The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard from the William Shatner Room at Maynard's International Studios. 00:05:42You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. Tim Binga is director of Libraries and IT manager at the Center for Inquiry and an adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo. He holds a master's degree in library science and dual B.A.'s in history and humanities. 0:12:50A Brave New World? A peek into the world of fake scripts read by fake podcast presenters. Notebook LM takes reports and other documents, even web pages, and turns them into an audio conversation. In tnis example we hear what AI make of The Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project. https://notebooklm.google.com 00:29:54CSIcon Las Vegas interviews with Rob Palmer In the fourth and last part in this series, Rob chats to the host of 502 Conversations Brian Kerby and TV Producer Malorie Mackey. 0:39:56A The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Dr Susan Blackmore. 1990.12.31 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au AlsoSitP - War, Pestilence, Death and Statistics https://youtu.be/3d2OYI12pvs

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:46The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie catch up with Abhijit Chanda from the Rationable Podcast in India. This interview was conducted on the sidelines of the recent CSICON meeting in Las Vegas. 00:11:26CSIcon Las Vegas interviews with Rob Palmer In the third part in this series, Rob chats to Kevin Folta, Bill Patterson and Jeff Gehlbach. 0:24:34Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:37:34The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "Tea Cup Reading". 1932.08.12 - The Labour Daily 1932.12.20 - The Brisbane Courier 1932.12.20 - The Evening News - Rockhampton 1933.10.22 - The Sunday Times - Perth WA 1950.02.15 - The Brisbane Telegraph http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00Introduction Maynard 00:03:56The Loons From Canada Urban Legends Quiz! Fact or Fiction? This week Kate and Allie have a Halloween themed quiz! Kate, the Inquisitor, will be giving urban legend summaries, asking Allie and the listeners to decide if they are total works of fiction, or if they have a basis in reality. Please be advised that some of these urban legends may be creepy, spooky, or disturbing for some listeners. If you are brave enough, put on your critical thinking tiaras and see how you do. 00:26:14CSIcon Las Vegas interviews with Rob Palmer In the second part in a series, Rob chats to famed mentalist Banachek, anti-creationist youtuber Forrest Valkai and Brazilian science writer Natalia Pasternak. 0:40:16A The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Spirit Channeling. 1988.06.15 - The Canberra Times 1989.04.23 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders with those 'Loons from Canada', Kate and Allie, and Dr Sue Ieraci. 00:03:34CSIcon Las Vegas interviews with Rob Palmer In the first in a series, Rob chats Dr Sue Ieraci, Dr Angie Mattke, Richard Saunders, Leonard Tramiel, Adrienne Hill and Stephen Hupp. 0:22:00Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:34:12A The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to so-called "Alternative Medicine". 1992.02.01 - Woronie 1986.05.15 - The Canberra Times 1993.01.06 - The Hills Messenger - South Australia 1994.03.21 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:38You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne was invited by Dr. Rodney Schmaltz, a psychologist, to speak at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton Canada. During the visit, Adrienne interviewed Dr. Schmaltz about the exciting activities in his critical thinking course and his involvement with the upcoming LiliCon 2024 on Thursday, October 24, from 12-4 pm at CSICon. https://www.rodneyschmaltz.com 00:11:46Cancer Council WA nominated for Bent Spoon The Western Australia branch of the Cancer Council has been nominated for the 2024 Bent Spoon award for the promotion of pseudoscience, in this case offering therapies based on the pseudoscience of reiki and reflexology. https://www.skeptics.com.au/cancer-council-wa-nominated-for-bent-spoon/ 0:21:04The Loons from Canada This week, you can count on Kate and Allie to sum up numerology, calculate some life path numbers, and multiply the giggles! They'll divide the complexities of the subject, angle in on the important bits, and hopefully not leave you feeling irrational. Tune in as they break down what it all means and show you how to add a little skepticism to your life! 0:35:32A The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Crime and the Supernatural. 1939.12.02 - The Herald - Melbourne 1928.07.05 - The Kalgoorlie Miner http://www.trove.nla.gov.au AlsoRichard Saunders interviews Ross and Carrie about their podcast in 2011. https://youtu.be/t3XMqbhjRsM?t=253

