The Skeptic Zone

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.  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:26 2026 Bent Spoon Now's your chance to nominate an individual, company or product in Australia that, in your opinion, is worthy of the Bent Spoon Award. Do you have your eyes on a psychic? Or maybe a particularly wacky peddler of magical thinking. Or could it be an alternative medicine practitioner using advanced nonexistence science! Nominations are now open via the link below. https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/bent-spoon 00:11:58 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas The Great Supplement Displacement Once again, Kate puts on her skeptical glasses and looks closely at an aspect of the wellness and supplement industry. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), a form of carnitine supplement, is widely suggested to reduce or eliminate brain fog by enhancing mental clarity, focus, and energy production in brain cells. But what's the real story? Sometimes a few grains of truth are scattered around an otherwise extraordinary claim. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass Kate's New Podcast! "On The 'Mones" https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-mones/id1862699491?i=1000741949131 0:21:40 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:35:28 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Energy Medicine. 2003.04.28 - The Hour - Connecticut 2003.04.28 - Manila Standard http://www.trove.nla.gov.au https://vivaciouslivingcentre.com.au/therapists/metatron-bioresonance-scanning  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:46 TikTok Psychic Attack Only the Skeptic Zone podcast is brave enough to investigate the important but little spoken about public health imperative of...."Psychic Attack!" Is your psychic being attacked? Is your psychic attacking you? What can we do about this dangerous situation in our society? A look at what some people in today's day and age still believe that should've been discarded when we stopped burning people at the stake for being witches. 00:19:22 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hil Adrienne speaks with former ghost hunter Jon Michael about his skeptical activist successes since we met at the Raleigh Skepticamp in May, which range from speaking at paranormal conferences to Dragon Con. 0:33:30 For Cryin' Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod Kat is back with the PSYCH 441 class at MacEwan University to follow up on the experiment; did the volunteers have good luck? Ghostly experiences? Did they unleash a curse when they opened the box? All will be revealed. 0:45:22 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Tasseography (Tea Cup Reading). With Lara Benham. 2007.07.22 - The Star-News - Wilington North Carolina 1969.10.31 - The Windsor Star - Canada 2008.02.20 - The Sidney Herald - Canada http://www.trove.nla.gov.au  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:00 The "Why Smart Women Zone" Podcast - Part #1 LIVE from the Occidental Hotel in Sydney Australia, comes a combination of two of Australia's favourite critical thinking and skeptical podcasts. The combination of the "Why Smart Women" podcast and "The Skeptic Zone" podcast. Join hosts Annie McCubbin and Richard Saunders with special guests Kate Thomas, Sue Ieraci and the president of Australian Skeptics, Jessica Singer. 0:39:46 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au RFK Jr. War of Flouride https://youtu.be/LDXiP8KhXKA 00:50:16 The "Why Smart Women Zone" Podcast - Part #2 LIVE from the Occidental Hotel in Sydney Australia, comes a combination of two of Australia's favourite critical thinking and skeptical podcasts. The combination of the "Why Smart Women" podcast and "The Skeptic Zone" podcast. Join MC Lara Benham with hosts Annie McCubbin and Richard Saunders and special guests Kate Thomas, Sue Ieraci, and the president of Australian Skeptics, Jessica Singer. 01:09:08 Q&A - Interaction The unedited interaction with an audience member who, under the pretence of asking a question, takes the opportunity to put her strongly held views. Also The Skeptic Zone #896 - 7.December.2025 - Video https://youtu.be/4_uYURND9-8  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:14 3i Atlas Update As Comet 3i Atlas emerges from behind the sun, we take a look at the latest news from NASA that confirms the object is not in fact being piloted by space racing aliens. Will this stop the UFO crowd from posting nonsense on social media? Avi Loeb is a Fraud Part 2 - Prof. Dave https://youtu.be/lf9oBlkQQCo 0:16:40 The Loon from Canada The Pink Tax! Kate & Allie chat to Karen Bijkersma from Melbourne about her investigations into what has been called "The Pink Tax", a extra charge put on consumables aimed to extract more dollars out of women. The term comes about from the fact that some objects are identical for men and women apart from the colour, which is often pink. The colour pink should not mean more money at the register. https://karenbijkersma.com.au 0:40:42 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Naturopaths. Joining in this week's segment is Lara Benham. 