0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, live from Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. 0:02:20 Maynard's Spooky Action Susan Gerbic Interview. Part #3 of 3 Maynard interviews the one and only Susan Gerbic, live from The Skeptic Zone Studios. Susan tells Maynard about how her team follow the Wikipedia rules. https://www.abouttimeproject.org 0:17:36 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham An interview with Tim conducted at Sydney Skeptics in the pub. Tim talks about why he got interested in skepticism and the ear...
Jan 13, 2024•55 min•Ep 797•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:18 The Don Lane Show - "Psychics" 43 years ago, on the very popular Don Lane Show, a lineup of so-called psychics appeared to give their mystical insights into the winner of the upcoming 1981 Melbourne Cup horse race. Don Lane is the same man who once threw James Randi off his TV chat show. The Don Lane Show - Uri Geller https://youtu.be/jQTVHkBrECQ&t=4340 The Don Lane Show - 1981 Psychics https://youtu.be/5GlNohjgTn8&t=382 0:24:54 Maynard's Spooky Acti...
Jan 06, 2024•54 min•Ep 796•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:24 Quackery in Australian Pharmacies We look over some of the flyers, posters and other information promoting medical quackery, found at Australian pharmacies over the last few decades. From homeopathy to iridology, quackery in chemist shops has a dishonourable history. 0:25:18 Maynard's Spooky Action Susan Gerbic Interview. Part #1 of 3 Maynard interviews the one and only Susan Gerbic, live from The Skeptic Zone Studios. Susan tells Maynard what it's l...
Dec 30, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep 795•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:58 Over 20 Years of Skeptical Archives Richard Saunders reviews some of the many thousands of clippings, posters and information flyers collected over the past two decades at Mind Body Wallet festivals and other peddlers of misinformation. 0:30:46 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard chats to Melanie Trecek-King about her visit to Australia and what it's like to be in Facebook prison. 0:43:10 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Aust...
Dec 23, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:14 You Can Count on Adrienne Dr Christopher Lobos Adrienne Hill engages in a conversation with Dr. Christopher Labos, discussing his book titled "Does Coffee Cause Cancer? And 8 More Myths About the Food We Eat." For an extended interview that also explores Dr. Labos' efforts with science communication, follow this link: https://youtu.be/RawriuUMQwQ 0:17:44 Round Table - Part #5 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podca...
Dec 17, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep 793•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:42 Vale Dr Alex Ritchie We reflect on the life of Dr Alex Ritchie, the world renowned palaeontologist and staunch defender of science against the now almost defunct creationism lobby in Australia. 0:11:00 Round Table - Part #4 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast and Richard Saunders from the Skeptic Zone podcast to talk about the skeptical world and related issues. This week the three science communicators talk ...
Dec 09, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep 792•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:24 Bend Spoon 2023 Walkley winner Coulthart wins 2023 Bent Spoon for UFOs! Ross Coulthart, who has won five Walkley awards (including the top Gold Walkley) during his career as a journalist, can now add another prize to the list - the Australian Skeptics' Bent Spoon award. Also we report on some of the more positive awards. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:11:44 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? ...
Dec 02, 2023•54 min•Ep 791•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:00 A Rough Guide to Spotting Bad Science Being able to evaluate the evidence behind a scientific claim is important. Being able to recognise bad science reporting, or faults in scientific studies, is equally important. These 12 points will help you separate the science from the pseudoscience. https://www.compoundchem.com/infographics 0:14:42 Round Table - Part #2 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian Dunning from the Skeptoid podcast and Richard S...
Nov 25, 2023•59 min•Ep 790•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:08 You Can Count of Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne Hill has Kat back again to give an update or three regarding episodes 778 and 775. They also discuss Tara flour and a supplement Adrienne discovered for humans at a wild bird store in Canada. https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-launches-new-directory-ingredients-used-products-marketed-dietary-supplements 0:17:02 Round Table - Part #1 Fraser Cain from Universe Today joins Brian ...
Nov 18, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep 789•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:32 You Can Count on Adrienne This week Adrienne interviews Susan Gerbic ftom Guerrilla Skeptics on Wikipedia. Susan, together with a host of other sceptics, as soon to head to Melbourne for the Australian Skeptics National Convention. Find out what Susan will be talking about in Melbourne and how you can meet this inspirational, skeptical activist. http://www.skepticon.org.au 0:10:24 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham What Goes Around By Tim Mendham Gees...