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:46You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Erika Englehaupt Interview #2 Adrienne interviews Science Journalist Erika Englehaupt about her two books published within the last few years. This is part two of a two-part series in which we discuss her fascinating book Go to Hell: Journey to the Underworld. . http://erikaengelhaupt.com 00:23:56For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod More than just a magician's assistant. In honour of Women's History Month, Kat will be giving the listeners a history lesson about Rose Mackenberg. Known primarily for being Houdini's assistant, she was much more than that, she was a prolific debunker in her own right, and should be remembered for all she accomplished. https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Mackenberg 0:32:08Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 045:04The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the great Harry Houdini. 1932 - The Truth https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206129601 AlsoMick West - UFO Trailer https://youtu.be/yhABMprFNes

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:14Black Salve - Dangerous Quackery We look at action taken against those selling and promoting "Black Salve", a corrosive substance claimed to treat and cure skin conditions, even cancer. There are good reasons why this quackery has been banned by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. https://luckylosing.com/2024/09/25/black-salve-the-australian-vaccination-network-and-the-therapeutic-goods-administration 0:23:02You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Erika Englehaupt interview #1 Adrienne interviews Science Journalist Erika Englehaupt about her two books published within the last few years. This is part one of a two-part series in which we discuss her fascinating book Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science. In part two, we will discuss her newly published book Go to Hell: Journey to the Underworld. . http://erikaengelhaupt.com 0:36:34A Dive into Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Psychic Investigations part #2. 1947.06.14 - Smith's Weekly 1934.10.30 - The Canberra Times 1984.01.15 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Alsohttps://www.tiktok.com/@austskeptics

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard 00:04:12Put your money where your mouth is! Mr Skeptic! A look at the history and various examples of skeptics, including the James Randi $1,000,000 challenge, putting up large amounts of money to challenge and possibly reward those who claimed to have paranormal powers. 0:29:28Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:44A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Psychic Investigations part #1. 1927.07.08 - The Daily Mercury - QLD 1932.01.27 - The Daily News - Perth WA 1932.02.24 - The Burra Record - SA 1935.02.23 - The Daily News - Perth WA http://www.trove.nla.gov.au AlsoSydney Skeptics in the Pub https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:08:50You Can Count on Adrienne This week Adrienne catches up with Melanie Trecek-King from the website Thinking is Power. An interesting discussion about skeptical outreach and what value is the word skeptic after all? https://thinkingispower.com 0:23:262024 Bent Spoon Award Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders discuss the contenders for this year's Bent Spoon Award, awarded annually at the Australian Skeptics National Convention for the perpetrator of the most preposterous piece of pseudoscientific or paranormal piffle. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2024-bent-spoon-nominations-open 0:28:34A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Snake Oil. 1935.06.02 - The Sunday Times - Perth WA 1935.08.31 - The Australian Women's Weekly 1954.04.09 - Morning Bulletin - Rockhampton Qld 2013.05.19 - The Daily Telegraph http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:38For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod Lucky Girl Syndrome, the Law of Attraction, the Power of Positive Thinking, the Secret, Manifesting - the same idea has been preached for nearly 150 years, under different names. Aren't we lucky? This week Kat is going to delve into the Law of Attraction, and tell us "The Secret to Manifesting good things in our lives!" 0:17:38Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:10A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "psychic" Briget Pluis. 2010 - Psychics Directory 1988.04.04 - The Canberra Times 1994.11.19 - The Sydney Morning Hearld http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Happy Birthday Skeptical Fairy

