The Skeptic Zone

UFOs - Botox - Balloons     00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders     00:05:02 Which way do the 'Westerly Winds' blow? Another look at the Westall UFO event of 1966, concentrating on the weather forcast for Melbourne on the 6th of April, 1966. Can the weather balloon released that morning really be discounted as a possible candidate for the mysterious object seen by possibly hundreds of school children and a few teachers? Australian Story Westall UFO https://youtu.be/IhKyQkhOfoM Charlie Wiser - Westall UFO https://threedollarkit.weebly.com/westall.html     00:15:28 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Kate and Richard look at the pros and cons of botox treatment. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass     00:26:52 NetFM 2001 Join Stefan Sojka and Richard Saunders from 25 years ago when they discussed the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, asteroids and speak with Professor Colin Keay about astronomy.     00:42:04 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised news

UFO Comments - Wishing for a Wish - NASA     00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders     00:16:14 Westall UFO TV Documentary In the past week, Skeptic Zone producer Richard Saunders appeared on the ABC TV (Australia) program 'Australian Story' to talk about the 1966 Westall UFO event from a reasonable but skeptical point of view. This has not pleased some UFO believers in TV land and they have been commenting on the YouTube video of the TV program. Richard, with the help of Maynard, reads out some of the more interesting comments. Australian Story Westall UFO https://youtu.be/IhKyQkhOfoM     00:22:34 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod If wishes were fishes, Kat would have a koi pond in her head. This week she will take a look at the tradition of wishing, a topic we have not covered on the Skeptic Zone before, while we have looked at a lot of things that require wishful thinking like manifesting and far-fetched woo products, we haven't ever examined the tradition of wishing, until now. We wish you would list

Facts about the Common Cold - Skeptics in the Pub - Iridology     00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders     00:07:00 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne met with infectious disease immunologist and author David Miles at the St Dunstan East Church Garden in London, England, where they discussed David's new book called, 'Sneeze: The History and Science of the Common Cold'. Website: http://www.variolator.com Think This Through: Coleman Watts video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mv9Q0WvOd0     00:22:36 Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Join Richard Saunders, Tim Mendham, Lara Benham, Annie McCubbin, Kate Thomas and Gary from Thailand as they enjoy a fun evening of skeptical conversation and good food.     00:34:52 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Iridology.     1984.03.19 - Times Daily     1998.09.15 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette www.trove.nla.gov.au

Mind Body Wallet - Australian Skeptics News - UFOs       00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Includes a brief clip of Maynard interviewing singing star Gene Pitney with a strange story concerning astrology.     00:07:26 A Journey into the Land of Woo Join Lara Benham, Tim Mendham, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they once again venture through the doors of Sydney's Mind Body Spirit festival. What outrageous products and magical thinking did they discover this time?     00:17:58 UFOs and False Memories To acknowledge the 60th anniversary of the so-called Westall UFO event, the Skeptic Zone takes a look at the problems with false memories and the passage of time. Can we really expect people to clearly remember something that happened decades ago? Also the problem of memory cross contamination can cloud recollections of the original event.     00:19:30 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. Sign up for Newsletter https://www.skept

    00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders     00:09:36 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Once again we visit Kate's studios to chat to her about woo and the medical matters. This week we review the story of a woman who didn't want to visit her doctor to receive and review her medical reports. What are the pros and cons of this approach? Was she right in thinking GPs are only after more money with more visits? Also, we discuss Kate's podcast, "On The Mones". Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass     00:23:06 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill What are those so-called psychics up to now? Adrienne interviews Susan Gerbic from Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia to ask about her latest investigations and stings of people who claim psychic powers. Also, Susan is always interested in getting more people to become Wikipedia editors via her online the course. Find out how to apply in today's show. Operation Banana Cream Pie https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/operation-banana

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:28 The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie embark on their third ghost hunt with Rodney Schmaltz' MacEwan University students, this time at a new location. They spent the evening exploring the beautiful yet spooky Freemasons' lodge, where the students attempted to recreate the kinds of ghostly "evidence" typically featured on paranormal investigation shows. They went on pareidolia and orb-spotting hunts, using spirit boxes, EVPs, and thermometers to anomaly-hunt, intermixed with spirit communication tools, including Ouija boards, a psychomantium, and divination. 0:22:16 Anecdotes are not Evidence "I know it happened because it happened to me!" This is the statement Skeptics hear all the time. But is somebody's sincerely held belief enough to justify the belief itself? We look at the nature of anecdotes and testimonials. Antivaxxers, Acupuncture, And Alternative Cancer Cures | Dr. Steven Novella https://youtu.be/Nv1ZaJ9mL1k?si=J9G2v_2gvXldl3Y-

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:48 Bend Spoon Award Nomination Vivacious Living Centre of Perth, WA bills itself as "a Multi-modality Health & Wellness Centre", offering such services as Crystal Healing, Reiki, Acupressure, Reflexology and Talking to the Dead! All of these services are worthy of a Bent Spoon nomination, however it is the claims to diagnose and treat bodily conditions via a device known as the Metatron NLS (Non-linear System), a device from Russia, that is the focus of this nomination. https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon/nominations 00:16:16 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas A bit of a Stretch We travel to Kate's studio to find out her opinions on the topic of stretching! Do you stretch before or after exercising? What does Kate have to say on the topic? Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:26:14 Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Trivia Once again, skeptics turned up to test their general knowledge and s

