0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:27 Skepticamp Monterey, California 2020 Join us for not only Skepticamp Monterey, but also for the pub meet and greet the night before and dinner after the event. With Bud Miller, Susan Gerbic and others. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/monterey-county-skeptics-and-humanist-association-of-monterey-bay-area-12224475493 0:16:47 VAXXED Bus creeps into Monterey That rolling blight on society, the VAXXED Bus, turns up in like a very bad penny into Monterey, Cal...
Jan 11, 2020•48 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, live from Skepticamp 2020 Monterey, USA 0:01:54 Talking to the Dead at RSL Clubs Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders report on Australian Skeptics' investigations into those performers who claim to contact the dead at venues dedicated to the memory of those fallen in war. - Read by Richard Saunders. https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine/ 0:32:06 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2019. This week... SGU Book Sales Bob Novella from SGU Delig...
Jan 04, 2020•48 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:14 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2019. This week... Thomas Westbrook - Holy Koolaid LLC is an anti-cult, educational organization that promotes scientific skepticism and free thought and is at the helm of the secular, pro-science movement. Founded in 2015 by Thomas Westbrook, Holy Koolaid's online show has garnering millions of views with tens of thousands of subscribers and dozens of media appearances/collaborations. https://holy...
Dec 28, 2019•49 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:08 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interviews from Skepticon 2019. This week... Jamie Lopez Steve Roberts Jessica Singer Mandy-Lee Noble Heidi Robertson 0:30:50 The Book of Tim... with Tim Mendham What goes around. Speaking Spirits and Psychic Surgery. Tim follows the circular path and ends up at the begining in an endless loop of the paranormal. https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine Also Maynard's 2020 Calendar - FREE http://maynard.com.au/2020-maynard-c...
Dec 21, 2019•44 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard 0:03:37 The Raw Skeptic Report... With Heidi Robertson Heidi reports on the recent deadly measles outbreak in Samoa. We also play the audio of her presentation at Skepticon 2019. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/aussie-health-experts-in-samoa-measles-epidemic-like-a-war-zone/news-story/b210fd48eeebc8cc1f459c87461a943b https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Samoa_measles_outbreak https://nrvs.info 0:16:26 Maynard's Spooky Action... Interview...
Dec 13, 2019•54 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard 0:03:05 Skeptical Road Trip Join Maynard and Richard Saunders as they drive from Sydney to Melbourne to go to Skepticon 2019. Along the way they take photographs with of the Bent Spoon at various landmarks and try to beat the boredom of 10 hours on the road. 0:11:29 Maynard's Spooky Action... In the first of a long series of interviews from Skepticon 2019, Maynard talks to.. Mark Edward Susan Gerbic Les Oates Jay Novella All'antico means 'the tra...
Dec 07, 2019•1 hr 3 min
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:25 Skeptical Activism We hit the street outside the State Theatre in Sydney to hand out skeptical information flyers to the crowd lining up to see the "talking to the dead" performer John Edward . Thanks to Trish Hann and Lara Benham . https://www.skeptics.com.au/psychics-questions-to-ask 0:21:13 The Book of Tim Pint Sized Fun Tim Mendham looks at the history of Skeptics in the Pub. From the pages of 'The Skeptic' magazine from Australian Skeptics. Vol....
Nov 30, 2019•55 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:45 Skeptical Adventures with Dick Smith Australian Skeptics patron Dick Smith tells of the time he flew out James Randi to take part in Australia's largest water divining challenge. Also other investigations and adventures over the years. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsudGI1mVCMP3D-YedfDUFzgEvtc_UfgA 0:27:05 Good Thinking Society takes on Ear Candles The BBC's Executive Complaints Unit has upheld a Good Thinking Society complaint ag...
Nov 22, 2019•55 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:49 Anti-Vax Zealot in Medical Centre The bizarre story of a conspiracy theorist bluffing his way into a medical centre to get them to remove pro-vaccination posters from the walls. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/anti-vaxxer-impersonated-official-demanded-clinic-pull-health-posters-20191114-p53am5.html https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/impersonation-commonwealth-public-officials https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwH13-sneXs 0:13:...
Nov 16, 2019•54 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:24 CSICon 2019 Interviews - Part #3 Rob Palmer , aka the well known skeptic, with part #3 of his interview series from CSIcon 2019 in Las Vegas. This week paranormal investigator Kenny Biddle , from Point of Inquiry Kavin Senapathy , GSoW editor Brandi and Aedan , and local Las Vegas student Daniel Spangler . https://www.facebook.com/TWKSkeptic/ https://skepticalinquirer.org/authors/rob-palmer/ 0:17:48 M 209 Cipher Machine Dr Steve Roberts , ...
