The Skeptic Zone

00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:04:38
Bigfoot puts it's Feet up!
A report on the expectations of the upcoming documentary "Capturing Bigfoot" together with a newspaper clipping from 1977.

    1977.06.14 - The Sydney Morning Herald

Official 4K Scan of the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot Film
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18KLMt8amms

    00:15:28
Maynard's Spooky Action
Not-A-Con Interviews
From the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast, Cara Santa Maria.

    00:33:46
Rusty Razor award
Each year The Skeptic, the UK's long-running publication for analysis of pseudoscience, conspiracy theory and claims of the paranormal, names their pseudoscientist of the year, and awards them the Rusty Razor award.

The prize this year goes to Lord Toby Young and the Daily Sceptic, for their promotion of antivaccine misinformation and climate change denialism.

https://www.skeptic.org.uk

    00:39:44
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award #11.

SBS-TV program Medicine or Myth - Sarah Stevenson/Sarah's Day - National Institute of Complementary Medicine and the University of Western Sydney for the continued promotion of disproved and unproved alternative medicine practice - Judy Wilyman, Brian Martin, and the University of Wollongong.

    2026.07.19 - The New York Post

www.trove.nla.gov.au

Dick Smith on Wonder World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnVAMEacj8

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:04:26
Mind Body Wallet - Not So Divine
Once again we dare to venture into the land of delusion and magic. The festival of Mind Body Spirit. This time we look at advice given to people wanting to have a psychic reading and an encounter with the Dowsers Society of New South Wales.

    00:26:44
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

    00:38:12
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon #10. Includes Pete Evans and Dr Larry Marshall.

    2014.10.12 - Real Clear Science
    2014.10.30 - Science Insider
    2020 - ABC Media Bites
    2015.10.18 - Daily Mail
    2020.11.09 - Insight Plus MJA

www.trove.nla.gov.au

Also...
Squaring the Strange
LIVE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@squaringthestrange7541

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:06:44
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Adrienne talks with returning guest Dr. Nick Tiller, author of The Health and Wellness Lie: Exposing the hype, hacks and hidden agendas of the well-being machine, about curious concoctions in the wellness and workout world.

Dr Nick Tiller
https://www.nbtiller.com

    00:25:40
Barry Williams Media Award
$4000 Prize
The Barry Williams Award for Skeptical Journalism recognises the best piece of journalism, in any medium, that takes a critical and skeptical approach to a topic within the remit of Australian Skeptics: the scientific investigation of pseudoscience and the paranormal. It is awarded annually with a citation and now a $4000 prize, double the amount of recent years.

https://www.skeptics.com.au/media-prize-2026-4000

    00:28:10
Maynard's Spooky Action
Not-A-Con Interviews
Annie McCubbin from the 'Why Smart Women' podcast.

    00:39:58
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to The Bent Spoon #9.

    2009.12.01 - The Daily Telegraph
    2010.07.28 - The Sydney Morning Herald
    2012.12.03 - The Sydney Morning Herald
    2015.10.15 - The Sydney Morning Herald

www.trove.nla.gov.au

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:05:34
The Loons from Canada
This week the Loons from Canada get hydrated while discussing alkaline water and commune with Spirit Dog Jewel via the help of interactive talking buttons.

McGill University
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/technology-did-you-know-general-science/dogs-speak-breakthrough-or-illusion

    00:21:58
Maynard's Spooky Action
Not-A-Con Interviews
Students - Terry Kelly - George Hrab

    00:35:36
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

    00:45:14
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to The Bent Spoon #8.

     2005 - Hobart Mercury
    2006.11.29 - The Australian

www.trove.nla.gov.au

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:05:06
The Think Tank
Join Annie McCubbin, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they enjoy coffee and toast in a Sydney cafe. Topics covered are Bird Flu, the quackery of homeopathy and the Festival of MindBody Wallet.