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:54 Looking into a Broken Mirror Is bad luck in fact bad? A year ago Lara Benham decided to put 'luck' or bad luck to a test when she purposely broke a mirror for skeptical investigator Kenny Biddle. What was the result? Did Lara have a year worth of bad luck? 00:13:16 The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie team up for a spectacularly spooky and romantic Skepticamp at MacEwan University in Edmonton, perfectly timed for Friday the 13th and the eve of Valentine's Day. Kate captures the spirit of the event through conversations with attendees and one of the evening speakers. Allie highlights four of the seven afternoon presentations, giving listeners a front-row seat to the next generation of critical thinkers. Kate and Allie are joined by students Pawn, Tarika, Brook, Jasjot, Caleb and Tamika. 0:31:10 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:40 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne speaks with Nick Tiller, a research associate at the Lundquist Institute at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, who focuses on pseudoscience in the health and wellness industry and is the author of the book "The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science". We discuss many topics, including the past Olympics, chiropractic care, and IV drip therapy. https://www.nbtiller.com 0:24:40 Scalar For Health? Lara Benham takes a look at a video (not a spoof or a send-up) that claims to explain how flashing images on TV screens can somehow create healing something or other... or ... something..... Energy Enhancement System - Technological Behind the Scenes Look "Ken takes you behind the scenes to explain the science behind how the Energy Enhancement System creates Bioactive Scalar Wave Fields which helps to charge up the life force energy of the body." https://youtu.be/h195w0TAaI4 0:41:02 The TROVE Archiv

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders   Mindful Living Expo Report 00:09:32 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Show me the receipts! Kate asks why woo woo and alternative medicine can make big claims that lack the evidence demanded from other modalities. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:16:10 Scalar Claims on the Scale With the help of Lara Benham, we take another look at so-called "Scalar Energy" and the term Scalar itself. It turns out it's somewhat more complex than we thought! 0:27:34 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:41:46 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Foot Detox Baths. 2007.12.18 - The Ledger - Fl http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Surf Coast Skepticamp 2026 - 21st Feb. https://surfcoastskepticamp.org  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Includes a brief report of "Psychic Saturday" at Old Government House, Parramatta with Lara Benham. 0:13:06 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham In May - June 2026 American and so-called 'medium' Allison Dubois is once again visiting Australia, this time with her "Cold Case" tour, claiming that she will be "working some cold cases that are close to your hearts". Tim and Richard Saunders look at some famous Australian cold cases and how 'psychics' have failed to help year after year. Dubois is just one among a very long list of international 'mediums' (those who claim to talk to or at least get messages from the dead) who have toured, or are touring Australia. These include names such as Doris Stokes, John Edward, Sally Morgan, Tony Stockwell, David Thompson, Doris Collins, James Van Praagh, Lisa Williams, Nikki Kitt and Margaret Birkin. They pack theatres and are all but guaranteed uncritical free publicity via TV programs, newspapers, magazines and radio. T

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:46 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas This week Kate is joined by Richard Saunders as they discuss the dangers of quackery including the infamous Black Salve. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:21:54 Supermarket Follies The truth about Australian maple syrup! With the voice talents of Susan Gerbic, Adrienne Hill, Kate Thomas, Lara Benham, Kat McLeod, and Ross Blocher. A thrilling drama written by Rich Gray with Richard Saunders. https://tinyurl.com/logicalzone 0:26:54 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:39:54 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod Kat McLeod with Richard Saunders, look at "Beyond Reason", a television game show produced and seen in Canada from 1977 to 1980. The program featured a group of 'experts' from various paranormal specialties attempting to find the identity of hidden celebri

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:06 Black Salve - Action Taken A 'natural health herbalist' has been sentenced today to 7 months imprisonment, a community corrections order, and fines of $20,000 for unlawfully advertising and supplying Black Salve and bloodroot capsules, and for advertising other unapproved therapeutic goods to treat serious conditions such as anxiety. We look at Black Salve, what it is and the very real danger of its use. https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/conviction-unlawful-supply-and-advertising-black-salve-products 0:18:56 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne gives us a wrap up of an action-packed weekend at the Monterey County SkeptiCamp. It was a weekend Adrienne nearly missed after accidentally booking her flights for the wrong weekend! Despite this calendar chaos, she was able to enjoy the two day skepticamp plus pub night that featured terrific talks, and friendly festivities. https://m.youtube.com/@AboutTimeProject/videos

