The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:25 Skeptical Activism We hit the street outside the State Theatre in Sydney to hand out skeptical information flyers to the crowd lining up to see the "talking to the dead" performer John Edward. Thanks to Trish Hann and Lara Benham. https://www.skeptics.com.au/psychics-questions-to-ask 0:21:13 The Book of Tim Pint Sized Fun Tim Mendham looks at the history of Skeptics in the Pub. From the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine from Australian Skeptics. Vol. 37 No. 4 https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine

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A Dive into a TROVE

The Bent Spoon Award through the years A look back via online archives at the some of the press reports on the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Award over the decades. 1994, 12 March - The Canberra Times 1987, 19 April - The Canberra Times 1985, 31 August - The Canberra Times 1989, 26 March - The Canberra Times 2009, 3 December - Discovery Magazine https://trove.nla.gov.au/ https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/australian-skeptics-jeer-meryl-dorey https://www.skeptics.com.au/features/bent-spoon Also Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:45 Skeptical Adventures with Dick Smith Australian Skeptics patron Dick Smith tells of the time he flew out James Randi to take part in Australia's largest water divining challenge. Also other investigations and adventures over the years. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsudGI1mVCMP3D-YedfDUFzgEvtc_UfgA 0:27:05 Good Thinking Society takes on Ear Candles The BBC's Executive Complaints Unit has upheld a Good Thinking Society complaint against "Claudia tries... Ear Candling", a short video which appeared on the Glasgow based digital platform, The Social. They were concerned that the video gave the misleading impression that ear candling is both effective and safe. https://goodthinkingsociety.org/bbc-upholds-our-complaint-against-claudia-tries-ear-candling 0:34:00 Bailey Harris visits Ark Encounter What better way to spend Easter weekend than to take a tour of the Ark Encounter and expose the anti-science that it bleeds from every pore! That is just what author and secular activist Bailey Harris, partnered with Secular Student Alliance, did earlier this year. https://youtu.be/XYnyKnQHY64 0:40:34 The Hole in the Pole - Part #3 Virtually every religion refers to a subterranean world which is variously an afterlife (hell, purgatory, or Elysian Fields) or a secret place where other civilisations do their business. The Greeks had Hades, the Jews Sheol, the Tibetan Buddhists have Shamballa, the Nordic people have Svartalfaheimr, the Hindu Patala. And, of course, the Christians have Hell. Tim Mendhamlooks at varoius adventres to try and find the world beneath. https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine Also Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au Award for Dr Karl https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-11-20/dr-karl-kruszelnicki-unesco-award-science-communication/11717044

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:49 Anti-Vax Zealot in Medical Centre The bizarre story of a conspiracy theorist bluffing his way into a medical centre to get them to remove pro-vaccination posters from the walls. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/anti-vaxxer-impersonated-official-demanded-clinic-pull-health-posters-20191114-p53am5.html https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/impersonation-commonwealth-public-officials https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwH13-sneXs 0:13:08 Skeptical Investigations As part of a record of the history of Australian Skeptics, Ian Bryce tells of some of the early investigations into amazing claims in the 1980s. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsudGI1mVCMP3D-YedfDUFzgEvtc_UfgA 0:25:38 Bent Spoon Nominations for 2019 At a recent Sydney Skeptics in the Pub event, Richard Saunders told the audience of some of some of the nominations for this year's Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon award for the most preposterous piece of paranormal or pseudoscientific piffle. https://www.skeptics.com.au/features/bent-spoon/ 0:30:57 Tim Mendham - Editor Tim tells us how he gathers stories for publication in 'The Skeptic' Magazine from Australian Skeptics. 0:35:32 The Hole in the Pole - Part #2 Virtually every religion refers to a subterranean world which is variously an afterlife (hell, purgatory, or Elysian Fields) or a secret place where other civilisations do their business. The Greeks had Hades, the Jews Sheol, the Tibetan Buddhists have Shamballa, the Nordic people have Svartalfaheimr, the Hindu Patala. And, of course, the Christians have Hell. Tim Mendhamlooks at varoius adventres to try and find the world beneath. https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine Also Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:24 CSICon 2019 Interviews - Part #3 Rob Palmer, aka the well known skeptic, with part #3 of his interview series from CSIcon 2019 in Las Vegas. This week paranormal investigator Kenny Biddle, from Point of Inquiry Kavin Senapathy, GSoW editor Brandi and Aedan, and local Las Vegas student Daniel Spangler. https://www.facebook.com/TWKSkeptic/ https://skepticalinquirer.org/authors/rob-palmer/ 0:17:48 M 209 Cipher Machine Dr Steve Roberts, expert on codes and ciphers, talks about the M 209 Cipher Machine from WWII. https://simonsingh.net/books/the-code-book 0:29:55 The Hole in the Pole - Part #1 Virtually every religion refers to a subterranean world which is variously an afterlife (hell, purgatory, or Elysian Fields) or a secret place where other civilisations do their business. The Greeks had Hades, the Jews Sheol, the Tibetan Buddhists have Shamballa, the Nordic people have Svartalfaheimr, the Hindu Patala. And, of course, the Christians have Hell. Tim Mendhamlooks at varoius adventres to try and find the world beneath. https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine 0:46:11 Skepticon 2012 Update We chat to Michelle Bijkersma from the Vic Skeptics to find out the lineup of international and local speakers appearing at the Australian Skeptics National Convention. Also https://www.change.org/p/the-australian-broadcasting-corporation-abc-please-bring-back-the-checkout https://goodthinkingsociety.org/anti-vaccination-claims-by-homeopaths-exposed-across-the-uk-media

