The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:45 Interview with Dr Alice Howarth Dr Alice Howarth (PhD) is a cellular and molecular biologist with a specialism in cancer research who is currently researching nanomedicines at the University of Liverpool in the UK. Alice is a board director of the Merseyside Skeptics Society and co-host of the skeptical podcast Skeptics with a K. https://convention.skeptics.com.au/speakers/dr-alice-howarth/ 0:15:20 Dextox? My Foot! One way to scam people is to diagnose and correct a nonexistent problem. Aqua Detox practitioners do this by claiming to remove toxins and balance cellular energy. During treatment sessions, the customer's feet are bathed for 30 minutes in salt water that is subjected to a low-voltage current transmitted through an electrode assembly called an "array" (the dark cylindrical object to which the wire is attached). https://www.devicewatch.org/reports/aquadetox.shtml 0:25:15 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Another fun night at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. This week Maynard asks pubbers what they think of "Psychics" seeming to contact the dead at RSL Clubs. 0:38:35 Claire Klingenberg testing claims the paranormal We chat to Claire about her visit to Scotland and Germany where she helped to test paranormal claims. https://cz.linkedin.com/in/claire-klingenberg-b3146293 Tests (In English) https://www.dw.com/en/reporter-hocus-pocus-testing-miracles/av-45222413 Tests (In German) https://www.dw.com/de/alles-hokuspokus-wunder-im-test/av-45222391 0:47:00 Skeptics' Blood Drive Maynard and Richard Saunders report on the Australian Skeptics Blood Drive in Sydney. https://www.donateblood.com.au/ Also... RSVP for Australian Skeptics FREE Friday night trivia and meetup 12 Oct. https://www.skeptics.com.au/event/national-convention/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:45 Interview with Celestia Ward Squaring the Strange brings evidence-based analysis and commentary to a wide variety of topics, ranging from the paranormal to the political. Investigating ghosts. Debunking conspiracies. Dodging chupacabras. If a claim seems strange, Ben and Pascual will try to square it with the facts. https://squaringthestrange.libsyn.com/ 0:15:00 A Random RANT! With Dr Paulie Interview with Hana Svobodová from Save Turtle. Save Turtle Organization is Czech NGO founded in 2017. It concentrates on the protection of sea turtles and their natural habitat. They wish for a world where people care for nature and take an interest in sea turtles. http://saveturtle.net/ 0:28:20 Open letter to the RSL : Let the Dead Rest in Peace Through its clubs, the Returned Services League commemorates our servicemen and women, including some who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are concerned that those clubs are occasionally used for a form of entertainment that is disrespectful to the departed, and to their relatives and friends. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/09/04/open-letter-to-the-rsl-let-the-dead-rest-in-peace/ 0:32:36 Kevin Davies and Star Wars Can the Star Wars movies be used as a real guide to help in military strategy? Kevin chats to Mick Cook and Major General Mick Ryan in Canberra. Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict The Dead Prussian Podcast http://www.thedeadprussian.com/ Mick Cook https://twitter.com/mick_cook Mick Ryan https://twitter.com/warinthefuture 0:39:10 Talk like an Australian! Skepticon Speaker Interview We chat to Lee Murray, a teaching associate and PhD candidate, Linguistics Program School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures & Linguistics at Monash University. http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/llcl/ 0:48:08 Ian Bryce and the Higgs Ian qualified at Monash University in science (BSc, physics) and engineering (BE Hons). His career has involved applying science to spaceflight for companies including Hawker de Havilland, Optus and Asia Pacific Space Centre. He created several space courses and lectured for eight years at four universities. Recently he has turned these skills toward communicating science and philosophy. He is also the challenge coordinator for Australian Skeptics Inc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPOc7TzXhvA Also... RSVP for Australian Skeptics FREE Friday night trivia and meetup 12 Oct. https://www.skeptics.com.au/event/national-convention

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:57 Prof. Paul Willis Australian university students appear to give far more credit to the science of human evolution and far less to creationism or divine guidance than the previous generation. https://theconversation.com/fewer-australian-university-students-than-ever-before-believe-in-creationism-101674 https://www.nationalsecularlobby.org/ 0:21:32 Life is Wild! With Michelle Franklin Maggie the Maine Coon moggie recently moved here from South Africa, and after clearing quarantine she moved into a suburban house in Brisbane. All seems to be going well thus far, except that one day recently Maggie got a new housemate (let's call her Sally the snake), a very large and non-venomous coastal carpet python. 0:37:44 Speed Meet the Scientists at the Powerhouse Museum #3 This week, interviews with... Dr James Hunter - Maritime Archaeologist http://www.anmm.gov.au/ Dr Ceridwen Boel - Archaeologist / Evolutionary Biologist https://epicaustralia.org.au/ Dr Kelsey Zimmermann - Psychologist Dr Kathryn Baker - Behavioural Neuroscientist http://www.richardsonlab.com.au/ Dr Titia Benders - Linguist – Children's Llearning https://tinyurl.com/y7eu39hr Jason Drury - Astronomer https://maas.museum/sydney-observatory/ Also... RSVP for Australian Skeptics FREE Friday night trivia and meetup 12 Oct. https://www.skeptics.com.au/event/national-convention/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:10 Stephen Barrett, M.D from Quackwatch Stephen Barrett, M.D., a retired psychiatrist who lives near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has achieved national renown as an author, editor, and consumer advocate. In addition to heading Quackwatch, he is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. http://www.quackwatch.org/ 0:21:33 Speed Meet the Scientists at the Powerhouse Museum #2 This week, interviews with... Dr Hayley Green - Forensic Anthropologist https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/staff_profiles/uws_profiles/doctor_hayley_green Dr Katherine Dafforn - Marine Ecologist / Ecotoxicologist http://katherinedafforn.com Alison Luk - Microbiologist https://sydney.edu.au/science/people/alison.luk.243.php 0:37:46 Skeptics Award for Critical Thinking in Journalism Australian Skeptics Inc is adding to its portfolio of annual awards with one for the best piece of skeptical journalism. The award is named for the late Barry Williams, past president and executive officer of ASI who was a regular on Australian media. The Barry Williams Award for Skeptical Journalism will recognise the best piece of journalism (in any medium) that takes a critical and skeptical approach to a topic that falls within our remit, which is the scientific investigation of pseudoscience and the paranormal. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/08/20/skeptics-award-for-critical-thinking-in-journalism-nominations-open/ 0:42:12 Maynard's Spooky Action.... The launch of Science Week #3 Maynard heads to Australian Museum to attend the launch of Science Week 2018. Includes interviews with Joanna the Goanna and her keeper Anthony Jess and Mel from Street Science http://www.streetscience.com.au Thomas Jeffries http://jams.org.au/ Ruben Meerman http://www.abc.net.au/science/surfingscientist/ Also... RSVP for Australian Skeptics FREE Friday night trivia and meetup 12 Oct. https://www.skeptics.com.au/event/national-convention/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:30 Kate Browne Kate is an investigative journalist and leader of the news team at CHOICE. She is also known as 'The Gulty Mum' from the ABC TV show 'The Checkout' and will be the M.C. for the upcoming Skepticon in October. https://www.choice.com.au/authors/kate-browne https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcnP8uT1FzoUVv3WOpQDFNlU_YmVszNoP 0:14:33 Maynard's Spooky Action.... The launch of Science Week #2 Maynard heads to Australian Museum to attend the launch of Science Week 2018. Interviews with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - All round Science Communicator http://drkarl.com/ Catherine Polcz - Program Producer (Science) Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences - producer of the Sydney Science Festival. https://catherinepolcz.com/ 0:27:10 Interview with Alethea Dean from Australian Skeptics Over a coffee or two, Alethea tells us of some of the people lined up for Skepticon 2018. Also news about a possible crèche and sign language interpreter at the convention. https://convention.skeptics.com.au 0:34:00 Speed Meet the Scientists at the Powerhouse Museum #1 This week, interviews with... Dr Camilla Hoyos - Sleep researcher https://woolcock.org.au/sleep-research Amelie Vanderstock - Ecologist https://www.crosspollinating.org/ Dr Alexandra Thomson - Marine Ecologist and Biogeochemist https://www.uts.edu.au/ Frankie Lee - Event Coordinator Cara Van Der Wal - Marine biologist https://sydney.edu.au/science/people/cara.vanderwal.168.php 0:49:22 Mrs Mac and Morse Code Our Canberra reporter Kevin Davies chats to author David Dufty about Florence Violet McKenzie OBE. Affectionately known as "Mrs Mac", she was Australia's first female electrical engineer, founder of the Women's Emergency Signalling Corps and lifelong promoter for technical education for women. The Secret Code-Breakers of Central Bureau: how Australia's signals-intelligence network helped win the Pacific War https://tinyurl.com/ycemoee7

