Episodios

  • The Skeptic Zone #895 - 30.November.2025

    The Skeptic Zone #895 - 30.November.2025
    Nov 29 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 Loon from Canada

    The Pink Tax!

    Kate & Allie chat to Karen Bijkersma from Melbourne about her investigations into what has been called "The Pink Tax", a extra charge put on consumables aimed to extract more dollars out of women. The term comes about from the fact that some objects are identical for men and women apart from the colour, which is often pink. The colour pink should not mean more money at the register.

    https://karenbijkersma.com.au 0:40:42 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Naturopaths.

    Joining in this week's segment is Lara Benham.

    1995.06.20 - Times - Victor Harbor, SA
    1993.11.28 - Lewiston Morning Tribune

    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
    "Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December

    https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

    Más Menos
    1 h y 2 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #894 - 23.November.2025

    The Skeptic Zone #894 - 23.November.2025
    Nov 22 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://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/8521-support-dr-siouxsie-after-she-supported-us

    Ms. Information - 1h 44m Documentary

    https://ondemand.arovideo.co.nz/film/ms-information 00:26:58 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

    Questioning the Qualifications of Naturopaths

    In Australia anybody can call themselves a Naturopath. You don't need any formal training, you don't need to know which end of the stethoscope is which, you don't need to know anything about biology or physiology. Kate looks at why so many people in our society think Naturopaths are just like doctors and other real healthcare professionals.

    Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
    https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:35:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:47:46 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the quackery of Reflexology.

    2000.12.25 - Boca Raton News
    1999.01.24 - The Item


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
    "Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December

    https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

    Más Menos
    1 h y 9 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #893 - 16.November.2025

    The Skeptic Zone #893 - 16.November.2025
    Nov 16 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://youtu.be/g0XDybFzbHg

    https://youtu.be/r3B7SSitzI8 00:22:12 Maynard's Spooky Action

    Join Maynard at Sydney's Skeptics in the Pub as he seeks the thoughts and opinions of thinkers and drinkers. This time, what 'alt-med' would pubbers like to see gone from our society? 0:39:06 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Orgone Energy.

    1977.12.28 - Bangor Daily News
    1987.02.19 - The Sydney Morning Herald
    2006.06.28 - Irregular - Maine
    1992.07.03 - The Sun Journal

    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
    "Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December

    https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

    Support Dr Siouxsie

    https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/8521-support-dr-siouxsie-after-she-supported-us

    Más Menos
    1 h y 10 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #892 - 9.November.2025

    The Skeptic Zone #892 - 9.November.2025
    Nov 8 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://youtu.be/I8XscN_GjtE 0:30:34 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:02 The Loons from Canada

    This week, Kate and Ally (Adrienne and Kat) join Dr. Schmaltz of the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University, to report from a very successful Skepticamp in Edmonton, Canada. 0:48:10 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Skeptics in New Zealand #2.

    1981.11.05 - The Press
    1984.03.03 - The Press
    1984.08.07 - The Press


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
    "Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December

    https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

    Más Menos
    1 h y 6 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #891 - 2.November.2025

    The Skeptic Zone #891 - 2.November.2025
    Nov 1 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 this are still allowed to be sold.

    Biotensor Testing (not a sendup)
    https://youtu.be/HUeUVeyJ_aQ

    Videos from Monica Smit
    https://www.youtube.com/@ReigniteDemocracy/videos

    Choice Magazine Review
    https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/gadgets/tech-gadgets/articles/geoclense-home-harmonizer-review

    Investigation of Monica Smit
    https://luckylosing.com/2021/10/09/monica-smit-interview-inaccurate-harmful-offensive-say-abc/ 0:22:50 The Loons from Canada

    Kate and Allie, with giggles and gumption, head once again to Concordia University in Edmonton, Canada, with Dr. Rodney Schmaltz and his MacEwan University Psychology 441 class to embark on another ghost hunt. This is the second spooky soiree that Kate and Allie have joined to chase the elusive ghostly skeleton named Larry. The students shuffle through a smorgasbord of supernatural shenanigans, seeking infrasound, snapping shots of suspicious orbs and probable pareidolia while sleuthing for signs of Larry. Allie monitors the psychomantium, a dimly lit room with an inclined mirror where students might encounter the restless residents on the other side. Meanwhile, Kate channels cosmic karma, divining with her pendulum and Ouija board, hoping that Larry is a little more loquacious than he has been in the past. Will our ghost hunting gang get goosebumps or giggles? Listen to find out. 0:40:20 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Skeptics in New Zealand.

    1987.05.27 - The Press - NZ
    1983.12.16 - The Press - NZ
    1988.08.17 - The Press - NZ
    1986.02.08 - The Press - NZ
    1987.06.19 - The Press - NZ


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - 6th Nov. - Kate Thomas with Woo Watch!
    https://meetu.ps/e/PwcXw/SSz1/i

    Más Menos
    1 h y 4 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #890 - 26.October.2025

    The Skeptic Zone #890 - 26.October.2025
    Oct 26 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 arthritis, diabetes, and muscular cramps. Can all this be true? Kate looks at the science behind this overhyped root vegetable.

    Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
    https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:19:28 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:14 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Auras.

    1978.02.15 - The Hills Gazette - SA
    1921.02.06 - The Sunday Morning Star
    1974.06.14 - The Robesonian


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - 6th Nov. - Kate Thomas with Woo Watch!
    https://meetu.ps/e/PwcXw/SSz1/i

    Más Menos
    55 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #889 - 19.October.2025

    The Skeptic Zone #889 - 19.October.2025
    Oct 18 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 Skeptics Dictionary
    https://skepdic.com/auras.html

    James Randi tests an Aura Reader
    https://youtu.be/toCcR6D6d5E 0:20:12 Mind Body Spirit - Detox

    Join Annie McCubbin, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they "detox" from a trip to Sydney's Festival of Mind Body Spirt. 0:36:04 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to CSICOP #2.

    1985.04.08 - The Daily News
    1997.05.27 - The Kentucky New Era
    2002.10.26 - The Daily Gazette

    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:58:26 A Roll of the Dice

    The Loons from Canada and Psychic Penny test their powers of prediction. Also James Randi: Psychic Investigator - 1991
    https://youtu.be/9jvXlJtgS7A

    Más Menos
    1 h y 5 m
  • The Skeptic Zone #888 - 12.October.2025

    The Skeptic Zone #888 - 12.October.2025
    Oct 11 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 really takes to design a medicated patch that works.

    Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
    https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:09:42 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

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

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:19:24 Mind Body Spirit - Overview

    Once again the travelling circus of woo known as Mind Body Spirit comes to Sydney. We take a look at the social and cultural aspects of this festival of "healers", "mystics" and conspiracy theories. 0:32:32 Psychic Penny's Numerology

    To celebrate the 888th episode of the Skeptic Zone podcast, Psychic Penny delves deep into the mysteries of numerology. What do numbers show us through mystical and paranormal messages? Is your lucky number 888? Is your number up? Find out more with Psychic Penny. 0:39:14 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to CSICOP #1.

    1985.12.16 - The Age


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:59:20 A Roll of the Dice

    Kate, Lara and Richard test their powers of prediction.

    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m