of the Bent Spoon Award. 0:07:54 A chat with Andras Pinter During a recent visit to Sydney, Andras Pinter from the ESP, European Skeptics Podcast, spoke with Richard Saunders about podcasting and the trip to Australia by the European Skeptics. 0:17:55 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:12 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Stanton Friedman". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Australian Skeptics National Convention 2022 Science & Skepticism in a Changed World 3 - 4 December, National Library of Australia, Canberra https://skepticon.org.au

0:00:00 Introduction Maynard with Richard Saunders 0:05:50 Claire Klingenberg Claire Klingenberg is the President of the European Council of Skeptical Organisations and co-organizer of the Czech Paranormal Challenge. Since 2013, she has spoken at multiple science and skepticism conferences, and has consulted on a range of projects where pseudoscientific belief meets science. This week she headed to the Skeptic Zone studios to chat with Richard Saunders. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vji9ygw00ZU 0:22:10 Rob Palmer at CSICon 2022 In his final report, Rob roves around the halls at CSICon 2022 in Las Vegas and bumps into Natalia Pasternak and Carlos Orsi from Brazil, Abhijit Chanda from India and Thomas Westbrook from Holy Koolaid on YouTube. https://skepticalinquirer.org/authors/rob-palmer 0:40:58 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "UFOs". The Barrier Daily Truth - 30th May, 1950   The Sydney Morn

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:04 An interview with Zion Lights Zion Lights was a spokesperson for the 'Extinction Rebellion' organisation before leaving it owing to fundamental disagreements with the group's reasoning and activities. Today her focus is on the importance of communicating science effectively, the climate and ecological emergency, the problems with environmentalism and clean energy. Skeptics in the Pub video https://youtu.be/f0mHZe1JEGM https://www.zionlights.co.uk https://www.emergencyreactor.org 0:32:54 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. Video https://youtu.be/4jakYguXUks cumming.ucalgary.ca/resource/tourette-ocd/children-and-adults/disorder-specific-resources/tourette-syndrome-and-0 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:04 Rob Palmer at CSICon 2022 Guest reporter Rob roves around the halls at CSICon 2022 in Las Vagas and bumps into Hollywood actor Aaron Fors togethe

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:42 A Strongly Worded Letter Skeptics receive all sorts of interesting letters from the public, some complimentary, some not. It seems that many people also believe that skeptical organisations wield much more power or influence than we really do. On today's show, Richard Saunders reads one of the more noteworthy examples of frustration from a corespondent. 0:18:16 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill The Story of 'Lady Ganga', Michele Frazier Baldwin, daughter of Kendrick and Ruth Frazier. When Michele, a 45 year old Mother of three was diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer, she took this as a call-to-action. She decided that she would travel to India to paddle board over 700 miles down the Ganges River, spreading awareness about this disease that was going to kill her and breaking a World Record in the process. https://www.ladyganga.world LADY GANGA: NILZA'S STORY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5yMCzx0ctU 0:23:34 Rob Palm

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:34 Rob Palmer at CSICon 2022 Guest reporter Rob roves around the halls at CSICon 2022 in Las Vagas and bumps into David Robert Grimes, a physicist, cancer researcher, and author. Rob also catches up with Ramiro Rodriguez from the 'Triangle Skeptics' and finaly to Prof. Richard Dawkins. 0:15:12 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:27:24 Evidence Please! With Jo Alabaster A classic report from 2016 about Biodynamic Gardening. Yes, truth can be stranger then fiction! 0:41:02 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to James Randi and Uri Geller. Geller on Tonight Show https://youtu.be/zD7OgAdCObs Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Special Guests, 24th Nov. https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics/events/287036082 Australian Skeptics National Convention 2022 Science

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:48 Rob Pamler at CSICon 2022 Guest reporter Rob roves around the halls at CSICon 2022 in Las Vagas and bumps into Joseph Uscinski who is a professor of political science at the University of Miami and speaker at the convention. He also catches up with Wendy Hughes to talk about 'Romance Scams'. Next he chats to Adrienne Hill and finaly to Prof. Richard Wiseman. 0:22:55 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill The tables are turned as Adrienne interviews Rob Palmer about his Sunday Papers presentation of 'The Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kcly0Ooczo 0:37:15 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Timothy Good". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Australian Skeptics National Convention 2022 Science & Skepticism in a changed world 3 - 4 December, National Library of Australia, Canberra https://skepticon.or

