The Skeptic Zone

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:08 Radical Thinking Radical Thinking is a book about how you view the world. It's about the things that shape your thoughts, from what you notice and how you interpret it, to what you assume, believe and want. It's also about how, if you think in a radical way, you can look beyond your limited view of the world to see the bigger picture. Peter Lamont is a Professor of History and Theory of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His previous five books, and many articles, have been on a variety of curious topics, such as magic, belief, wonder and critical thinking. https://swiftpress.com/book/radical-thinking 0:18:26 Psychic Penny's Horoscopes Exclusive to The Skeptic Zone, Psychic Penny casts a horoscope and looks deep into the stars. Is your fate in her hands? This week her mystic insights are for Leo, Vergo, Libra and Scorpio. 0:23:50 Close but no Bent Cigar Richard Saunders takes a look at some of the notable runners up for the Australian Skeptics Bent Spoon award from the past 44 years. 0:33:40 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:50 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Spoon Benders and Paranormal Claims. 1974.01.27 - National Inquirer 1973.12.17 - Sydney Morning Herald 1973.06.14 - The Blade http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also https://pintofscience.com.au/events/canberra

  0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:16 Dr Eugenie Scott - Scopes Monkey Trial 100th Anniversary - #2 We chat to the one and only Dr Eugenie Scott who reflects on the 100th anniversary of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial. This is part two of a two part interview. The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, commonly known as the Scopes trial or Scopes Monkey Trial, was an American legal case from July 10 to July 21, 1925, in which a high school teacher, John T. Scopes, was accused of violating the Butler Act, a Tennessee state law which outlawed the teaching of human evolution in public schools. 0:24:12 Psychic Penny's Horoscopes Exclusive to The Skeptic Zone, Psychic Penny casts a horoscope and looks deep into the stars. Is your fate in her hands? This week her mystic insights are for Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer. 0:28:46 For Crying Out Loud! It's Kat McLeod lilicon 2025 - #2 Lilienfeld Alliance for the Teaching of Rational Skepticism in Higher Education. The goal of the Lilienfeld Alliance is to connect instructors who teach critical thinking at the college and university level, to advocate for course content that promotes rational skepticism, and to encourage further study of best practices in the pedagogy of teaching such courses. Interviews with Nicole, Ian, Dr Natalia Pasternak and Sam Billings. This is part two of a two part series of interviews. https://sites.google.com/view/lilienfeldalliance/lilicon-2025 0:42:34 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Uri Geller - #2. 1973.12.08 - The Age http://www.trove.nla.gov.au    

