Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:08:10 Flat Earhers flat out with excuses We talk to Ross Blocher from the Oh No! Ross and Carrie Podcast about the day members of the Committee For Inquiry set out to prove (again) that the world really is a sphear. CFI Investigation Video https://youtu.be/CnrjdD08dWg Oh No! Ross and Carrie https://www.maximumfun.org/shows/oh-no-ross-and-carrie 0:24:42 Skeptical Con Interview Guest reporter Susan Gerbic reports from Skeptical 2019 in San Francis...
Jun 15, 2019•45 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:35 Bigfoot and the FBI We catch up with famed skeptical investigator Ben Radford for his opinion on the latest news regarding Bigfoot in the FBI. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/06/us/fbi-bigfoot-file.html 0:13:13 Britt Hermes successful in defamation lawsuit Britt Hermes has been successful in the defamation law suit brought against by US naturopath Colleen Huber. On May 24, 2019, the District Court (Landgericht) of Kiel, Germany ruled again...
Jun 08, 2019•54 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:15 "Chemtrails" on TV Ken Mcleod is a retired air traffic controller and national manager of aviation search and rescue, Australian aviation representative on two UN committees, and once upon a time a private pilot. Recently he appeard on national TV in Australia to cross swords with a Chemtrail Conspiracy Theorist. Video: Studio 10 segment https://youtu.be/UkLfPtYiidQ 0:18:36 UFOs - the first 50 years From the pages of 'The Skeptic', the jou...
Jun 01, 2019•49 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 CFI takes legal against Walmart Walmart is committing wide-scale consumer fraud and endangering the health of its customers though its sale and marketing of homeopathic medicines, the Center for Inquiry alleges in a lawsuit filed in the District of Columbia on May 20. We talk to Nicholas Little CFI's Vice President and General Counsel https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/walmart-sued-for-fraud-homeopathy/ 0:22:00 The ghost tour of h...
May 25, 2019•1 hr 2 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:50 Down the Rabbit Hole An interview with author Mick West about his new podcast and a discussion about conspiracy theories is in general. https://www.tftrh.com 0:21:00 Skeptics Vs Psychic Surgeon In 1984, two members of Australian Skeptics went undercover to try and expose a psychic surgeon. The whole thing ended up in court with surprising results. https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine/ Also Skepticon 2019 https://skepticon.org.au...
May 18, 2019•45 min
May 11, 2019•57 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:52 M S S X Alice Howarth and Laurie Phillips Celebrate ten years of the Merseyside Skeptics Society at the special one-day event at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool. It’s been ten years since the first meeting of the MSS, and ten years since the first episode of Skeptics with a K – the UK’s longest-running skeptical podcast. http://www.merseysideskeptics.org.uk/category/mssx/ 0:13:46 Astrology in the White House Astrology, which seems to be enjoy...
May 05, 2019•54 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:40 No Spirts in the Spirit Box We chat to Kenny Biddle about his investigations into the strange and bizarre device known as a spirit box. Proponents of this box claim it is a conduit to communicate with the souls of the dead. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/groundbreaking-ghost-experiment-breaks-no-ground/ Geeks and Ghosts https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgVvr4HhIEKXdWu-VQplnbg 0:18:52 Susan Gerbic in the UK A catch up with Susan as...
Apr 27, 2019•48 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:10 Interview with Professor Dave Dave Farina aka 'Professor Dave', tells us about his series of free educational videos covering many scientific disciplines. Also his battle with Flat Earthers! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cd_-e49hZpWLH3UIwoWRA Response to Globebusters - The Earth Still Isn't Flat https://youtu.be/XONAgf9Eg9U https://professordavedebates.simplecast.fm 0:21:20 Anti-vax naturopath banned A naturopath has been banned from ...
Apr 20, 2019•45 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:56 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the pub and asks pubbers the big question, "What topics, if any, should skeptics give up?" 0:19:24 Maynard's Spooky Action - part #2 Australia in Space. An interview with Kerrie Dougherty about Australia's involvement in the space race. Kerrie Dougherty is an independent space historian, curator and writer and a lecturer in the Space Humanities department of the International Spa...
Apr 13, 2019•56 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 Science Outreach with Dr Kate Carter Kate Carter, Director of Community Science Education at NCSE. Kate joined NCSE in 2018, after lecturing in biology and working in curriculum development and informal education. She holds a Ph.D. in human evolutionary biology from Harvard University. https://www.ncse.com 0:26:10 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson Something does smell right in New Zealand Schools. An Auckland primary school ha...