1995.06.20 - Times - Victor Harbor, SA 1993.11.28 - Lewiston Morning Tribune http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub "Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:07:18 The Think Tank Our international team spent time with Dr Siouxsie Wiles from New Zealand. Dr Siouxsie has been the victim of outrageous harassment after her efforts to promote vaccines and good science during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Siouxsie is joined by Adrienne Hill, Kat McLeod, Kate Thomas and Lara Benham. Support Dr Siouxsie https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/8521-support-dr-siouxsie-after-she-supported-us Ms. Information - Documentary https://ondemand.arovideo.co.nz/film/ms-information 00:26:58 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Questioning the Qualifications of Naturopaths In Australia anybody can call themselves a Naturopath. You don't need any formal training, you don't need to know which end of the stethoscope is which, you don't need to know anything about biology or physiology. Kate looks at why so many people in our society think Naturopaths are just like doctors and other real healthcare professionals. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:35:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:47:46 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the quackery of Reflexology. 2000.12.25 - Boca Raton News 1999.01.24 - The Item http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub "Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:06:04 I Think We Need to Think. With Susan Gerbic An interview with Susan about her recent feature in major Australian newspapers talking about fake psychics. We also learn about her ongoing investigations into those giving psychic readings on the Internet and her ongoing efforts to improve Wikipedia. Susan's analysis of Dave the Medium https://youtu.be/g0XDybFzbHg https://youtu.be/r3B7SSitzI8 00:22:12 Maynard's Spooky Action Join Maynard at Sydney's Skeptics in the Pub as he seeks the thoughts and opinions of thinkers and drinkers. This time, what 'alt-med' would pubbers like to see gone from our society? 0:39:06 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Orgone Energy. 1977.12.28 - Bangor Daily News 1987.02.19 - The Sydney Morning Herald 2006.06.28 - Irregular - Maine 1992.07.03 - The Sun Journal http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub "Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics Support Dr Siouxsie https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/8521-support-dr-siouxsie-after-she-supported-us  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:44 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas This week Kate is interviewed at Skeptics in the Pub by Maynard. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:18:28 Kinesiology and Applied Kinesiology We look at science versus quackery when it comes to Kinesiology and Applied Kinesiology. What is the difference? https://youtu.be/I8XscN_GjtE 0:30:34 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:02 The Loons from Canada This week, Kate and Ally (Adrienne and Kat) join Dr. Schmaltz of the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University, to report from a very successful Skepticamp in Edmonton, Canada. 0:48:10 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Skeptics in New Zealand #2. 1981.11.05 - The Press 1984.03.03 - The Press 1984.08.07 - The Press http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub "Why Smart Women Zone" live podcast recording - 4 December https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:12 Orgone not Gone! Something that should've been confined to the trash bin of bad ideas a century ago is still skulking around our modern society. So-called "Orgone Energy", a fictitious magical force is being used to sell products to this day. We look at one website selling these devices and question why, in this day and age, things like this are still allowed to be sold. Biotensor Testing (not a sendup) https://youtu.be/HUeUVeyJ_aQ Videos from Monica Smit https://www.youtube.com/@ReigniteDemocracy/videos Choice Magazine Review https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/gadgets/tech-gadgets/articles/geoclense-home-harmonizer-review Investigation of Monica Smit https://luckylosing.com/2021/10/09/monica-smit-interview-inaccurate-harmful-offensive-say-abc/ 0:22:50 The Loons from Canada Kate and Allie, with giggles and gumption, head once again to Concordia University in Edmonton, Canada, with Dr. Rodney Schmaltz and his MacEwan University Psychology 441 class to embark on another ghost hunt. This is the second spooky soiree that Kate and Allie have joined to chase the elusive ghostly skeleton named Larry. The students shuffle through a smorgasbord of supernatural shenanigans, seeking infrasound, snapping shots of suspicious orbs and probable pareidolia while sleuthing for signs of Larry. Allie monitors the psychomantium, a dimly lit room with an inclined mirror where students might encounter the restless residents on the other side. Meanwhile, Kate channels cosmic karma, divining with her pendulum and Ouija board, hoping that Larry is a little more loquacious than he has been in the past. Will our ghost hunting gang get goosebumps or giggles? Listen to find out. 0:40:20 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Skeptics in New Zealand. 