Nov 09, 2019•1 hr•Ep. 578
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:09 Another strike against Homeopathy The head of the NHS launches an outspoken attack on the homeopathy industry for peddling deadly anti- vaccine myths. Simon Stevens accuses practitioners of spreading toxic 'misinformation' about jabs, which poses 'a significant danger to human health'. We get the background on the story from Michael Marshall from the Good Thinking Society. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7619805/NHS-chief-blasts-h...
Nov 02, 2019•48 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:30 Banned Naturopath in Cook Islands The naturopath whose Cook Islands disciples continue to practice her prohibited remedies says she is the victim of a Nazi-style propaganda campaign. http://www.cookislandsnews.com/national/item/74612-ban-on-healer-who-offered-cancer-cure-to-dying-cook-islands-man http://www.cookislandsnews.com/national/health/item/74641-banned-healer-breaks-silence-to-protest-her-innocence/74641-banned-healer-breaks-silenc...
Oct 26, 2019•48 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:30 Mind Body Wallet time again Join Richard Saunders, Peter "Ratbags" Bowditch and Lara Benham as they, once again, descend into the pit of woo that is Mind Body Spirit in Sydney. https://ratbags.com/ 0:17:30 Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia in action Barbara O'Neill is an Australian naturopath and lecturer on health issues who, in 2019, was banned for life by the New South Wales Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) from providing free o...
Oct 19, 2019•47 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:00 CHOICE Shonkys Far too many people lose money or suffer impacts to their health and wellbeing due to products that are overpriced, ineffective or downright dangerous. We all deserve better. The Skeptic Zone Podcast reports from the annual Shonkys Awards. http://www.choice.com.au 0:21:04 Trish & Chips! With Trish Hann Trish is interviewed by Maynard at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub where she talks about the latest science in the treatment of s...
Oct 12, 2019•52 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:25 NZ Skeptics vs. Jeanette Wilson NZ-based, self-described "spiritual medium" Jeanette Wilson has started touring the country with her Psychic Surgery show. New Zealand Skeptics are running a campaign to try to disrupt this by contacting the venues and making them aware of the sort of thing they're hosting. We talk to NZ Skeptics Chairperson, Craig Shearer. https://skeptics.nz https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018715951 https://ww...
Oct 05, 2019•59 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:55 Area 51 - No Aliens Set Free We chat to noted paranormal expert Ben Redford about the fiasco at area 51. A good day for those who like to dance, but alas no aliens were set free to travel back to their home planet. https://squaringthestrange.wordpress.com 0:13:56 The Wallaby Award Australian Skeptics Inc is once again offering an annual award for the best piece of skeptical journalism. The Barry Williams Award for Skeptical Journalism reco...
Sep 28, 2019•51 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:10 Interview with Baily Harris 13-year old Bailey Harris is an author, speaker, and advocate for freethought and human rights. She is the author of the Stardust series of science books for young readers. https://stardustscience.com 0:17:17 The Winchester Mystery House Join Susan Gerbic and Richard Saunders as they take in a tour of this amazing, ramberling mansion. - The Winchester Mystery House is an architectural wonder and historic landmar...
Sep 22, 2019•55 min
Show Notes Greetings from the Surf Coast Spring Skepticamp 2019 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:15 Skeptical Outreach at the Solano Stroll Join members of the Bay Area Skeptics as they conduct PK (Psychokinesis or Telekinesis) tests at the famous Solano Stroll , one of the biggest street fairs in North America. With Dr Eugenie Scott, William Patterson and Steve Nelson. http://www.baskeptics.org https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solano_Avenue_Stroll 0:23:55 The Raw Skeptic Report... With...
Sep 14, 2019•59 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:11 Jonathan Jarry We talk to one Canadian who has had it up to the ears with Ear Candles. Jonathan's video on the subject details his investigations into this pillar of quackery. https://youtu.be/-GfunNxHHkw https://jonathanjarry.com/ 0:22:03 Measles alert for travellers to New Zealand NSW Health is urging NSW residents to be fully vaccinated against measles before travelling to New Zealand where almost 1000 cases have been reported this year...
Sep 07, 2019•51 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:55 Dragon*Con 2019 Dr Angie Mattke and a Walking Tour We chat to Dr Angie Mattke to get a taste of things to come over the next few days, followed by a walking tour of Dragon*Con, accompanied by Adam Bovalino from Melbourne, to help get our bearings. https://www.dragoncon.org 0:12:00 Interview with Jennifer Hathorn American Association for the Advancement of Science At a time when STEM education is struggling to produce graduates with the qua...