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:02:16 Dr Eugenie Scott - Scopes Monkey Trial 100th Anniversary - #1 We chat to the one and only Dr Eugenie Scott who reflects on the 100 anniversary of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial. This is part one of a two part interview. The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, commonly known as the Scopes trial or Scopes Monkey Trial, was an American legal case from July 10 to July 21, 1925, in which a high school teacher, John T. Scopes, was accused of violating the Butler Act, a Tennessee state law which outlawed the teaching of human evolution in public schools. 0:16:54 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Dee this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:28:46 For Crying Out Load! It's Kat McLeod lilicon 2025 - #1 Lilienfeld Alliance for the Teaching of Rational Skepticism in Higher Education. The goal of the Lilienfeld Alliance is to connect instructors who teach critical thinking at the college and university level, to advocate for course content that promotes rational skepticism, and to encourage further study of best practices in the pedagogy of teaching such courses. Interviews with Dr. Christopher Labos, Jonathan Jarry, Sophie Tseng Pellar and Dr Lynne Honey. This is part one of a two part series of interviews. https://sites.google.com/view/lilienfeldalliance/lilicon-2025 0:42:34 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to Uri Geller - #1. 1973.12.08 - The Age http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Psychic Penny 00:02:36 Skeptoid Adventure Interviews From around the Bermuda Triangle comes interviews with Adrienne Hill, Ben Radford, Ross Blocher, Susan Gerbic, Dr Angela Mattke and Brian Dunning. https://skeptoid.com/events 0:24:28 You Can Count on Adrienne In part 2 of the adventures with Adrienne and Susan, we travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, where we discuss the Triangle Skeptics' 2nd annual Skepticamp. I interviewed organizers Jeff Gehlbach, Faith and Ramiro Rodriguez and spirited ex-ghost hunter, Jon Michael. https://triskep.org 0:40:06 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to James Randi. 1980.08.07 - The Age 1974.08.28 - The Hour 2007.07.14 - Reading Eagle PA http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Kat McLeod 00:03:04 You Can Count on Adrienne In part 1 of adventures with Adrienne and Susan, Adrienne Hill chats cheerfully with Susan Gerbic about their marvelous May meanderings, starting with the 'WeCanReason' conference and wrapping up with the sensational St. Louis Skepticamp shenanigans, orchestrated by Karl Withakay (Karl Gerhardt). I chat and giggle gleefully with Karl in the second half of this You Can Count on Adrienne episode. Stay tuned next week for part 2 where the pair head to Raleigh North Carolina. Links to Susan's articles: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/the-skeptical-society-of-st-louis/ https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/edmonton-qe2-skepticamp-2025/ Link to the Skeptical Society of St. Louis: https://skepticalstl.com/ 0:20:30 Maynard's Spooky Action Maynard is back at Sydney Skeptics in the Pub to investigate AI. Includes interviews with Sue Ieraci, Jessica Singer and the guest speaker Dr James Dunn. Dr James Dunn is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow and Lecturer in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney. His research focuses on face and person recognition, forensic science, and individual differences, using advanced methodologies such as behavioral methods, machine learning, AI and eye-tracking. Dr. Dunn's work bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, particularly in high-stakes environments where accurate cognitive assessments are crucial. University of New South Wales Face Test https://facetest.psy.unsw.edu.au 0:34:42 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:47:30 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised newspapers on a search for references to James Randi. 1956.09.15 - Billboard Magazine 1976.01.01 - The Dispatch Lexington North Carolina http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 0:04:04 The Book of Tim. For Tim Mendham This week we pay tribute to retiring editor of the Skeptic Magazine, Tim Mendham. After many years of hard work behind the scenes and in front of the scenes, Tim is stepping back to enjoy more of his hobbies. These include skeptical investigations and BBQs! Congratulations Tim on a huge contribution to the skeptical movement. With Maynard Susan Gerbic Ben Radford Jessica Singer Adrienne Hill Pontus Bockman Richard Saunders 00:26:18 The Matter of Dowsing By far the most common claim that was made for the Million Dollar Challenge offered by the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) was dowsing. Dowsing is, as strictly defined, the claimed ability to discover underground sources of water or metals by means of a "dowsing rod." Another term used is "divining." http://www.dowsing-research.net/dowsing/articles/Randi_2-Swift_Vol_1_No_1_1997.pdf 0:41:10 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to James Randi. 1974.12.06 - Daily Item http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:06 Science and Psudoscience Americans (Kind of) Smarter on Science We look at a news report from 2007 on the state of science and pseudoscience in America. 2007.02.18 - Lakeland Ledger 0:17:42 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:32:06 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to James Randi in Australia. 1980.07.24 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1980.06.28 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1980.07.30 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1980.07.30 - The Canberra Times 1980.11.09 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1980.11.13 - The Age http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Richard Saunders on Squaring the Strange Podcast https://squaringthestrange.libsyn.com/episode-256-look-into-my-eyes-with-richard-saunders

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:04:22 You Can Count on Adrienne. With Adrienne Hill. Adrienne interviews Sebastian Toews, Dawson VonStein, and D.J. Crossland, all students from Grant McEwan University who presented at the Edmonton QE II Skepticamp that Kat McLeod and Rodney Schmaltz organised. Then she talks to Coleman Watts after a hike near Banff where they discuss his latest video release. Then look out as they encounter a Bigfoot wannabe in the form of a grizzly bear! 0:16:16 What is Pseudoscience? Science or Pseudoscience? What are the hallmarks of something that masquerades as or pretends to be scientific? This week we look at some of the ways you can identify fake science from real science. 0:27:14 For crying out loud! It's Kat McLeod This week Kat pays homage to her prairie roots by having a look at something that has crept back into the news lately, crop circles. Yes, just when you thought they were left behind in the 1990s or early 2000s, they are back and crazier than ever. 0:37:12 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian and international newspapers on a search for references to ESP. 1974.07.19 - The Ledger 1984.01.14 - Waycross Journal-Herald 1971.09.28 - Sarasota Journal 1995.11.30 - The Canberra Times The Case of ESP - BBC 1984 https://youtu.be/h2Gog3xMluA http://www.trove.nla.gov.au  

