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The Skeptic Zone

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Rating
★★★★★
4.7
from
111 reviews
This podcast has
954 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2008/09/19
Latest episode
2026/10/31
Average duration
64 min.
Release period
8 days

Description

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'.

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The Skeptic Zone #943 - 1.November.2026
2026/10/31
00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders     00:04:24 Bigfoot and other Creatures A look at some of the other Bigfoot type animals, not found around the world. From Japan to the Amazon rainforst, reports of giant ape-like creatures are to be found. Also Richard Saunders on radio 2UE in 2017 with Rob Duckworth and Mieke Buchan talking about the mythical Yowie, Australia's answer to Bigfoot. Rex Gilroy story from 1976 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/4786070 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yowie     00:26:58 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award. This is the last, for now, of our long running series about the winners of this award from Australian Skeptics over the years.     2024.10.09 - The Medical Republic Online     2025.10.09 - The Medical Republic Online     2026.07.30 - The Medical Republic Online www.trove.nla.gov.au Next Wave presents SciFight - (with Richard Saunders) Wednesday 25 November 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Allan Border Oval Pavilion 29 Myahgah Rd, Mosman, NSW, 2088 https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1666270
The Skeptic Zone #942 - 25.October.2026
2026/10/24
Bigfoot - News - Spoons       00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders     00:04:12 Capturing Bigfoot - Review We are joined by Ross Blocher and Lara Benham to discuss the recent Bigfoot documentary. Capturing Bigfoot is a 2026 American documentary film directed by Marq Evans. The film reports new information about the often-cited 1967 film clip purported to show a walking Bigfoot, known as the Patterson–Gimlin film, and the men who filmed it, Roger Patterson and Robert "Bob" Gimlin. Official 4K Scan of the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot Film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18KLMt8amms     00:14:40 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What news has caught the eye of news editor Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au     00:27:48 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Bent Spoon Award #12. Includes a radio interview with Tim Mendham. This week Ross Coulthart, for promoting UFO conspiracies based on unsubstantiated hearsay or debunked claims. Maria Carmela Pau, for selling useless COVID vaccination exemption certificates, and claiming medical qualifications she did not have. Craig Kelly MP, for spreading misinformation about COVID and vaccinations, and offering dubious cures and conspiracy theories.     2021.11.21 - The Guardian Australia     2021.11.22 - Australian Doctor Group     2022.07.20 - ABC Online     2021.11.02 - Australian Lawyer     2022.07.20 - ABC Online     2023.12.04 - Sydney Morning Herald Online     2024.06.11 - Sydney Morning Herald www.trove.nla.gov.au Next Wave presents SciFight - (with Richard Saunders) Wednesday 25 November 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Allan Border Oval Pavilion 29 Myahgah Rd, Mosman, NSW, 2088 https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1666270
The Skeptic Zone #941 - 18.October.2026
2026/10/18
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
The Skeptic Zone #940 - 11.October.2026
2026/10/10
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
The Skeptic Zone #939 - 4.October.2026
2026/10/03
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
The Skeptic Zone #938 - 27.September.2026
2026/09/26
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
The Skeptic Zone #937 - 20.September.2026
2026/09/19
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
The Skeptic Zone #936 - 13.September.2026
2026/09/12
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
The Skeptic Zone #935 - 6.September.2026
2026/09/05
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
The Skeptic Zone #934 - 30.August.2026
2026/08/30
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
The Skeptic Zone #933 - 23.August.2026
2026/08/22
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
The Skeptic Zone #932 - 16.August.2026
2026/08/15
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
The Skeptic Zone #931 - 9.August.2026
2026/08/08
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
The Skeptic Zone #930 - 2.August.2026
2026/08/01
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
The Skeptic Zone #929 - 26.July.2026
2026/07/25
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/

Podcast reviews

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4.7 out of 5
111 reviews
★★★★★
curmudgeon15 2022/01/16
Love it!
Informitive, entertaining and just fun!
★★★★★
RobP1957 2020/06/23
Bravo from an American
Although the podcast typically deals with Australian issues regarding pseudoscience and quackery, much of this is universal - even to an American like...
★★★★★
parker-1 2020/05/03
Good job
Keep up the good work.
★★★★★
Beauuuui 2019/03/11
Better than SGU
If you like your skeptical podcast with less giggling and self congratulatory back slapping then this could be a good choice. I personally like my ske...
★★★★★
DigitalSorceress 2017/07/18
Intereseting and Informative
I listen to The Skeptic Zone weekly... I love the variety of topics and guest reporters. Richard Saunders is a great host. His regular contributor, Ma...
★★★★★
sgerbic 2017/04/08
Been listening for years
Must add that I have been interviewed on the zone many times. But before that happened I was a long time listener. The Zone inspired me to become an a...
★★★★★
bakerbaker1111 2014/12/07
Love it
This show is part of my weekly sunday routine. I love all the segments from this big cast.
★★★★★
clint wolf 2012/09/24
Terrific
Excellent, informative podcast.
★★★★★
Mike The Crow 2012/08/15
Great show
Richard produces an excellent podcast of professional radio quality. The skeptical points of view and stories from the shows correspondents are always...
★★★★★
I Doubt It 2012/08/08
Variety!
I enjoy the Skeptic Zone because of the variety of topics and segments. Some are not my interest but I never miss a show. I always get excellent infor...
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