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:20 Erich von Daniken 1935 - 2026 We look at the life, times and legacy of the controversial author who popularise the idea that our ancient ancestors were visited by space aliens. Chariots of the Gods? Video https://youtu.be/R0hjOK865Qc Ancient Aliens Debunked - Video https://youtu.be/OFVbITJLLbQ 0:19:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:20 Mamamia 2025 Predictions We take a look at some of what was in store for us for last year according to a psychic on a popular blog and podcast in Australia. https://www.mamamia.com.au/psychic-predictions-2025 0:43:34 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Predictions and Nostradamus. 1973.07.26 - The Evening News - NY 1980.03.06 - The Evening News - NY 1976.12.03 - Lawrence Journal-World http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:32 Manifesting Have you heard of manifesting? Or as it's been more recently labelled the law of attraction? Manifesting is the relatively new label added to a very old practice. Each generation likes to think that they've found the key to unlocking all of your desires. When in actuality it's the same false hope that has been passed down for many generations. Recently on the Skeptic Zone you would've heard reporter Kat McLeod talk about the lucky girl syndrome. By whatever name, it is the personification of wishful thinking. 00:22:54 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Magnesium Myths Magnesium is a supplement that has somehow been marketed as the solution to anxiety, insomnia, migraines, constipation, ADHD, menopause, burnout, and the general horror of being alive in late capitalism. This week Kate looks at what magnesium actually is and what it isn't. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:30:26 Refuting the ant

0:00:00 Maynard's Disclosure Urgent and dramatic news from Maynard. What doom and gloom is coming our way? 0:02:52 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:56 Dr Rachie Reports Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders catch up with one of the original Skeptic Zone reporters, from 2008, Dr Rachael Dunlop. We learn about her skeptical investigations, the fight against fake AI scams and her ongoing research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND). 00:29:52 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill For episode 900, Adrienne looks at the number 900 and what makes it so interesting. Special guest Psychic Penny drops by to offer her mysterious insights. 0:40:40 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to "Psychic Predictions". 1972.01.02 - The Sun-Herald 1981.01.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1985.12.21 - The Age http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Lara Benham, Richard Saunders and Susan Gerbic analyse a 'psychic' reading https://y

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:22 NO Future Seen in Fortune Telling The GWUP (Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften - Society for the Scientific Investigation of Pseudosciences) in Germany evaluated 2099 annual predictions from fifty-two sources. One quarter were too vague to test, more than half were clearly wrong, and solid bullseyes were rare. The project evaluated publicly available annual predictions from fortune tellers, astrologers, self-described mediums, and other esoteric 'advisors' and 'seers'. Read by Lara Benham, Adrienne Hill and Richard Saunders https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/king-kong-doesnt-show-up-and-2025-psychic-forecasts-miss-the-big-events-once-again/ 0:28:28 TV News and Parasites One of the evergreen themes of the alternative medicine industry is that you are full of parasites. Channel 7 TV news in Australia ran a story critical of social media influences promoting cures for these so-called parasites. We look

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:26 2026 Bent Spoon Now's your chance to nominate an individual, company or product in Australia that, in your opinion, is worthy of the Bent Spoon Award. Do you have your eyes on a psychic? Or maybe a particularly wacky peddler of magical thinking. Or could it be an alternative medicine practitioner using advanced nonexistence science! Nominations are now open via the link below. https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon 00:11:58 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas The Great Supplement Displacement Once again, Kate puts on her skeptical glasses and looks closely at an aspect of the wellness and supplement industry. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), a form of carnitine supplement, is widely suggested to reduce or eliminate brain fog by enhancing mental clarity, focus, and energy production in brain cells. But what's the real story? Sometimes a few grains of truth are scattered around an otherwise extraordinary claim. Kate Thomas on TikTok and In

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:46 TikTok Psychic Attack Only the Skeptic Zone podcast is brave enough to investigate the important but little spoken about public health imperative of...."Psychic Attack!" Is your psychic being attacked? Is your psychic attacking you? What can we do about this dangerous situation in our society? A look at what some people in today's day and age still believe that should've been discarded when we stopped burning people at the stake for being witches. 00:19:22 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hil Adrienne speaks with former ghost hunter Jon Michael about his skeptical activist successes since we met at the Raleigh Skepticamp in May, which range from speaking at paranormal conferences to Dragon Con. 0:33:30 For Cryin' Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod Kat is back with the PSYCH 441 class at MacEwan University to follow up on the experiment; did the volunteers have good luck? Ghostly experiences? Did they unleash a curse when they opened th

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:00 The "Why Smart Women Zone" Podcast - Part #1 LIVE from the Occidental Hotel in Sydney Australia, comes a combination of two of Australia's favourite critical thinking and skeptical podcasts. The combination of the "Why Smart Women" podcast and "The Skeptic Zone" podcast. Join hosts Annie McCubbin and Richard Saunders with special guests Kate Thomas, Sue Ieraci and the president of Australian Skeptics, Jessica Singer. 0:39:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au RFK Jr. War of Flouride https://youtu.be/LDXiP8KhXKA 00:50:16 The "Why Smart Women Zone" Podcast - Part #2 LIVE from the Occidental Hotel in Sydney Australia, comes a combination of two of Australia's favourite critical thinking and skeptical podcasts. The combination of the "Why Smart Women" podcast and "The Skeptic Zone" podcast. Join MC Lara Benham with hosts Annie McCubbin