The Skeptic Zone

Richard Saunders
  • 3.0 (1)
  • 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. 20 hr ago

    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 potentially hazardous methods involving cosmetic procedures, performance-enhancing substances, or high-risk physical manipulation. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass     00:17:58 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill At CSICon 2026 in Buffalo, NY, Adrienne chats with Fresno State University students Kimberly Salinas, Wasayef Ghannam, and Tyler Woolrich regarding their poster presentations based on their research surrounding critical thinking and that stubborn myth that won't go away, learning styles. During a break between sessions, she crosses paths with presenters Katie Suleta and Alejandro Borgo on a break between sessions where they discuss the importance of involving young people in skepticism.     00:31:32 Movie Reviews Join in on a road trip with Dr Eugenie Scott and Richard Saunders as they discuss the recent movies, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" and "Disclosure Day". Were they impressed? Would they go again? Find out in this week's episode.     00:46:44 Sunday Speakers Adrienne Hill, Rob Palmer and Susan Gerbic report on the wonderful Sunday Speaker session at the recent CSICon 50th.

    1hr 2min

  2. 20 Jun

    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 Astrology Interview with Carlos Orsi For thousands of years, people have believed that the configuration of stars and planets in the sky influences earthly events. Today, astrology is a lucrative global market, with newspaper columns, mobile apps, and professional counselors weighing in on everything from love life to health to the stock market. Yet scientific evidence shows indisputably that it is simply superstition. https://cup.columbia.edu/book/what-science-says-about-astrology/9780231221399/     00:31:30 SkeptiCal Update with Eugenie Scott The latest news on the fabulous lineup of guest speakers appearing at SkeptiCal, the conference that brings stimulating and entertaining speakers to Northern California science fans, critical thinkers, and anyone who questions "extraordinary claims". https://www.skepticalcon.com     00:40:38 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au     00:49:30 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Paranormal and Buffalo.     1995.01.05 - The Canberra Times     1986.04.03 - The Canberra Times     1992.10.17 - Lawrence Journal-World www.trove.nla.gov.au

    1hr 3min

  3. 13 Jun

    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. Townley, Ph.D. https://ncse.ngo/node/7459     00:19:32 TV Skeptics In May 2026 the Australian television program A Current Affair contacted Australian Skeptics wanting our opinion on two very different topics: talking to the dead and Noah's Ark. This led to Skeptics' President Jessica Singer and chief investigator Richard Saunders being interviewed for broadcast. Jessica took on Noah's Ark, while Richard commented on Dolly Adamson who claims to chat with the departed. Noah's Ark with Jessica Singer : https://youtu.be/cRocKvfNqSA Talking to the dead with Richard Saunders : https://youtu.be/4ewclrY3rew     00:30:12 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This is the first of Adrienne's interviews from 50th CSiCON Anniversary in Buffalo NY, Adrienne interviews Dr. Rodney Schmaltz, a member of the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. https://www.rodneyschmaltz.com     00:38:50 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Steve Terbot #2.     1984.05.12 - The Australian www.trove.nla.gov.au

    59 min

  4. 6 Jun

    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     00:09:36 Woo of the Week! With Kate Thomas A Study on Statins Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass     00:23:06 The Mysterious Cat The domestic cat has played an important part in human history throughout many ages. Sometimes they are regarded as mysterious, sometimes even devils or divine. We look at some of the cultures that either glorified or vilified one of our favourite furry companions.     00:23:06 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au     00:36:22 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Steve Terbot Hoax #1.     1984.05.05 - The Australian www.trove.nla.gov.au Chicago Skepticamp https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-skepticamp-2026-tickets-1990917599133

    1hr 2min

  5. 30 May

    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 Zone while Kate is grounded and down to earth. Join the loons as they delve into headphones with a twist, apparently filtering the air you breath, and grounding sheets, which electrify your sleep. Or do they filter common sense and make your wallet stay awake?     00:33:52 Bent Spoon Award Update An overview of the current nominations for the 2026 Bent Spoon Award, with a special look at Dolly Adamson from "Kyneton Paranormal". Does she really get messages from missing children and dead celebrities? Bent Spoon Award https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon/nominations/ Dolly in action https://kynetonparanormalpodcast.buzzsprout.com/2435430/episodes/17053716-arnna-beaumont-s-cry-for-justice-a-1966-australian-cold-case-solved-with-connections-from-arnna     00:42:24 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Astrology and War.     1915.09.11 - The Globe     1942.02.06 - The Cairns Post     1899.11.30 - Evening News www.trove.nla.gov.au

    1 hr

  6. 24 May

    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 'Steve Terbot', one of America's leading psychics and clairvoyant. Or was he? The story of Bob Steiner from the Bay Area Skeptics who fooled thousands.     00:41:08 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au     00:52:32 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Belief in the Paranormal.     1977.08.11 - The Canberra Times     1992.03.01 - RAAF News     1995.08.30 - The Canberra Times www.trove.nla.gov.au

    1hr 7min

  7. 16 May

    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 Faith Healers (1987)     The Magic World of the Amazing Randi (1989)     The Mask of Nostradamus (1990)     James Randi: Psychic Investigator (1991)     Conjuring (1992)     An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural (1995)     The Teachings of Carlos (1988)     00:35:18 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Join Adrienne and Dr Angie Mattke as they look for dinosaurs at the fabulous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Alberta, Canada. https://tyrrellmuseum.com     00:46:30 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard and James Valentine Support Maynard! http://www.maynard.com.au     00:49:22 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to USA UFOs.     1952.07.06 - Sunday Graphic     1952.06.17 - Look Magazine     1952.09.06 - The New Yorker https://www.war.gov/UFO

    1hr 6min

  8. 9 May

    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 Andrews and Dr Chris Labos. https://wecanreason.com     00:23:38 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au     00:34:00 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to 'The Piddingtons'.     1974.03.25 - Woman's Day Magazine     1949.07.09 - The Daily Telegraph - Sydney     1949.08.15 - The Canberra Times The Piddingtons 1950 https://youtu.be/O0cu1m9XA5w www.trove.nla.gov.au

    59 min
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    936
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Skeptic Zone Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Skeptic Zone

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