Episodit

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:03:58 New Moon Superstitions

    Lara Benham (and the Skeptic Zone cats) take a look at some of the myths and superstitions regarding the new moon. Included is a clip from our friend Kenny Biddle. 0:14:18 Flat Earthers fall flat in the Antarctic

    A report of a group of hopeful flat earthers and globe earthers who travel to the Antarctic to view the 24 hour sun...... or not!

    24h Timelapse of Antactic Sun
    https://youtu.be/in0B1OQG3-M 0:24:58 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:03:42 Richard Saunders' Skeptical Challenge

    Over the past 25 years Saunders had the opportunity of being involved in numerous preliminary tests for the Australian Skeptics challenge, as well as the James Randi Educational Foundation's (JREF) US$1,000,000 prize in the 2010s, where he served on the committee that met annually in Las Vegas.

    A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 44 No. 4 (2024)

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:43:36 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to New Moon Superstitions.

    1892.03.12 - The Queenbean Age
    1943.09.29 - The Inverel Times
    1908.11.21 - The Pastral Times
    1834.03.25 - The Sunday Mail
    1924.06.14 - The Queenbean Figero


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Kenny Biddle with Kat McLeod and Lara Benham
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ytPtiuunFdc

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:03:50 A Review of The Skeptic

    We take a peek into the latest issue of one of the world's oldest skeptical magazines. What reports, interviews and stories can you expect to see this time? Find out. 0:11:48 You can count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill

    Adrienne Hill chats with infectious disease immunologist and science communicator David Miles about his book called "How Vaccines Work: The Science and History Behind Every Question You've Wanted to Ask."

    https://www.variolator.com 0:28:44 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Spoon and Skeptical.

    1975.03.13 - The Australian Jewish Times
    1986.04.03 - The Canberra Times

    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Kenny Biddle with Kat McLeod and Lara Benham
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ytPtiuunFdc

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    Paina tästä ja päivitä feedi.

  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:02:56 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill

    Adrienne Hill talks with fellow Calgarian, psychologist, and science communicator Jonathan Stea, who recently published Mind the Science: Saving Your Mental Health from the Wellness Industry.

    https://www.jonathanstea.com

    0:19:10 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod

    Do you ever question your memory? Of course, we all do, however, people of a certain age may often start to feel older when they misremember things that they felt certain about. Is it a sign of senility? Probably not. This week Kat is examining the Mandela Effect and why people can't always trust their own memory. 0:31:26 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:00 I Think We Need To Think! With Susan Gerbic

    This week Susan heads off to a local "Psychic" Fair and has readings that shock and amaze.... no one! What mysterious insights did those claiming paranormal powers have for her? Find out with Susan. 0:51:46 Maynard's Spooky Action

    Interviews from Skepticon XL Richard Saunders Alanta Colley Nate Eggins Ben Radford - "Radford or What?" Paul Gallagher
  • 0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:01:08 Squaring the Zone

    On the final day of Skepticon XL, Richard Saunders from The Skeptic Zone podcast joins Ben Radford from the Squaring the Strange podcast along with the one and only Maynard. Topics include the history of both podcasts, investigations, "What are you skeptical of this week?", and a TROVE segment. Also questions from the audience. Also https://squaringthestrange.libsyn.com

  • 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

  • 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