Apr 05, 2019•54 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:10 What would Darwin say... A interview with Dr Eugenie Scott about what she thinks Charles Darwin would have to say to today's 'Young Earth Creationists'. 0:14:55 Measles Outbreak Emergency New York county declares Measles outbreak emergency. Rockland County, north of New York City, has barred unvaccinated children from public spaces after 153 cases were confirmed. Also Measles fear in the Bay Area. https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/03/...
Mar 30, 2019•53 min
0:00:00 Australian Skeptics Inc on Christchurch Tragedy Australian Skeptics Inc (and this podcast) is deeply saddened by the horrific terrorist attack in Christchurch on Friday which targeted the Muslim community. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2019/03/19/aust-skeptics-inc-on-christchurch-tragedy/ 0:03:15 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:13 Social Media Crackdown on Anti-Vax More and more social media outlets are cracking down on the misinformation of the anti-VAX crowd. https://thehill.com/polic...
Mar 23, 2019•54 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:10:20 Pete Evans, anti-vaxxer? Celebrity chef Pete Evans supports anti-vaxxer Paul Chek on social media. Jane Hansen, The Daily Telegraph https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/celebrity-chef-pete-evans-supports-antivaxxer-paul-chek-on-social-media/news-story/219eacad3c620dbe2c01df9541109478 0:13:00 Life is Wild... With Michelle Franklin Only in.... Darwin? Michelle takes a look at the "only in..." meme. 0:20:45 PhD Called into Question Review finds Wi...
Mar 16, 2019•47 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:15 New Zealand Dowser Dollors Down Drain We interview the Chair of New Zealand Skeptics, Craig Shearer about how Wellington ratepayers are funding a pseudo-scientific method to find buried water pipes. The contractor, Downer and the Wellington City Council are not concerned at the public's perception their money has been spent on disproved science. Rather than use electronic equipment, a Downer contractor working on a Wellington City Council project use...
Mar 09, 2019•50 min
0:00:00 Introduction Maynard 0:03:22 How to catch a "Psychic" We talk to Susan Gerbic about her Sting Operation to catch out an alleged psychic. Does he get his information from the heavens? Seems more likely from 'The Cloud'! Inside the Secret Sting Operations to Expose Celebrity Psychics - New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/magazine/psychics-skeptics-facebook.html Buckle Up - Seatbelt Psychic https://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/buckle_up_-_seatbelt_psychic Thomas John (T...
Mar 03, 2019•40 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:45 Melbourne chiropractor 'treats' baby on video A Melbourne chiropractor filmed manipulating a two-week-old boy has been banned from treating children aged under 12 while he is investigated by authorities. https://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/chiro-faces-investigation-after-baby-video/news-story/27b05e049f94504453a63cc22834a1fa 0:14:30 Interview with Dr John Cunningham - Views on Chiropractic treatments John Cunningham is an Australian-traine...
Feb 23, 2019•56 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:35 Interview with Mark Edward Mark Edward is a professional mentalist who specializes in magic of the mind. He has spent more than 25 years in world-class venues from high-end night clubs and theaters to hundreds of private party and corporate events. As one of only five specially chosen and trained mediums in the history of Hollywood's famed Magic Castle, he has performed 15 years of seances that helped him perfect the role of spirit medium and psychic...
Feb 17, 2019•56 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:05 Shoot for the Moon We chat to Prof. Richard Wiseman about his new book based on the Apollo Moon missions, 'Shoot for the Moon'. Books on success usually focus on genetically gifted Olympians, hardheaded CEOs and risk taking entrepreneurs. This book presents a radically different perspective on how to achieve your aims and ambitions. https://richardwiseman.wordpress.com/2019/01/28/shoot-for-the-moon/ https://www.youtube.com/user/Quirkology 0:15:50 FSM...
Feb 09, 2019•54 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:50 Who is 'The Well-Known Skeptic'? We chat to Rob Palmer , a listener to the Skeptic Zone who has gone on to be involved with investigations and reports. https://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/archive/category/the_well-known_skeptic 0:15:40 Homeopathy Exposed - Again! Australian Skeptics has long regarded homeopathy as little more than outdated quackery. In 2002 Richard Saunders and Peter Bowditch busted homeopaths giving some awful advice at a Babies ...
Feb 03, 2019•38 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:20 Oh Yow! Oh Yowie! Reports are coming in of a large, unearthly creature attacking a delivery truck in Australia. We talk to famed investigator Ben Radford from the Squaring the Strange podcast to hear his thoughts on this strange and frightening event. https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/5868252/qld-truckie-claims-yowie-bashed-his-bonnet/?cs=7 https://squaringthestrange.libsyn.com 0:15:45 Trish & Chips! With Trish Hann This week Trish interviews Dr Ba...
