The Skeptic Zone

Richard Saunders

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'.

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941 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes941

Newest first

Saturday · 1 hr
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
July 25 · 1 hr 3 min
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/
July 18 · 1 hr 3 min
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
July 11 · 1 hr 4 min
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
July 4 · 54 min
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
June 27 · 1 hr 2 min
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.
June 20 · 1 hr 3 min
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
June 13 · 58 min
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
June 6 · 1 hr 2 min
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
May 30 · 59 min
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
May 24 · 1 hr 7 min
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
May 16 · 1 hr 6 min
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
May 9 · 59 min
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
May 2 · 58 min
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
April 25 · 1 hr 6 min
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
April 18 · 1 hr 4 min
The Skeptic Zone #915 - 19.April.2026
UFOs - Botox - Balloons 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:02 Which way do the 'Westerly Winds' blow? Another look at the Westall UFO event of 1966, concentrating on the weather forcast for Melbourne on the 6th of April, 1966. Can the weather balloon released that morning really be discounted as a possible candidate for the mysterious object seen by possibly hundreds of school children and a few teachers? Australian Story Westall UFO https://youtu.be/IhKyQkhOfoM Charlie Wiser - Westall UFO https://threedollarkit.weebly.com/westall.html 00:15:28 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Kate and Richard look at the pros and cons of botox treatment. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:26:52 NetFM 2001 Join Stefan Sojka and Richard Saunders from 25 years ago when they discussed the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, asteroids and speak with Professor Colin Keay about astronomy. 00:42:04 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers, with the voice talents of Kat McLeod and Ross Blocher, to look for references to UFOs and Weather Balloons. 1973.10.18 - The Evening Independent - Fl. 1989.03.12 - The Daily Times - Alabama 1997.06.24 - The Gainesville Sun - Fl. www.trove.nla.gov.au
April 11 · 1 hr 3 min
The Skeptic Zone #914 - 12.April.2026
UFO Comments - Wishing for a Wish - NASA 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:16:14 Westall UFO TV Documentary In the past week, Skeptic Zone producer Richard Saunders appeared on the ABC TV (Australia) program 'Australian Story' to talk about the 1966 Westall UFO event from a reasonable but skeptical point of view. This has not pleased some UFO believers in TV land and they have been commenting on the YouTube video of the TV program. Richard, with the help of Maynard, reads out some of the more interesting comments. Australian Story Westall UFO https://youtu.be/IhKyQkhOfoM 00:22:34 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod If wishes were fishes, Kat would have a koi pond in her head. This week she will take a look at the tradition of wishing, a topic we have not covered on the Skeptic Zone before, while we have looked at a lot of things that require wishful thinking like manifesting and far-fetched woo products, we haven't ever examined the tradition of wishing, until now. We wish you would listen! https://www.healthdigest.com/304485/why-you-should-stop-blowing-out-the-candles-on-your-birthday-cake 00:31:20 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 We Can Reason, Canada https://wecanreason.com 00:41:32 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to NASA and UFOs. 1973.10.20 - The Canberra Times 1966.12.12 - The Canberra Times 1983.01.16 - The Canberra Times 1989.07.12 - The Canberra Times 1977.12.29 - Papua New Guinea Post-Courier 1977.12.28 - The Evening Independent - FL www.trove.nla.gov.au
April 4 · 1 hr 3 min
The Skeptic Zone #913 - 5.April.2026
Facts about the Common Cold - Skeptics in the Pub - Iridology 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:00 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne met with infectious disease immunologist and author David Miles at the St Dunstan East Church Garden in London, England, where they discussed David's new book called, 'Sneeze: The History and Science of the Common Cold'. Website: http://www.variolator.com Think This Through: Coleman Watts video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mv9Q0WvOd0 00:22:36 Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Join Richard Saunders, Tim Mendham, Lara Benham, Annie McCubbin, Kate Thomas and Gary from Thailand as they enjoy a fun evening of skeptical conversation and good food. 00:34:52 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Iridology. 1984.03.19 - Times Daily 1998.09.15 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette www.trove.nla.gov.au
March 28 · 1 hr 5 min
The Skeptic Zone #912 - 29.March.2026
Mind Body Wallet - Australian Skeptics News - UFOs 00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Includes a brief clip of Maynard interviewing singing star Gene Pitney with a strange story concerning astrology. 00:07:26 A Journey into the Land of Woo Join Lara Benham, Tim Mendham, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they once again venture through the doors of Sydney's Mind Body Spirit festival. What outrageous products and magical thinking did they discover this time? 00:17:58 UFOs and False Memories To acknowledge the 60th anniversary of the so-called Westall UFO event, the Skeptic Zone takes a look at the problems with false memories and the passage of time. Can we really expect people to clearly remember something that happened decades ago? Also the problem of memory cross contamination can cloud recollections of the original event. 00:19:30 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. Sign up for Newsletter https://www.skeptics.com.au 00:35:54 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades files for bumpf from Mind Body Spirit. www.trove.nla.gov.au Also.... Kate Thomas with Dr Karl - Shirtloads of Science https://youtu.be/Vra3iKjlHXE
March 21 · 1 hr 4 min
The Skeptic Zone #911 - 22.March.2026
00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:09:36 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Once again we visit Kate's studios to chat to her about woo and the medical matters. This week we review the story of a woman who didn't want to visit her doctor to receive and review her medical reports. What are the pros and cons of this approach? Was she right in thinking GPs are only after more money with more visits? Also, we discuss Kate's podcast, "On The Mones". Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:23:06 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill What are those so-called psychics up to now? Adrienne interviews Susan Gerbic from Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia to ask about her latest investigations and stings of people who claim psychic powers. Also, Susan is always interested in getting more people to become Wikipedia editors via her online the course. Find out how to apply in today's show. Operation Banana Cream Pie https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/operation-banana-cream-pie 00:36:22 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film from 1967. 1949.12.10 - The Newcastle Sun 1982.12.26 - The Canberra Times 1999.01.11 - The Mount Airy News - NC www.trove.nla.gov.au Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film from 1967 https://youtu.be/oPlRr_OfxZI