The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders

Includes a brief report of "Psychic Saturday" at Old Government House, Parramatta with Lara Benham.
0:13:06 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham

In May - June 2026 American and so-called 'medium' Allison Dubois is once again visiting Australia, this time with her "Cold Case" tour, claiming that she will be "working some cold cases that are close to your hearts". Tim and Richard Saunders look at some famous Australian cold cases and how 'psychics' have failed to help year after year.

Dubois is just one among a very long list of international 'mediums' (those who claim to talk to or at least get messages from the dead) who have toured, or are touring Australia. These include names such as Doris Stokes, John Edward, Sally Morgan, Tony Stockwell, David Thompson, Doris Collins, James Van Praagh, Lisa Williams, Nikki Kitt and Margaret Birkin. They pack theatres and are all but guaranteed uncritical free publicity via TV programs, newspapers, magazines and radio.

This segment was also videoed and can be seen as part of this week's Skeptic Zone on YouTube.

https://www.skeptics.com.au/allison-dubois/
0:49:28 The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Scalar Energy and Healing.

Scalar energy is a largely disputed, pseudoscientific concept that lacks support from mainstream physics. While proponents, often referencing a misunderstood interpretation of Nikola Tesla's work, claim it to be a "zero-point" or "healing" energy, skeptics maintain that it is a marketing term used to sell wellness products, such as pendants, that have no demonstrated, measurable benefits.

2005.09.01 - Boca Daily News Fl.


https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/pendants

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders
00:05:46 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

This week Kate is joined by Richard Saunders as they discuss the dangers of quackery including the infamous Black Salve.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass
0:21:54 Supermarket Follies

The truth about Australian maple syrup! With the voice talents of Susan Gerbic, Adrienne Hill, Kate Thomas, Lara Benham, Kat McLeod, and Ross Blocher. A thrilling drama written by Rich Gray with Richard Saunders.

https://tinyurl.com/logicalzone
0:26:54 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

http://www.skeptics.com.au
0:39:54 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod

Kat McLeod with Richard Saunders, look at "Beyond Reason", a television game show produced and seen in Canada from 1977 to 1980. The program featured a group of 'experts' from various paranormal specialties attempting to find the identity of hidden celebrities.

Beyond Reason
https://www.cbc.ca/search?q=Beyond%20Reason§ion=all&sortOrder=date&media=video

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders
00:06:06 Black Salve - Action Taken

A 'natural health herbalist' has been sentenced today to 7 months imprisonment, a community corrections order, and fines of $20,000 for unlawfully advertising and supplying Black Salve and bloodroot capsules, and for advertising other unapproved therapeutic goods to treat serious conditions such as anxiety.

We look at Black Salve, what it is and the very real danger of its use.

https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/conviction-unlawful-supply-and-advertising-black-salve-products
0:18:56 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill

Adrienne gives us a wrap up of an action-packed weekend at the Monterey County SkeptiCamp. It was a weekend Adrienne nearly missed after accidentally booking her flights for the wrong weekend! Despite this calendar chaos, she was able to enjoy the two day skepticamp plus pub night that featured terrific talks, and friendly festivities.

https://m.youtube.com/@AboutTimeProject/videos
0:33:30 The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Athena Starwoman.

1985.11.18 - The Sydney Morning Herald
1979.09.02 - The Sun Herald


http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders
00:05:20 Erich von Daniken 1935 - 2026

We look at the life, times and legacy of the controversial author who popularise the idea that our ancient ancestors were visited by space aliens.

Chariots of the Gods? Video

https://youtu.be/R0hjOK865Qc

Ancient Aliens Debunked - Video

https://youtu.be/OFVbITJLLbQ
0:19:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

http://www.skeptics.com.au
0:28:20 Mamamia 2025 Predictions

We take a look at some of what was in store for us for last year according to a psychic on a popular blog and podcast in Australia.

https://www.mamamia.com.au/psychic-predictions-2025
0:43:34 The TROVE Archives

A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Predictions and Nostradamus.

1973.07.26 - The Evening News - NY
1980.03.06 - The Evening News - NY
1976.12.03 - Lawrence Journal-World

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au
Also https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/conviction-unlawful-supply-and-advertising-black-salve-products

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders
00:06:32 Manifesting

Have you heard of manifesting? Or as it's been more recently labelled the law of attraction? Manifesting is the relatively new label added to a very old practice. Each generation likes to think that they've found the key to unlocking all of your desires. When in actuality it's the same false hope that has been passed down for many generations. Recently on the Skeptic Zone you would've heard reporter Kat McLeod talk about the lucky girl syndrome. By whatever name, it is the personification of wishful thinking.
00:22:54 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

Magnesium Myths

Magnesium is a supplement that has somehow been marketed as the solution to anxiety, insomnia, migraines, constipation, ADHD, menopause, burnout, and the general horror of being alive in late capitalism. This week Kate looks at what magnesium actually is and what it isn't.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass
00:30:26 Refuting the anti-vaxxer who yelled her way onto The Skeptic Zone

Back on 7 December, The Skeptic Zone and Why Smart Women podcasts blended to present a unique live episode at The Occidental Hotel in Sydney. Billed as the Why Smart Women Zone Podcast the show featured Why Smart Women host Annie McCubbin with Sue Ieraci, Kate Thomas, Jessica Singer and Richard Saunders. Lara Benham was the MC. Question-time revealed irony, as the first questioner could benefit from subscribing to Annie's Why Smart Women podcast. An anti-vaxxer, she seemed to have a plan to accuse, mock, embarrass or verbally pummel skeptics.

A look at the blog post written by Paul Gallagher.

https://luckylosing.com/2025/12/31/refuting-the-anti-vaxxer-who-yelled-her-way-onto-the-skeptic-zone/
0:42:16 The TROVE Archives

This week we look at a new age magazine from 1993 called "Southern Crossings". What trick and tips about divination can we pick up from all those years ago?

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au