Jan 26, 2019•55 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:24 Oh No! It's Ross Blocher! We travel to the city of Portland, Oregon to see the live show of 'Oh No Ross and Carrie!' http://www.maximumfun.org/shows/oh-no-ross-and-carrie 0:10:40 Climate Science and Educational Outreach In Oakland, California we visit the National Science for Science Education to interview Brad Hoge , Director of teacher support. Brad joined NCSE in 2017 to help steward NCSEteach into its next phase. He has been a classroom teacher, ...
Jan 19, 2019•50 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:15 Ear Candles: the outcome of TGA complaint Ear candling is a widely promoted alternative medical practice that involves inserting and lighting a hollow candle in the ear canal. It is claimed that candling creates a vacuum that removes wax and that it can also relieve ear ache, glue ear, tinnitus, sinus problems, chronic headache, migraine, sore throat, allergies and many more conditions. In fact, ear candles and candling are ineffective and dangerous....
Jan 13, 2019•47 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:00 GSoW at the Exploratorium We join Susan Gerbic, Mark Edward and Jay Diamond for a day at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. https://www.exploratorium.edu 0:21:30 Life is Wild... With Michelle Franklin The Great Emu Invasion. A cautionary tale of what happens when people try to control nature. 0:31:45 Wikimedia from the inside We catch up with Moriel Schottlender , champion of the round earth, who gives us a tour of the Wikimedia headquarters in San ...
Jan 05, 2019•53 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:40 The Raw Skeptic Report... With Heidi Robertson This week Heidi has a follow up by Jane Hansen to last week's story from the recent ABC TV 7:30 Report on "No Jab - No Play". This is followed by another report by Jane Hansen on the improvment to vaccination rates in Australia, despite the efforts of the Anti-Vax crowd. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/vaccines-are-safe-and-antivax-parents-are-punishing-their-own-kids-say-doctors-and-grieving-...
Dec 30, 2018•54 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:322 The Raw Skeptic Report... With Heidi Robertson This week Heidi gives some background to the recent ABC TV 7:30 Report story on "No Jab - No Play". 7:30 Report https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V1ySAvY8Ao0 https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/wellbeing/2018/12/19/critics-no-jab-no-play-anti-vaxxers/ https://www.patheos.com/blogs/withoutacrystalball/2018/12/no-jab-no-play-anti-vax 0:24:22 Message from Britt Hermes Britt Hermes is an American former naturopath ...
Dec 22, 2018•50 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:35 Grain of Salt... With Eran Segev Interview with Edva Lotan from Midaat Fighting Anti-Vax nonsense and promoting good health. Midaat was established with the goal of aiding the public in Israel to gain necessary information, identify health risks, and protect itself from those risks. http://midaat.org.il/midaat/midaat_english/ 0:24:22 Maynard’s Spooky Action The last of the Skepticon interviews with Dr Ian Musgrave, Dr Brad McKay and Kate Browne 0:32:...
Dec 15, 2018•56 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:35 Maynard’s Spooky Action Skepticon interview with Carrie Poppy http://www.facebook.com/onrac 0:26:00 Sydney Skeptics in the Pub for December We ask pubbers what podcasts they would like to hear. With Trish, Jessica, Rowland, Gavin and Jessica Singer. 0:42:00 The Raw Skeptic Report... with Heidi Robertson Release of NCIRS 2017 Immunisation Coverage Report and Australian Immunisation Register Data Transfer Study Report. Two new reports released by the N...
Dec 08, 2018•58 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:20 Maynard’s Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2018 Part #6 Lee Murray Dr Pamela Gay Luke Freeman Dr Vyom Sharmer 0:33:35 Anti-vax activist charges parents $4000 for ‘expert report’ An anti-vaccination activist with no medical training is charging $4000 for an “expert report” to present in court cases to help parents who do not want to have their children vaccinated. - By Jane Hansen https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au 0:38:00 Radio Skeptics Sydn...
Dec 02, 2018•56 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:40 Maynard’s Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2018 Part #5 Kate Browne Dr Vyom Sharmer Eran Segev and more https://www.finder.com.au/ 0:25:00 Science Friction with Brian Dunning Finally, a documentary about scientists who get misrepresented by the media. Those TV documentaries you see, and the science experts they feature? Did you know that producers often edit them out of context, and twist their words, to make it seem like they promoted some...
Nov 24, 2018•56 min
