The Skeptic Zone
The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason - Since 2008
Click Here for The Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project
| The Skeptic Zone #864 - 27 April 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:05:26
A Challenge to So-Called Psychics
A review of the challenge to psychics, and people claiming other paranormal powers, put out by Australian Skeptics in 1984. How does this compare to 2025? https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/challenge |
| 0:20:28
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
Unnatural Selection By Tim Mendham Part 1 of 5 Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 - 1913) was an English naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, biologist and illustrator. He independently conceived the theory of evolution through natural selection; his 1858 paper on the subject was published that year alongside extracts from Charles Darwin's earlier writings on the topic. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 44 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:30:26 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. Also hear Adrienne's insights of her travels across the Pacific Ocean and encounters with alternative medicine. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:46:10
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "The New Age". 1988.12.13 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1988.10.11 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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High Seas
Reading a Selection
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #863 - 20 April 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Kat McLeod |
| 00:02:30
Susan vs. Psychics
We catch up with Susan Gerbic to hear her thoughts on what she's dubbed "Motivated Sitters", that is people who actively take part in so-called psychic readings and, unknowingly, do most of the hard work. |
| 0:24:18
The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham
I Can Smell Onions By Ken McLeod In this report, Ken McLeod recounts the time that psychics tried to help in finding missing aircraft. Read by Tim Mendham. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 24 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:32:54
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Meeting of skeptical women. Be a fly on the wall when Adrienne meets up with Annie McCubbin and Australian Skeptics president Jessica Singer for an informal chat. |
| 0:44:16
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Voodo Pills and Powders. 1945.09.01 - The World's News http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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Psychics No Help
Psychics No Help (Again)
Smart Women
| The Skeptic Zone #862 - 13 April 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:05:24
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
How are you feeling? It is a common question people ask each other all the time. Most of us give thought to our diet, exercise or overall health on a regular basis. On this week's show Kat McLeod will look at society's obsession with the health and wellness industry, in hopes that you will feel better about yourself. |
| 0:29:02
Extinction Over? The Riddle of the Dire Wolf
Recent media headlines would have you think that scientists have solved extinction! Have Dire Wolves really been brought back from the dead? We seek the thoughts of Brian Dunning who casts some doubt on this claim. |
| 0:30:12 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Kat McLeod. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:40:52
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Psychic Precognition. 1950.08.26 - The Gippsland Times 1936.06.06 - The Courier Mail 1968.10.39 - the Canberra Times 1939.09.02 - Australian Women's Weekly http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also |
Still Extinct
Australian Skeptics News
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #861 - 6 April 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:08:54
The Loons From Canada
Kate & Allie vs. AI Just how good is AI in April 2025? Kate & Allie test Copilot from Microsoft when it come to its skeptical knowledge. |
| 00:21:48
Maynard's Spooky Action
This week Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to see a talk by Karen Bijkersma, a distant relative of the Skeptical Fairy Godmother Angel from the Internet. He took the opportunity to interview Karen and Annie McCubbin about their upcoming podcast episode on the Why Smart Women podcast. Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - April 2025 - Karen Bijkersma https://youtu.be/fCvua9BUnSI Why Smart Women Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385970 |
| 0:25:18
Around the Curve to the Antarctic
Rob Palmer talks with Jeran Campanella, a former "Flat Earther", about his trip to the Antarctic to see for himself the 24 hour sun. https://skepticalinquirer.org/authors/rob-palmer |
| 0:33:26
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Pyramid Power. 1978.01.15 - The Sun Herald 1977.11.12 - The Sun Herald 1977.12.21 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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Smart Women
More Smart Women
A Goose
| The Skeptic Zone #860 - 30 March 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:40:10
The Loons from Canada
Join Kate and Allie as they investigate paranormal activity at Concordia University with Rodney Schmaltz's fourth-year psychology students from McEwan University. They explore potential ghostly presences using dowsing rods, EVPs, ghost photography, and infrasound detection. Listen to eerie recordings and a few giggles as they explore the spooky, old building in the dark. |
| 0:24:04
UFO No Show
You might be surprised to hear that a couple of weeks ago our planet was supposed to have been visited by giant alien motherships. Is it possible that the psychics, mystics and channels who foresaw this momentous event were wrong? If so, why? |
| 0:33:56 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:47:48
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the Abominable Snowman. 1953.03.03 - The Mercury - Tasmania 1959.09.07 - The Canberra Times 1953.12.09 - Brisbane Telegraph 1952.07.12 - The Daily New Queensland 1954.02.13 - The Daily Advertiser NSW 1988.10.17 - Th Canberra Times 1964.02.23 - The Sun Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Skeptics Cafe Meet the one and only Adrienne Hill, a.k.a. Psychic Penny! Function Room at The Stolberg Hotel, 197 Plenty Road Preston, Melbourne 31st March - Dinner from 6pm - Talk at 7:30pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1370082674018460? Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Meet the one and only Karen Bijkersma CATFISH, PHISHING AND OTHER ONLINE PREDATORS Thursday, April 3, 2025 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM The Occidental Hotel 43 York Street - Sydney https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics |
The Skeptical Ghost Hunt
The Skeptical Fairy
The Skeptical Saunders
| The Skeptic Zone #859 - 23 March 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:08:48