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:04 Dr Vyom Sharma Magic - Science - Medicine Meet Vyom at Skepticon 2018 in October. https://www.vyomsharma.com.au/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS0yG1kzAeE 0:16:45 Naturopath banned for life following baby's near-death Marilyn Bodnar, an "extreme diet" naturopath who was acquitted of a manslaughter charge in 1987 when one of her clients starved themselves to death on a water-only diet, has now been banned for life from "providing any health service in any capacity, either paid or voluntary". https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/08/03/naturopath-banned-for-life-following-babys-near-death/ 0:21:30 Maynard's Spooky Action.... The launch of Science Week #1 Maynard and Richard Saunders head to Australian Museum to attend the launch of Science Week 2018. Interviews with Alanta Colley - Comedian, Science Communicator and Storyteller https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5547887/when-science-meets-comedy/ Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - All round Science Communicator http://drkarl.com/ 0:37:50 Bent Spoon – your chance to nominate an unworthy winner The Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon award is one of the least sought-after credits in the Skeptical world … or any world, for that matter. It has been awarded every year since 1982 and it recognises the perpetrator of the most preposterous piece of paranormal or pseudoscientific piffle. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/07/31/2018-bent-spoon-your-chance-to-nominate-an-unworthy-winner/ 0:40:30 The Mystery Investigators live at Science Week Spoon Bending fun for schools. http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com/ Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au

0:00:00 Introduction Heidi Robertson 0:01:40 The Raw Skeptic Report.... with Heidi Robertson A special report and review of the new documentary "Vitamainia", screened in the Anti-Vax heartland of Mullumbimby, NSW. Also local council under fire for a screening of "Sacrificial Virgins". https://www.vitamaniathemovie.com/ https://nrvs.info/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:15 Claire Klingenberg heading to Scotland We chat to Claire about her work as the President of the European Council of Skeptical Organizations and learn of her upcoming trip to speak in Scotland. https://cz.linkedin.com/in/claire-klingenberg-b3146293 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glasgow-skeptics-presents-paranormal-beliefs-in-everyday-lives-tickets-48401971600 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/claire-klingenberg-suspending-disbelief-a-skeptic-visits-a-religious-group-tickets-47916590813 0:12:50 Anti-Vax film minus producer The creator of an anti-vaccination documentary abandons a planned tour of Australia, due to begin on Thursday, as she has not been granted a visa. http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2017/09/12/another-antivaccine-film-disguised-as-a-documentary-this-time-lying-about-hpv-vaccines/ http://youtu.be/mTprFOmIjIg 0:19:42 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Another fun night at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. We hear about some new woo and old woo doing the rounds. Also news about the upcoming Australian Skeptics Blood Drive in Sydney. With Tim Medham, Trish Hann, Jessica Hazard-White, Jessica Singer, Ian Bryce, Eran Segev, Nick Prowse and more. BACK 2 THE 80's - Maynard in Perth WA. 11-12 August 2018 https://tickets.myguestlist.com.au/v25b015ca4d5b42/back-2-the-80s-/evs5b015ca4dcb2d/ Gilford house of miracles (see page 38) https://tinyurl.com/y7zrcx38 0:44:33 The New Zealand Skeptics Conference 2018 The Chair of the NZ Skeptics Craig Shearer with news of the New Zealand Skeptics Conference 2018 http://conference.skeptics.nz/ Also... Richard Sauders on ABC Radio (listen from 2:05:00) http://www.abc.net.au/radio/sydney/programs/evenings/evenings/10036782 Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au Sydney Science Week - Speed Meet Scientists https://maas.museum/event/maasive-lates-science/ Mordi Skeptics in the Pub https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/Mordi-Skeptics-in-the-Pub/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders With updates on Geoengineering and Tsunami warnings. 0:07:45 The Raw Skeptic Report.... with Heidi Robertson A pro vaccinatoin poster created by the North Rivers Vaccinaton Supports has gone viral around the world with thousands flocking to download a copy. It even crashed the web site! Download the Poster http://nrvs.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/do-you-say-sorry.jpg https://www.mamamia.com.au/child-vaccination/ 0:22:33 AVN... no... AVsN... no.... AVRN... eh? The Australian Vaccination Network has changed its name, again. What are the RISKS with this network? 0:27:10 'False and reckless': Health Minister slams anti-vaccination documentary maker Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has slammed a controversial anti-vaccination documentary ahead of its Australian launch, warning against "false and reckless claims" targeting the government's cancer prevention program. - By Dana McCauley https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/false-and-reckless-health-minister-slams-anti-vaccination-documentary-maker-20180724-p4ztb8.html 0:32:45 Be aware of dodgy contraceptive apps - With Trish Hann Is your smart phone smart enough to help with birth control? Trish Hann casts a skeptical eye on some of the claims being made for apps. https://srh.bmj.com/content/early/2018/07/21/bmjsrh-2018-200110 0:39:30 CFI sues CVS The Center for Inquiry has filed a lawsuit in the District of Columbia on behalf of the general public against drug retailer CVS for consumer fraud over its sale and marketing of useless homeopathic medicines. https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/cfi-sues-cvs/ 0:41:45 Beth Darlington - Looking forward to Skepticon 2018 We chat to Beth about her part in the upcoming convention. Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au Sydney Science Week https://sydneyscience.com.au/2018/event/maasive-lates-science/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:25 Why communication from a 'locked-in' child is a miracle we must question If Jonathan Bryan can communicate we should celebrate, but hard evidence is needed before we change how severely disabled children are cared for. By Christopher French and Michael Marshall https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2018/feb/05/why-communication-from-a-locked-in-child-is-a-miracle-we-must-question Video of Jonathan Bryan https://www.facebook.com/ThisMorning/videos/10156709688777122/ 0:17:05 Interview with Susan Gerbic about Facilitated Communication Susan tells us about efforts to investigate facilitated communication and action regarding universities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facilitated_communication Facilitating Communication - The Correx Files with Paul Willis and James Randi http://www.abc.net.au/science/correx/archives/faccom.htm 0:30:50 Doom for Sydney in September! Will a giant tsunami wipe out Sydney? Will the Skeptic Zone cats need a life boat? What about horror from the skies via Geoengineering? 0:39:24 Maynard's Spooky Action.... A Skeptics Guide To Conspiracy - Maynard chats to Mike Bohler about his podcast that looks into new and classic conspiracy theories. 9/11 and more. http://mikebohler.com/ Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict https://www.facebook.com/CanberraSkeptics/ Yellowtec ixm https://www.yellowtec.com/ixm.html