    00:18:46
Maynard's Spooky Action
Not-A-Con Interviews
Lara Benham - Dr Angie Mattke - Annika Harrison - Cheyanne - Tia - Paul

    00:32:42
The Book of Tim
Peter Brock and his Orgone Energy Fuel Polarizer
A story about how belief in pseudoscience damaged the carrer of an Australian racing car driver.
From The Skeptic - Volume 7, No 2 (Winter 1987) By Barry Williams

Peter Brock and his Orgone Energy Fuel Polarizer
https://youtu.be/aBdppylOFX4

    00:54:20
Bent Spoon 2002 with Barry Williams
From the archives, Barry Williams on Radio National (ABC) in 2002 talking about the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon Award.

Also...
The Australian Skeptics Video Collection
https://tinyurl.com/skepticslist

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:07:02
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
This is part 2 of Adrienne and Susan Gerbic getting together to react to two TikTok "Tarot" videos they found, regarding the terrible tragedy surrounding Parker Wells, the eleven year old non-verbal autistic boy who went missing in Calgary, and was later found dead in a culvert. Put on your psychic hats to predict how accurate they were.

    00:24:32
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

    00:33:14
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to The Bent Spoon Award.

Part #6 2001 - 2002

    2002.04.03 - The Cairns Post
    2002.08.23 - The Daily Telegraph

Barry Williams - Homeopathic Vaccine Banned
https://youtu.be/NGDHrK7Wm_8

www.trove.nla.gov.au

Also...
The Barry Williams Video Collection
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC3ycM1rFKvI

Richard Saunders on ABC TV talks about some of the tricks of so-called psychics
https://youtu.be/3lm31R-LzYY?t=580

    00:06:12
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:06:12
The Book of Tim
Mafu: face-to-face with an ascended master
For two weeks, beginning May 20, 1990, Australia was host to Ms Penny Torres Rubin, alleged channeller of 32,000 year old entity, Mafu.

From The Skeptic - Volume 10, No 2 (Winter 1990) By Barry Williams

Also Tim Mendham on TV, 1992 - Bent Spoon
https://youtu.be/4xF_yunBBK8

    00:20:38
Maynard's Spooky Action
Not-A-Con Interviews

• Dr Brian Wecht, also known by his character name Ninja Brian, a musician, internet personality, podcaster, and theoretical physicist. He is best known as a member of comedy musical duo Ninja Sex Party and video game-based comedy music trio Starbomb.
• Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
• Not-A-Con attendee Oliver and his mum

    00:34:18
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award.

Part #5 1997 - 2000

    1997.08.11 - The Age
    1997.08.11 - The Sydney Morning Herald
    1997.08.12 - The Age
    1999.08.16 - The Sydney Morning Herald
    1999.09.23 - The Sydney Morning Herald


www.trove.nla.gov.au

Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:04:20
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Psychic Detectives #1 of 2

After a terrible tragedy struck Calgary when a missing boy was found deceased after an intensive two week search, Adrienne pondered if any psychics had tried to insert themselves into the investigation. Use your psychic powers to imagine how much time it took for her to find examples of these alleged intuitives offering their opinions to the public and the police. She called on expert Psychics Explained YouTube host and Skeptic Zone reporter Susan Gerbic to help her navigate this heartbreaking, psychic cinema.

    00:23:32
Maynard's Spooky Action
Not-A-Con Interviews

This week Maynard talks to former think tank member and PhD student Jo Shafer. What is her philosophy when it comes to critical thinking and skepticism?

    00:32:24
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

    00:41:40
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to The Bent Spoon Award.

    1982.04.06 - The Bulletin

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1400945990/view?sectionId=nla.obj-1639131089tId%3Dnla.obj-1400980278&partId=nla.obj-1400980013#page/n56/mode/1up

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:05:20
Maynard's Spooky Action
Not-A-Con Interviews
Spoon Bending with Saunders - Jeremy - George Hrab fans - Howard Lovatt

https://www.suff.com.au/starstruck

    00:19:04
The Think Tank
Join Dr Sue Ieraci, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they enjoy coffee and toast in a cafe in the suburb of Glebe, Sydney. Up for discussion this week are phone call protocols in public and quackery in pharmacies.

    00:43:48
Woo of the Week! With Kate Thomas
Kate wonders why Chemist Warehouse is selling wormimg tablets without the scientific evidence to back them up.