1987.05.27 - The Press - NZ 1983.12.16 - The Press - NZ 1988.08.17 - The Press - NZ 1986.02.08 - The Press - NZ 1987.06.19 - The Press - NZ http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - 6th Nov. - Kate Thomas with Woo Watch! https://meetu.ps/e/PwcXw/SSz1/i  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:44 3i Atlas Update As the interstellar comet streams through the inner solar system, we look at some of the claims about it being made on social media. Is the earth in danger? https://astro.vanbuitenen.nl/comet/3I 00:13:50 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Not Wild about Wild Yams Wild yams are claimed to help with menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and muscular cramps. Can all this be true? Kate looks at the science behind this overhyped root vegetable. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:19:28 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:14 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Auras. 1978.02.15 - The Hills Gazette - SA 1921.02.06 - The Sunday Morning Star 1974.06.14 - The Robesonian http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub - 6th Nov. - Kate Thomas with Woo Watch! https://meetu.ps/e/PwcXw/SSz1/i  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard 00:07:00 Auras Is there really an invisible "energy field" of swirling colours surrounding all living things? What happens when this claim is put to a scientific test? Find out as we explore the strange world of auras and aura diagnosis. Joe Nickell - Report https://skepticalinquirer.org/2000/05/aura-photography-a-candid-shot/ The Skeptics Dictionary https://skepdic.com/auras.html James Randi tests an Aura Reader https://youtu.be/toCcR6D6d5E 0:20:12 Mind Body Spirit - Detox Join Annie McCubbin, Kate Thomas and Richard Saunders as they "detox" from a trip to Sydney's Festival of Mind Body Spirt. 0:36:04 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to CSICOP #2. 1985.04.08 - The Daily News 1997.05.27 - The Kentucky New Era 2002.10.26 - The Daily Gazette http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:58:26 A Roll of the Dice The Loons from Canada and Psychic Penny test their powers of prediction. Also James Randi: Psychic Investigator - 1991 https://youtu.be/9jvXlJtgS7A  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:34 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas Wellness Patches This week, pharmacist and skeptic Kate Thomas takes a look at the latest sticky health trend - "transdermal" wellness patches promising everything from boosted metabolism to Ozempic-like weight loss. Kate explains why none of these ingredients can actually make it through your skin, and what it really takes to design a medicated patch that works. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:09:42 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:19:24 Mind Body Spirit - Overview Once again the travelling circus of woo known as Mind Body Spirit comes to Sydney. We take a look at the social and cultural aspects of this festival of "healers", "mystics" and conspiracy theories. 0:32:32 Psychic Penny's Numerology To celebrate the 888th episode of the Skeptic Zone podcast, Psychic Penny delves deep into the mysteries of numerology. What do numbers show us through mystical and paranormal messages? Is your lucky number 888? Is your number up? Find out more with Psychic Penny. 0:39:14 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to CSICOP #1. 1985.12.16 - The Age http://www.trove.nla.gov.au 0:59:20 A Roll of the Dice Kate, Lara and Richard test their powers of prediction.  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders. Also the winners of the Australian Skeptics Awards for 2025, live from Skepticon Melbourne with Tim Mendham. 00:09:44 Divination We look at the claim that some people can foretell future events via divination. From historical references to this "art" to the many, many different and interesting practices and devices used to see what is in store for us. 0:25:18 Skeptics in the Pub Once again we head for Sydney Skeptics in the Pub and meet up with Annie McCubbin from the 'Why Smart Women' podcast. Joining in are Jessica Singer, Lara Benham and Sue Ieraci. Also pubbers Tom and Ian talk monsters and UFOs. 0:42:36 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the Supernatural and Skeptics. 1990.04.01 - The Tuscaloosa News 1993.12.18 - The Kentucky New Era 2001.05.25 - The Telegraph Herald 1969.04.02 - The Sunday Sun - Canada http://www.trove.nla.gov.au  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:56 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill This week Adrienne takes us to Portugal on a trip of discovery of the local superstitions. Find out what happened when they tried to rid a city of black cats! Also we hear about the "Miracle at Fatima". 