The Skeptic Zone The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason - Since 2008

The Skeptic Zone #624 - 27 September 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:05:50 Life is Wild. With Michelle Franklin



Ever seen a UFO? Many years ago Michelle and her father did and were quite baffled... for a time. What about the time she saw strange red eyes peering at her from the darkness while camping? What this some sort of stragne apparition or did Michelle find a more logical answer? 0:16:05 A Dive into a Trove



A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the word "Ouija". What did the spirits say?



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the word "Ouija". What did the spirits say? 0:31:26 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma



This week Michelle looks at "The Burden of Proof Fallacy".



This is when instead of presenting evidence to support your claim, you insist that the person doubting it, prove your claim to be false.



A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:39:08 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham What Goes Around - Yetis, Yale, Smuggling and Shooting. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:46:23 Australian Skeptics Newsletter



What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?



Sample story from 'The Skeptic'.

https://tinyurl.com/y5h8up9a What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?Sample story from 'The Skeptic'. Also Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au



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Life is Wild Life is Wild

Logical Fallacies Logical Fallacies

The Book of Tim The Book of Tim

Ouija Ouija Skeptic Zone Promo

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The Skeptic Zone #623 - 20 September 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:05:26 COVID-19 Conspiracy Graffiti



Michelle Bijkersma reports on COVID-19 conspiracy theory graffiti in Melbourne.

0:10:42 Protests - COVID-19 Conspiracies



Anti-Lockdown protests at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market as police arrest 74 protesters and issue more than $280,000 in fines.



https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/police-arrest-74-and-fine-176-after-vic-market-protest-20200912-p55v1z.html Anti-Lockdown protests at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market as police arrest 74 protesters and issue more than $280,000 in fines. 0:17:12 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham What Goes Around - Graphology, Writing, Profiling, Testing and Woo. http://www.skeptics.com.au 0:25:05 The Secret of the Secret



What is the secret of the secret? Find out as we visit 'The Secret of the Secret Convention'.



With the voice talents of Abhijit Chanda and András Pintér. 0:31:19 A Dive into a Trove



A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the term "UFO". What is up there in the skies?



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the term "UFO". What is up there in the skies? Also Skeptics Cafe - Live Online Talk by Richard Saunders - 21 Sept. 8:30pm



https://www.facebook.com/theskepticscafe



Maynard's Mastermind Quiz - With Richard Saunders



https://www.facebook.com/maynard1/videos/10158830429649359



Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au



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Positive Graffiti Positive Graffiti

Book of Tim Book of Tim

UFOs UFOs Skeptic Zone Promo

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The Skeptic Zone #622 - 13 September 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:04:20 A Dive into a Trove



A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the words "Yowie Hunt". Did anyone ever find the Australian Big Foot?



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the words "Yowie Hunt". Did anyone ever find the Australian Big Foot? 0:21:08 CFI - We're Not Backing Down from Walmart



Snake oil profiteering has emerged as a genuine crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifying what the Center for Inquiry has been saying for years: Pseudoscientific medicine is dangerous, and those who profit from it must be held accountable.



https://centerforinquiry.org Snake oil profiteering has emerged as a genuine crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifying what the Center for Inquiry has been saying for years: Pseudoscientific medicine is dangerous, and those who profit from it must be held accountable. 0:25:00 Skeptrack Repoert



An overview of the live online Skeptrack from Dragon*Con 2020.



http://www.skeptrack.com An overview of the live online Skeptrack from Dragon*Con 2020. 0:32:18 A visit to a New, New Age Vet



Can Map-you-luncher, Ke-ring Dlistals, Flo-me-lapthy, Skyo-blaptic, Free-tex-lolagy and Snerbal Stoop-alments save Henrietta the cat?



With the voice talents of Dr Angie Mattke and Pontus Böckman. 0:38:57 Australian Skeptics Newsletter



What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?



http://www.skeptics.com.au What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? Also Skeptics Cafe - Live Online Talk by Richard Saunders - 21 Sept. 8:30pm



https://www.facebook.com/theskepticscafe



Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au



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Yowies! Yowies!

Skeptrack Report Skeptrack Report

Map-You-Luncher? Map-You-Luncher? Skeptic Zone Promo

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The Skeptic Zone #621 - 5 September 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:03:43 Here's My Two Cents Worth. With Jennifer Hathorn



Jennifer takes us on a decades long journey through the madness that is Dragon*Con. What are some of the highlights involving skepticism? Find out about the time James Randi appeared with Alice Cooper. 0:13:47 LIVE from Skeptrack!



We talk to Dr Angie Mattke and Derek Colanduno from the studio floor ar virtual Dragon*Con. What's coming up this year on this live skeptical event?



http://www.skeptrack.com We talk toandfrom the studio floor ar virtual Dragon*Con. What's coming up this year on this live skeptical event? 0:21:02 Enter the Dragon (Con)



From the pages of 'The Skeptic', Richard Saunders reports on skepticism in the US - Dragon*Con and the Solano Stroll.



https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine/ From the pages of 'The Skeptic',reports on skepticism in the US - Dragon*Con and the Solano Stroll. Also Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au



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Two Cents Two Cents

LIVE from D*C LIVE from D*C

Dragon*Con Memories Dragon*Con Memories Skeptic Zone Promo

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The Skeptic Zone #620 - 30 August 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:03:50 A Dive into a Trove



A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the word "clairvoyant". Can we find a little wisdom from the past?



http://www.trove.nla.gov.au A wander through the decades of digitised Australian newspapers on a search for references to the word "clairvoyant". Can we find a little wisdom from the past? 0:20:10 Australian Skeptics Newsletter



What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week?



http://www.skeptics.com.au What skeptical news has caught the eye of Tim Mendham this week? 0:28:22 Online Trivia with Susan Gerbic



It's not all bad news in the lockdown. Find out how you can join in an online, world-wide trivia game every week. 0:33:33 Peril in the Bermuda Triangle



Do you dare take a tour in the mysterious Bermuda Triangle? If you do, expect the unexpected!



