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The Skeptic Zone

The Skeptic Zone

Written by: Richard Saunders
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 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'.The Skeptic Zone Podcast Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Skeptic Zone #903 - 25.January.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #903 - 25.January.2026
    Jan 24 2026
    0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:06:06 Black Salve - Action Taken

    A 'natural health herbalist' has been sentenced today to 7 months imprisonment, a community corrections order, and fines of $20,000 for unlawfully advertising and supplying Black Salve and bloodroot capsules, and for advertising other unapproved therapeutic goods to treat serious conditions such as anxiety.

    We look at Black Salve, what it is and the very real danger of its use.

    https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/conviction-unlawful-supply-and-advertising-black-salve-products 0:18:56 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill

    Adrienne gives us a wrap up of an action-packed weekend at the Monterey County SkeptiCamp. It was a weekend Adrienne nearly missed after accidentally booking her flights for the wrong weekend! Despite this calendar chaos, she was able to enjoy the two day skepticamp plus pub night that featured terrific talks, and friendly festivities.

    https://m.youtube.com/@AboutTimeProject/videos 0:33:30 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Athena Starwoman.

    1985.11.18 - The Sydney Morning Herald
    1979.09.02 - The Sun Herald


    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

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    1 hr
  • The Skeptic Zone #902 - 18.January.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #902 - 18.January.2026
    Jan 17 2026
    0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:05:20 Erich von Daniken 1935 - 2026

    We look at the life, times and legacy of the controversial author who popularise the idea that our ancient ancestors were visited by space aliens.

    Chariots of the Gods? Video

    https://youtu.be/R0hjOK865Qc

    Ancient Aliens Debunked - Video

    https://youtu.be/OFVbITJLLbQ 0:19:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter

    What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week?
    Read by Adrienne Hill.

    http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:20 Mamamia 2025 Predictions

    We take a look at some of what was in store for us for last year according to a psychic on a popular blog and podcast in Australia.

    https://www.mamamia.com.au/psychic-predictions-2025 0:43:34 The TROVE Archives

    A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Predictions and Nostradamus.

    1973.07.26 - The Evening News - NY
    1980.03.06 - The Evening News - NY
    1976.12.03 - Lawrence Journal-World

    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/conviction-unlawful-supply-and-advertising-black-salve-products

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Skeptic Zone #901 - 11.January.2026

    The Skeptic Zone #901 - 11.January.2026
    Jan 10 2026
    0:00:00 Introduction
    Richard Saunders 00:06:32 Manifesting

    Have you heard of manifesting? Or as it's been more recently labelled the law of attraction? Manifesting is the relatively new label added to a very old practice. Each generation likes to think that they've found the key to unlocking all of your desires. When in actuality it's the same false hope that has been passed down for many generations. Recently on the Skeptic Zone you would've heard reporter Kat McLeod talk about the lucky girl syndrome. By whatever name, it is the personification of wishful thinking. 00:22:54 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas

    Magnesium Myths

    Magnesium is a supplement that has somehow been marketed as the solution to anxiety, insomnia, migraines, constipation, ADHD, menopause, burnout, and the general horror of being alive in late capitalism. This week Kate looks at what magnesium actually is and what it isn't.

    Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
    https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:30:26 Refuting the anti-vaxxer who yelled her way onto The Skeptic Zone

    Back on 7 December, The Skeptic Zone and Why Smart Women podcasts blended to present a unique live episode at The Occidental Hotel in Sydney. Billed as the Why Smart Women Zone Podcast the show featured Why Smart Women host Annie McCubbin with Sue Ieraci, Kate Thomas, Jessica Singer and Richard Saunders. Lara Benham was the MC. Question-time revealed irony, as the first questioner could benefit from subscribing to Annie's Why Smart Women podcast. An anti-vaxxer, she seemed to have a plan to accuse, mock, embarrass or verbally pummel skeptics.

    A look at the blog post written by Paul Gallagher.

    https://luckylosing.com/2025/12/31/refuting-the-anti-vaxxer-who-yelled-her-way-onto-the-skeptic-zone/ 0:42:16 The TROVE Archives

    This week we look at a new age magazine from 1993 called "Southern Crossings". What trick and tips about divination can we pick up from all those years ago?

    http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

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    1 hr and 3 mins
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