The Skeptic Zone
The Skeptic Zone is an Australian podcast focused on science and reason. Host Richard Saunders and a team of reporters deliver weekly skeptical news, interviews, reports, and commentary. The show features segments from contributors such as Maynard, Jo Alabaster, Eran Segev, Dr Rachael Dunlop, and Heidi Robertson. Past guests have included James Randi, Stephen Fry, Tim Minchin, and many other notable skeptics and scientists.
Episodes
The Skeptic Zone #940 - 11.October.2026
Dowsing - Psychics - Bent Spoon 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:26 Mind Body Wallet - Not So Divine Once again we dare to venture into the land of delusion and magic. The festival of Mind Body Spirit. This time we look at advice given to people wanting to have a psychic reading and an encounter with the Dowsers Society of New South Wales. 00:26:44 Australian Skeptics N
The Skeptic Zone #939 - 4.October.2026
Wellness? - Not-A-Con - Bent Spoon 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:44 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne talks with returning guest Dr. Nick Tiller, author of The Health and Wellness Lie: Exposing the hype, hacks and hidden agendas of the well-being machine, about curious concoctions in the wellness and workout world. Dr Nick Tiller https://www.nbtiller.co
The Skeptic Zone #938 - 27.September.2026
Talking Dogs - Not-A-Con - Bent Spoon 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:34 The Loons from Canada This week the Loons from Canada get hydrated while discussing alkaline water and commune with Spirit Dog Jewel via the help of interactive talking buttons. McGill University https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/technology-did-you-know-general-science/dogs-speak-breakthrough-or-illusion
The Skeptic Zone #937 - 20.September.2026
Pod Toast - Not-A-Con - Polarizer 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:06 The Think Tank Join Annie McCubbin, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they enjoy coffee and toast in a Sydney cafe. Topics covered are Bird Flu, the quackery of homeopathy and the Festival of MindBody Wallet. 00:18:46 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con Interviews Lara Benham - Dr Angie Mattke - Annik
The Skeptic Zone #936 - 13.September.2026
Tarot - Newsletter - Bent Spoon 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:02 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This is part 2 of Adrienne and Susan Gerbic getting together to react to two TikTok "Tarot" videos they found, regarding the terrible tragedy surrounding Parker Wells, the eleven year old non-verbal autistic boy who went missing in Calgary, and was later found d
The Skeptic Zone #935 - 6.September.2026
Mafu - Dr Karl - Dr Brian 00:06:12 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:12 The Book of Tim Mafu: face-to-face with an ascended master For two weeks, beginning May 20, 1990, Australia was host to Ms Penny Torres Rubin, alleged channeller of 32,000 year old entity, Mafu. From The Skeptic - Volume 10, No 2 (Winter 1990) By Barry Williams Also Tim Mendham on TV, 1992 - Bent Spoon https://yout
The Skeptic Zone #934 - 30.August.2026
Philosophy - Psychic Detectives - Bent Spoon 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:20 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Psychic Detectives #1 of 2 After a terrible tragedy struck Calgary when a missing boy was found deceased after an intensive two week search, Adrienne pondered if any psychics had tried to insert themselves into the investigation. Use your psychic powers
The Skeptic Zone #933 - 23.August.2026
Not-A-Con - Quackery - Bent Spoon 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:20 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con Interviews Spoon Bending with Saunders - Jeremy - George Hrab fans - Howard Lovatt https://www.suff.com.au/starstruck 00:19:04 The Think Tank Join Dr Sue Ieraci, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they enjoy coffee and toast in a cafe in the suburb of Glebe, Sydney.