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:00The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders From 1986 - ZANEX PAYS GELLER OVER $350,00 The Australian-based mining company Zanex, paid magician and mentalist Uri Geller $US250,000 (over $A350,000) for his advice on where to look for gold in the Solomon Islands and near Maldon in Victoria. Tim also reads a newspaper item about this incident from the time and talks with Richard Saunders about the issues involved. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 6 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:26:18Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub for a special screening of Brian Dunning's movie, "The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You To See". Maynard chats to various skeptics and guests about their thoughts on UFOs and the movie. 0:37:14A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to yet more UFOs. 1953.09.15 - The Adelaide Advertiser 1996.08.23 - The Australian Jewish News 1987.03.08 - The Canberra Times 1987.06.01 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:08You Can Count on Adrienne The Travels of a Skeptic Zone Reporter Adrienne interviews Andras Pinter from The European Skeptics Podcast and Coleman Watts, a former conspiracy theorist turned science communicator, on her travels to the Rocky Mountains and then onto Iceland. Join her for these informal but informative interviews across the globe. The ESP Podcast https://theesp.eu Coleman Watts YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkThisThroughChannel 0:21:46Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:35:14A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the psychic predictions of Andreas Zee. 1975 July to December - The Australian Women's Weekly http://www.trove.nla.gov.au AlsoSydney Skeptics in the Pub - Special Presentation The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See Thursday 5 September - Occidental Hotel in the City https://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:50Kate & Allie Folklore or Future Quiz Join Kate this week as she challenges Allie with a quiz. Kate will uncover a mysterious array of treatments and Allie will have to unravel the enigma of whether these practices hail from folklore of old or persist in the modern day. Play along to test your knowledge and possibly discover secret remedies you may have never heard of. 0:19:36I Think We Need To Think Once again Susan Gerbic heads to a SkeptiCamp, this time in Seattle in the US state of Washington. Her interviews with organisers and attendees give us a flavour of the event. Susan's reports from local events encourage all of us to be more proactive no matter where in tne world we are. 0:30:42A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to prediction of the future from the past and mindbody spirit. 1984.12.29 - Canberra Times 1988.01.03 - Canberra Times 1995.09.04 - Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au AlsoSydney Skeptics in the Pub - Special Presentation The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See Thursday 5 September - Occidental Hotel in the City https://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:22Beyond Belief Bob Nixon tunes in and finds an old aquaintance up to his old tricks - very old tricks. "Like Deja vu all over again" In this report from 'The Skeptic Magazine' in 2001, a former investigator of Australian Skeptics the late Bob Nixon, reviews a farcical TV special about the paranormal, starring among others, Uri Geller. The TV Special, in 3 parts, can be found here. https://vhistory.wordpress.com/2014/08/26/beyond-belief-tape-1956 0:25:16Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Kat McLeod. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:37:32A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'Letters to the Editor'. 1984.11.17 - Sydney Morning Herald 1984.12.12 - Sydney Morning Herald 1984.12.18 - Sydney Morning Herald 1984.11.27 - Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders With a short tribute to skeptical journalist Jane Hansen. 00:04:12Vale Mark Edward We are saddened to hear of the death in the past week of Mark Edward, skeptic, magician, mentalist, author and partner to Susan Gerbic. Tributes from Adrienne Hill and Susan Gerbic. Mark Edward Wilson, who was known by his stage name Mark Edward, died Sunday, August 4, 2024 at home after a year's long battle with prostate cancer. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/mark-wilson-obituary?id=55809128 0:17:14Broken Breakthroughs From Power Balance to magnetic therapy, Richard Saunders reviews the history of recent 'quick fix' gizmos designed to improve your health and empty your wallet. 00:43:10The Loons from Canada In part 2 of a 2 part series, Kate and Allie take a look at the phenomena of Access Consciousness and Access Bars. Who founded Access Consciousness and when? Learn the "Clearing Statement" that will improve all aspects of your life and discover the dark side of this so-called therapy. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking/rasputin-phrenology-and-dark-allegations-madness-access-consciousness https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/access-consciousness-phrenology-fused-with-energy-medicine https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/access-consciousness-a-new-version-of-phrenology AlsoDark Matter in the Pub, Saturday evening 24 August https://events.humanitix.com/dark-matter-in-the-pub-sydney/tickets

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:42The Loons from Canada In part 1 of a 2 part series, Kate and Allie take a look at the phenomena of Access Consciousness and Access Bars. Part one: What is access consciousness and its "Ten Keys to Freedom" and how much does it cost? https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking/rasputin-phrenology-and-dark-allegations-madness-access-consciousness https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/access-consciousness-phrenology-fused-with-energy-medicine https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/access-consciousness-a-new-version-of-phrenology 0:21:34Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to ask people if they have a favourite sporting superstition. 0:29:44Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:20A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to superstition and sport. 1932.12.21 - The Advertiser - South Australia 1935.11.23 - The Daily Telegrath - Sydney 1995.10.13 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au AlsoAustralian Skeptics on the hunt for the DROP BEAR! https://youtu.be/ij5DM-vyBBk