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Adrienne chats with Jonathan Jarry from the McGill Office of Science and Society regarding his recent expose about Joe Mercola. Jonathan describes the controversial and jaw-dropping findings discovered after a whistle-blower sent him videos depicting strange conversations between Mercola and a psychic medium. Find out Mercola's thoughts on veterinarians, unconventional carbon dioxide treatments and how he is using Chat GPT. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRps3VQ-0BE&t=281s https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking-health-and-nutrition-pseudoscience/exclusive-videos-show-dr-joe-mercolas-dangerous-ideas-whipped-alleged-medium |
| 0:24:40
The Naked Skeptic
An opinion piece by Richard Saunders. Abusing science is sadly prevalent in our society. Originally published in Australasian Science, Oct. 2002. |
| 0:32:44
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Graphology. Included in this report are audio clips from "James Randi: Psychic Investigator" (1991) and various TikTok videos. Joining Richard Saunders are Kat McLeod and Adrienne Hill. James Randi tests Graphology https://youtu.be/NeYkOHQ683k&t=320 1989.06.08 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1969.10.07 - The Age 2005.04.29 - The Australian Jewish News http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
The adventures of Psychic Penny and the Galactic Federation - series #1
https://youtu.be/9bszCu-_SAU Annelise Baer - Your friendly neighborhood archaeologist & Emmy-nominated researcher - Pyramid Pseudoscience https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSrJQt3aT Skeptics Cafe Meet the one and only Adrienne Hill, a.k.a. Psychic Penny! Function Room at The Stolberg Hotel, 197 Plenty Road Preston, Melbourne 31st March - Dinner from 6pm - Talk at 7:30pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1370082674018460? |
Investigation
Oh Canada!
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #858 - 16 March 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:06:54
The Loon From Canada
Kate and Allie return to the topic of the Mandela Effect and explore the rabbit hole of the International Mandela Effect Conference, featuring speakers who delve into consciousness, quantum silliness, and miraculous phenomena; the conference is more paranormal pondering than scientific symposium. They even are able to manifest special guest Coleman Watts from the Think This Through Channel on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkThisThroughChannel Mandella effect video: https://youtu.be/lEi_-nDoQXs |
| 0:21:28
Deep Seek - The Play - Penny's Adventures #7
We asked Deep Seek AI to write part #7 of the misadventures of psychic Penny and the Galactic Federation. Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill, Lara Benham and Maynard. |
| 0:30:18 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:41:44
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to James Randi. 1980.07.26 - The Age - Melbourne 1993.06.26 - The Age - Melbourne 1993.07.08 - The Age - Melbourne http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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Surpise Guest
Space Crew
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #857 - 9 March 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:05:40
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
This week Kat interviews Annie McCubbin from Australia. Annie is an actor, author and corporate trainer, committed to elevating the quality of critical thinking in business and life. She focuses on helping women avoid being conned by new-age nonsense and self-help platitudes. She is the author of Why Smart Women Make Bad Decisions (published in 2020) and Why Smart Women Buy the Lies (published in 2023). https://linktr.ee/anniemccubbin |
| 0:28:26
Deep Seek - The Play - Penny's Adventures #6
We asked Deep Seek AI to write part #6 of the misadventures of psychic Penny and the Galactic Federation. Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill, Lara Benham, Maynard and Kathy Rightmire. |
| 0:36:50
What can AI tell us about Cold Reading?
Will AI ever replace psychics? We think it's quite possible. In this week's episode we interview an AI engine to get its opinions on the matter and get a cold reading along the way. https://www.sesame.com |
| 0:43:56
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Australian Skeptics. 1987.04.24 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1997.08.12 - The Age 1989.06.03 - The Age http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Surf Coast Skepticamp
http://www.tinyurl.com/scsc2025 Joe Nickell with Maynard 2015 https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-366-25oct2015 |
A Smart Woman
Adventure
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #856 - 2 March 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:20
Revisiting the Beaumont Children Mystery
In January 1966 three young children went missing from an Adelaide beach. This, one of the great unsolved cold cases of Australian criminal history, was not helped by the distraction of so-called psychics. News reel from 1966 with Gerard Croiset https://youtu.be/6phR-jFnx3g?t=666 TV news report from 1990 about June Cox a so-called psychic who was no help in the case https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/asset/99408-clairvoyant-joins-beaumont-children-search |
| 0:20:34
Meta AI - The Play - Penny's Adventures #5
We asked Meta AI to write part #5 of the misadventures of psychic Penny and the Galactic Federation. Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill, Lara Benham, Maynard and Kathy Rightmire. |
| 0:27:30
In Search Of - Water Seekers - 1980 Review
A review from an Australian newspaper in 1980 of the 1978 episode from the "In Search Of" series that looks into the phenomenon of water divining or water dousing. https://youtu.be/SMCo1tvsauE |
| 0:33:40 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| Also |
Space Oprea
Newsletter
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #855 - 23 February 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:05:32
Wikipedia and Belle Gibson
Susan Gerbic from Guerrilla Skeptics on Wikipedia takes us through some of the recent activity and interest shown in convicted scammer Belle Gibson in relation to her Wikipedia page. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Gibson |
| 0:20:42
In Search Of - Water Seekers
A review of the 1978 episode from the "In Search Of" series that looks into the phenomenon of water divining or water dousing. We discover pseudoscience and logical fallacies galore. An excellent lesson in critical thinking. https://youtu.be/SMCo1tvsauE |
| 0:38:14
Gimini - The Play - Penny's Adventures #4
We asked Gemini AI to write part #4 of the misadventures of psychic Penny and the Galactic Federation. Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill, Lara Benham and Maynard. |
| 0:44:54
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Australian Skeptics. 1987.04.17 - The Canberra Times 1994.09.22 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Surf Coast Skepticamp
http://www.tinyurl.com/scsc2025 Jabba's Curious World - 2011 Paranormal in Australia https://youtu.be/jYWAmtNJIj0 |
Wellness Scammers
Space Crew
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #854 - 16 February 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:04:22
What If?