0:20:48 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas This week Kate takes a skeptical look at the claim that Acetaminophen, aka Paracetamol, can cause autism in children if taken by the mother during pregnancy. Kate Thomas on TikTok and Instagram https://linktr.ee/PrescribeorPass 0:24:54 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:39:12 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the Supernatural and Skeptics #1. 2007.05.10 - The Nevada Daily Mail 1996.04.02 - The Gazette 2000.05.22 - The Beaver Country Times 1989.07.15 - The Telegraph - NH 2007.07.23 - The Victoria Advocate- TX http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Prof. Dave on Acetaminophen / Autism claim https://youtu.be/ohsYDUj0gfU Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Maynard 00:05:58 Woo Watch! With Kate Thomas We interview Pharmacist Kate Thomas, a rising TikTok star from Sydney who fights medical misinformation with commonsense and humour. https://www.tiktok.com/@prescribeorpass https://www.tiktok.com/@debunkingbarbara https://www.instagram.com/scriptedbykate 0:18:34 Gone and Forgotten #3 Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. 0:28:16 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Ed and Lorrain Warren. 1990.10.29 - The Hour 1980.04.05 - The Sun Herald 1985.04.04 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1985.05.18 - The Mid City's Daily News http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:00 Cryptozoology We take a look into the history and likelihood of strange creatures roaming the earth, yet to be discovered by science. Tall tales from our ancestors and adventurous hunts throughout the world are examined. Is Bigfoot really there? 0:13:46 Prescribe or Pass Sometimes the rabbit hole of TikTok can offer much more than conspiracy theories and bad advice. We review the channel of Pharmacist Kate Thomaswho takes to task many of the outrageous claims by wellness gurus and naturopaths. https://www.tiktok.com/@prescribeorpass https://www.tiktok.com/@debunkingbarbara https://www.instagram.com/scriptedbykate 0:23:24 Gone and Forgotten #2 Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. 0:32:00 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:42:20 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to the year 1965 and the Paranormal. 2003.03.14 - The Beaver County Times 1982.04.14 - The Toledo Blade Times 2003.10.31 - The Hour 1977.03.05 - The Montreal Gazette 1970.03.23 - The News Despatch http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au Stephen Bavaro - First year running for autism https://www.runforautism.org.au/fundraisers/stephenbavaro/run-for-autism-2025  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders and Tim Mendham 00:06:06 A Look into the Stars We take a sceptical look at the claims and promises of the age old practice of Astrology. Can the stars and planets really predict your future or influence your characteristics? 0:17:50 Gone and Forgotten #1 Over the years of skeptical inquiry (and after quite a few visits to the regular Mind Body Spirit exhibitions) we have come across many claims of pseudoscience and the paranormal. At the time, members of the public and members of the media gave them credence beyond what they deserved. Some have stuck around, and even prospered - UFOs and psychic powers, to name two - but many more have died the death of irrelevance and fast fashion. Some might still be around, but only as a vestige of their once high-profile status. Others truly are forgotten. So, who cares about these historical discarded artefacts? Well, we do, if only in the interests of historical discourse and as a warning to watch the skies for the next meteoric rise and fall of this month's unconvincing trend. 0:30:38 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Astrology. 1980.09.11 - The Evening Times - Scotland 1968.07.31 - The Calgary Herald 1977.03.04 - The Lawrence Journal-World http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:14 Comet 3I Atlas and TikTok Tales of Doom As another interstellar visitor races through our solar system, we look at various predictions and musings of people who think this chunk of rock is actually an alien spacecraft heading our way. Prof. Dave - Avi Loeb https://youtu.be/4nYXIeZh_bw 0:21:24 For Crying Out Loud. It's Kat McLeod! This week Kat straps on some ghost busting gear and investigates the possibility of the paranormal when she does a deep dive into the gruesome haunting of Room 202 in the Fort Garry hotel. Trigger warning: suicide. 0:34:16 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:45:24 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Poltergeists. 1960.02.07 - The Toledo Blade 1973.10.28 - The Robesonina http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Skepticon Melbourne - Oct. 4 - 5 https://skepticon.org.au