The Skeptic Zone #932 - 16.August.2026
Ben Radford - George Hrab - Bent Spoon 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:20 Maynard's Spooky Action George Hrab - 3 of 3 George Hrab, in Sydney for Not-A-Con, visits Maynard's International Studios annex in the suburb of Glebe. This week - Being skeptical when it's hard to do so, being on "X" (Twitter), Ringo Starr and Kookaburras. 00:12:18 Maynard's Spooky Action Lee Trayno
The Skeptic Zone #931 - 9.August.2026
Ben Radford - George Hrab - Dr Karl 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, Lara Benham and Dr Sue Ieraci at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. 00:04:22 Interview with Ben Radford - 1 of 2 This week framed psychic investigator Ben Radford talks about his new book Weird New Mexico and a very strange hum that was once heard across the land. Weird New Mexico https://www.unmpress.com/97808263703
The Skeptic Zone #930 - 2.August.2026
00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:23:06 Maynard's Spooky Action George Hrab - 1 of 3 George Hrab, in Sydney for Not-A-Con, visits Maynard's International Studios annex in the suburb of Glebe. This week - Vegemite crackers, drinking alcohol, performimg live, gas stations, the Geologic Podcast, pens and exercise. 00:09:36 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Ginger beer, ginger ale, ginger t
The Skeptic Zone #929 - 26.July.2026
00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:00 2026 Bent Spoon Award Australian Skeptics president Jessica Singer together with Richard Saunders announce the winner of the 2026 Bent Spooner award. This year's winner is Dolly Adamson of Kyneton Paranormal, Victoria, who claims to talk to the ghosts of murdered children, and their killers, via a radio. https://www.skeptics.com.au/bent-spoon-aw
The Skeptic Zone #928 - 19.July.2026
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 Sk
The Skeptic Zone #927 - 12.July.2026
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 Skeptic Zone #926 - 5.July.2026
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
The Skeptic Zone #925 - 28.June.2026
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 potential
The Skeptic Zone #924 - 21.June.2026
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 Astro
The Skeptic Zone #923 - 14.June.2026
Science Education - TV Skeptics - Steve Terbot 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Adrienne Hill 00:03:24 Interview with Amanda Townley Amanda L. Townley, Ph.D., became Executive Director of NCSE in 2023. She is an award-winning researcher and advocate specializing in science teacher education, evolution education research, and science literacy-focused public outreach. Amanda L. To
The Skeptic Zone #922 - 7.June.2026
Statins - Cats - Psychic Hoax 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:23:06 Remembering Bob Steiner We are joined by Dr Eugenie C Scott who has fond memories of Bob Steiner from the Bay Area Skeptics and the time he fooled thousands of Australians pretending to be a psychic. Eugenie also tells us about the upcoming SkeptiCal Conference. Skepticalcon https://www.skepticalcon.com 00:09
The Skeptic Zone #921 - 31.May.2026
Bent Spoon - Earthing - Astrology 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:20 Steve Terbot - Fake Psychic - Part #2 In 1984 Australia was visited by 'Steve Terbot', one of America's leading psychics and clairvoyants. Or was he? The story of Bob Steiner from the Bay Area Skeptics who fooled thousands. 00:17:02 The Loons from Canada This week Allie is tall with her head in the Dyson Z
The Skeptic Zone #920 - 24.May.2026
Flu Woo - Fake Psychic - Paranormal 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:26 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Flu Woo! This week Kate looks and the myths and science behind many popular anti-cold and anti-flu precautions for winter. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:14:16 Steve Terbot - Fake Psychic - Part #1 In 1984 Australia was visited by 'S
The Skeptic Zone #919 - 17.May.2026
James Randi - Dinosaurs - UFOs 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:46 The Books of James Randi A review of the many and varied books written by James 'The Amazing' Randi. Houdini, His Life and Art (1976) The Magic of Uri Geller (1975) / The Truth About Uri Geller (1982) Flim-Flam! Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions (1982) Test Your ESP Potential (1982)
The Skeptic Zone #918 - 10.May.2026
00:00:00 Introduction Maynard 00:03:06 Maynard's Spooky Action Time for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub where Maynard interviews Dr. Sue Ieraci about the placebo effect and Kate Thomas about botox and vaccines. 00:15:40 For Crying Out Loud. It's Kat McLeod We Can Reason 2026 Kat with a behind the scenes look at the Western Canadian Reason Conference in Calgary. Includes interviews with Seth And
The Skeptic Zone #917 - 3.May.2026
Nicotine Myths - Yowies - Woodruff 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:48 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Like any other chemical, nicotine has its good points and bad points. This week Kate looks at some of the myths and quackery from the wellness industry regarding nicotine and its uses. Medication Consultation Services https://medicationclarity.com.au Kate Thomas on TikTok and I
The Skeptic Zone #916 - 26.April.2026
UFOs - Alt Med - Newsletter 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:34 High Flyers in the UFO Industry A look at some of the people who have hitchhiked along the cosmic highway to catch a long ride on the UFO bandwagon, with particular attention on Bob Lazar. 00:19:34 Vale James Valentine We pay respects to James Valentine who died in the last week. James was a much loved broadcaster
The Skeptic Zone #915 - 19.April.2026