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard 0:05:10 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Once again Maynard heads to Sydney's Skeptics in the Pub to chat to pubbers and ask the bi questions... "Would you like to be abducted by Aliens?" Also interviews with Dr Angela Mattke, Dr Brad McKay and many others 0:44:26 Center for Inquiry files lawsuit over homeopathy The Center for Inquiry has filed a lawsuit in the District of Columbia on behalf of the general public against drug retailer CVS for consumer fraud over its sale and marketing of useless homeopathic medicines. CFI, an organization advancing reason and science, accused the country's largest drug retailer of deceiving consumers through its misrepresentation of homeopathy's safety and effectiveness, wasting customers' money and putting their health at risk. https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/cfi-sues-cvs Also... Richard Saunders on ABC Overnights Radio (starts at 2:06:45) http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/overnights/overnights/9954180 Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict https://www.facebook.com/CanberraSkeptics/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:40 The Diet Skeptic Report - With Mandy-Lee Noble This week the Diet Skeptic and special guest Dr Chris Noble PhD will be looking at psychological acupuncture, a counselling therapy referred to as Emotional Freedom Techniques often abbreviated to EFT or more commonly described as tapping. EFT is being used for a plethora of physical and mental health conditions as well as life coaching and self-improvement but this report will examine the evidence for reducing food cravings and weight loss. 0:15:30 You belong in Oakland Zoo - With Dr Eugenie Scott Join Richard Saunders and Dr Eugenie Scott as they wander around this impressive zoo in the city of Oakland, California. http://www.oaklandzoo.org/ 0:34:00 TGA's new complaint system fails the Ease-a-cold test By Dr Ken Harvey Stimulated by an article in "The Conversation" on Pharmacare Laboratories Ease-a-Cold, Dr Ken Harvey decided to try the TGA's new complaint system. http://www.medreach.com.au/?p=2654 https://theconversation.com/science-or-snake-oil-does-easeacold-really-help-to-shorten-your-cold-98311 Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - 12th of July https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/AustSkeptics/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:02:30 Interview with Mick West In Escaping the Rabbit Hole, author Mick West shares over a decade's worth of knowledge and experience investigating and debunking false conspiracy theories through his forum, MetaBunk.org, and sets forth a practical guide to helping friends and loved ones recognize these theories for what they really are. https://www.metabunk.org/escaping-the-rabbit-hole-book.t8971/ 0:19:50 The Sci Babe coming to Australia There have been a couple of changes for the speaker line-up at the Australian Skeptics 34th National Convention in Sydney, October 13-14. We're excited to announce that Yvette 'SciBabe' d'Entremont is coming to Australia to share her experiences fighting the forces of ignorance and pseudoscience, especially in the field of food, nutrition, and 'wellness'. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/06/27/speaker-changes-at-2018-convention/ 0:22:10 Interview with Dr Angela Mattke Join Dr Angela Mattke (MD, FACEP) as she traces the sceptical path through medical history. Dr Angie is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine as an Emergency Physician and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She practised in Atlanta for years, but loves being on the move. Dr Angie has combined her passions for emergency medicine, patent protection and travelling and now works all over the United States. She is the Assistant Director of Skeptrack at DragonCon in Atlanta and has given talks at many skeptics meetings in the United States and Australia. https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/AustSkeptics/events/rknlrpyxkbhb/ Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au Mordi Skeptics https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/Mordi-Skeptics-in-the-Pub/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:35 The Raw Skeptic Report.... with Heidi Robertson Heidi heads to the city of Brisbane, Queesland to aid the stand of Light for Riley at the Pregnancy Babies & Children's Expo. After a wander around to snoop out any woo, Heidi chats to Catherine Hughes about her ongoing campaign to protect babies in the name of Riley Hughes. Light for Riley https://www.facebook.com/lightforriley 0:25:45 Fair Trading takes beef with unsubstantiated cancer cure A Queensland business has been ordered to pay more than $11,000 by the Brisbane Magistrates Court today (13 June 2018) for failing to substantiate claims, following an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation. https://tinyurl.com/y9cuklg7 0:30:05 The Data Skeptic - An interview with Kyle Polich Are you skeptical of data, computers, numbers and data in general. We chat to Kyle Polich who might just have the podcast for you! https://dataskeptic.com/ Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au

0:00:00 Hunting for Bigfoot 0:01:48 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:12 Interview with Yvette d'Entremont Yvette d'Entremont, also known as SciBabe, is a public speaker, science blogger, and former analytical chemist. She has a background in forensics and toxicology. 0:23:00 Skeptics in the Pub - USA We head for Skeptics in the Pub in the city of Berkeley California to find Susan Gerbic and a band of merry thinkers. 0:32:00 Brian Dunning - BigFoot, Lava Caves and Science Friction We explore in the state of Oregon looking for Bigfoot but ending up in a lava cave. Also we hear about a new movie project. Science Friction https://sciencefriction.tv/ Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au Saunders' talk in Bend, Oregon https://www.meetup.com/Skeptics-in-the-Pub/events/250879095/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:50 Michael Marshall from The Good Thinking Society The British Homeopathic Association lost their legal case against NHS England, with the judge dismissing all four parts of their case. The BHA had sought to overturn NHS England's announcement in November 2017 of new guidance which advises GP's not to prescribe homeopathic remedies. https://goodthinkingsociety.org/homeopaths-legal-challenge-to-nhs-england-fails/ BHA's reply to legal loss - Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MOwo6XHZ5M 0:22:15 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Once again Maynard heads for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to ask those hard questions. We hear from Jessica Singer, Eran Segev, Aletha Dean, Trish Hann, Lara Benham, Tim Mendham and more. What can skeptics learn from believers? 0:33:00 Maynard's Spooky Action.... Interview with TV's Dr Brad McKay. "Doctor Shopping", Drug use, warm milk, spooning, Bilirubin, Spanish Flu and more. Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au SkeptiCal 2018 http://www.skepticalcon.com SkeptiCal Pre-Conference Skeptics in the Pub https://www.facebook.com/events/172114056794746/ Saunders' talk in Bend, Oregon https://www.meetup.com/Skeptics-in-the-Pub/events/250879095/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:00 Mind - Body - Wallet Once again, with no regard for personal sanity, our small but brave band of skeptics venture into the world of woo, magic, woo, quackery and woo. Will they make it out in time to find a drink? 0:21:00 Amazing Claims for pets Is your cat sick and tired of being sick and tired? We look a the claims being made by a new age pet health company. 0:26:40 Unvaccinated medical students Guest reporter Trish Hann looks into the problem of students wishing to do degrees in medical studies discovering they were not vaccinated as children. Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au SkeptiCal 2018 http://www.skepticalcon.com Saunders' talk in Bend, Oregon https://www.meetup.com/Skeptics-in-the-Pub/events/250879095/ Michio Kaku: Future Of Humanity https://thisis42.com