Nov 11, 2023•45 min•Ep 788•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:58 CSICON 2023 We catch up with... Melanie Trecek-King An Associate Professor of Biology at Massasoit Community College, where she teaches a general-education science course designed to equip students with empowering critical thinking, information literacy, and science literacy skills. Melanie will aslo be appearing at Skepticon, Melbourne. https://thinkingispower.com https://youtube.com/@ThinkingPowers Ross Blocher An accomplished animation professiona...
Nov 04, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep 787•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:50 CSICON 2023 A grab bag of interviews and sounds from the meeting in Las Vegas. Jim Underdown Dr Angie Mattke Adrienne Hill Celestia Ward 0:11:14 Skepticon 2023 Interview Stephen Bavaro joins us to talk about his upcoming appearance at the Australian Skeptics National Convention. The story of Atlantis! See a preview at this talk at Sydney Skeptics in the pub, November 2nd. https://meetu.ps/c/dRPP/SSz1/a http://www.skepticon.org.au 0:18:08 The Book of ...
Oct 28, 2023•49 min•Ep 786•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:50 You Can Count On Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne engages in a conversation with Kat MacLeod, delving into her personal journey with herbal supplements and the profound impact it has had on her life, as well as her dedicated advocacy work in Canada to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with these supplements. 0:22:08 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne...
Oct 21, 2023•1 hr•Ep 785•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:30 Once More Unto The Breach Tim Mendham, Sue Ieraci, Darryl Colquhoun and Richard Saunders head to Sydney's Festival of Mind Body Spirit to discover what quackery is on display. Will they survive the paranormal parade of pretend psychics? 0:12:54 You Can Count On Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Kelly Burke and Faith Newsome Rodriquez join Adrienne Hill to talk about refutations regarding the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment that was initially conducted in ...
Oct 15, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep 874•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, live from Sydney Skeptics in tbe Pub 0:02:12 Skeptical BBQ Steve Roberts and Richard Saunders talk about the latest UFO shenanigans and their appreciation of one the founders of Australian Skeptics, Dick Smith. James Randi in Australia - with Dick Smith https://youtu.be/gN-0FEqAkQM 0:07:32 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Phoney Fauna - Part #1 By Tim Mendham Tim looks at all the strange and weird fake animals that have been invented over the years in orde...
Oct 07, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:42 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Tim and Richard talk about the upcoming Skepticon in Melbourne and other skeptical issues.... and have some coffee and biscuits. https://skepticon.org.au 0:14:24 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. Adrienne Hill and Faith Newsome Rodriquez talk about the Hawthorne Effect, based on poor research done in the 1920s and 1930s, which infers that people will change their behavior simply because they are being st...
Sep 30, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep 782•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:24 Reiki on TikTok We look via TikTok at some of the "practitioners" of Reiki, the fictional enery claimed to actually heal or... something... What is Reiki, who does Reiki and do you need a rake to do it? We wrack our brains for Reiki. https://quackwatch.org/related/reiki/ https://www.reiki.org/faqs/what-reiki 0:24:40 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill . http://www.skept...
Sep 23, 2023•59 min•Ep 781•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:18 You Can on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill A visit to Salem, Massachusetts. Join Adrienne for a fascinating virtual tour of Salem, focusing on the infamous Witch Trials and the general supernatural themes tailored to the tourist industry. https://www.salem.org/things-to-do/tours 0:21:51 Mass Hysteria and Havana Syndrome Rob Palmer talks about the Havana Syndrome , a cluster of symptoms experienced mostly abroad by U.S. government and military personnel....
Sep 16, 2023•57 min•Ep 780•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:42 Take Stock with Shelley Stocken Doctor Google is at it again with millions of people seeking its advice. A classic story from 2017 from our dear late reporter. 0:11:50 UFOs in the Pub We talk to long time skeptical investigators Ian Bryce and Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics about their opinions on the latest UFO fad. Insights from people who have seen it all before over many decades. 0:22:44 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has...
Sep 09, 2023•50 min•Ep 779•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:10 You Can Count On Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This week Adrienne chats to Kat McLeod from Edmonton, Canada, about the strange practice of mouth taping. Can placing tape over your mouth, improve your health and sleep? Adrienne and Kat look at some of the claims and reality of this medical trend. 0:23:18 The Skeptical Box of Tricks Clips from "Nerd Night" in the city of Bend in Oregon. Richard Saunders' workshop with spoon bending, body balance tricks ...