Kate on Radio JJJ with Dr Karl
https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/dr-karl-podcast/sciencetriplej-20260820/107058392
Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

    00:46:10
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award.

Part #2 1990 - 1989

    1993.06.23 - The Canberra Times
    1995.06.01 - The Canberra Times
    1994.06.12 - The Canberra Times

www.trove.nla.gov.au

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:04:20
Maynard's Spooky Action
George Hrab - 3 of 3
George Hrab, in Sydney for Not-A-Con, visits Maynard's International Studios annex in the suburb of Glebe.
This week -
Being skeptical when it's hard to do so, being on "X" (Twitter), Ringo Starr and Kookaburras.

    00:12:18
Maynard's Spooky Action
Lee Traynor talks about his foundation to promote critical thinking in young people. Also Maynard chats to conference attendees at the social evening.

https://leetraynor.com/blog.multi/foundation

    00:21:55
Interview with Ben Radford - 2 of 2
This week framed psychic investigator Ben Radford talks about the recent US senate appearance by Dr Anthony Fauci.
https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/covid-conspiracies-and-the-fauci-farce/
Prof. Dave - Dr Anthony Fauci
https://youtu.be/wWxqBaWt5uY?si=DanaMX9XOIM_bT7u

    00:36:48
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

    00:48:42
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award.
Part #2 1986 - 1989

    1987.04.19, 1987.02.20, 1987.02.22, 1988.04.03, 1987.07.08, 1989.04.02, 1989.03.26 - The Canberra Times
    1987.04.20, 1987.04.03 - The Sydney Morning Herald


www.trove.nla.gov.au

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders, Lara Benham and Dr Sue Ieraci at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub.

    00:04:22
Interview with Ben Radford - 1 of 2
This week framed psychic investigator Ben Radford talks about his new book Weird New Mexico and a very strange hum that was once heard across the land.

Weird New Mexico
https://www.unmpress.com/9780826370341/weird-new-mexico

    00:13:58
Maynard's Spooky Action
George Hrab - 2 of 3
George Hrab, in Sydney for Not-A-Con, visits Maynard's International Studios annex in the suburb of Glebe.
This week -
Being skeptical when it's hard to do so, being on "X" (Twitter), Ringo Starr and Kookaburras.

From Not-A-Con -
Maynard chats to Star Trek fan Amanda and Dr Sue Ieraci.

    00:25:52
Maynard's Spooky Action
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki talks about critical thinking, advertising claims, flat earthers, going down the rabbit hole, conspiracy theories and the future of science.

    00:37:18
Elaine and Dorothy's New Age Bingo!
Skeptics Zone fans Elaine and Dorothy have cooked up a great way to have fun at New Age festivals using the following words.

Quantum, Regression, Biome, Regulate, Ancestral , Cellular , Channeling , Aura , Colloidal , Psychic Energy , Amino Acids , Peptides , Orgone , Crystal Energy , Holistic , Past Life , Essence , Balancing Chakras , Grounding , Ancient Chinese , Meta Physical , Frequency , Realignment , Red Light Therapy Angels

Download and print out "Lidia's New Age Bingo Card" for MindBody Wallet.

Lidia's New Age Bingo! (pdf)

    00:41:56
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award.
Part #1 1982 - 1985

    2012.03.28 - The Melbourne Observer
    1999.02.03 - The Hills Messenger SA
    1987.07.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald
    1978.02.15 - The Hills Gazette SA
    1986.03.11 - The Canberra Times

00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:23:06
Maynard's Spooky Action
George Hrab - 1 of 3

George Hrab, in Sydney for Not-A-Con, visits Maynard's International Studios annex in the suburb of Glebe.
This week - Vegemite crackers, drinking alcohol, performimg live, gas stations, the Geologic Podcast, pens and exercise.

    00:09:36
Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas
Ginger beer, ginger ale, ginger tea... the list of ginger products is endless but do they live up to the claim that they can help you with nausea or morning sickness. This week Kate looks at the myths and the reality of ginger.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

    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 psychometry, a type of extrasensory perception where a person claims to know facts or history about an item or its owner by holding or touching it.

