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The Skeptic Zone: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Richard Saunders
The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason. Join Richard Saunders and his team of reporters for your weekly dose of skeptical news and interviews, reports and comments. Past guests have included, James Randi, Stephen Fry, Tim Minchin, Eugenie Scott, Dr Phil Plait, Michael Marshall, Dr Steve Novella, Dr Pamela Gay, Jon Ronson, Dr Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh, Prof. Richard Wiseman, Dick Smith, Banachek, Prof. Chris French, George Hrab, Tim Ferguson, Dr Paul Willis and many, many more. Featuring Australian radio legend Maynard with his Spooky Action, Jo Alabaster from the 'Evidence Please' blog, Eran Segev's Grain of Salt, Dr Rachael Dunlop with 'Dr Rachie Reports' and Heidi Robertson aka 'The Raw Skeptic'.
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- 4 days ago1h 3m
The Skeptic Zone #929 - 26.July.2026
00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:00 2026 Bent Spoon Award Australian Skeptics president Jessica Singer together with Richard Saunders announce the winner of the 2026 Bent Spooner award. This year's winner is Dolly Adamson of Kyneton Paranormal, Victoria, who claims to talk to the ghosts of murdered children, and their killers, via a radio. https://www.skeptics.com.au/bent-spoon-award-for-2026 00:15:10 Why Smart Women on the Mones Zone Join Annie McCubbin from the Why Smart Women podcast, Kate Thomas from On The Mones podcast, Richard Saunders from the Skeptics Zone podcast and special guest Dr Angela Mattke as they ponder the world of quackery over coffee and toast. Applied kinesiology https://youtu.be/hlhvgG8lRhk?si=cbDVunPJgbf5Fp-R 00:51:50 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con + Skepticon Interviews The Board Meeting - Maynard reports from a room full of Skeptics, all having a great time playing a variety of tabletop board games. Among the celebrities dotted around the room, Maynard finds George Hrab and Bob Novella. Also Richard Saunders in TV Week https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/the-one-search-for-australias-most-gifted-psychic/
- 1 weeks ago1h 3m
The Skeptic Zone #928 - 19.July.2026
ESP - Quack Watch - Crime 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:38 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne catches up with András Pinter, co-host of the European Skeptics Podcast (ESP), in their annual meetup in Canmore, Alberta. The pair attempt to walk, talk, avoid traffic, and occasionally giggle about skeptical topics from Europe and Canada. The ESP - European Skeptics Podcast https://theesp.eu 00:20:25 Quack Watch - Barbara O'Neill Be Wary of Barbara O'Neill's Health Recommendations - by Ken McLeod Wellness guru Barbara O'Neill has an enormous, devoted global audience for her many egregious, non-evidence-based claims about "natural" health. She has credited God for at least some of the advice she has offered. She has gained 4.7 million followers. https://quackwatch.org/11ind/be-wary-of-barbara-oneills-health-recommendations/ 00:34:34 Origami Posters Michelle Bijkersma tells our Japanese listeners about free origami posters. 00:35:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 00:47:00 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Crime and Supernatural. 1924.08.24 - The Sun - Sydney
- 2 weeks ago1h 4m
The Skeptic Zone #927 - 12.July.2026
EVP - Cupping - Hinch 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:00 The Loons From Canada This is part 2 of the Loons from Canada discussing the results of testing Rodney Schmaltz's Psychology students and the participants of the Western Canadian Reason Conference to see if people hear the same audio pareidolia as purported to be heard on an EVP. Which will have clearer spirited voices? The spirit box from part 1, or the EVP in part 2? Listen to find out. Adrienne's WeCanReason talk: Produced by Seth Andrews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwFiu2-kYVU&t=133s Mondegreens taken out of Seth's production of Adrienne's talk: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Sa9sHyi__9s 00:24:28 Cupping Woo We are joined by the secretary of Australian Skeptics, Lara Benham who recounts her frustration in trying to find an evidence based physiotherapist. 00:40:52 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the late skeptical broadcaster Derryn Hinch. 1984.05.13 - The Sun Herald 1984.05.18 - The Age 1984.05.20 - The Sun Herald www.trove.nla.gov.au
- 3 weeks ago54 min
The Skeptic Zone #926 - 5.July.2026
Spirits - Newsletter - Paranormal 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:50 The Loons From Canada The Loons from Canada revisit Episode 775 of The Skeptic Zone by testing Rodney Schmaltz's Psychology students and the participants of the Western Canadian Reason Conference to see if people hear the same thing as psychic medium Cael O'Donnell claims he heard while using a spirit box during a walk through a graveyard. This is part I of a 2 part investigation testing spirit boxes and EVPs. 00:23:12 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 00:36:38 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to 'Paranormal and Berkeley'. 1980.04.19 - The Lodi News-Sentinel 1985.01.11 - Ocala StarBanner www.trove.nla.gov.au
- Jun 27, 20261h 2m
The Skeptic Zone #925 - 28.June.2026
Looksmaxxing - Movies - Students 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders - LIVE from SkeptiCal 2026, Oakland, California. 00:03:12 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Looksmaxxing (often associated with the term "man maxing") is an internet subculture focused on optimizing physical attractiveness. It spans from standard self-improvement (like skin care and fitness) to more extreme and potentially hazardous methods involving cosmetic procedures, performance-enhancing substances, or high-risk physical manipulation. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:17:58 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill At CSICon 2026 in Buffalo, NY, Adrienne chats with Fresno State University students Kimberly Salinas, Wasayef Ghannam, and Tyler Woolrich regarding their poster presentations based on their research surrounding critical thinking and that stubborn myth that won't go away, learning styles. During a break between sessions, she crosses paths with presenters Katie Suleta and Alejandro Borgo on a break between sessions where they discuss the importance of involving young people in skepticism. 00:31:32 Movie Reviews Join in on a road trip with Dr Eugenie Scott and Richard Saunders as they discuss the recent movies, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" and "Disclosure Day". Were they impressed? Would they go again? Find out in this week's episode. 00:46:44 Sunday Speakers Adrienne Hill, Rob Palmer and Susan Gerbic report on the wonderful Sunday Speaker session at the recent CSICon 50th.