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:12 Interview with Sharon Hill Sharon Hill's Spooky Geology - June Skeptics Café speaker in Melbourne. Sharon is a Pennsylvanian geologist who researches the paranormal, pseudoscience, and anomalous natural phenomena. She is the author of Scientifical Americans: The Culture of Amateur Paranormal Researchers. Skeptics Café is a regular monthly event in Melbourne and members of the public are welcome. Monday June 18, The Clyde Hotel Carlton, 8pm (or join us for a meal from 6 pm) https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/2018/05/25/sharon-hills-spooky-geology/ Paracon 2018 Sydney http://www.paraconaustralia.com 0:24:05 Choice Magazine needs your help The consumer association is urging Federal Senators to block proposed legislation that would legalise dangerous claims on complementary medicine. https://ajp.com.au/news/choice-calls-out-supplement-claims/ 0:30:08 The Cass Files - With Dr Cassandra Perryman Why do people reject the truth? Find out with Dr Cassandra. Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au SkeptiCal 2018 http://www.skepticalcon.com CSIcon 2018 http://www.skeptiCalCon.com

0:00:00 Message from James Randi 0:00:45 Introduction Richard Saunders & Stefan Sojka 0:07:10 Australian Skeptics Flu Vaccination Day Skeptics in Sydney take advantage of the Australian Skeptics Flu Vaccination afternoon. We are in the good hands of Dr Brad McKay, an Australian doctor, television personality and author. He is best known for his television series Embarrassing Bodies Down Under. 0:17:00 The Think Tank The long awaited return of the Think Tank with guests, Eran Segev, Lara Benham, Tim Mendham, Amanda Rose, Triah Hann and Maynard. Includes messages from : Squaring the Strange Podcast - George Hrab - Heidi Robertson - Susan Gerbic - Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - The Skeptic Guide to the Universe Podcast - Eran Segev -Dr. Cassandra Perryman - Prof. Paul Willis - The ESP Podcast - Jo Benhamu - Derek Colanduno - Skeptics with a K Podcast - Shelly Stocken - Mandy-Lee Noble - Jo Alabaster - Brian Dunning 0:07:26 Easter Egg? Also... Thank you to all the reporters over the past 10 years and thank you to those who support the show. No rest for your producer as show 501 is already in the works. --------- Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au SkeptiCal 2018 http://www.skepticalcon.com CSIcon 2018 http://www.skeptiCalCon.com

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:40 Oh My Stars! Interview with Dr Pamela Gay Dr Pamela Gay is an American astronomer, educator, podcaster, and writer, best known for her work in astronomical podcasting and citizen science astronomy projects. She is the Director of Technology and Citizen Science for the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and a long time friend of The Skeptic Zone. Pamela interviews Richard Saunders on Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/videos/260004763 "New views of Jupiter" showcases swirling clouds on giant planet http://www.europlanet-eu.org/new-views-of-jupiter-showcases-swirling-clouds-on-giant-planet/ 0:24:50 The Raw Skeptic Report.... with Heidi Robertson This week Heidi takes a look at the claims made by a self-proclaimed natural healer. Do they stack up? 0:40:35 Skeptic Zone Listeners come to the aid of Science Dr Ken Harvey and Mal Vickers would like to offer there sincere thanks to the following people. Stephen Edmonds, Mark Dawson, Dane Lewis, Stephen Gun and Matthew Bishop for their help in capturing web pages for science. 0:43:20 The Blind Seer Richard Saunders looks into a famous case of the disappearance of young children, and Australia's baptism into the world of psychic detectives. The Blind Seer - report in 'The Skeptic'. (pdf) https://tinyurl.com/yd7zy6k2 Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au SkeptiCal 2018 http://www.skepticalcon.com CSIcon 2018 http://www.skeptiCalCon.com

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:30 Michael Kruse and Bad Science Watch Canada Rabid dog saliva homeopathic remedy no longer to be sold in Canada and other news from the land to the north. https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2018/04/30/rabid-dog-saliva-homeopathic-remedy-no-longer-to-be-sold-in-canada.html http://www.badsciencewatch.ca 0:29:25 Maynard's Spook Action Sydney Skeptics in the Pub and a talk by Ian Bryce about Stephen Hawking... but Maynard would rather talk about his favourite movie, Can't Stop the Music! Lots of interviews and an insight into the woo in South Africa. Also... Australian Skeptics National Convention 2018 https://convention.skeptics.com.au SkeptiCal 2018 http://www.skepticalcon.com CSIcon 2018 http://www.skeptiCalCon.com

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:10 Bob Connolly - Director of "James Randi in Australia" An interview with the award winning Australian film maker and director who in 1980 was commissioned by Dick Smith to direct the documentary, "James Randi in Australia". James Randi in Australia - video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqoYrSd94kA THE 1980 DIVINING TESTS - by James Randi https://tinyurl.com/ycur583e - (See page 2) Bob Connolly - imbd https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0175264/ 0:41:00 Skeptical movment needs your help We have learnt that the Australian government will soon be taking down a website that holds a lot of information useful to skeptics and Friends of Science in Medicine members. If you have some spare time and you have skills in the automated copying of webpages, please get in contact. fsmcomplaints at gmail dot com 0:43:16 The Diet Skeptic... with Mandy-Lee Noble Health claims for Kefir Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus Mountains made with kefir "grains", a yeast/bacterial fermentation starter. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-31802017000600578 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4401881/ Also... Sydney Skeptics in the Pub https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/AustSkeptics/events/248315106/ http://www.skeptiCalCon.com

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:00 Let's Have a Random Rant! With Dr Paulie Our new reporter Dr Paulie interviews John Cook, a research assistant professor at the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University, researching cognitive science. https://www.skepticalscience.com http://evidencesquared.com Critical Thinking Cafe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAp1Foj7BzY Plos One paper "Neutralizing misinformation through inoculation: Exposing misleading argumentation techniques reduces their influence" http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0175799 0:23:04 ASI's vaccination day for Sydney-siders – May 19 Don't tell the anti-vaxxers, but Australian Skeptics Inc will be hosting a flu vaccine day for Sydney-Siders at the East Sydney Doctors clinic on Saturday, May 19, from 2pm. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/04/12/asis-vaccination-day-for-sydney-siders-may-19/ 0:25:25 Lauren Cochrane - Australian Skeptics new Social Media Manager We chat to Laruen about her new role in helping to get the sketpical message out on social media. Also... http://www.skeptiCalCon.com

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:05 Maynard's Spook Action March for Science 2018 The March for Science celebrates the public discovery, distribution, and understanding of scientific knowledge as crucial to the freedom, success, health, and safety of life on this planet. Maynard interviews Adam Spencer. https://marchforscienceaustralia.org 0:22:44 Naturopath jailed. The sentencing EXTREME diet naturopath Marilyn Bodnar has been sent to prison for her role in the baby starvation case. http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/nsw/NSWDC/2018/76.html