UFOs - Botox - Balloons 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:02 Which way do the 'Westerly Winds' blow? Another look at the Westall UFO event of 1966, concentrating on the weather forcast for Melbourne on the 6th of April, 1966. Can the weather balloon released that morning really be discounted as a possible candidate for the mysterious object seen by possibly hundreds of school ch
The Skeptic Zone #914 - 12.April.2026
UFO Comments - Wishing for a Wish - NASA 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:16:14 Westall UFO TV Documentary In the past week, Skeptic Zone producer Richard Saunders appeared on the ABC TV (Australia) program 'Australian Story' to talk about the 1966 Westall UFO event from a reasonable but skeptical point of view. This has not pleased some UFO believers in TV land and they have been
The Skeptic Zone #913 - 5.April.2026
Facts about the Common Cold - Skeptics in the Pub - Iridology 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:00 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne met with infectious disease immunologist and author David Miles at the St Dunstan East Church Garden in London, England, where they discussed David's new book called, 'Sneeze: The History and Science of the Common Cold'. Websi
The Skeptic Zone #912 - 29.March.2026
Mind Body Wallet - Australian Skeptics News - UFOs 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Includes a brief clip of Maynard interviewing singing star Gene Pitney with a strange story concerning astrology. 00:07:26 A Journey into the Land of Woo Join Lara Benham, Tim Mendham, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they once again venture through the doors of Sydney's Mind Body Spirit festiva
The Skeptic Zone #911 - 22.March.2026
00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:09:36 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Once again we visit Kate's studios to chat to her about woo and the medical matters. This week we review the story of a woman who didn't want to visit her doctor to receive and review her medical reports. What are the pros and cons of this approach? Was she right in thinking GPs are only after more money with more
The Skeptic Zone #910 - 15.March.2026
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:28 The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie embark on their third ghost hunt with Rodney Schmaltz' MacEwan University students, this time at a new location. They spent the evening exploring the beautiful yet spooky Freemasons' lodge, where the students attempted to recreate the kinds of ghostly "evidence" typically featured on paranormal investiga
The Skeptic Zone #909 - 8.March.2026
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:48 Bend Spoon Award Nomination Vivacious Living Centre of Perth, WA bills itself as "a Multi-modality Health & Wellness Centre", offering such services as Crystal Healing, Reiki, Acupressure, Reflexology and Talking to the Dead! All of these services are worthy of a Bent Spoon nomination, however it is the claims to diagnose and treat bodily
The Skeptic Zone #908 - 1.March.2026
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:54 Looking into a Broken Mirror Is bad luck in fact bad? A year ago Lara Benham decided to put 'luck' or bad luck to a test when she purposely broke a mirror for skeptical investigator Kenny Biddle. What was the result? Did Lara have a year worth of bad luck? 00:13:16 The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie team up for a spectacularly
The Skeptic Zone #907 - 22.February.2026
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:40 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne speaks with Nick Tiller, a research associate at the Lundquist Institute at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, who focuses on pseudoscience in the health and wellness industry and is the author of the book "The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science". We discuss many topics, including the past
The Skeptic Zone #906 - 15.February.2026
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Mindful Living Expo Report 00:09:32 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Show me the receipts! Kate asks why woo woo and alternative medicine can make big claims that lack the evidence demanded from other modalities. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:16:10 Scalar Claims on the Scale With the help of Lara Benh
The Skeptic Zone #905 - 8.February.2026
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
The Skeptic Zone #904 - 1.February.2026
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, Adrien
The Skeptic Zone #903 - 25.January.2026
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 lo
The Skeptic Zone #902 - 18.January.2026
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 Newslet
The Skeptic Zone #901 - 11.January.2026
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 ma
The Skeptic Zone #900 - 4.January.2026
0:00:00 Maynard's Disclosure Urgent and dramatic news from Maynard. What doom and gloom is coming our way? 0:02:52 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:56 Dr Rachie Reports Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders catch up with one of the original Skeptic Zone reporters, from 2008, Dr Rachael Dunlop. We learn about her skeptical investigations, the fight against fake AI scams and her o
The Skeptic Zone #899 - 28.December.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:22 NO Future Seen in Fortune Telling The GWUP (Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften - Society for the Scientific Investigation of Pseudosciences) in Germany evaluated 2099 annual predictions from fifty-two sources. One quarter were too vague to test, more than half were clearly wrong, and solid bullseyes were
