The Skeptic Zone

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

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

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

0:00:00 Maynard's Disclosure
Urgent and dramatic news from Maynard. What doom and gloom is coming our way?
0:02:52 Introduction
Richard Saunders
00:07:56 Dr Rachie Reports

Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders catch up with one of the original Skeptic Zone reporters, from 2008, Dr Rachael Dunlop. We learn about her skeptical investigations, the fight against fake AI scams and her ongoing research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
00:29:52 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill

For episode 900, Adrienne looks at the number 900 and what makes it so interesting. Special guest Psychic Penny drops by to offer her mysterious insights.
0:40:40 The TROVE Archives

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

1972.01.02 - The Sun-Herald
1981.01.02 - The Sydney Morning Herald
1985.12.21 - The Age

http://www.trove.nla.gov.au
Also Lara Benham, Richard Saunders and Susan Gerbic analyse a 'psychic' reading

https://youtu.be/5vS8nKROzZc

Refuting the anti-vaxxer who yelled her way onto The Skeptic Zone

https://luckylosing.com/2025/12/31/refuting-the-anti-vaxxer-who-yelled-her-way-onto-the-skeptic-zone/

0:00:00 Introduction
Richard Saunders
00:04:22 NO Future Seen in Fortune Telling

The GWUP (Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften - Society for the Scientific Investigation of Pseudosciences) in Germany evaluated 2099 annual predictions from fifty-two sources. One quarter were too vague to test, more than half were clearly wrong, and solid bullseyes were rare. The project evaluated publicly available annual predictions from fortune tellers, astrologers, self-described mediums, and other esoteric 'advisors' and 'seers'.

Read by Lara Benham, Adrienne Hill and Richard Saunders

https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/king-kong-doesnt-show-up-and-2025-psychic-forecasts-miss-the-big-events-once-again/
0:28:28 TV News and Parasites

One of the evergreen themes of the alternative medicine industry is that you are full of parasites. Channel 7 TV news in Australia ran a story critical of social media influences promoting cures for these so-called parasites. We look at the comments from the alternative medicine and conspiracy theory brigade.

https://fb.watch/EgdjX8JnxA/?
0:38:12 The Loons from Canada

This week Kate and Allie meet in a local cafe to reflect on some of this year's stories and there may even be a prediction from Psychic Penny!

Special Guests! Kate Thomas, Michelle Bijkersma, Psychic Penny and Clairvoyant Casey.
Also Thank you from everybody here at the Skeptic Zone, the hosts, the producers, all the reporters and the technical team behind the scene for your continued support throughout 2025. Without listeners like you the show would not be able to continue. We look forward to a big 2026 with more stories more reports and a lot of fun along the way.

If you'd like to support the Skeptic Zone, please consider subscribing via PayPal or Patreon. Even as little as $5 a week or even a month goes a very long way in keeping the show going into its 18th year.