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon 00:09:24For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod This week Kat gives us an overview of the first ever 'Global Skeptics in the Pub', held as part of the SkeptiCal Conferance of the Bay Area Skeptics. Included are the thoughts of the some of those who joined in. 0:18:16Maynard's Spooky Action In this segement from a much longer interview, George Hrab from the Geologic Podcast chats to Maynard about his views on skeptical and critical thinking. George Hrab is a dancin' fool - The full interivew via Planet Maynard. https://maynard.com.au/george-hrab-terpsichore 0:00:00A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Fire Walking. 1994.02.07 - The Courier - Ballarat, Victoria 1994.02.20 - Herald Sun Sunday http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Dr. Karl Firewalking with Richard Saunders https://youtu.be/0oLNoqwPiKc Myth Busters Firewalking https://youtu.be/JibIlisE9uA AlsoAustralian Skeptics on the hunt for the DROP BEAR! https://youtu.be/ij5DM-vyBBk

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:42The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Challenging Times By Barry Williams Over 20 years ago, one Victor Zammit, a retired Sydney solicitor, apparently decided to take the skeptics on at their own game and has issued a challenge of his own. "$1 Million Challenge to Disprove Evidence of Life After Death." - A reward of one million US dollars is offered to any skeptic anywhere in the world who can rebut and refute, beyond absolute, all the evidence for the existence of the afterlife. Tim is joined by Richard Saunders to discuss this bizarre challenge from almost 2 decades ago. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 21 No. 4 (2001) http://www.skeptics.com.au Media Watch TV, Astrology Story https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8FKJ9pcWCvw&t=796 0:37:06Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:47:38A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to 'Media Astrologers'. 1986.08.18 - The Sun Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au AlsoNominations for the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Awardhttps://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:00Astrology Trash is Bad News We report on a bizarre situation in Australia where it is proposed to run a regular astrology segment in the evening TV news bulletin. Is this an act of desperation to gain more viewers? What has been the reaction from other media? https://www.skynews.com.au/business/media/channel-7-defends-stupid-new-astrology-segment-following-scathing-criticism-over-addition-to-evening-news-bulletin/news-story/c42a2558c156dc5a7432ecfbd4faed2c https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/channel-7-defends-controversial-news-segment-after-radio-hosts-takedown/news-story/5ae7fe3e1c5dd95117463d75f0f523ad 0:15:50The Loons From Canada Kate and Allie get together to talk about some North American and Australian relationship slang as they explore the hypothesis of Love Languages. 0:28:08Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard and Richard catch up to talk about the upcoming global event, Skeptics in the pub, held all around the world on 19th of July at 7 pm. https://www.skepticalcon.com/global-skeptics-in-the-pub 0:34:46A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to James Randi and his expose of the Rev. Peter Popoff. 1988.02.20 - Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au The Secrets of the Psychics. Video https://youtu.be/Pc3uHqtH8bg&=677

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:52Ben Radford talks UFOs Once again we welcome the world renowned skeptical investigator, author, podcaster, and deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine, the one and only Ben Radford. In a wide ranging interview Ben talks about the Roswell UFO incident, cryptozoology, and his upcoming visit to Sydney Australia to take part in Skepticon 2024 - the Australian Skeptics National Convention in November. 0:29:36Australian Skeptics Newsletter #200 What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:36A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Roswell New Mexico UFO case of 1947. 1947.07.09 - The Glen Innes Examiner 1947.07.09 - The Newcastle Sun 1947.07.10 - The Advocate, Bernie Tasmania 1947.07.10 - The Sun, Sydney https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_incident http://www.trove.nla.gov.au AlsoGlobal Skeptics in tne Pub https://www.skepticalcon.com/global-skeptics-in-the-pub Videos from the New Mexico Science and Reason https://m.youtube.com/@TheNMSR