Aug 31, 2019•36 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:25 Isil Arican and Cuneyt Ozdas Learn how Isil and Cuneyt help to promote science and scepticism in Turkey and around the world. https://yalansavar.org/podcast/ http://www.acikbilim.com/ 0:20:55 Looking for Woo in Berkeley join Richard Saunders as he wanders along the streets of Berkeley in California, looking for strange and mysterious claims made on shopfronts. https://goo.gl/maps/sFre2sxqjaf9vS3o6 0:31:47 I think we need to think... With S...
Aug 24, 2019•1 hr
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:16 Zealot with Jo Thornley Why would anyone join a cult? Maybe they're unhappy with their current religion, or they want to change the world, or they're disappointed with their lives and want to find something bigger or holier that makes sense of this confusing, chaotic and dangerous world. Or maybe they just want to give themselves the best possible chance of having sex with aliens. https://www.amazon.com.au/Zealot-about-cults-Jo-Thornely-eb...
Aug 17, 2019•49 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:55 Interview with Pontus Bockman Pontus discovered skepticism in 2010 and soon thereafter became deeply involved in local activism, such as organising Skeptics in the Pub and giving lectures on skepticism in local schools in his native Sweden. The ESP http://theesp.eu European Skeptics Congress 2019 https://www.esc2019.be 0:26:30 Super Science Saturday Ian Bryce and Richard Saunders from The Mystery Investigators once again bring their scienc...
Aug 10, 2019•56 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:20 Interview with Derek Colanduno We catch up with one of the original skeptical podcasters. Derek gives us an overview of the early days of 'Skepticality' and sets the scene for the upcoming Skeptrack at Dragon*Con 2019 in Atlanta. http://skeptics.dragoncon.org 0:20:21 Nominations open for the Bent Spoon Award From psychics to quacks, TV shows and racing car drivers, the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Award has a colourful list of past winne...
Aug 03, 2019•1 hr 7 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:28 A Random RANT! With Dr Paulie Stories of people being terrified by Yowie like creatures go back decades and had their heyday in the 1970s when it seems some here in Australia were somewhat jealous or maybe inspired by the reports coming out of North America. It was a golden age for UFOs, Psychics such as Uri Geller, the Loch Ness monster and BigFoot sightings. All good fun at the time and as the years went by interest both here in Australi...
Jul 27, 2019•51 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:47 Apollo 11 - Sydney Morning Herald 1969 MEN ON MOON U.S. astronauts open a new era for mandkind. - Man has landed on the moon. The U.S. spacecraft, Eagle, carring Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, touched down on the lunar surface early today (Sydney time). 0:12:30 Moon Landings Were No Hoax Continuing to believe that the Moon landings were faked, despite the solid evidence from many quarters that confirm the missions, despite the thorough a...
Jul 20, 2019•1 hr
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:15 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Casula Powerhouse presents GIANT LEAP , a multi-arts program, which includes six new exhibitions created to mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in 1969. The launch and first steps on the moon were televised and watched around the world. The exhibitions provide insight into the impact of the first humans on the moon, on popular culture, on individuals and on their artwork and acknowledges the ancient an...
Jul 13, 2019•1 hr 3 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:50 Harmful Homeopathic 'Cures' We interview Michael Marshall from The Good Thinking Society in the U.K. about the action being taken to fight the extreme foolishness that is Homeopathy. https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/gts-cease-psa/ 0:20:02 Chabot Space & Science Center A tour with Leonard Trameil The only thing more extraordinary than the science we are learning about the Moon is its incredible beauty. Chabot's stunning new photographic es...
Jul 06, 2019•58 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Ben Radford 0:07:04 Trish & Chips... with Trish Hann Sally Morgan is a British television and stage performer who claims to have psychic abilities. In mid 2019 she brought her stage show to Australia. On hand outside the theatre for her Sydney performance were members of Australian Skeptics. Mark Tilbrook confronted my Sally Morgan's people - video https://youtu.be/sCdvA7Lu1jM BBC News - Paul Zenon on 'Psychic Sally' - video https://youtu.be/4...
Jun 29, 2019•54 min
Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:54 Psychics and Missing Persons Again and again, so-called "Psychics" chime in with mystical informaion on missing persons. Worse still they send usless information to the Police and give false hope to heartbroken parents. We look at a few cases in the news. http://www.google.com/search?q=Theo+Hayez+Psychic http://www.google.com/search?q=William+Tyrrell+Psychic http://undeceivingourselves.org/S-ican.htm 0:23:50 Bugs in Berkeley We join Dr Eug...
Jun 22, 2019•58 min