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Includes trying to make sense of Astrology. 0:12:50 Naturopath jailed EXTREME diet naturopath Marilyn Bodnar has been sent to prison for her role in the baby starvation case. http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/naturopath-faces-sentencing-in-starving-baby-case/news-story/bc594346e08341bfee402f19471b830d http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-05/naturopath-sentenced-to-seven-months-in-jail/9622276 0:20:55 Breakfast Radio Skeptics John Stanley and Garry Linnell chat to Richard Saunders one last time about the world of woo. http://radiotoday.com.au/goodbye-talking-lifestyle-hardly-knew 0:30:00 Fort Collins Skepticamp 2018 Join Susan Gerbic has she chats to people at Fort Collins Skepticamp 2018. http://skepticamp.wikia.com/wiki/Fort_Collins_Skepticamp_2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD2XBXFhPhA 0:37:20 March for Science 2018 The March for Science celebrates the public discovery, distribution, and understanding of scientific knowledge as crucial to the freedom, success, health, and safety of life on this planet. We are a nonpartisan group, marching to demand action in the following areas: Literacy, Communication, Policy, and Investment. https://marchforscienceaustralia.org

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:26 The Great Prediction Project in Melbourne Join Dr Steve Roberts and Richard Saunders has they head to the State Library of Victoria to sort through over 900 issues of "New Idea" magaine. https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/ 0:23:38 All back issues of "The Skeptic" magazine from Australian Skeptics - PDF https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine 0:28:00 Interview with Dr Steve Robers Where have all the UFOs gone? Is the TRUTH (Newspaper) out there? - No, it's no longer published! From 1989 we bring you a tall story of UFOs landing in Australia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_(Melbourne_newspaper)

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:08:40 Fundraising campaign for Britt Hermes Britt Hermes, a noted skeptical campaigner, has been taken to court in Germany by US-based naturopath 'Dr' Colleen Huber, claiming that Britt has defamed her. For this reason, Australian Skeptics Inc is managing a fundraising campaign to assist Britt in her current legal action. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/01/13/fundraising-campaign-for-britt-hermes/ 0:11:33 Rob Palmer and Susan Gerbic reply to Kirill Alferov The story is not all bad for skeptical outreach as Rob and Susan chip in with their thoughts to our interview from last week. 0:23:50 Ban for hospital where the Queen's homeppath works The hospital where the Queen's homeopath works has been banned from offering homeopathy to NHS patients for disobeying health service policy. An audit found that the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine had been wrongly charging the alternative treatment to taxpayers. The hospital is Europe's biggest publicly funded centre for alternative medicine and has been offering homeopathy since it was founded in 1849. https://goodthinkingsociety.org/nhs-homeopathy-ends-in-london/ 0:27:43 Roadblocks to Good Science | A Panel Discussion - Excerpt The Center for Inquiry presents Dr Rachael Dunlop, Cara Santa Maria, and Britt Hermes for a conversation on the real and perceived problems in science. What prevents people from understanding or discovering science, the roadblocks that stop good science and research, plus solutions on how to solve these problems. This talk took place at CSICon Las Vegas on Sunday, October 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpFoFTQ5YdI Also All back issues of "The Skeptic" magazine from Australian Skeptics - PDF https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:17 Dr Rachie Reports.... with Dr Rachael Dunlop Rogue medical practitioners will no longer be able to make false statements about a child's ability to be immunised thanks to new laws which passed Victorian Parliament. Dr Rachie looks at how the AVsN are helping to bring about new laws with own goals. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-no-jab-no-play-laws-shut-the-door-on-rogue-doctors/ 0:17:28 Maynard's Spooky Action! Maynard at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub where it's trivia night. Test yourself with the third round of 20 questions. Your MC for this final round is Maynard himself. 0:42:30 Why The Skeptical Movement Is Not Changing The World We chat to Kirill Alferov in Berlin on his views regarding problems getting the skeptical message out to the world. https://louigiverona.com/?page=projects&s=writings&t=philosophy&a=philosophy_skepticism Also Blue Mountains Skeptics Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1121976514605992/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:35 The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe How to Know What's Really Real in a World Increasingly Full of Fake We are joined by Dr Steve Novella from SGU who tells about the new book by the skeptical rouges. Also the online Sci-Fi review show Alpha Quadrant 6. https://www.amazon.com/Skeptics-Guide-Universe-Really-Increasingly/dp/1538760533 https://www.facebook.com/alphaquadrant6/ 0:21:50 Maynard's Spooky Action! Maynard at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub where it's trivia night. Test yourself with the second round of 20 questions. Your MC is Lara Benham. 0:36:10 Is the truth out there? We chat to Dr. Gleb Tsipursky who is passionate about promoting truth-oriented behaviour, rational thinking, and wise decision-making. He researches these topics as a professor at Ohio State University. https://www.protruthpledge.org/ http://glebtsipursky.com/author-page/the-truth-seekers-handbook-a-science-based-guide/ https://intentionalinsights.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNtnVXDw3Ks

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:06 The Diet Skeptic... with Mandy-Lee Noble Health claims on the menu. Mandy-Lee looks at the amazing claims found on the menus of some cafes. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/ 0:13:35 Michael Marshall Marsh joins us from the UK to talk about the last days of London's Homeopathic Hospital. https://goodthinkingsociety.org/ 0:31:26 Maynard's Spooky Action! Maynard at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub where it's trivia night. Test yourself with the first round of 20 questions.

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Includes a report on a retracted letter about vaccine safety made potentially "slanderous" claims. http://retractionwatch.com/2018/02/21/retracted-letter-about-vaccine-safety-made-potentially-slanderous-claims/ 0:10:08 What's it like to be an editor for GSoW? We chat to Susan Gerbic in the USA and Stuart Jones in Australia about what's it's like to do editing work for Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia. http://guerrillaskepticismonwikipedia.blogspot.com.au/ 0:25:35 Let's Have a Random Rant! With Dr Paulie Our new reporter Dr Paulie interviews Associate Professor Ken Harvey about the recent bill concerning the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). What should the public look out for when relying on this important overseeing agency? http://www.www.gcskeptics.com/events Also... Interview with Richard Saunders on 501 Conversations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mQ0WEKB7Lw

0:00:00 Introduction - Richard Saunders Includes a brief look at the case of the missing Beaumont Children from 1966 0:14:32 A Grain of Salt... with Eran Segev This week Eran brings us new of the sucess of the ongoing Fundraising campaign for Britt Hermes. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/01/13/fundraising-campaign-for-britt-hermes/ 0:21:04 Maynard's Spooky Action! We join Maynard at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub where he interviews Dr Andrea Leong, a microbiologist with an interest in finding ways to reduce antibiotic use. Her PhD thesis looked at surface coatings that repel and kill bacteria by using antimicrobial peptides, a class of molecule that could prove to be an alternative to conventional antibiotics. https://futureparty.nationbuilder.com/support_andrea_leong 0:30:25 Memoirs of a Former Mystic A feature documentary film by Jessica Schab & Élisabeth Feytit - Produced by l'Esprit & la Matière - Expected release date: late 2018. After 10 years of being a New Age guru and iconic Crystal Child, Jessica Schab, aka Jessica Mystic, chose to quit her 'mission' and started de-conditioning herself from the esoteric ideas that had ruled her life for so long. http://www.memoirsofaformermystic.com/ http://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-473-12nov2017 036:46 Scientific literacy low priority for CAM practitioners A draft industry skills forecast for the complementary health industry puts scientific literacy near the bottom of a list of "key generic skills – ranked in order of importance". "Sciences, mathematics and scientific literacy" ranks 11 out of 12, meaning that finance and entrepreneurship (including the ability to sell ideas and products) are more important. Only "environmental and sustainability" skills rate lower than an appreciation and knowledge of science. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/02/02/scientific-literacy-low-priority-for-cam-practitioners/ Also... Interview with Richard Saunders on 501 Conversations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mQ0WEKB7Lw

