0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard 00:05:58 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas We interview Pharmacist Kate Thomas, a rising TikTok star from Sydney who fights medical misinformation with commonsense and humour. https://www.tiktok.com/@prescribeorpass https://www.tiktok.com/@debunkingbarbara https://www.instagram.com/scriptedbykate 0:18:34 Gone and Forgotten #3 Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. 0:28:16 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Ed and Lorrain Warren. 1990.10.29 - The Hour 1980.04.05 - The Sun Herald 1985.04.04 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1985.05.18 - The Mid City's Daily News http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au

 

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:00 Cryptozoology We take a look into the history and likelihood of strange creatures roaming the earth, yet to be discovered by science. Tall tales from our ancestors and adventurous hunts throughout the world are examined. Is Bigfoot really there? 0:13:46 Prescribe or Pass Sometimes the rabbit hole of TikTok can offer much more than conspiracy theories and bad advice. We review the channel of Pharmacist Kate Thomaswho takes to task many of the outrageous claims by wellness gurus and naturopaths. https://www.tiktok.com/@prescribeorpass https://www.tiktok.com/@debunkingbarbara https://www.instagram.com/scriptedbykate 0:23:24 Gone and Forgotten #2 Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. 0:32:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:20 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the year 1965 and the Paranormal. 2003.03.14 - The Beaver County Times 1982.04.14 - The Toledo Blade Times 2003.10.31 - The Hour 1977.03.05 - The Montreal Gazette 1970.03.23 - The News Despatch http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au Stephen Bavaro - First year running for autism https://www.runforautism.org.au/fundraisers/stephenbavaro/run-for-autism-2025

 

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Tim Mendham 00:06:06 A Look into the Stars We take a sceptical look at the claims and promises of the age old practice of Astrology. Can the stars and planets really predict your future or influence your characteristics? 0:17:50 Gone and Forgotten #1 Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. At the time, members of the public and members of the media gave them credence beyond what they deserved. Some have stuck around, and even prospered - UFOs and psychic powers, to name two - but many more have died the death of irrelevance and fast fashion. Some might still be around, but only as a vestige of their once high-profile status. Others truly are forgotten. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. 0:30:38 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Astrology. 1980.09.11 - The Evening Times - Scotland 1968.07.31 - The Calgary Herald 1977.03.04 - The Lawrence Journal-World http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au

 

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:14 Comet 3I Atlas and TikTok Tales of Doom As another interstellar visitor races through our solar system, we look at various predictions and musings of people who think this chunk of rock is actually an alien spacecraft heading our way. Prof. Dave - Avi Loeb https://youtu.be/4nYXIeZh_bw 0:21:24 For Crying Out Loud. It's Kat McLeod! This week Kat straps on some ghost busting gear and investigates the possibility of the paranormal when she does a deep dive into the gruesome haunting of Room 202 in the Fort Garry hotel. Trigger warning: suicide. 0:34:16 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:45:24 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Poltergeists. 1960.02.07 - The Toledo Blade 1973.10.28 - The Robesonina http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:28 Alien Abductions? We take a look at the history, implications and possibilities of aliens travelling across the Milky Way to not only visit the Earth but also to kidnap some of its unlucky, innocent residents. 0:16:44 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Relationship Gurus with Karen Bijkersma #2 The Internet seems full of people who want to offer you advice, for a price, on your relationships. This week Adrienne Hill talks to author Karen Bijkersma about some of these gurus and institutions. https://karenbijkersma.com.au 0:38:55 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Alien Abductions. 1989.06.06 - The Age 1997.12.09 - The Manila Standard 1987.04.26 - The Albany Herald 1990.05.10 - The Herald Jounal 1973.10.20 - The Dispatch http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:34 The World Without the Modern Skeptical Movement We imagine what society would be like if James Randi and people like him never started the modern skeptical movement. What would the world be like? 0:16:56 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Relationship Gurus with Karen Bijkersma #1 The Internet seems full of people who want to offer you advice, for a price, on your relationships. This week Adrienne Hill talks to author Karen Bijkersma about some of these gurus and institutions. 0:31:52 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:20 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to a "Jinx". 1937.08.13 - The Evening Indepentent 1982.08.12 - The Gadston Times 1951.08.31 - The Lighgow Mercury 1949.10.22 - The Newcastle Sun 1954.03.11 - The Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs Gazette 1950.11.09 - The Guyra Argus http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skeptics Cafe https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/events