What if "Psychics" really were psychic? What if "Diviners" really could find water? What if people could really predict the future? What would the world be like if these strange claims are actually true? Richard Saunders poses a few thought experiments. |
| 0:13:10
Chat GPT - The Play - Penny's Adventures #3
We asked Chat GPT to write part #3 of the misadventures of psychic Penny and the Galactic Federation. Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill, Lara Benham and Maynard. |
| 0:19:20
VR Skeptics
Lara Benham, Adrienne Hill, Ross Blocher and Richard Saunders enjoy a little virtual reality golf and chat about the upcoming Skeptoid Cruise to the Bermuda Triangle. |
| 0:24:30 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:35:52
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Paranormal Politics. 1995.03.22 - The Canberra Times 1940.05.15 - The Manning Times 1993.12.27 - The Canberra Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Kat McLeod on Why Smart Women https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385970/episodes/16592626-what-happened-to-kat Richard Saunders' talk. Psychic Detectives : False Trails. https://youtu.be/pfAntkVFxcs |
News
Adventures
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #853 - 9 February 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 0:03:34
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
Here at the Skeptic Zone we adore our listeners, and with Valentine's Day approaching, we thought we would do a segment dedicated to you, the listener. Are you feeling the love? Roses can be red, violets aren't blue. On this week's show, Kat will be looking at Valentine's Day origins, myths, and alternatives for you. |
| 0:14:16
Copilot - The Play - Penny's Adventures #2
We asked Copilot to write part #2 of the misadventures of psychic Penny and the Galactic Federation. Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill, Lara Benham and Maynard. |
| 00:21:36
Maynard's Spooky Action
What do people at Sydney Skeptics in tne Pub, including Tim Mendham, think about intuition and 'gut feelings'? Find out as Maynard asks the tough questions. |
| 0:35:52
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Strange Monsters. 1946.03.30 - The West Australian 1938.03.17 - The Western Mail http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
| Also
Surf Coast Skepicamp
http://www.tinyurl.com/scsc2025 |
Love is in the Air
Galactic Adventure
Your Host
| The Skeptic Zone #852 - 2 February 2025 |
| Show Notes |
| 0:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders |
| 00:03:44
Looking to the Stars
This week we once again check into those folks on the Internet who claim they are in regular contact with aliens from all over the cosmos. Are we about to receive a visitation? Also an update on Ross Coulthart and his amazing claims about the drone invasion of 2024. |
| 0:17:58
DeepSeek - The Play
Yet another new AI model is available. We test DeepSeek! Can it write a play in under 10 seconds? Joining Richard Saunders in this segment, playing the parts of a psychic and aliens, are Kat McLeod, Adrienne Hill and Lara Benham. |
| 0:25:30 Australian
Skeptics Newsletter
What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au |
| 0:36:36
The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Mesmerism. 1850.09.25 - Hobarton Guardian, or, True Friend of Tasmania 1927.08.07 - The Sunday Times - Sydney 1888.06.30 - The Daily Telegraph - Sydney http://www.trove.nla.gov.au |
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DeepSeek Play
News
Your Host
The Vaccination
Chonicles |
Solar Flare |
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Featuring YouTube
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Also featuring the hit song It's old time radio from the future! |
Origami Pigasus
Origami Pigasus was invented by Richard Saunders in 2007 at the request of his friend James "The Amazing" Randi.
Video Folding Instructions |
Booklet |
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Free Origami Posters
Cranes Folded and Photographed |
Pigasus Invented, Folded and Photographed |
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Cranes
on Matches Folded and Photographed |
Ducks
on a Coin Folded and Photographed |
The Skeptic Zone Podcast
is an independent production by Richard Saunders and the team of reporters.
The views and opinions expressed on the Skeptics Zone Podcast are not
necessarily those Australian Skeptics Inc. or any other skeptical organisation.
© The Skeptic Zone Podcast