Episodes
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0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 00:02:32 Ben Radford in Sydney
A chat with Ben Radford about his first trip to Australia and his adventures and the Squaring the Strange Podcast. 0:07:24 The Bent Spoon Award for 2024
The announcement of the 2024 Australian Skeptics Awards. 0:18:56 Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
Read by Adrienne Hill.
http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:06 Maynard's Spooky Action
From Sydney Skeptics in the Pub, Maynard talks to Dr Liam Brierley a Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, UK. He uses biostatistics, computer science, and AI to investigate how viruses evolve and transmit between animal species. Liam is also a Media Ambassador for the Royal Statistical Society and has worked with national press including The Guardian and BBC's Panorama to make sense of health data. 0:37:42 The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Alien Autopsy of 1995.
1995.06.29 - The Canberra Times
http://www.trove.nla.gov.au -
0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders and Maynard from the William Shatner Room at Maynard's International Studios. 00:05:42 You 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. 0:12:50 A 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 00:29:54 CSIcon 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. 0:39:56 A 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 Also SitP - War, Pestilence, Death and Statistics
https://youtu.be/3d2OYI12pvs -
Missing episodes?
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0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders 00:04:46 The 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. 00:11:26 CSIcon Las Vegas interviews with Rob Palmer
In the third part in this series, Rob chats to Kevin Folta, Bill Patterson and Jeff Gehlbach. 0:24:34 Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?
Read by Adrienne Hill.
http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:37:34 The 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 -
0:00:00 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 -
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 - Show more
