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Dowsing - Psychics - Bent Spoon       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

Wellness? - Not-A-Con - Bent Spoon     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

Talking Dogs - Not-A-Con - Bent Spoon     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

Pod Toast - Not-A-Con - Polarizer       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

Tarot - Newsletter - Bent Spoon       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

Mafu - Dr Karl - Dr Brian     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

Philosophy - Psychic Detectives - Bent Spoon    00:00:00 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

Not-A-Con - Quackery - Bent Spoon       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

Ben Radford - George Hrab - Bent Spoon     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

Ben Radford - George Hrab - Dr Karl       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/

ESP - Quack Watch - Crime     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

EVP - Cupping - Hinch     00:00:00 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

Spirits - Newsletter - Paranormal 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