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:09 Another strike against Homeopathy The head of the NHS launches an outspoken attack on the homeopathy industry for peddling deadly anti- vaccine myths. Simon Stevens accuses practitioners of spreading toxic 'misinformation' about jabs, which poses 'a significant danger to human health'. We get the background on the story from Michael Marshall from the Good Thinking Society. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7619805/NHS-chief-blasts-homeopathy-dangerous-blames-industry-fuelling-antivaxx-myths.html 0:14:16 CSIcon 2019 Interviews - Part #2 Guest reporter Rob Palmer talks to Elizabeth Loftus about false memories, Jim Underdownabout investigating paranormal claims, Janyce Boynton about Facilitated communication and Joe Schwarcz about demystifying science. 0:33:16 Geeks, Gamers, Nerds & Kids Tim Mendham, editor (and EO) of 'The Skeptic' magazine from Australian Skeptics, reads an item from Vol. 39 No.1. What is the cross-over between the Nerds and the Skeptics? https://www.skeptics.com.au Also Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au BAS talk http://baskeptics.org Canberra Skeptics https://www.meetup.com/SocialSkepticsCanberra/

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:30 Banned Naturopath in Cook Islands The naturopath whose Cook Islands disciples continue to practice her prohibited remedies says she is the victim of a Nazi-style propaganda campaign. http://www.cookislandsnews.com/national/item/74612-ban-on-healer-who-offered-cancer-cure-to-dying-cook-islands-man http://www.cookislandsnews.com/national/health/item/74641-banned-healer-breaks-silence-to-protest-her-innocence/74641-banned-healer-breaks-silence-to-protest-her-innocence 0:14:17 CSIcon 2019 Interviews - Part #1 Guest reporter Rob Palmer chats to Seth Shostak about the search for alien life, Paula from Argentina, Mentalist Mark Edward and Natalia and Carlos from Brazil. 0:34:14 Fighting Words - Part #2 Tim Mendham, editor (and EO) of 'The Skeptic' magazine from Australian Skeptics, reads a feature from Vol. 39 No. 2. A look at the history and meaning of "Free Speech". https://www.skeptics.com.au Also Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au

Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:30 Mind Body Wallet time again Join Richard Saunders, Peter "Ratbags" Bowditch and Lara Benham as they, once again, descend into the pit of woo that is Mind Body Spirit in Sydney. https://ratbags.com/ 0:17:30 Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia in action Barbara O'Neill is an Australian naturopath and lecturer on health issues who, in 2019, was banned for life by the New South Wales Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) from providing free or paid health services. We look at the new Wiki page regarding her case. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_O%27Neill https://www.skepdoc.info/videos-2 0:27:00 Fighting Words - Part #1 Tim Mendham, editor (and EO) of 'The Skeptic' magazine from Australian Skeptics, reads a feature from Vol. 39 No. 2. A look at the history and meaning of "Free Speech". https://www.skeptics.com.au 0:37:35 Tricks of the Trade Australian Skeptics co-founder Phillip Adams recalls the time James Randi fooled the room with nothing more than a table top and a cigarette. As published in 'The Weekend Australian Magazine'. https://www.theaustralian.com.au Also Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au

Show Notes 0:00:00

Introduction Richard Saunders

0:03:00

CHOICE Shonkys Far too many people lose money or suffer impacts to their health and wellbeing due to products that are overpriced, ineffective or downright dangerous. We all deserve better. The Skeptic Zone Podcast reports from the annual Shonkys Awards. http://www.choice.com.au

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Trish & Chips! With Trish Hann Trish is interviewed by Maynard at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub where she talks about the latest science in the treatment of strokes.

