The Skeptic Zone

UFO Comments - Wishing for a Wish - NASA 00:00:00 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

Facts about the Common Cold - Skeptics in the Pub - Iridology 00:00:00 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

Mind Body Wallet - Australian Skeptics News - UFOs 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

00:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:09:36 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Once again we visit Kate's studios to chat to her about woo and the medical matters. This week we review the story of a woman who didn't want to visit her doctor to receive and review her medical reports. What are the pros and cons of this approach? Was she right in thinking GPs are only after more money with more visits? Also, we discuss Kate's podcast, "On The Mones". Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:23:06 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill What are those so-called psychics up to now? Adrienne interviews Susan Gerbic from Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia to ask about her latest investigations and stings of people who claim psychic powers. Also, Susan is always interested in getting more people to become Wikipedia editors via her online the course. Find out how to apply in today's show. Operation Banana Cream Pie https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/operation-banana-cream-pie 00:36:22 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers to look for references to the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film from 1967. 1949.12.10 - The Newcastle Sun 1982.12.26 - The Canberra Times 1999.01.11 - The Mount Airy News - NC www.trove.nla.gov.au Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film from 1967 https://youtu.be/oPlRr_OfxZI

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:28 The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie embark on their third ghost hunt with Rodney Schmaltz' MacEwan University students, this time at a new location. They spent the evening exploring the beautiful yet spooky Freemasons' lodge, where the students attempted to recreate the kinds of ghostly "evidence" typically featured on paranormal investigation shows. They went on pareidolia and orb-spotting hunts, using spirit boxes, EVPs, and thermometers to anomaly-hunt, intermixed with spirit communication tools, including Ouija boards, a psychomantium, and divination. 0:22:16 Anecdotes are not Evidence "I know it happened because it happened to me!" This is the statement Skeptics hear all the time. But is somebody's sincerely held belief enough to justify the belief itself? We look at the nature of anecdotes and testimonials. Antivaxxers, Acupuncture, And Alternative Cancer Cures | Dr. Steven Novella https://youtu.be/Nv1ZaJ9mL1k?si=J9G2v_2gvXldl3Y- 0:31:24 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:00 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Perpetual Motion. 1945.03.17 - The Canberra Times 1911.06.17 - Worker - Qld 1910.12.11 - The Sunday Times - Sydney 1888.07.14 - The North Australian - NT http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:48 Bend Spoon Award Nomination Vivacious Living Centre of Perth, WA bills itself as "a Multi-modality Health & Wellness Centre", offering such services as Crystal Healing, Reiki, Acupressure, Reflexology and Talking to the Dead! All of these services are worthy of a Bent Spoon nomination, however it is the claims to diagnose and treat bodily conditions via a device known as the Metatron NLS (Non-linear System), a device from Russia, that is the focus of this nomination. https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon/nominations 00:16:16 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas A bit of a Stretch We travel to Kate's studio to find out her opinions on the topic of stretching! Do you stretch before or after exercising? What does Kate have to say on the topic? Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 00:26:14 Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Trivia Once again, skeptics turned up to test their general knowledge and skeptical trivia. Hosts Richard Saunders and Lara Benham supplied the brain teasers while the President of Australian Skeptics Jessica Singer paid tribute to Ian Bryce who has retired from the committee after 45 years of service. https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics 0:37:46 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Chakras. 1984.03.06 - Tharunka 1977.03.28 - Woroni 1991.07.06 - Tharunka 1989.04.16 - The Observer Reporter http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:54 Looking into a Broken Mirror Is bad luck in fact bad? A year ago Lara Benham decided to put 'luck' or bad luck to a test when she purposely broke a mirror for skeptical investigator Kenny Biddle. What was the result? Did Lara have a year worth of bad luck? 00:13:16 The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie team up for a spectacularly spooky and romantic Skepticamp at MacEwan University in Edmonton, perfectly timed for Friday the 13th and the eve of Valentine's Day. Kate captures the spirit of the event through conversations with attendees and one of the evening speakers. Allie highlights four of the seven afternoon presentations, giving listeners a front-row seat to the next generation of critical thinkers. Kate and Allie are joined by students Pawn, Tarika, Brook, Jasjot, Caleb and Tamika. 0:31:10 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:45:26 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Theta Healing. 1973.07.20 - The Victoria Advocate - Texas http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - Trivia Night - 5th March https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:40 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill Adrienne speaks with Nick Tiller, a research associate at the Lundquist Institute at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, who focuses on pseudoscience in the health and wellness industry and is the author of the book "The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science". We discuss many topics, including the past Olympics, chiropractic care, and IV drip therapy. https://www.nbtiller.com 0:24:40 Scalar For Health? Lara Benham takes a look at a video (not a spoof or a send-up) that claims to explain how flashing images on TV screens can somehow create healing something or other... or ... something..... Energy Enhancement System - Technological Behind the Scenes Look "Ken takes you behind the scenes to explain the science behind how the Energy Enhancement System creates Bioactive Scalar Wave Fields which helps to charge up the life force energy of the body." https://youtu.be/h195w0TAaI4 0:41:02 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Psychic Expos. 2000.02.04 - Riverine Herald, Echuca 1997.06.06 - The Australian Jewish News 1998.11.06 - The Australian Jewish News 2000.02.09 - Riverine Herald, Echuca http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the pub trivia night. 5th March https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Mindful Living Expo Report 00:09:32 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Show me the receipts! Kate asks why woo woo and alternative medicine can make big claims that lack the evidence demanded from other modalities. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:16:10 Scalar Claims on the Scale With the help of Lara Benham, we take another look at so-called "Scalar Energy" and the term Scalar itself. It turns out it's somewhat more complex than we thought! 0:27:34 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:41:46 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Foot Detox Baths. 2007.12.18 - The Ledger - Fl http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Surf Coast Skepticamp 2026 - 21st Feb. https://surfcoastskepticamp.org

