0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Tim Mendham 00:06:06 A Look into the Stars We take a sceptical look at the claims and promises of the age old practice of Astrology. Can the stars and planets really predict your future or influence your characteristics? 0:17:50 Gone and Forgotten #1 Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. At the time, members of the public and members of the media gave them credence beyond what they deserved. Some have stuck around, and even prospered - UFOs and psychic powers, to name two - but many more have died the death of irrelevance and fast fashion. Some might still be around, but only as a vestige of their once high-profile status. Others truly are forgotten. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. 0:30:38 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Astrology. 1980.09.11 - The Evening Times - Scotland 1968.07.31 - The Calgary Herald 1977.03.04 - The Lawrence Journal-World http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au Â
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The Skeptic Zone #882 - 31.August.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:14 Comet 3I Atlas and TikTok Tales of Doom As another interstellar visitor races through our solar system, we look at various predictions and musings of people who think this chunk of rock is actually an alien spacecraft heading our way. Prof. Dave - Avi Loeb https://youtu.be/4nYXIeZh_bw 0:21:24 For Crying Out Loud. It's Kat McLeod! This week Kat straps on some ghost busting gear and investigates the possibility of the paranormal when she does a deep dive into the gruesome haunting of Room 202 in the Fort Garry hotel. Trigger warning: suicide. 0:34:16 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:45:24 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Poltergeists. 1960.02.07 - The Toledo Blade 1973.10.28 - The Robesonina http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au
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The Skeptic Zone #881 - 24.August.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:28 Alien Abductions? We take a look at the history, implications and possibilities of aliens travelling across the Milky Way to not only visit the Earth but also to kidnap some of its unlucky, innocent residents. 0:16:44 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Relationship Gurus with Karen Bijkersma #2 The Internet seems full of people who want to offer you advice, for a price, on your relationships. This week Adrienne Hill talks to author Karen Bijkersma about some of these gurus and institutions. https://karenbijkersma.com.au 0:38:55 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Alien Abductions. 1989.06.06 - The Age 1997.12.09 - The Manila Standard 1987.04.26 - The Albany Herald 1990.05.10 - The Herald Jounal 1973.10.20 - The Dispatch http://www.trove.nla.gov.au
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The Skeptic Zone #880 - 17.August.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:34 The World Without the Modern Skeptical Movement We imagine what society would be like if James Randi and people like him never started the modern skeptical movement. What would the world be like? 0:16:56 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Relationship Gurus with Karen Bijkersma #1 The Internet seems full of people who want to offer you advice, for a price, on your relationships. This week Adrienne Hill talks to author Karen Bijkersma about some of these gurus and institutions. 0:31:52 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:20 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to a "Jinx". 1937.08.13 - The Evening Indepentent 1982.08.12 - The Gadston Times 1951.08.31 - The Lighgow Mercury 1949.10.22 - The Newcastle Sun 1954.03.11 - The Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs Gazette 1950.11.09 - The Guyra Argus http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skeptics Cafe https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/events
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The Skeptic Zone #879 - 10.August.2025
0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:50 Msynard's Spooky Action Maynard heads to Sydney Skeptics in the Pub for a special screening of the remastered documentary "James Randi in Australia". Attending was Kent Blackmore who took part in the documenty 45 years ago. Maynard also chats to Skeptic Zone listener Tom. http://www.sydneymagic.net 0:22:26 Psychic Penny's Horoscopes Exclusive to The Skeptic Zone, Psychic Penny casts a horoscope and looks deep into the stars. Is your fate in her hands? This week her mystic insights are for Sagittarius, Pisces, Capricorn and Aquarius. 0:28:06 The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie do a brief update about previous discussions before delving into some sport superstitions, particularly some hilarious hockey habits and some goofy golf gambits that make Kate and Allie giggle. Mentioned in the episode: Thinking is Power : Superstitious pigeons: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ex9ogrsWOao 0:44:20 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Water Dowsing. 1954.09.16 - The Robesonian 1977.01.15 - The Nashua Telegraph 1977.09.19 - The Victoria Advocate - Texas 1969.08.05 - The Telegraph Herald - Iowa http://www.trove.nla.gov.au
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'.
New Zealand