The Skeptic Zone

Richard Saunders
  • 4.7 (111)
  • 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. 4d ago

    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

  2. Jun 6

    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

    1h 2m

  3. May 30

    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

  4. May 24

    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

    1h 7m

  5. May 16

    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

    1h 6m

  6. May 9

    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

  7. May 2

    The Skeptic Zone #917 - 3.May.2026

    Nicotine Myths - Yowies - Woodruff     00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders     00:07:48 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Like any other chemical, nicotine has its good points and bad points. This week Kate looks at some of the myths and quackery from the wellness industry regarding nicotine and its uses. Medication Consultation Services https://medicationclarity.com.au Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass     00:17:56 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. Adrienne rides the Banff gondola with her husband/chauffeur, Greg and with Drs Christopher Labos and Angela Matke. It is the first event of the Western Canadian Reason Conference! https://www.bodyofevidence.ca/ https://www.dragoncon.org/     00:27:40 The Australian Cousin of Bigfoot, the Yowie. We look at some of the differences and similarities between the Bigfoot of North America and its lesser known cousin, hiding in Australia, called the Yowie. It's huge, hairy and hides in the bush https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/4786071     00:40:40 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Maurice Woodruff (1916 – 1973) an English clairvoyant and astrologer. He presented his predictions to the public via newspapers and also via stage, cabaret and television appearances. He was also a major influence on comedian Peter Sellers.     1966.04.10 - Sunday Mirror Sydney     1964.08.05 - The Australian Women's Weekly www.trove.nla.gov.au

    59 min

  8. Apr 25

    The Skeptic Zone #916 - 26.April.2026

    UFOs - Alt Med - Newsletter 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders     00:04:34 High Flyers in the UFO Industry A look at some of the people who have hitchhiked along the cosmic highway to catch a long ride on the UFO bandwagon, with particular attention on Bob Lazar.     00:19:34 Vale James Valentine We pay respects to James Valentine who died in the last week. James was a much loved broadcaster from Sydney and over the years provided quality entertainment to thousands of viewers and listeners. In 1989 and 2014 he interviewed Skeptic Zone host Richard Saunders.     00:32:20 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. Australian Skeptics http://www.skeptics.com.au     00:42:34 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to 'Alternative Medicine'. Includes a TV segment from c.2002 with skeptical investigator Alynda Brown.     1991.07.17 - Hills Messenger - SA     1987.10.13 - The Canberra Times www.trove.nla.gov.au Also We Can Reason - May Fri 1 — Sun 3, 2026 https://wecanreason.com

    1h 7m
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4.7
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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
    934
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Skeptic Zone Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Skeptic Zone

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