    1979.03.23 - The Kingsmen Daily Miner
    1993.08.07 - Williamson Daily News

www.trove.nla.gov.au

00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:06:00
2026 Bent Spoon Award
Australian Skeptics president Jessica Singer together with Richard Saunders announce the winner of the 2026 Bent Spooner award. This year's winner is Dolly Adamson of Kyneton Paranormal, Victoria, who claims to talk to the ghosts of murdered children, and their killers, via a radio.

https://www.skeptics.com.au/bent-spoon-award-for-2026

    00:15:10
Why Smart Women on the Mones Zone
Join Annie McCubbin from the Why Smart Women podcast, Kate Thomas from On The Mones podcast, Richard Saunders from the Skeptics Zone podcast and special guest Dr Angela Mattke as they ponder the world of quackery over coffee and toast.

Applied kinesiology
https://youtu.be/hlhvgG8lRhk?si=cbDVunPJgbf5Fp-R

    00:51:50
Maynard's Spooky Action
Not-A-Con + Skepticon Interviews
The Board Meeting - Maynard reports from a room full of Skeptics, all having a great time playing a variety of tabletop board games. Among the celebrities dotted around the room, Maynard finds George Hrab and Bob Novella.

Also
Richard Saunders in TV Week
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/the-one-search-for-australias-most-gifted-psychic/

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:04:38
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Adrienne catches up with András Pinter, co-host of the European Skeptics Podcast (ESP), in their annual meetup in Canmore, Alberta. The pair attempt to walk, talk, avoid traffic, and occasionally giggle about skeptical topics from Europe and Canada.

The ESP - European Skeptics Podcast
https://theesp.eu

    00:20:25
Quack Watch - Barbara O'Neill
Be Wary of Barbara O'Neill's Health Recommendations - by Ken McLeod

Wellness guru Barbara O'Neill has an enormous, devoted global audience for her many egregious, non-evidence-based claims about "natural" health. She has credited God for at least some of the advice she has offered. She has gained 4.7 million followers.

https://quackwatch.org/11ind/be-wary-of-barbara-oneills-health-recommendations/

    00:34:34
Origami Posters
Michelle Bijkersma tells our Japanese listeners about free origami posters.

    00:35:46
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

    00:47:00
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Crime and Supernatural.

    1924.08.24 - The Sun - Sydney

Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:06:00
The Loons From Canada
This is part 2 of the Loons from Canada discussing the results of testing Rodney Schmaltz's Psychology students and the participants of the Western Canadian Reason Conference to see if people hear the same audio pareidolia as purported to be heard on an EVP. Which will have clearer spirited voices? The spirit box from part 1, or the EVP in part 2? Listen to find out.

Adrienne's WeCanReason talk:
Produced by Seth Andrews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwFiu2-kYVU&t=133s

Mondegreens taken out of Seth's production of Adrienne's talk:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Sa9sHyi__9s

    00:24:28
Cupping Woo
We are joined by the secretary of Australian Skeptics, Lara Benham who recounts her frustration in trying to find an evidence based physiotherapist.

    00:40:52
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the late skeptical broadcaster Derryn Hinch.

    1984.05.13 - The Sun Herald
    1984.05.18 - The Age
    1984.05.20 - The Sun Herald


www.trove.nla.gov.au

00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:03:50
The Loons From Canada
The Loons from Canada revisit Episode 775 of The Skeptic Zone by testing Rodney Schmaltz's Psychology students and the participants of the Western Canadian Reason Conference to see if people hear the same thing as psychic medium Cael O'Donnell claims he heard while using a spirit box during a walk through a graveyard. This is part I of a 2 part investigation testing spirit boxes and EVPs.

    00:23:12
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

http://www.skeptics.com.au

    00:36:38
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to 'Paranormal and Berkeley'.

    1980.04.19 - The Lodi News-Sentinel
    1985.01.11 - Ocala StarBanner


www.trove.nla.gov.au

    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.

    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

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

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

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

    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

    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

00:00:00
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

    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

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

Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:05:02
Which way do the 'Westerly Winds' blow?
Another look at the Westall UFO event of 1966, concentrating on the weather forcast for Melbourne on the 6th of April, 1966. Can the weather balloon released that morning really be discounted as a possible candidate for the mysterious object seen by possibly hundreds of school children and a few teachers?