The Skeptic Zone #898 - 21.December.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:26 2026 Bent Spoon Now's your chance to nominate an individual, company or product in Australia that, in your opinion, is worthy of the Bent Spoon Award. Do you have your eyes on a psychic? Or maybe a particularly wacky peddler of magical thinking. Or could it be an alternative medicine practitioner using advanced nonexistence science! Nominat
The Skeptic Zone #897 - 14.December.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:46 TikTok Psychic Attack Only the Skeptic Zone podcast is brave enough to investigate the important but little spoken about public health imperative of...."Psychic Attack!" Is your psychic being attacked? Is your psychic attacking you? What can we do about this dangerous situation in our society? A look at what some people in today's day and
The Skeptic Zone #896 - 7.December.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:00 The "Why Smart Women Zone" Podcast - Part #1 LIVE from the Occidental Hotel in Sydney Australia, comes a combination of two of Australia's favourite critical thinking and skeptical podcasts. The combination of the "Why Smart Women" podcast and "The Skeptic Zone" podcast. Join hosts Annie McCubbin and Richard Saunders with special guests Ka
The Skeptic Zone #895 - 30.November.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:14 3i Atlas Update As Comet 3i Atlas emerges from behind the sun, we take a look at the latest news from NASA that confirms the object is not in fact being piloted by space racing aliens. Will this stop the UFO crowd from posting nonsense on social media? Avi Loeb is a Fraud Part 2 - Prof. Dave https://youtu.be/lf9oBlkQQCo 0:16:40 The
The Skeptic Zone #894 - 23.November.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:18 The Think Tank Our international team spent time with Dr Siouxsie Wiles from New Zealand. Dr Siouxsie has been the victim of outrageous harassment after her efforts to promote vaccines and good science during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Siouxsie is joined by Adrienne Hill, Kat McLeod, Kate Thomas and Lara Benham. Support Dr Siouxsie https
The Skeptic Zone #893 - 16.November.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:04 I Think We Need to Think. With Susan Gerbic An interview with Susan about her recent feature in major Australian newspapers talking about fake psychics. We also learn about her ongoing investigations into those giving psychic readings on the Internet and her ongoing efforts to improve Wikipedia. Susan's analysis of Dave the Medium https://
The Skeptic Zone #892 - 9.November.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:44 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas This week Kate is interviewed at Skeptics in the Pub by Maynard. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:18:28 Kinesiology and Applied Kinesiology We look at science versus quackery when it comes to Kinesiology and Applied Kinesiology. What is the difference? https://yout
The Skeptic Zone #891 - 2.November.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:12 Orgone not Gone! Something that should've been confined to the trash bin of bad ideas a century ago is still skulking around our modern society. So-called "Orgone Energy", a fictitious magical force is being used to sell products to this day. We look at one website selling these devices and question why, in this day and age, things like thi
The Skeptic Zone #890 - 26.October.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:44 3i Atlas Update As the interstellar comet streams through the inner solar system, we look at some of the claims about it being made on social media. Is the earth in danger? https://astro.vanbuitenen.nl/comet/3I 00:13:50 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Not Wild about Wild Yams Wild yams are claimed to help with menopause, rheumatoid ar
The Skeptic Zone #889 - 19.October.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard 00:07:00 Auras Is there really an invisible "energy field" of swirling colours surrounding all living things? What happens when this claim is put to a scientific test? Find out as we explore the strange world of auras and aura diagnosis. Joe Nickell - Report https://skepticalinquirer.org/2000/05/aura-photography-a-candid-shot/ The Sk
The Skeptic Zone #888 - 12.October.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:34 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Wellness Patches This week, pharmacist and skeptic Kate Thomas takes a look at the latest sticky health trend - "transdermal" wellness patches promising everything from boosted metabolism to Ozempic-like weight loss. Kate explains why none of these ingredients can actually make it through your skin, and what it
The Skeptic Zone #887 - 5.October.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders. Also the winners of the Australian Skeptics Awards for 2025, live from Skepticon Melbourne with Tim Mendham. 00:09:44 Divination We look at the claim that some people can foretell future events via divination. From historical references to this "art" to the many, many different and interesting practices and devices used to see what is in store for
The Skeptic Zone #886 - 28.September.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:56 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This week Adrienne takes us to Portugal on a trip of discovery of the local superstitions. Find out what happened when they tried to rid a city of black cats! Also we hear about the "Miracle at Fatima". 0:20:48 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas This week Kate takes a skeptical look at the clai
The Skeptic Zone #885 - 21.September.2025
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 Skeptic Zone #884 - 14.September.2025
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 c