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I Think We Need To Think... with Susan Gerbic Susan updates us on more of the work going on at Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia. https://abouttimeproject.wordpress.com/

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Dr Fiona Fidler for Skepticon 2019 Dr Fidler is a psychologist with a PhD in history and philosophy of science, who has worked in conservation science for roughly the last decade. She is generally interested in how scientists and experts make and communicate decisions. In this interview, Dr Fidler gives us an overview of her upcoming presentation at Skepticon 2019. https://www.findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/display/person3224

Also..

Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au

Show Notes 0:00:00

Introduction Richard Saunders

0:04:25

NZ Skeptics vs. Jeanette Wilson NZ-based, self-described "spiritual medium" Jeanette Wilson has started touring the country with her Psychic Surgery show. New Zealand Skeptics are running a campaign to try to disrupt this by contacting the venues and making them aware of the sort of thing they're hosting. We talk to NZ Skeptics Chairperson, Craig Shearer. https://skeptics.nz https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018715951 https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12273065

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The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson Naturopath O'Neill banned for life The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission has given a life ban to naturopath Barbara O'Neill. The order permanently prohibits O'Neill from "providing any health service, whether on a paid or voluntary basis, to any person". The term "health service" includes "health education services", which were a feature of the northern NSW Misty Mountain Health Retreat founded by O'Neill and her husband Michael in 2001. Breaking the terms of the prohibition order could incur a six months prison sentence. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2019/10/02/naturopath-oneill-banned-for-life/ https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/Hearings---decisions/Public-statements-and-warnings/Public-Statement-and-Statement-of-Decision-in-relation-to-in-relation-to-Mrs-Barbara-O-Neill https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/oct/03/naturopath-who-said-bicarbonate-soda-cures-cancer-banned-for-life-by-health-watchdog

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Maynard's Spooky Action... Maynard asks pubbers at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub the big question... What do they think of the recent action taken by the New Zealand Skeptics to stop a so-called psychic healer? With President of Australian Skeptics Inc. Jessica Singer, Tim Medham and others.

Also

Skepticon 2019 - https://skepticon.org.au Skeptoid 13th Birthday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAD0h7-YG3c&t=38700 BrusFri - Noise Reduction - https://klevgrand.se/products/brusfri

Skeptic Zone Promo .wav - 30 sec. Download Here

Show Notes 0:00:00

Introduction Richard Saunders

0:04:55

Area 51 - No Aliens Set Free We chat to noted paranormal expert Ben Redford about the fiasco at area 51. A good day for those who like to dance, but alas no aliens were set free to travel back to their home planet. https://squaringthestrange.wordpress.com

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The Wallaby Award Australian Skeptics Inc is once again offering an annual award for the best piece of skeptical journalism. The Barry Williams Award for Skeptical Journalism recognises the best piece of journalism (in any medium) that takes a critical and skeptical approach to a topic that falls within our remit, which is the scientific investigation of pseudoscience and the paranormal. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2019/09/26/australian-skeptics-calls-for-nominations-for-media-prize

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The Raw Skeptic Report... With Heidi Robertson A Queensland chiropractor-turned-alternative healer sold bottled water as a vaccine for the deadly Hendra virus. - By Warren Barnsley https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6394940/qld-healer-sold-water-as-hendra-vaccine

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From the pages of The Skeptic - Did We Say That? Creationists Farewell Some Old Friends. Imagine for a moment that you were the proud possessor of an infallible science textbook. Imagine further that you could contact the infallible author of this textbook at any time and receive guidance as to the books correct interpretation. With a system like this in place, you'd be pretty right, wouldn't you? I mean, you wouldn't keep putting your foot in it, blundering along all over the place and having to post long lists of your egregious errors on your Internet site. Now would you? - By Brian Baxter http://www.skeptics.com.au

Also

Skepticon 2019 - https://skepticon.org.au Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/AustSkeptics Maynard's Movie Night - 3 October - http://www.tinyurl.com/fhmaynard