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The Skeptic Zone

Richard Saunders
The Skeptic Zone
Latest episode

925 episodes

  • The Skeptic Zone

    The Skeptic Zone #924 - 21.June.2026

    20/06/2026 | 1h 3 mins.
    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
  • The Skeptic Zone

    The Skeptic Zone #923 - 14.June.2026

    13/06/2026 | 58 mins.
    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
  • The Skeptic Zone

    The Skeptic Zone #922 - 7.June.2026

    06/06/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
    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
  • The Skeptic Zone

    The Skeptic Zone #921 - 31.May.2026

    30/05/2026 | 59 mins.
    Bent Spoon - Earthing - Astrology
       00:00:00
    Introduction
    Richard Saunders
        00:04:20
    Steve Terbot - Fake Psychic - Part #2
    In 1984 Australia was visited by 'Steve Terbot', one of America's leading psychics and clairvoyants. Or was he? The story of Bob Steiner from the Bay Area Skeptics who fooled thousands.
        00:17:02
    The Loons from Canada
    This week Allie is tall with her head in the Dyson Zone while Kate is grounded and down to earth. Join the loons as they delve into headphones with a twist, apparently filtering the air you breath, and grounding sheets, which electrify your sleep. Or do they filter common sense and make your wallet stay awake?
        00:33:52
    Bent Spoon Award Update
    An overview of the current nominations for the 2026 Bent Spoon Award, with a special look at Dolly Adamson from "Kyneton Paranormal". Does she really get messages from missing children and dead celebrities?

    Bent Spoon Award
    https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon/nominations/

    Dolly in action
    https://kynetonparanormalpodcast.buzzsprout.com/2435430/episodes/17053716-arnna-beaumont-s-cry-for-justice-a-1966-australian-cold-case-solved-with-connections-from-arnna
        00:42:24
    The TROVE Archives
    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Astrology and War.

        1915.09.11 - The Globe
        1942.02.06 - The Cairns Post
        1899.11.30 - Evening News

    www.trove.nla.gov.au
  • The Skeptic Zone

    The Skeptic Zone #920 - 24.May.2026

    24/05/2026 | 1h 7 mins.
    Flu Woo - Fake Psychic - Paranormal
        00:00:00
    Introduction
    Richard Saunders
        00:03:26
    Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas
    Flu Woo! This week Kate looks and the myths and science behind many popular anti-cold and anti-flu precautions for winter.

    Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
    https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass
        00:14:16
    Steve Terbot - Fake Psychic - Part #1
    In 1984 Australia was visited by 'Steve Terbot', one of America's leading psychics and clairvoyant. Or was he? The story of Bob Steiner from the Bay Area Skeptics who fooled thousands.
        00:41:08
    Australian Skeptics Newsletter
    What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au
        00:52:32
    The TROVE Archives
    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Belief in the Paranormal.

        1977.08.11 - The Canberra Times
        1992.03.01 - RAAF News
        1995.08.30 - The Canberra Times

    www.trove.nla.gov.au
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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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