The Skeptic Zone #883 - 7.September.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 Bo
The Skeptic Zone #882 - 31.August.2025
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! T
The Skeptic Zone #881 - 24.August.2025
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
The Skeptic Zone #880 - 17.August.2025
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 wa
The Skeptic Zone #879 - 10.August.2025
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
The Skeptic Zone #878 - 3.August.2025
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. Pete
The Skeptic Zone #877 - 27.July.2025
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 Ame
The Skeptic Zone #876 - 20.July.2025
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
The Skeptic Zone #875 - 13.July.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Psychic Penny 00:02:36 Skeptoid Adventure Interviews From around the Bermuda Triangle comes interviews with Adrienne Hill, Ben Radford, Ross Blocher, Susan Gerbic, Dr Angela Mattke and Brian Dunning. https://skeptoid.com/events 0:24:28 You Can Count on Adrienne In part 2 of the adventures with Adrienne and Susan, we travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, where
The Skeptic Zone #874 - 6.July.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Kat McLeod 00:03:04 You Can Count on Adrienne In part 1 of adventures with Adrienne and Susan, Adrienne Hill chats cheerfully with Susan Gerbic about their marvelous May meanderings, starting with the 'WeCanReason' conference and wrapping up with the sensational St. Louis Skepticamp shenanigans, orchestrated by Karl Withakay (Karl Gerhardt). I chat and giggle gleefu
The Skeptic Zone #873 - 29.June.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:04 The Book of Tim. For Tim Mendham This week we pay tribute to retiring editor of the Skeptic Magazine, Tim Mendham. After many years of hard work behind the scenes and in front of the scenes, Tim is stepping back to enjoy more of his hobbies. These include skeptical investigations and BBQs! Congratulations Tim on a huge contribution to the sk
The Skeptic Zone #872 - 22.June.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:06 Science and Psudoscience Americans (Kind of) Smarter on Science We look at a news report from 2007 on the state of science and pseudoscience in America. 2007.02.18 - Lakeland Ledger 0:17:42 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.co
The Skeptic Zone #871 - 15.June.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:22 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. Adrienne interviews Sebastian Toews, Dawson VonStein, and D.J. Crossland, all students from Grant McEwan University who presented at the Edmonton QE II Skepticamp that Kat McLeod and Rodney Schmaltz organised. Then she talks to Coleman Watts after a hike near Banff where they discuss his lat
The Skeptic Zone #870 - 8.June.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:22 Randi Restored 45 years ago, James Randi flew to Australia at the invitation of Dick Smith. He came to test a score of water diviners in Australia's first major investigation of these claims. The resulting documentary, "James Randi in Australia" was shown on Australian TV and then lost forever. Luckily it was recorded onto video tape via a
The Skeptic Zone #869 - 1.June.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:06 Armidale SitP Join Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders as they travel to Armidale in the New England area of Australia to enjoy the hospitality of the local skeptics. Included is a field report from Armidale Skeptics in the Pub. With thanks to Amelia and Brian Willmer. 0:17:00 Squaring the Strange with Celestia and Ben We catch up with
The Skeptic Zone #868 - 25.May.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:06 Is that a Ghost? Ghosts, ghouls, phantoms and apparitions. Are you living in a haunted house? This week Richard Saunders looks at some of the aspects and implications of ghosts and spirits. 0:16:48 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Unnatural Selection By Tim Mendham Part 5 of 5 Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 - 1913) was an English na
The Skeptic Zone #867 - 18.May.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:40 For Crying Out Loud! This week Kat McLeod (with a little help from Adrienne Hill) interviews attendees and guests from the recent "We Can Reason" conference in Calgary, Canada. Includes Seth Andrews, Leslie Rosenblood, Brenda Hill, Forrest Valkai, Rodney Schmaltz and Lei Pinter. 0:19:04 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Unnatural S
The Skeptic Zone #866 - 11.May.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:38 You Can Count on Adrienne This week Adrienne interviews attendees and guests from the recent "We Can Reason" conference in Calgary, Canada. Includes Terrlyn Seltenrich, Janalee Morris, Leslie Rosenblood and Dr Eugenie Scott. 0:20:24 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Unnatural Selection By Tim Mendham Part 3 of 5 Alfred Russel Wall
The Skeptic Zone #865 - 4.May.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:24 Prophecies about the Pope With a new Pope just around the corner, we review various prophetic writings about this high religious office. Will the next Pope be the last? Will Rome fall? A holy tangled web from centuries past. The Prophecies Of Nostradamus 1979 https://archive.org/details/the-prophecies-of-nostradamus-1979 0:16:26 Ps
The Skeptic Zone #864 - 27.April.2025
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 o
The Skeptic Zone #863 - 20.April.2025
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
The Skeptic Zone #862 - 13.April.2025
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 ab
The Skeptic Zone #861 - 6.April.2025
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 Godm