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:13 A Piece of his Mind - With Professor Paul Willis Religious Freedom Review - Professor Paul Willis gives us his thoughts on keeping religion out of secular life. https://pmc.gov.au/domestic-policy/religious-freedom-review https://www.mediaengagementservices.com.au/ 0:12:08 Dragons lack critical thinking - An interview with Bill Nuvo Magician and Skeptic Bill Nuvo helps lift the lid on the old tricks of Applied kinesiology in Canada. Scam or science? How not to get fooled (Marketplace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Kl0XkZuCw http://nuvoentertainment.com/ http://scambusting101.blogspot.com.au/ 0:27:15 The Raw Skeptic Report Diphtheria death shows Queensland is failing to properly vaccinate, AMA warns. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-08/diptheria-death-shows-vaccination-failure-ama-says/9407920 033:33 'Softens hardness' TGA under fire for health claim list that critics say endorses pseudoscience. http://www.smh.com.au/national/softens-hardness-tga-under-fire-for-health-claim-list-that-endorses-pseudoscience-20180207-h0vfst.html Also... Interview with Richard Saunders on 501 Conversations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mQ0WEKB7Lw Fundraising campaign for Britt Hermes https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/01/13/fundraising-campaign-for-britt-hermes/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:50 The Raw Skeptic Report This week Heidi Robertson brings us updates and news reports on yet more foolery, buffoonery and silliness from the Anti-Vax crowd. 0:16:40 Wake Up Australia! A gem from 1980 with dire warnings for the future of the planet! Find out when it all went to hell! Does anyone remember it happening? http://www.skepticzone.tv/pdf/wake_up_australia_1980.pdf 0:31:00 Maynard's Spooky Action! We join Maynard at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub where is askes, "How would you like to be remembered?" Also... Mordi Skeptics in the Pub https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/Mordi-Skeptics-in-the-Pub/ Logical-LA http://logicalla.com/ Australian Skeptics on the radio https://www.talkinglifestyle.com.au/?s=Skeptics Fundraising campaign for Britt Hermes https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/01/13/fundraising-campaign-for-britt-hermes/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders Includes and update on the Britt Hermes story. 0:08:04 18 nurses face disciplinary action after anti-vax comments on Facebook EIGHTEEN nurses are facing possible disciplinary action for allegedly posting anti-vaccination comments on Facebook, after a pro-vaccination campaigner reported them to the health watchdog. - Vanda Carson, The Courier-Mail 0:14:52 Dr Angie Mattke and Dragon*Con We chat to Dr Angie who is now the Assistant Director for the Skeptrack at Dragon*Con in Atlanta. http://dragoncon.org/ http://skeptics.dragoncon.org/ 0:33:33 In Profile - Barry Williams From the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper 1987. - It's fun to shoot down UFOs and con men. By Ian Cockerill. Also... Australian Skeptics on the radio https://www.talkinglifestyle.com.au/?s=Skeptics Fundraising campaign for Britt Hermes https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/01/13/fundraising-campaign-for-britt-hermes/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:35 Vale – Barry Williams It is with great sadness that we report the news of the passing of Barry Williams, who died on January 20, 2018, at the age of 79, following a series of heart operations. Includes Barry on the TODAY TV show in 1986, Newspaper story from 1994 and an interview with Maynard in 2015. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/01/21/vale-barry-williams 0:30:16 Susan Gerbic with news from Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia We chat to Susan who tells of us of the recent grant to Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia by the James Randi Educational Foundation. Also news of some psychic stings now in operation. https://www.facebook.com/GSoWproject Also... Australian Skeptics on the radio https://www.talkinglifestyle.com.au/?s=Skeptics Fundraising campaign for Britt Hermes https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/01/13/fundraising-campaign-for-britt-hermes/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:57 Fundraising campaign for Britt Hermes Britt Hermes, a noted skeptical campaigner, has been taken to court in Germany by US-based naturopath 'Dr' Colleen Huber, claiming that Britt has defamed her. For this reason, Australian Skeptics Inc is managing a fundraising campaign to assist Britt in her current legal action. https://www.skeptics.com.au/2018/01/13/fundraising-campaign-for-britt-hermes/ 0:10:50 Trish Hann and Medical Superstitions Diagnostic Radiographer Trish Hann tells us of some of the supersitions she has encountered in her years of work at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. Also her concerns with chiropractic neck manipulation. https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/rpa/services.html 0:40:20 NSW children die from 'preventable' diseases FIFTY-FOUR NSW children have likely died from diseases for which a vaccine was available, and almost half of the deaths over the past decade were considered "preventable". Story by Danielle Le Messurier, The Daily Telegraph https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/nsw-children-die-from-preventable-diseases/news-story/84af0ebaaeeb6e6f47fc8f3dd190771c Also... Australian Skeptics on the radio https://www.talkinglifestyle.com.au/?s=Skeptics

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:15 Big Trees are...... BIG! Join Dr Eugenie Scott and Richard Saunders as they wander through Big Trees State Park in California. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a state park of California, United States, preserving two groves of giant sequoia trees. It is located 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Arnold, California in the middle elevations of the Sierra Nevada. https://www.stateparks.com/calaveras_big_trees_state_park_in_california.html http://w3w.co/myths.blitz.tighter 0:22:58 Maynard's Spooky Action! During the recent Australian Skeptics convention, Maynard interviewed Catherine Hughes from the Light for Riley group. Also Mandy-Lee Noble with more insights into the pros and cons of weight loss. https://www.facebook.com/lightforriley/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:45 Flat Earth.... Again! On a fine sunny day in San Francisco, Moriel Schottlender chats to Richard Saunders about the ongoing conspiracy theory of the Flat Earth. https://www.popsci.com/10-ways-you-can-prove-earth-is-round https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Home 0:23:40 Running a Skeptics in the Pub Pint Sized Fun – Australia has had a close association with the history of those informal gatherings known as Skeptics in the Pub. Tim Mendham reports on the highs, lows and current state of the SitP movement. http://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine/ Happy 2018 to you all. 0:37:00 Fortune Teller - Musée Mécanique The Musée Mécanique, one of the world's largest (over 200) privately owned collection of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines in their original working condition. (You can play them!) Located on Pier 45 at the foot of Taylor Street in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Free Admission Every Day! http://www.museemecaniquesf.com/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:05:17 Again with the UFOs A video capturing an unidentified object flying off the coast of San Diego in 2004 has been released by the US Department of Defense. The program (2007 - 2012) collected video and audio recordings of reported U.F.O. incidents, including footage from a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet showing an aircraft surrounded by some kind of glowing aura traveling at high speed and rotating as it moves. https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/pentagon-ufo-video/ https://badufos.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/about-those-glowing-auras-in-pentagon.html 0:12:00 Maynard's Spooky Action! During the recent Australian Skeptics convention, Maynard interviewed Michelle Vernon from University of Newcastle Atheist & Skeptic Society and also science presenter Adam Spencer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/UoNAtheistSociety/ https://www.adamspencer.com.au/ 0:25:35 2017 - The year in review We hear from Susan Gerbic - Celestia Ward - Evan Bernstein