- Jun 20, 20261h 3m
The Skeptic Zone #924 - 21.June.2026
CSiCon Choir - Astrology - SkeptiCal 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:12 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill The CSiCon Choir - CSiCon 50th Adrienne interviews Anthony Trecek-King about conducting the CSiCon Choir at the conference in Buffalo. Incuded is the performance of the chior on the final day of the meeting in stereo. 00:16:10 What Science Says About Astrology Interview with Carlos Orsi For thousands of years, people have believed that the configuration of stars and planets in the sky influences earthly events. Today, astrology is a lucrative global market, with newspaper columns, mobile apps, and professional counselors weighing in on everything from love life to health to the stock market. Yet scientific evidence shows indisputably that it is simply superstition. https://cup.columbia.edu/book/what-science-says-about-astrology/9780231221399/ 00:31:30 SkeptiCal Update with Eugenie Scott The latest news on the fabulous lineup of guest speakers appearing at SkeptiCal, the conference that brings stimulating and entertaining speakers to Northern California science fans, critical thinkers, and anyone who questions "extraordinary claims". https://www.skepticalcon.com 00:40:38 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 00:49:30 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Paranormal and Buffalo. 1995.01.05 - The Canberra Times 1986.04.03 - The Canberra Times 1992.10.17 - Lawrence Journal-World www.trove.nla.gov.au
- Jun 13, 202658 min
The Skeptic Zone #923 - 14.June.2026
Science Education - TV Skeptics - Steve Terbot 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Adrienne Hill 00:03:24 Interview with Amanda Townley Amanda L. Townley, Ph.D., became Executive Director of NCSE in 2023. She is an award-winning researcher and advocate specializing in science teacher education, evolution education research, and science literacy-focused public outreach. Amanda L. Townley, Ph.D. https://ncse.ngo/node/7459 00:19:32 TV Skeptics In May 2026 the Australian television program A Current Affair contacted Australian Skeptics wanting our opinion on two very different topics: talking to the dead and Noah's Ark. This led to Skeptics' President Jessica Singer and chief investigator Richard Saunders being interviewed for broadcast. Jessica took on Noah's Ark, while Richard commented on Dolly Adamson who claims to chat with the departed. Noah's Ark with Jessica Singer : https://youtu.be/cRocKvfNqSA Talking to the dead with Richard Saunders : https://youtu.be/4ewclrY3rew 00:30:12 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This is the first of Adrienne's interviews from 50th CSiCON Anniversary in Buffalo NY, Adrienne interviews Dr. Rodney Schmaltz, a member of the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. https://www.rodneyschmaltz.com 00:38:50 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Steve Terbot #2. 1984.05.12 - The Australian www.trove.nla.gov.au
- Jun 6, 20261h 2m
The Skeptic Zone #922 - 7.June.2026
Statins - Cats - Psychic Hoax 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:23:06 Remembering Bob Steiner We are joined by Dr Eugenie C Scott who has fond memories of Bob Steiner from the Bay Area Skeptics and the time he fooled thousands of Australians pretending to be a psychic. Eugenie also tells us about the upcoming SkeptiCal Conference. Skepticalcon https://www.skepticalcon.com 00:09:36 Woo of the Week! With Kate Thomas A Study on Statins Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:23:06 The Mysterious Cat The domestic cat has played an important part in human history throughout many ages. Sometimes they are regarded as mysterious, sometimes even devils or divine. We look at some of the cultures that either glorified or vilified one of our favourite furry companions. 00:23:06 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 00:36:22 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Steve Terbot Hoax #1. 1984.05.05 - The Australian www.trove.nla.gov.au Chicago Skepticamp https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-skepticamp-2026-tickets-1990917599133
About The Skeptic Zone
The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason. Join Richard Saunders and his team of reporters for your weekly dose of skeptical news and interviews, reports and comments. Past guests have included, James Randi, Stephen Fry, Tim Minchin, Eugenie Scott, Dr Phil Plait, Michael Marshall, Dr Steve Novella, Dr Pamela Gay, Jon Ronson, Dr Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh, Prof. Richard Wiseman, Dick Smith, Banachek, Prof. Chris French, George Hrab, Tim Ferguson, Dr Paul Willis and many, many more. Featuring Australian radio legend Maynard with his Spooky Action, Jo Alabaster from the 'Evidence Please' blog, Eran Segev's Grain of Salt, Dr Rachael Dunlop with 'Dr Rachie Reports' and Heidi Robertson aka 'The Raw Skeptic'.
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