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:50 Msynard's Spooky Action Maynard heads to Sydney Skeptics in the Pub for a special screening of the remastered documentary "James Randi in Australia". Attending was Kent Blackmore who took part in the documenty 45 years ago. Maynard also chats to Skeptic Zone listener Tom. http://www.sydneymagic.net 0:22:26 Psychic Penny's Horoscopes Exclusive to The Skeptic Zone, Psychic Penny casts a horoscope and looks deep into the stars. Is your fate in her hands? This week her mystic insights are for Sagittarius, Pisces, Capricorn and Aquarius. 0:28:06 The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie do a brief update about previous discussions before delving into some sport superstitions, particularly some hilarious hockey habits and some goofy golf gambits that make Kate and Allie giggle. Mentioned in the episode: Thinking is Power : Superstitious pigeons: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ex9ogrsWOao 0:44:20 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Water Dowsing. 1954.09.16 - The Robesonian 1977.01.15 - The Nashua Telegraph 1977.09.19 - The Victoria Advocate - Texas 1969.08.05 - The Telegraph Herald - Iowa http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:08 Radical Thinking Radical Thinking is a book about how you view the world. It's about the things that shape your thoughts, from what you notice and how you interpret it, to what you assume, believe and want. It's also about how, if you think in a radical way, you can look beyond your limited view of the world to see the bigger picture. Peter Lamont is a Professor of History and Theory of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His previous five books, and many articles, have been on a variety of curious topics, such as magic, belief, wonder and critical thinking. https://swiftpress.com/book/radical-thinking 0:18:26 Psychic Penny's Horoscopes Exclusive to The Skeptic Zone, Psychic Penny casts a horoscope and looks deep into the stars. Is your fate in her hands? This week her mystic insights are for Leo, Vergo, Libra and Scorpio. 0:23:50 Close but no Bent Cigar Richard Saunders takes a look at some of the notable runners up for the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon award from the past 44 years. 0:33:40 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:50 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Spoon Benders and Paranormal Claims. 1974.01.27 - National Inquirer 1973.12.17 - Sydney Morning Herald 1973.06.14 - The Blade http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also https://pintofscience.com.au/events/canberra

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:16 Dr Eugenie Scott - Scopes Monkey Trial 100th Anniversary - #2 We chat to the one and only Dr Eugenie Scott who reflects on the 100th anniversary of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial. This is part two of a two part interview. The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, commonly known as the Scopes trial or Scopes Monkey Trial, was an American legal case from July 10 to July 21, 1925, in which a high school teacher, John T. Scopes, was accused of violating the Butler Act, a Tennessee state law which outlawed the teaching of human evolution in public schools. 0:24:12 Psychic Penny's Horoscopes Exclusive to The Skeptic Zone, Psychic Penny casts a horoscope and looks deep into the stars. Is your fate in her hands? This week her mystic insights are for Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer. 0:28:46 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod lilicon 2025 - #2 Lilienfeld Alliance for the Teaching of Rational Skepticism in Higher Education. The goal of the Lilienfeld Alliance is to connect instructors who teach critical thinking at the college and university level, to advocate for course content that promotes rational skepticism, and to encourage further study of best practices in the pedagogy of teaching such courses. Interviews with Nicole, Ian, Dr Natalia Pasternak and Sam Billings. This is part two of a two part series of interviews. https://sites.google.com/view/lilienfeldalliance/lilicon-2025 0:42:34 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Uri Geller - #2. 1973.12.08 - The Age http://www.trove.nla.gov.au  

 

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:16 Dr Eugenie Scott - Scopes Monkey Trial 100th Anniversary - #1 We chat to the one and only Dr Eugenie Scott who reflects on the 100 anniversary of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial. This is part one of a two part interview. The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, commonly known as the Scopes trial or Scopes Monkey Trial, was an American legal case from July 10 to July 21, 1925, in which a high school teacher, John T. Scopes, was accused of violating the Butler Act, a Tennessee state law which outlawed the teaching of human evolution in public schools. 0:16:54 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:46 For Crying Out Load! It's Kat McLeod lilicon 2025 - #1 Lilienfeld Alliance for the Teaching of Rational Skepticism in Higher Education. The goal of the Lilienfeld Alliance is to connect instructors who teach critical thinking at the college and university level, to advocate for course content that promotes rational skepticism, and to encourage further study of best practices in the pedagogy of teaching such courses. Interviews with Dr. Christopher Labos, Jonathan Jarry, Sophie Tseng Pellar and Dr Lynne Honey. This is part one of a two part series of interviews. https://sites.google.com/view/lilienfeldalliance/lilicon-2025 0:42:34 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Uri Geller - #1. 1973.12.08 - The Age http://www.trove.nla.gov.au