Episodes

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Maynard 00:03:56 The 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. 00:26:14 CSIcon 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. 0:40:16 A 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

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders with those 'Loons from Canada', Kate and Allie, and Dr Sue Ieraci. 00:03:34 CSIcon 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. 0:22:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
    Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:34:12 A 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

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  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:03:38 You 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 00:11:46 Cancer 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/ 0:21:04 The 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! 0:35:32 A 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 Also Richard Saunders interviews Ross and Carrie about their podcast in 2011.
    https://youtu.be/t3XMqbhjRsM?t=253

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 0:05:46 You 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 00:23:56 For 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 0:32:08 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
    Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 045:04 The 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 Also Mick West - UFO Trailer
    https://youtu.be/yhABMprFNes

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:06:14 Black 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 0:23:02 You 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 0:36:34 A 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 Also https://www.tiktok.com/@austskeptics

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders and Maynard 00:04:12 Put 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. 0:29:28 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
    Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:44 A 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 Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub

    https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:08:50 You 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 0:23:26 2024 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 0:28:34 A 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

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:04:38 For 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!" 0:17:38 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
    Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:10 A 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

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 0:05:00 The 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 0:26:18 Maynard'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. 0:37:14 A 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

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:04:08 You 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 0:21:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
    Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:35:14 A 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 Also Sydney 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

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:02:50 Kate & 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. 0:19:36 I 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. 0:30:42 A 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 Also Sydney 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

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:03:22 Beyond 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 0:25:16 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
    Read by Kat McLeod.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:37:32 A 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

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders

    With a short tribute to skeptical journalist Jane Hansen. 00:04:12 Vale 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 0:17:14 Broken 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. 00:43:10 The 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 Also Dark Matter in the Pub, Saturday evening 24 August
    https://events.humanitix.com/dark-matter-in-the-pub-sydney/tickets

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:03:42 The 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 0:21:34 Maynard's Spooky Action

    Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to ask people if they have a favourite sporting superstition. 0:29:44 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
    Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:20 A 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 Also Australian Skeptics on the hunt for the DROP BEAR!
    https://youtu.be/ij5DM-vyBBk

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders

    Also a look at the current nominations and past winners of the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Award.

    https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon 00:09:24 For 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. 0:18:16 Maynard'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 0:00:00 A 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 Also Australian Skeptics on the hunt for the DROP BEAR!
    https://youtu.be/ij5DM-vyBBk

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 0:03:42 The 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 0:37:06 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
    Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:47:38 A 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 Also Nominations for the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Awardhttps://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:04:00 Astrology 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 0:15:50 The 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. 0:28:08 Maynard'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 0:34:46 A 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

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:06:52 Ben 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. 0:29:36 Australian Skeptics Newsletter #200

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
    Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:36 A 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 Also Global 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

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:04:14 Cold and Hot Reading

    We play a clip of a recent radio appearance by Richard Saunders (ABC Australia), where he discusses so-called psychics and some of their tricks.

    Also the reading of a report by Ian Bryce, from the pages of 'The Skeptic', when he, Saunders and Alynda Brown tested a 'Palm Reader' in Australia.

    Richard Saunders on ABC Radio Australia.
    https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/overnights/ovn-skeptics/104010516 0:26:06 A Dive into a Trove

    A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to The New Age - Part #3.

    1988.5.14 - The Sydney Morning Herald


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:47:58 A Kate & Allie

    On a Roll?

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:05:02 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill.

    SkeptiCampNM - Presented by New Mexicans for Science and Reason

    Adrienne flies to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend a meet up of local and regional skeptics.

    Interviews with... Stirling Forsyth, Mary Catherine Harris, Tom Parker, Kurly Tlapoyawa, Sonia Veronica, Frank T. Etscorn, and from the Squaring the Strange podcast Celestia Ward, Ben Radford and Pascual Romero.

    https://talesfromaztlantis.com 0:21:46 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod.

    This week Kat takes a look at the pseudoscience of Grathology.

    James Randi investigates Grathology.
    https://youtu.be/iyXozHKWsDs 0:30:10 Skepticamp Interviews #4

    Guest reporter Rob Palmer attended the inaugural Triangle SkeptiCamp that took place on 25th of May 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

    In part #4 of a series of interviews from the event, Rob chats to the one and only powerhouse of Skeptical Activisim, Susan Gerbic.

    https://triskep.org/home/triangle-skepticamp-2024 0:40:44 A Dive into a Trove

    A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to The New Age - Part #2.

    1988.5.14 - The Sydney Morning Herald


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Richard Saunders on ABC Radio Australia.
    https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/overnights/ovn-skeptics/104010516