Podcast
The Skeptic Zone
Hosted by Richard Saunders · EN
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'.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Skeptic Zone #925 - 28.June.2026
Yesterday01:02:09Tap to summarizeLooksmaxxing - 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.
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The Skeptic Zone #924 - 21.June.2026
1w ago01:03:16Tap to summarizeCSiCon 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
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The Skeptic Zone #923 - 14.June.2026
2w ago00:58:44Tap to summarizeScience 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
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The Skeptic Zone #922 - 7.June.2026
3w ago01:02:15Tap to summarizeStatins - 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
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The Skeptic Zone #921 - 31.May.2026
4w ago00:59:56Tap to summarizeBent 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
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The Skeptic Zone #920 - 24.May.2026
May 2401:07:03Tap to summarizeFlu 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
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The Skeptic Zone #919 - 17.May.2026
May 1601:06:02Tap to summarizeJames 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
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The Skeptic Zone #918 - 10.May.2026
May 900:59:19Tap to summarize00:00:00 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
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The Skeptic Zone #917 - 3.May.2026
May 200:58:42Tap to summarizeNicotine 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
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The Skeptic Zone #916 - 26.April.2026
Apr 2501:06:33Tap to summarizeUFOs - 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
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