Episodios

  • The Skeptic Zone #906 - 15.February.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #906 - 15.February.2026
    Feb 14 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 Benham, we take another look at so-called "Scalar Energy" and the term Scalar itself. It turns out it's somewhat more complex than we thought! 0:27:34 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:41:46 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Foot Detox Baths.

    2007.12.18 - The Ledger - Fl


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Surf Coast Skepticamp 2026 - 21st Feb.
    https://surfcoastskepticamp.org

    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #905 - 8.February.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #905 - 8.February.2026
    Feb 8 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 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

    Más Menos
    1 h y 12 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #904 - 1.February.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #904 - 1.February.2026
    Jan 31 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, 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

    Más Menos
    1 h y 6 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #903 - 25.January.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #903 - 25.January.2026
    Jan 24 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 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

    Más Menos
    1 h
  • The Skeptic Zone #902 - 18.January.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #902 - 18.January.2026
    Jan 17 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 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

    Más Menos
    1 h y 3 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #901 - 11.January.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #901 - 11.January.2026
    Jan 10 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 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

    Más Menos
    1 h y 3 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #900 - 4.January.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #900 - 4.January.2026
    Jan 3 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 ongoing research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND). 00:29:52 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill

    For episode 900, Adrienne looks at the number 900 and what makes it so interesting. Special guest Psychic Penny drops by to offer her mysterious insights. 0:40:40 The TROVE Archives

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

    1972.01.02 - The Sun-Herald
    1981.01.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald
    1985.12.21 - The Age

    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Lara Benham, Richard Saunders and Susan Gerbic analyse a 'psychic' reading

    https://youtu.be/5vS8nKROzZc

    Refuting the anti-vaxxer who yelled her way onto The Skeptic Zone

    https://luckylosing.com/2025/12/31/refuting-the-anti-vaxxer-who-yelled-her-way-onto-the-skeptic-zone/

    Más Menos
    1 h y 5 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #899 - 28.December.2025

    The Skeptic Zone #899 - 28.December.2025
    Dec 28 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 rare. The project evaluated publicly available annual predictions from fortune tellers, astrologers, self-described mediums, and other esoteric 'advisors' and 'seers'.

    Read by Lara Benham, Adrienne Hill and Richard Saunders

    https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/king-kong-doesnt-show-up-and-2025-psychic-forecasts-miss-the-big-events-once-again/ 0:28:28 TV News and Parasites

    One of the evergreen themes of the alternative medicine industry is that you are full of parasites. Channel 7 TV news in Australia ran a story critical of social media influences promoting cures for these so-called parasites. We look at the comments from the alternative medicine and conspiracy theory brigade.

    https://fb.watch/EgdjX8JnxA/? 0:38:12 The Loons from Canada

    This week Kate and Allie meet in a local cafe to reflect on some of this year's stories and there may even be a prediction from Psychic Penny!

    Special Guests! Kate Thomas, Michelle Bijkersma, Psychic Penny and Clairvoyant Casey. Also Thank you from everybody here at the Skeptic Zone, the hosts, the producers, all the reporters and the technical team behind the scene for your continued support throughout 2025. Without listeners like you the show would not be able to continue. We look forward to a big 2026 with more stories more reports and a lot of fun along the way.

    If you'd like to support the Skeptic Zone, please consider subscribing via PayPal or Patreon. Even as little as $5 a week or even a month goes a very long way in keeping the show going into its 18th year.

    Más Menos
    58 m