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The Skeptic Zone

Richard Saunders
The Skeptic Zone
Latest episode

929 episodes

  • The Skeptic Zone

    The Skeptic Zone #928 - 19.July.2026

    18/07/2026 | 1h 3 mins.
    ESP - Quack Watch - Crime
        00:00:00
    Introduction
    Richard Saunders
        00:04:38
    You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
    Adrienne catches up with András Pinter, co-host of the European Skeptics Podcast (ESP), in their annual meetup in Canmore, Alberta. The pair attempt to walk, talk, avoid traffic, and occasionally giggle about skeptical topics from Europe and Canada.

    The ESP - European Skeptics Podcast
    https://theesp.eu
        00:20:25
    Quack Watch - Barbara O'Neill
    Be Wary of Barbara O'Neill's Health Recommendations - by Ken McLeod

    Wellness guru Barbara O'Neill has an enormous, devoted global audience for her many egregious, non-evidence-based claims about "natural" health. She has credited God for at least some of the advice she has offered. She has gained 4.7 million followers.

    https://quackwatch.org/11ind/be-wary-of-barbara-oneills-health-recommendations/
        00:34:34
    Origami Posters
    Michelle Bijkersma tells our Japanese listeners about free origami posters.
        00:35:46
    Australian Skeptics Newsletter
    What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au
        00:47:00
    The TROVE Archives
    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Crime and Supernatural.

        1924.08.24 - The Sun - Sydney
  • The Skeptic Zone

    The Skeptic Zone #927 - 12.July.2026

    11/07/2026 | 1h 4 mins.
    EVP - Cupping - Hinch
        00:00:00
    Introduction
    Richard Saunders
        00:06:00
    The Loons From Canada
    This is part 2 of the Loons from Canada discussing the results of testing Rodney Schmaltz's Psychology students and the participants of the Western Canadian Reason Conference to see if people hear the same audio pareidolia as purported to be heard on an EVP. Which will have clearer spirited voices? The spirit box from part 1, or the EVP in part 2? Listen to find out.

    Adrienne's WeCanReason talk:
    Produced by Seth Andrews
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwFiu2-kYVU&t=133s

    Mondegreens taken out of Seth's production of Adrienne's talk:
    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Sa9sHyi__9s
        00:24:28
    Cupping Woo
    We are joined by the secretary of Australian Skeptics, Lara Benham who recounts her frustration in trying to find an evidence based physiotherapist.
        00:40:52
    The TROVE Archives
    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the late skeptical broadcaster Derryn Hinch.

        1984.05.13 - The Sun Herald
        1984.05.18 - The Age
        1984.05.20 - The Sun Herald


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

    The Skeptic Zone #926 - 5.July.2026

    04/07/2026 | 54 mins.
    Spirits - Newsletter - Paranormal
    00:00:00
    Introduction
    Richard Saunders
        00:03:50
    The Loons From Canada
    The Loons from Canada revisit Episode 775 of The Skeptic Zone by testing Rodney Schmaltz's Psychology students and the participants of the Western Canadian Reason Conference to see if people hear the same thing as psychic medium Cael O'Donnell claims he heard while using a spirit box during a walk through a graveyard. This is part I of a 2 part investigation testing spirit boxes and EVPs.
        00:23:12
    Australian Skeptics Newsletter
    What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au
        00:36:38
    The TROVE Archives
    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to 'Paranormal and Berkeley'.

        1980.04.19 - The Lodi News-Sentinel
        1985.01.11 - Ocala StarBanner


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

    The Skeptic Zone #925 - 28.June.2026

    27/06/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
    Looksmaxxing - Movies - Students
     
        00:00:00
    Introduction
    Richard Saunders - LIVE from SkeptiCal 2026, Oakland, California.
        00:03:12
    Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas
    Looksmaxxing (often associated with the term "man maxing") is an internet subculture focused on optimizing physical attractiveness. It spans from standard self-improvement (like skin care and fitness) to more extreme and potentially hazardous methods involving cosmetic procedures, performance-enhancing substances, or high-risk physical manipulation.

    Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
    https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass
        00:17:58
    You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
    At CSICon 2026 in Buffalo, NY, Adrienne chats with Fresno State University students Kimberly Salinas, Wasayef Ghannam, and Tyler Woolrich regarding their poster presentations based on their research surrounding critical thinking and that stubborn myth that won't go away, learning styles. During a break between sessions, she crosses paths with presenters Katie Suleta and Alejandro Borgo on a break between sessions where they discuss the importance of involving young people in skepticism.
        00:31:32
    Movie Reviews
    Join in on a road trip with Dr Eugenie Scott and Richard Saunders as they discuss the recent movies, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" and "Disclosure Day". Were they impressed? Would they go again? Find out in this week's episode.
        00:46:44
    Sunday Speakers
    Adrienne Hill, Rob Palmer and Susan Gerbic report on the wonderful Sunday Speaker session at the recent CSICon 50th.
  • 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
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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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