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:50 You Can Count on Adrienne CSICon 2022. Skeptics from all over the world are in Las Vegas for this major convention. Adrienne gives us her preview of the meeting. https://csiconference.org 0:12:07 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Richard Saunders. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:23:52 Evidence Please! With Jo Alabaster A classic report from 2016 about the dangers of 'Black Salve'. No good for cancers or anything else! Black salve, also known by the brand name Cansema, is a pseudoscientific alternative cancer treatment. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_salve 0:35:15 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "The Psychic Side". http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Australian Skeptics National Convention 2022 Science & Skepticism in a changed world 3 - 4 December, National Library o

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:28 UFOs! We catch up with podcaster of Brian Dunning to learn more about the process of making a documentary film. Brian's new movie will be called "The UFO movie they don't want you to see!" https://www.briandunning.com/ufo https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4208 0:25:34 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the "Disappearance of Frederick Valentich". Canberra Times - 23 October 1978 Canberra Times - 25 October 1978 Canberra Times - 29 October 1978 Papua New Guinea Post - 27 October 1978 https://skepticalinquirer.org/2013/11/the-valentich-disappearance-another-ufo-cold-case-solved/ https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4385 http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:46:04 Australian Science Communicators Jirana Boontanjai and Tom Carruthers The Australian Science Communicators is the peak body for science communicators and science journalists in Australia. Established in 1994, th

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:09:09 The Real ESP Great news for Australians, The ESP are coming to Canberra for Skepticon 2022. We chat to the team, Andras G Pinter, Pontus Bockman, Annika Harrison (and special guest) and find out what they will be talking about at the upcoming convention. https://theesp.eu 0:16:32 Queen Elizabeth II Predictions from 1952 What were some of the amazing predictions made back in the 1950s about Queen Elizabeth II? We dive into some digital archives to find out what people were thinking and predicting 70 years ago. 0:24:52 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Richard Saunders. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:35:18 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to "Psychic Surgery". https://skepdic.com/psurgery.html James Randi video: https://youtu.be/41hJ6DY8xLI?t=984 http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Austra

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:36 Claire Klingenberg for Skepticon 2022 Claire Klingenberg is the president of the European Council of Skeptical Organisations. She has been involved in the skeptic movement since 2013 as co-organiser of the Czech Paranormal Challenge. https://www.clairek.com 0:14:04 Take Stock - With Shelley Stocken Does Naturopathy work? The truth about 'natural' medicine. Recent reports of a Sydney naturopath allegedly endangering the life of a baby; the son of a naturopath shunning radiotherapy for "alternative therapies"; and a disgraced Gold Coast doctor turning to naturopathy rather than maintaining her registration raises the question, what's the deal with naturopathy? (From 2016) http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/does-naturopathy-work-the-truth-about-natural-medicine/news-story/ebba033e2bad6801f736db1a9235cc9e 0:20:56 A Major Battle Won in the Continuing War on Homeopathy Fraud On Thursday, a three judge panel for the D.C

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:24 You Can Count on Adrienne Pseudoscience in Education In this discussion, Adrienne Hill, Kelly Burke, and the Skeptical Fairy Godmother Angel from the internet, aka the tooth fairy, aka Michelle Bijkersma, get together to discuss pseudoscience in education within their three countries of Canada, the USA and Australia. This is an edited version of the conversation, only touching on a few of the topics they cover in the full recording. But you can hear the unedited version by going to the Skeptic Zone YouTube page or by clicking on the link in this week's show notes. We also ask you to tell any teachers you might know about this conversation. Full version here: https://youtu.be/EVRvs01tXPQ 0:22:34 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Kebrina Kinkade". Sydney Morning Herald - 16th March 1980 http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:40:22 Australian Skeptics Newsletter Wh

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:18 Did Nostradamus Predict death of the Queen? Some claim Nostradamus predicted with accuracy the year in which Queen Elizabeth II would die, but also that he foresaw the crowning of Prince Harry as king. It turn out either is true. We look into the claim and hear from some who believe it to be true. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/nostradamus-king-charles-harry 0:17:14 The Skeptical Fairy on a Train Appearing from a thunderclap and a puff of smoke, the Skeptical Fairy reminds us that we can enjoy skeptical events online. 0:19:34 King Charles III - Predictions With the accession to the British throne of King Charles III, we take a look at some of the predictions made about him (as the Prince of Wales) over the last 20 years, catalogued in the database of the Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project. 0:31:46 Jim Wilshire - Skeptical Poem The Donor 0:32:46 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Au