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Includes a brief report of "Psychic Saturday" at Old Government House, Parramatta with Lara Benham. 0:13:06 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham In May - June 2026 American and so-called 'medium' Allison Dubois is once again visiting Australia, this time with her "Cold Case" tour, claiming that she will be "working some cold cases that are close to your hearts". Tim and Richard Saunders look at some famous Australian cold cases and how 'psychics' have failed to help year after year. Dubois is just one among a very long list of international 'mediums' (those who claim to talk to or at least get messages from the dead) who have toured, or are touring Australia. These include names such as Doris Stokes, John Edward, Sally Morgan, Tony Stockwell, David Thompson, Doris Collins, James Van Praagh, Lisa Williams, Nikki Kitt and Margaret Birkin. They pack theatres and are all but guaranteed uncritical free publicity via TV programs, newspapers, magazines and radio. This segment was also videoed and can be seen as part of this week's Skeptic Zone on YouTube. https://www.skeptics.com.au/allison-dubois/ 0:49:28 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Scalar Energy and Healing. Scalar energy is a largely disputed, pseudoscientific concept that lacks support from mainstream physics. While proponents, often referencing a misunderstood interpretation of Nikola Tesla's work, claim it to be a "zero-point" or "healing" energy, skeptics maintain that it is a marketing term used to sell wellness products, such as pendants, that have no demonstrated, measurable benefits. 2005.09.01 - Boca Daily News Fl. https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/pendants

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:46 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas This week Kate is joined by Richard Saunders as they discuss the dangers of quackery including the infamous Black Salve. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:21:54 Supermarket Follies The truth about Australian maple syrup! With the voice talents of Susan Gerbic, Adrienne Hill, Kate Thomas, Lara Benham, Kat McLeod, and Ross Blocher. A thrilling drama written by Rich Gray with Richard Saunders. https://tinyurl.com/logicalzone 0:26:54 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:39:54 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod Kat McLeod with Richard Saunders, look at "Beyond Reason", a television game show produced and seen in Canada from 1977 to 1980. The program featured a group of 'experts' from various paranormal specialties attempting to find the identity of hidden celebrities. Beyond Reason https://www.cbc.ca/search?q=Beyond%20Reason§ion=all&sortOrder=date&media=video

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.