The Skeptic Zone

Richard Saunders
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  • 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. 5 days ago

    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. Up for discussion this week are phone call protocols in public and quackery in pharmacies.     00:43:48 Woo of the Week! With Kate Thomas Kate wonders why Chemist Warehouse is selling wormimg tablets without the scientific evidence to back them up. Kate on Radio JJJ with Dr Karl https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/dr-karl-podcast/sciencetriplej-20260820/107058392 Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass     00:46:10 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award. Part #2 1990 - 1989     1993.06.23 - The Canberra Times     1995.06.01 - The Canberra Times     1994.06.12 - The Canberra Times www.trove.nla.gov.au

  2. 15 Aug

    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 Traynor talks about his foundation to promote critical thinking in young people. Also Maynard chats to conference attendees at the social evening. https://leetraynor.com/blog.multi/foundation     00:21:55 Interview with Ben Radford - 2 of 2 This week framed psychic investigator Ben Radford talks about the recent US senate appearance by Dr Anthony Fauci. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/covid-conspiracies-and-the-fauci-farce/ Prof. Dave - Dr Anthony Fauci https://youtu.be/wWxqBaWt5uY?si=DanaMX9XOIM_bT7u     00:36:48 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au     00:48:42 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award. Part #2 1986 - 1989     1987.04.19, 1987.02.20, 1987.02.22, 1988.04.03, 1987.07.08, 1989.04.02, 1989.03.26 - The Canberra Times     1987.04.20, 1987.04.03 - The Sydney Morning Herald www.trove.nla.gov.au

  3. 8 Aug

    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/9780826370341/weird-new-mexico     00:13:58 Maynard's Spooky Action George Hrab - 2 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. From Not-A-Con - Maynard chats to Star Trek fan Amanda and Dr Sue Ieraci.     00:25:52 Maynard's Spooky Action Dr Karl Kruszelnicki talks about critical thinking, advertising claims, flat earthers, going down the rabbit hole, conspiracy theories and the future of science.     00:37:18 Elaine and Dorothy's New Age Bingo! Skeptics Zone fans Elaine and Dorothy have cooked up a great way to have fun at New Age festivals using the following words. Quantum, Regression, Biome, Regulate, Ancestral , Cellular , Channeling , Aura , Colloidal , Psychic Energy , Amino Acids , Peptides , Orgone , Crystal Energy , Holistic , Past Life , Essence , Balancing Chakras , Grounding , Ancient Chinese , Meta Physical , Frequency , Realignment , Red Light Therapy Angels Download and print out "Lidia's New Age Bingo Card" for MindBody Wallet. Lidia's New Age Bingo! (pdf)     00:41:56 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award. Part #1 1982 - 1985     2012.03.28 - The Melbourne Observer     1999.02.03 - The Hills Messenger SA     1987.07.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald     1978.02.15 - The Hills Gazette SA     1986.03.11 - The Canberra Times

  4. 1 Aug

    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 tea... the list of ginger products is endless but do they live up to the claim that they can help you with nausea or morning sickness. This week Kate looks at the myths and the reality of ginger. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass     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 psychometry, a type of extrasensory perception where a person claims to know facts or history about an item or its owner by holding or touching it.     1979.03.23 - The Kingsmen Daily Miner     1993.08.07 - Williamson Daily News www.trove.nla.gov.au

  5. 25 Jul

    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-award-for-2026     00:15:10 Why Smart Women on the Mones Zone Join Annie McCubbin from the Why Smart Women podcast, Kate Thomas from On The Mones podcast, Richard Saunders from the Skeptics Zone podcast and special guest Dr Angela Mattke as they ponder the world of quackery over coffee and toast. Applied kinesiology https://youtu.be/hlhvgG8lRhk?si=cbDVunPJgbf5Fp-R     00:51:50 Maynard's Spooky Action Not-A-Con + Skepticon Interviews The Board Meeting - Maynard reports from a room full of Skeptics, all having a great time playing a variety of tabletop board games. Among the celebrities dotted around the room, Maynard finds George Hrab and Bob Novella. Also Richard Saunders in TV Week https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/the-one-search-for-australias-most-gifted-psychic/

  6. 18 Jul

    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 Skeptics Podcast https://theesp.eu     00:20:25 Quack Watch - Barbara O'Neill Be Wary of Barbara O'Neill's Health Recommendations - by Ken McLeod Wellness guru Barbara O'Neill has an enormous, devoted global audience for her many egregious, non-evidence-based claims about "natural" health. She has credited God for at least some of the advice she has offered. She has gained 4.7 million followers. https://quackwatch.org/11ind/be-wary-of-barbara-oneills-health-recommendations/     00:34:34 Origami Posters Michelle Bijkersma tells our Japanese listeners about free origami posters.     00:35:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au     00:47:00 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Crime and Supernatural.     1924.08.24 - The Sun - Sydney

  7. 11 Jul

    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 spirit box from part 1, or the EVP in part 2? Listen to find out. Adrienne's WeCanReason talk: Produced by Seth Andrews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwFiu2-kYVU&t=133s Mondegreens taken out of Seth's production of Adrienne's talk: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Sa9sHyi__9s     00:24:28 Cupping Woo We are joined by the secretary of Australian Skeptics, Lara Benham who recounts her frustration in trying to find an evidence based physiotherapist.     00:40:52 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the late skeptical broadcaster Derryn Hinch.     1984.05.13 - The Sun Herald     1984.05.18 - The Age     1984.05.20 - The Sun Herald www.trove.nla.gov.au

  8. 4 Jul

    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 a walk through a graveyard. This is part I of a 2 part investigation testing spirit boxes and EVPs.     00:23:12 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au     00:36:38 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to 'Paranormal and Berkeley'.     1980.04.19 - The Lodi News-Sentinel     1985.01.11 - Ocala StarBanner www.trove.nla.gov.au

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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
    944
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Skeptic Zone Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Skeptic Zone

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