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:12 Mayanrd's Spooky Action! Time again for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub. December's guest was Samuel Hutchinson who gave a preview of his documenatary film ' Conspirituality'. We also here from pubbers who give their opinon on the project. Includes A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev. https://www.facebook.com/mustgofasterfilms 0:23:13 Anti-vaxxer on the hunt for $$$ The on-again-off-again head of the Australian [anti] Vaccination-skeptics Network (AVSN) is trying to raise $5000 per month via the Patroen site to "help make my dream of widespread vaccination education become a reality and – nearly as important – make nocompulsoryvaccination the anti-choice government's and pharma's biggest nightmare!" http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/11/29/anti-vaxxer-meryl-dorey-spruiking-for/ 0:28:05 Spoon Bending on the Radio Richard heads into the studios of Talking Lifestyle in Sydney to bend some spoons with presenters John Stanley and Garry Linnell. Audio credit Macquarie Media 2017. See the highlight video here: https://www.talkinglifestyle.com.au/podcast/video-gellers-spoon-bending-fact-or-fiction Also... Bunga Bunga LIVE 19th of Dec. http://maynard.com.au/bunga-bunga-xmas-2017/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:10 The Raw Skeptic Report with Heidi Robertson "VACCINES killed my baby." That's the alarming headline on a pamphlet currently being dropped in letter boxes around the country. It's emotive, terrifying, and wrong. Story by Jane Hansen. 0:16:30 Mayanrd's Spooky Action! More interviews and insights from Skepticon 2017 including; Mandy-Lee Noble Tim Mendham 0:26:08 An interview with Alan Melikdjanian aka Captain Disillusion. http://captaindisillusion.com The Unbearable Loneliness of Being Right on the Internet: Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbeXdotc5FU 0:43:43 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats to Jakub Kroulik at the European Skeptics Congress about Exorcism by Hypnosis. Also... Bunga Bunga LIVE 19th of Dec. http://maynard.com.au/bunga-bunga-xmas-2017/ Blue Mountains Skeptics Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1121976514605992/

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:50 Water Divining .... still a thing? We chat to Prof. Richard Wiseman in the UK about companies still using the services of water diviners to look for ..... water! https://richardwiseman.wordpress.com/ 0:26:30 Mayanrd's Spooky Action! Reactions of the audience to the Skeptic Zone LIVE. Includes interviews with Dr Karl, Dr Brad, Heidi Robertson, Mandy-Lee Noble, Stefan Sojka and more. 0:42:34 A Skeptical Birthday Join a small but happy crew at the club at the end of the street as we eat, drink and be merry and chat about skeptical issues like... UFOs. Also... Bunga Bunga LIVE 19th of Dec. http://maynard.com.au/bunga-bunga-xmas-2017/ Mordi Skeptics https://www.meetup.com/Mordi-Skeptics-in-the-Pub/ UFOs - Are they myth... or do they actually exist? http://www.abc.net.au/radio/darwin/programs/afternoons/ufo-sceptic-richard-saunders/9202932 Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/?s=Skeptics Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://www.talkinglifestyle.com.au/?s=Skeptics

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:50 Mayanrd's Spooky Action! We join Mayanrd at the pre-convention drinks in Sydney. Skeptics from all over Australia and overseas crammed into one pub! Includes Paul Gibbs, Beth Place, Heidi Robertson, Paul Roberts, Eran Segev, Joanne Benhamu, Trish Hann, Dr Brad McKay, Jessica Singer and Richard Saunders. 0:31:00 2017 Bent Spoon to NICM; Skeptic of the Year Christine Bayne Every year, Australian Skeptics hand out a range of awards – some positive, and the not-so-desirable Bent Spoon. This year's winners include a couple of key campaigners against pseudomedicine, and one university-based proponent of pseudomedicine. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/11/19/2017-bent-spoon-to-nicm-skeptic-of-the-year-christine-bayne/ 0:37:05 Blue Mountains Skeptics in the Pub We take a train up to Wentworth Falls in the Blue Moutains west of Sdydney to kick off the first Skeptics in the Pub. Good food, good beer and a piano. With Peter Bowdtich and Tim Medham. Blue Mountains Skeptics Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1121976514605992/ Grand View Hotel https://tinyurl.com/y6uudb94 0:49:05 United action by Skeptics on anti-vax presentation – Sydney Council under fire The cancellation of the listing for an anti-vaccination lecture, posted on the City of Sydney Council's "what's on" site, is indicative of the sort of rapid and definitive results that can be achieved by concerted and united action by Skeptics. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/11/20/united-action-by-skeptics-on-anti-vax-presentation-sydney-council-under-fire/ Also... https://www.meetup.com/Mordi-Skeptics-in-the-Pub/ Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/ Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders, Stefan Sojka and Maynard 0:05:20 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev The skeptical community has a role to play when it comes to stopping sexist behaviour and harassment. Eran gives us his point of view and what we can do. 0:17:00 The Raw Skeptic Report This week Heidi Robertson looks at a Tick Repellent. 0:36:24 "Dr" Stefan Sojka Scientists, vested interests, big pharma, corporate media, greenies, the illuminati and the social justice warriors of the far left have been hiding a shocking truth from you… We are living in a parallel universe to the one we thought we were living in! 0:44:40 The Diet Skeptic... with Mandy-Lee Noble Looking at the science behind your weight and fad diets. Also... Gold Coast Skeptics https://www.gcskeptics.com/ Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunde

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:37 CSIcon 2017 Part #3 Join us at CSIcon 2017 as we interview Ross Blocher from "Oh No, Ross and Carrie!" The podcast where they don't just report on spirituality, fringe science and the paranormal (from a scientific, evidence-based standpoint), but dive right in by joining religions, attending spiritual events, undergoing "alternative" treatments, partaking in paranormal investigations, and more. At Oh No, Ross and Carrie!, they show up, so you don't have to. http://ohnopodcast.com 0:15:50 Northern Territory healer permanently banned A Northern Territory man who claimed to cure a range of medical illnesses and addictions through mind communication and supernatural healing has been permanently banned from conducting his business in the Territory. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/11/09/northern-territory-healer-permanently-banned/ 0:20:14 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats to Jessica Schab and Élisabeth Feytit. Jessica Schab, born in Vancouver, Canada, is a former ''spiritual speaker''. After ten years, she renounced her "New-Age metaphysical path" when she understood how this route was causing psychological harm and cognitive instability. Memoirs of a Former Mystic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHQkXYIO6i4 All Is Not Well Production Trailer Official https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO91gyD70oA http://http://www.jessicaschab.com Also... Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/ Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they Maynard and Bunga Bunga LIVE EVENT http://www.maynard.com.au Skepticon Sydney http://www.skeptics.com.au https://www.meetup.com/AustSkeptics/events/244857317/ http://www.devicewatch.org/reports/spooky2/overview.shtml

