The Skeptic Zone

Richard Saunders
  • 4.4 (132)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason. Join Richard Saunders and his team of reporters for your weekly dose of skeptical news and interviews, reports and comments. Past guests have included, James Randi, Stephen Fry, Tim Minchin, Eugenie Scott, Dr Phil Plait, Michael Marshall, Dr Steve Novella, Dr Pamela Gay, Jon Ronson, Dr Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh, Prof. Richard Wiseman, Dick Smith, Banachek, Prof. Chris French, George Hrab, Tim Ferguson, Dr Paul Willis and many, many more. Featuring Australian radio legend Maynard with his Spooky Action, Jo Alabaster from the 'Evidence Please' blog, Eran Segev's Grain of Salt, Dr Rachael Dunlop with 'Dr Rachie Reports' and Heidi Robertson aka 'The Raw Skeptic'.

  1. The Skeptic Zone #897 - 14.December.2025

    3 DAYS AGO

    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 age still believe that should've been discarded when we stopped burning people at the stake for being witches. 00:19:22 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hil Adrienne speaks with former ghost hunter Jon Michael about his skeptical activist successes since we met at the Raleigh Skepticamp in May, which range from speaking at paranormal conferences to Dragon Con. 0:33:30 For Cryin' Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod Kat is back with the PSYCH 441 class at MacEwan University to follow up on the experiment; did the volunteers have good luck? Ghostly experiences? Did they unleash a curse when they opened the box? All will be revealed. 0:45:22 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Tasseography (Tea Cup Reading). With Lara Benham. 2007.07.22 - The Star-News - Wilington North Carolina 1969.10.31 - The Windsor Star - Canada 2008.02.20 - The Sidney Herald - Canada http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

    1h 5m
  2. The Skeptic Zone #896 - 7.December.2025

    6 DEC

    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 Kate Thomas, Sue Ieraci and the president of Australian Skeptics, Jessica Singer. 0:39:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au RFK Jr. War of Flouride https://youtu.be/LDXiP8KhXKA 00:50:16 The "Why Smart Women Zone" Podcast - Part #2 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 MC Lara Benham with hosts Annie McCubbin and Richard Saunders and special guests Kate Thomas, Sue Ieraci, and the president of Australian Skeptics, Jessica Singer. 01:09:08 Q&A - Interaction The unedited interaction with an audience member who, under the pretence of asking a question, takes the opportunity to put her strongly held views. Also The Skeptic Zone #896 - 7.December.2025 - Video https://youtu.be/4_uYURND9-8

    1h 19m
  3. The Skeptic Zone #895 - 30.November.2025

    29 NOV

    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 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

    1h 2m
  4. The Skeptic Zone #894 - 23.November.2025

    22 NOV

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

    1h 9m
  5. The Skeptic Zone #893 - 16.November.2025

    16 NOV

    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://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

    1h 10m
  6. The Skeptic Zone #892 - 9.November.2025

    8 NOV

    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://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

    1h 6m
  7. The Skeptic Zone #891 - 2.November.2025

    1 NOV

    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 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

    1h 4m
  8. The Skeptic Zone #890 - 26.October.2025

    26 OCT

    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 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

    55 min
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4.4
out of 5
132 Ratings

About

The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason. Join Richard Saunders and his team of reporters for your weekly dose of skeptical news and interviews, reports and comments. Past guests have included, James Randi, Stephen Fry, Tim Minchin, Eugenie Scott, Dr Phil Plait, Michael Marshall, Dr Steve Novella, Dr Pamela Gay, Jon Ronson, Dr Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh, Prof. Richard Wiseman, Dick Smith, Banachek, Prof. Chris French, George Hrab, Tim Ferguson, Dr Paul Willis and many, many more. Featuring Australian radio legend Maynard with his Spooky Action, Jo Alabaster from the 'Evidence Please' blog, Eran Segev's Grain of Salt, Dr Rachael Dunlop with 'Dr Rachie Reports' and Heidi Robertson aka 'The Raw Skeptic'.

Information

  • Creator
    Richard Saunders
  • Years Active
    2008 - 2025
  • Episodes
    908
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Skeptic Zone Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Skeptic Zone

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