Australian Story Westall UFO
https://youtu.be/IhKyQkhOfoM
Charlie Wiser - Westall UFO
https://threedollarkit.weebly.com/westall.html

    00:15:28
Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas
Kate and Richard look at the pros and cons of botox treatment.

Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram
https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass

    00:26:52
NetFM 2001
Join Stefan Sojka and Richard Saunders from 25 years ago when they discussed the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, asteroids and speak with Professor Colin Keay about astronomy.

    00:42:04
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers, with the voice talents of Kat McLeod and Ross Blocher, to look for references to UFOs and Weather Balloons.

    1973.10.18 - The Evening Independent - Fl.
    1989.03.12 - The Daily Times - Alabama
    1997.06.24 - The Gainesville Sun - Fl.

www.trove.nla.gov.au

Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:16:14
Westall UFO TV Documentary
In the past week, Skeptic Zone producer Richard Saunders appeared on the ABC TV (Australia) program 'Australian Story' to talk about the 1966 Westall UFO event from a reasonable but skeptical point of view. This has not pleased some UFO believers in TV land and they have been commenting on the YouTube video of the TV program. Richard, with the help of Maynard, reads out some of the more interesting comments.

Australian Story Westall UFO
https://youtu.be/IhKyQkhOfoM

    00:22:34
For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod
If wishes were fishes, Kat would have a koi pond in her head. This week she will take a look at the tradition of wishing, a topic we have not covered on the Skeptic Zone before, while we have looked at a lot of things that require wishful thinking like manifesting and far-fetched woo products, we haven't ever examined the tradition of wishing, until now. We wish you would listen!

https://www.healthdigest.com/304485/why-you-should-stop-blowing-out-the-candles-on-your-birthday-cake

    00:31:20
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
We Can Reason, Canada
https://wecanreason.com

    00:41:32
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to NASA and UFOs.

    1973.10.20 - The Canberra Times
    1966.12.12 - The Canberra Times
    1983.01.16 - The Canberra Times
    1989.07.12 - The Canberra Times
    1977.12.29 - Papua New Guinea Post-Courier
    1977.12.28 - The Evening Independent - FL

www.trove.nla.gov.au

Introduction
Richard Saunders

    00:07:00
You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill
Adrienne met with infectious disease immunologist and author David Miles at the St Dunstan East Church Garden in London, England, where they discussed David's new book called,
'Sneeze: The History and Science of the Common Cold'.

Website: http://www.variolator.com

Think This Through: Coleman Watts video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mv9Q0WvOd0

    00:22:36
Sydney Skeptics in the Pub
Join Richard Saunders, Tim Mendham, Lara Benham, Annie McCubbin, Kate Thomas and Gary from Thailand as they enjoy a fun evening of skeptical conversation and good food.

    00:34:52
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to Iridology.

    1984.03.19 - Times Daily
    1998.09.15 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

www.trove.nla.gov.au

    00:00:00
Introduction
Richard Saunders

Includes a brief clip of Maynard interviewing singing star Gene Pitney with a strange story concerning astrology.

    00:07:26
A Journey into the Land of Woo
Join Lara Benham, Tim Mendham, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they once again venture through the doors of Sydney's Mind Body Spirit festival. What outrageous products and magical thinking did they discover this time?

    00:17:58
UFOs and False Memories
To acknowledge the 60th anniversary of the so-called Westall UFO event, the Skeptic Zone takes a look at the problems with false memories and the passage of time. Can we really expect people to clearly remember something that happened decades ago? Also the problem of memory cross contamination can cloud recollections of the original event.

    00:19:30
Australian Skeptics Newsletter
What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill.

Sign up for Newsletter
https://www.skeptics.com.au

    00:35:54
The TROVE Archives
A wander through the decades files for bumpf from Mind Body Spirit.

www.trove.nla.gov.au

Also....

Kate Thomas with Dr Karl - Shirtloads of Science
https://youtu.be/Vra3iKjlHXE