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:07:06 CSIcon 2017 Part #2 Join us at CSIcon 2017 as we interview Joe Nickell and ask about JFK conspiracy theories, strange monsters and more. https://www.joenickell.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Case-Closed-Harvey-Oswald-Assassination/dp/1400034620 https://www.amazon.com/Reclaiming-History-Assassination-President-Kennedy/dp/0393045250 On Trial: Lee Harvey Oswald https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojkf48Tmi1g 0:24:30 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats to Sophie Vanthournout at the European Skeptics Congress. Sofie has been the director of Sense about Science EU since May 2016. She is based in Brussels and focuses on EU policy. She was trained as a botanist and has a background in molecular biology research. http://senseaboutscience.org/team/sofie-vanthournout/ 0:38:08 CSIcon 2017 Part #3 Susan Gerbic from Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia chats to us before and after the convention. http://guerrillaskepticismonwikipedia.blogspot.com Also... SYDNEY Volunteer EOI Form - Skepticon Australia + Jason Silva: Awestruck https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyuhG_sp7i-7oQMRjnmaP0WsYaNO3pJM5bHSMF1doEOnxlzg/viewform Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/ Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they Maynard and Bunga Bunga LIVE EVENT http://www.maynard.com.au Skepticon Sydney http://www.skeptics.com.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:03:13 CSIcon 2017 Part #1 Join us at CSIcon 2017 as we wander the rooms and halls looking for skeptical people to interivew. This week: Eugenie C. Scott Rob Palmer Brian Dunning Extended interview with Britt Marie Hermes http://guerrillaskepticismonwikipedia.blogspot.com http://principlesofcuriosity.com/ https://www.naturopathicdiaries.com/ 0:23:05 Australian patients vulnerable to quacks We live in the most scientific of ages where it is more than reasonable to expect that modern healthcare strategies will be underpinned by credible scientific evidence for their clinical effectiveness. However, we find flourishing, pseudoscientific concepts and practices that are an affront to our detailed knowledge of how our bodies function in health and disease. - John Dwyer http://www.smh.com.au/comment/australian-patients-vulnerable-to-quacks-20170924-gynuhn.html 0:32:03 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats Mariusz Blochowiak at the European Skeptics Congress. Rational justification for the existence of the devil and the exorcism Mariusz Blochowiak studied physics at the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznan, Poland. Afterwards he did his PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany, focusing on polymer physics. Also... Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/ Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they Maynard and Bunga Bunga http://www.maynard.com.au Skepticon Sydney http://www.skeptics.com.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:40 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats THE ESP PODCAST at the European Skeptics Congress. András G Pintér, Hungary - Jelena Levin, Latvia - Pontus Böckman, Sweden. The European Skeptics Podcast is an independent, weekly show hosted by three skeptics from different countries, representing several organisations and projects. The main focus of the podcast is to support European level actions within the skeptical movement. http://theesp.eu 0:22:30 "Illegal" for health funds to support some 'natural' therapies As part of its overhaul of private health insurance, the Federal government has decided to remove the insurance subsidy from a range of 'natural' therapies. A statement from the Department of Health says that consumers can still choose to access these services, but they will not be able to claim benefits from their insurer. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/10/17/illegal-for-health-funds-to-support-some-natural-therapies/ 0:27:27 A chat with Deborah Hyde about QED and the 2017 Ockham Awards Deborah Hyde is a British skeptic, folklorist, cultural anthropologist and Editor-in-Chief of The Skeptic. https://www.skeptic.org.uk 0:42:38 A Piece of his Mind - With Professor Paul Willis Policy not Prizes Awards for science are all well and good, but could we be doing more? Media Engagement Services https://www.mediaengagementservices.com.au 0:54:55 Maynard's spooky action... at a distance BUNGA BUNGA LIVE! The Festival of Dumb Ideas The hilarious podcast BUNGA BUNGA will be performed & recorded live! Tuesday 14th November at their local, The Harold Park Hotel, Glebe. Funny man Maynard & even funnier man Tim Ferguson, present an evening of comedy, wits and foolishness.. Tuesday 14th November $15 (el cheapo) Harold Park Hotel, Glebe https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=325500& 0:56:50 Susan Gerbic on tour in Sofia, Bulgaria Susan chats to Liubomir Baburov about organising public skeptic events in Bulgaria like Skeptics in the Pub and talks. http://ratio.bg Also... Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/ Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they Maynard and Bunga Bunga http://www.maynard.com.au CSI Con - Las Vagas http://csiconference.org Skepticon Sydney http://www.skeptics.com.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:40 Interview with Ben Radford We ask Ben about so-called "Psychic Detectives", people who investigate crimes by using purported paranormal psychic abilities. Benjamin Radford is deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer science magazine and a Research Fellow with the non-profit educational organization the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He has written over a thousand articles on a wide variety of topics, including urban legends, the paranormal, critical thinking, and media literacy. https://squaringthestrange.wordpress.com/ 0:24:40 "Australian-first" penalties for male hormone clinic Wellness Enterprises Pty Limited, which traded as Australian Male Hormone Clinic, has been fined $127,500 plus costs after being found guilty and convicted of 17 charges related to unlawful advertising of regulated health services. Charges brought by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) followed advertisements the business published in newspapers around Australia between February and August 2017 for treatment of testosterone deficiency. http://www.skeptics.com.au/2017/10/05/australian-first-penalties-for-male-hormone-clinic/ 0:30:30 A Grain of Salt with Eran Segev This week Eran chats Leo Igwe at the European Skeptics Congress. Leo Igwe is a Nigerian human rights advocate and humanist. Igwe is a former Western and Southern African representative of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, and has specialized in campaigning against and documenting the impacts of child witchcraft accusations. 0:43:22 Maynard's spooky action... at a distance BUNGA BUNGA LIVE! The Festival of Dumb Ideas The hilarious podcast BUNGA BUNGA will be performed & recorded live! Tuesday 14th November at their local, The Harold Park Hotel, Glebe. Funny man Maynard & even funnier man Tim Ferguson, present an evening of comedy, wits and foolishness.. Tuesday 14th November $15 (el cheapo) Harold Park Hotel, Glebe https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=325500& 0:45:16 Susan Gerbic on tour in Italy Susan chats to Chiara Pasquini CICAP (Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Pseudosciences) CICAP reaches out to the public through conferences and public lectures, radio and television appearances, through the publication of Query a quarterly magazine (formerly Scienza & Paranormale, 'Science & Paranormal'), books and articles regarding these topics, through the conservation of a library and an archive of articles. Additional material, both on CICAP own research as well as foreigner skeptical and scientific papers translated into Italian, is published on QueryOnline, the online version of the printed magazine. http://www.ecso.org/organization/cicap/ 0:51:26 Loose Ends We hear from Dr Angie Mattke from the USA. Also... Australian Skeptics - Late night radio segment with Mike Williams http://www.2gb.com/podcast/richard-saunders-from-australian-skeptics-society/ Australian Skeptics - Breakfast with John Stanley and Garry Linnell https://omny.fm/shows/john-and-garry/the-skeptics-debunk-all-things-ufo-or-do-they CSI Con - Las Vagas http://csiconference.org Skepticon Sydney http://www.skeptics.com.au