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:22 Randi Restored 45 years ago, James Randi flew to Australia at the invitation of Dick Smith. He came to test a score of water diviners in Australia's first major investigation of these claims. The resulting documentary, "James Randi in Australia" was shown on Australian TV and then lost forever. Luckily it was recorded onto video tape via a VCR at the time and this version has now been restored to its former glory. http://www.tinyurl.com/randiaustralia 0:23:32 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:37:14 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to James Randi's Project Alpha. 1983.01.29 - The Victoria Advocate 1983.02.16 - Record-Journal, Meriden, Ct. Project Alpha - An Honest Liar https://youtu.be/Ewr3uqfHzMM&t=2720 http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:03:06 Armidale SitP Join Tim Mendham and Richard Saunders as they travel to Armidale in the New England area of Australia to enjoy the hospitality of the local skeptics. Included is a field report from Armidale Skeptics in the Pub. With thanks to Amelia and Brian Willmer. 0:17:00 Squaring the Strange with Celestia and Ben We catch up with those famed skeptical podcasts from the United States, Ben Radford and Celestial award from the Squaring the Strange Podcast. What's new? What's old? What's going on? https://squaringthestrange.libsyn.com 0:24:12 Psychic Penny's Horoscopes Exclusive to The Skeptic Zone, Psychic Penny casts a horoscope and looks deep into the stars. Is your fate in her hands? This week her mystic insights for Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. 0:29:32 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Rex Gilroy. 1979.07.24 - The Age 1976.09.16 - The Citizen - Ottowa 1977.03.13 - The Sun Herald 1979.10.02 - The Age 1987.10.13 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:06 Is that a Ghost? Ghosts, ghouls, phantoms and apparitions. Are you living in a haunted house? This week Richard Saunders looks at some of the aspects and implications of ghosts and spirits. 0:16:48 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Unnatural Selection By Tim Mendham Part 5 of 5 Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 - 1913) was an English naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, biologist and illustrator. He independently conceived the theory of evolution through natural selection; his 1858 paper on the subject was published that year alongside extracts from Charles Darwin's earlier writings on the topic. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 44 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:26:54 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:41:06 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Dorothy Allison and James Randi. 1982.06.21 - The Spokane Chronicle http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:40 For Crying Out Loud! This week Kat McLeod (with a little help from Adrienne Hill) interviews attendees and guests from the recent "We Can Reason" conference in Calgary, Canada. Includes Seth Andrews, Leslie Rosenblood, Brenda Hill, Forrest Valkai, Rodney Schmaltz and Lei Pinter. 0:19:04 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Unnatural Selection By Tim Mendham Part 4 of 5 Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 - 1913) was an English naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, biologist and illustrator. He independently conceived the theory of evolution through natural selection; his 1858 paper on the subject was published that year alongside extracts from Charles Darwin's earlier writings on the topic. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 44 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:27:50 Psychic Penny's Horoscopes Exclusive to The Skeptic Zone, Psychic Penny casts a horoscope and looks deep into the stars. Is your fate in her hands? This week her mystic insights for Leo, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio. 0:33:12 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to so-called psychic detective, Dorothy Allison and James Randi. 1980.10.23 - The Ledger 1997.08.19 - The Ludington Daily News 1999.12.03 - The Banger Daily News http://www.trove.nla.gov.au Also Dr Karl - Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Idiocy? Tue, 27 May, 6pm - 7:15pm https://events.humanitix.com/artificial-intelligence-or-artificial-idiocy

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:38 You Can Count on Adrienne This week Adrienne interviews attendees and guests from the recent "We Can Reason" conference in Calgary, Canada. Includes Terrlyn Seltenrich, Janalee Morris, Leslie Rosenblood and Dr Eugenie Scott. 0:20:24 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Unnatural Selection By Tim Mendham Part 3 of 5 Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 - 1913) was an English naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, biologist and illustrator. He independently conceived the theory of evolution through natural selection; his 1858 paper on the subject was published that year alongside extracts from Charles Darwin's earlier writings on the topic. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 44 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:29:40 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:44:40 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Australian Skeptics Water Divining Tests. 2001.02.07 - The Weekly Times 2001.02.14 - The Weekly Times 2001.03.14 - The Weekly Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:06:24 Prophecies about the Pope With a new Pope just around the corner, we review various prophetic writings about this high religious office. Will the next Pope be the last? Will Rome fall? A holy tangled web from centuries past. The Prophecies Of Nostradamus 1979 https://archive.org/details/the-prophecies-of-nostradamus-1979 0:16:26 Psychic Penny's Horoscopes Exclusive to The Skeptic Zone, Psychic Penny casts a horoscope and looks deep into the stars. Is your fate in her hands? This week her mystic insights for Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer. 0:23:14 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Unnatural Selection By Tim Mendham Part 2 of 5 Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 - 1913) was an English naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, biologist and illustrator. He independently conceived the theory of evolution through natural selection; his 1858 paper on the subject was published that year alongside extracts from Charles Darwin's earlier writings on the topic. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 44 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:33:00 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to Psychic Predictions from 1980. 1980.01.16 - The Melbourne Times http://www.trove.nla.gov.au

0:00:00 Introduction Richard Saunders 00:05:26 A Challenge to So-Called Psychics A review of the challenge to psychics, and people claiming other paranormal powers, put out by Australian Skeptics in 1984. How does this compare to 2025? https://www.skeptics.com.au/about/activities/challenge 0:20:28 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham Unnatural Selection By Tim Mendham Part 1 of 5 Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 - 1913) was an English naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, biologist and illustrator. He independently conceived the theory of evolution through natural selection; his 1858 paper on the subject was published that year alongside extracts from Charles Darwin's earlier writings on the topic. A reading from The Skeptic, Vol. 44 No. 2 http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:30:26 Australian Skeptics Newsletter What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Read by Adrienne Hill. Also hear Adrienne's insights of her travels across the Pacific Ocean and encounters with alternative medicine. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:46:10 The TROVE Archives A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to "The New Age". 1988.12.13 - The Sydney Morning Herald 1988.10.11 - The Sydney Morning Herald http://www.trove.nla.gov.au