Sep 02, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 George Hrab Luck Be A Lady 0:01:28 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:50 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill To celebrate the 777th episode of this podcast, Adrienne looks into the meaning behind the number 777. It's not just a type of airliner, but 777 appears in the most unlikely places. Just think, in another 777 episodes, it will be episode 1554! 0:13:54 Rob Palmer on Psychics The Well-Known Skeptic talks about how people all over the world are taken in by psychic scams. Fr...
Aug 26, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep 777•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:04 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Psychic and Facilitated Communication, claiming to unlock unheard voices. Adrienne, Susan Gerbic, and Janyce Boynton delve into the parallels between Psychics and facilitated communicators after viewing videos that exemplify each as frustrating, and heartbreaking. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/an-artist-with-a-science-based-mission https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fcisnotscience http...
Aug 19, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep 776•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:28 Ghostly Radios Skeptical investigator Kenny Biddle joins Richard Saunders to discuss so-called ghost or spirit boxes. Can a radio receiver that scans the AM/FM frequencies really put you in touch with your dear departed? Why do ghost like listening to the radio... or do they? Are the ghosts simply failed radio announcers? 0:27:18 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill . ht...
Aug 12, 2023•57 min•Ep 775•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:48 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Will the best psychic please stand up? Skeptics have, for many years, heard of psychics, clairvoyants or mystics all claiming to be the best. Adrienne, together with Richard Saunders and Susan Gerbic, list the would-be number ones from Australia, Canada and United States. Surely they all can't be the very best at their game? https://www.skeptics.com.au/who-is-australias-best-psychic/ 0:22:55 The Book of T...
Aug 05, 2023•58 min•Ep 774•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:40 Where are the Aliens? A look at the social media reaction to the congressional subcommittee of June 26th to hear testimony from several military officers who allege the government is concealing evidence of UFOs. We discover many people now wrongly think that the US government has admitted to having real alien space ships in their possession. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSLxj47ER/ 0:21:04 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye...
Jul 29, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep 773•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Maynard with Richard Saunders 0:05:40 The Next Wave From the pages of the Skeptic Magazine, the Journal from Australian Skeptics, Richard Saunders casts an eye to the horizon in search of predicted tsunamis. He's still waiting. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:15:50 QED - Andy Wilson QED is a two-day science and skepticism convention taking place at the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester from the 23rd-24th September 2023. Fantastic speakers from the worlds of science and ent...
Jul 22, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep 772•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:10 Nobody's Fool Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do about It Hardcover by Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris. Interview with with Daniel Simons. From phishing scams to Ponzi schemes, fraudulent science to fake art, chess cheaters to crypto hucksters, and marketers to magicians, our world brims with deception. In Nobody's Fool, psychologists Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris show us how to avoid being taken in. http://dansimons....
Jul 16, 2023•54 min•Ep 771•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:52 Premium Wine Card Richard Saunders (with help from Ian Bryce and Steve Roberts) tests the Premium Wine Card, and shows that marketing and pseudoscience can leave a bad taste in the mouth. From the pages of The Skeptic Magazine from Australian Skeptics. https://web.archive.org/web/20211221114819/http://premiumwinecard.com https://www.skeptics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/magazine/The%20Skeptic%20Volume%2040%20(2020)%20No%202.pdf 0:30:08 Maynard's Spooky ...
Jul 09, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep 770•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:14 Susan Gerbic Quick, Quack Update and Social Adventures. Susan talks about the TikTok quack being investigated. Also an adventure with local skeptics to visit a man who said he has seen a Bigfoot. https://centerforinquiry.org/groups/santa-cruz-county-skeptics/ 0:25:12 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill . http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:37:30 A Dive into a Trove A wander th...
Jul 02, 2023•57 min•Ep 769•Transcript available on Metacast 0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:04 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Looking at the New Age part #1 The Arcturian Healing Method is a set of cosmic energies inspired by higher beings called Arcturians from the star system Arcturus. Brandi Kahn - Believes in Everything - Still not Psychic Video chat with Adrienne Hill and Susan Gerbic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6JTNMx0juk 0:18:34 A Dive into a Trove A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a ...
Jun 25, 2023•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