With the voice talent of Susan Gerbic. 0:38:44 More COVID-19 Craziness



A round up of stories and reports from the "far side" of COVID-19 conspiracies and foolishness.



https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/lizzy-rose-shows-coronavirus-symptoms-in-new-online-video-c-1263751 A round up of stories and reports from the "far side" of COVID-19 conspiracies and foolishness. https://www.perthnow.com.au/technology/celebrity-chef-pete-evans-spruiks-donald-trump-in-latest-video-ng-562377bc5cd261e4960b59ad0aa87010 https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/courts-law/magistrate-smacks-down-victorian-antimasker-mandy-crerar/news-story/68b9590042cbd302fffad44772ab8761 https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/magda-szubanski-targeted-by-conspiracy-theorists-after-coronavirus-safety-ad/news-story/0248a388cd48e268fcef236ad2a664f9 https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/kath-kim-comedian-magda-szubanski-accuses-chef-pete-evans-of-fat-shaming/news-story/56f365747e8a429501952edc2a1d6f4a

Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Online (Thursday 3 Sept. 7pm)



https://www.twitch.tv/australianskeptics Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au



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Online Newspapers Online Newspapers

Aust Skeptics Aust Skeptics

Online Trivia Online Trivia

Craziness Craziness Skeptic Zone Promo

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The Skeptic Zone #619 - 23 August 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:04:04 On the Search for those Elusive Ghosts



An interview with Beth Darlington in London, UK. A paranormal investigator who has a very open-minded and fair approach to investigating the claims of the paranormal.



https://www.accessparanormal.com An interview within London, UK. A paranormal investigator who has a very open-minded and fair approach to investigating the claims of the paranormal. 0:18:20 Logical Fallacies with Michelle Bijkersma



This week Michelle looks at "The Anecdotal Evidence Fallacy".



This is when you are swayed into taking up a position or belief based on isolated examples of data, poor data or personal experience, rather than reliable evidence.



A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:23:41 Typewriter Time



Before the mighty space ship Solar Flare charted unknown regions of the galaxy, its original namesake was on a less well-known mission to the moon.



With the voice talents of Jennifer Hathorn, Brian Dunning and Ben Radford. 0:30:52 More COVID-19 Foolishness



From the dangerous to the ridiculous. More stories of foolishness during this time of COVID-19.



https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/coronavirus-astrazeneca-vaccine-doctor-slams-covid19-antivaxxers/news-story/f16004f67ac400806ac9444f879f65bf



https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/pete-evans-labelled-hypocrite-for-covid19-safety-measures-in-byron-healing-clinic/news-story/1811d8ff5a5a43f840a662fce4bc2832



https://www.skeptics.com.au/2020/07/19/call-to-action-on-anti-vaccination-bus-tour From the dangerous to the ridiculous. More stories of foolishness during this time of COVID-19. 0:44:04 Let's have a Random Rant with Dr Paulie



Dr Paulie looks at a study about fighting COVID-19 misinformation on social media, and interviews Professor Tammy Hoffmann from the Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare at Bond University about critical thinking for school students.



https://bond.edu.au/profile/tammy-hoffmann Dr Paulie looks at a study about fighting COVID-19 misinformation on social media, and interviewsfrom the Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare at Bond University about critical thinking for school students. Also Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au



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Hello.. Ghosts. Hello.. Ghosts.

Logical Fallacies Logical Fallacies

NASA Coverup? NASA Coverup?

Critical Thinking in Schools Critical Thinking in Schools Skeptic Zone Promo

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The Skeptic Zone #618 - 16 August 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:05:18 Life is Wild. With Michelle Franklin



Seeds of Distress?



Back in July, Michelle saw a little story on facebook. Someone in America claiming to have received a package of seeds from China in the mail. They said they didn't order anything, but this little package labelled as earrings, but containing what looked like lemon seeds just showed up at their house one day in the mail. The story was about how the US department of Agriculture were asking that anyone who receives a package like that contact them to dispose of it safely. 0:14:08 Australian Skeptics Newsletter



A round up of news that comes across the desk at Australian Skeptics.



https://www.skeptics.com.au A round up of news that comes across the desk at Australian Skeptics. 0:20:06 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma



This week Michelle looks at "The Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy".



Also known as the "clustering illusion", this when you downplay or ignore information that doesn't support your argument, or point of view, and focus on information that seems to be more in line with what you would like to be true. It is also imposing meaning onto randomness.



A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:27:55 From the pages of 'The Skeptic'



Biblical shenanigans at Sydney's Townhall and the world according to Homoeopathy.



https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine Biblical shenanigans at Sydney's Townhall and the world according to Homoeopathy. Also Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au



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Stardust Special Edition



https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doughded/stardust-special-edition-foreword-by-richard-dawkins?ref=83hgz3

Seeds from China Seeds from China

Logical Fallacies Logical Fallacies

Australian Skeptics News Australian Skeptics News Skeptic Zone Promo

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The Skeptic Zone #617 - 9 August 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:05:18 Interview with Sue Ieraci



Sue is an Australian doctor and emergency specialist with more than three decades' experience in the public hospital system. She is a vocal advocate for improvements in Emergency Medicine, how it is viewed in the hospital framework and patient-centred care. Sue is a member of the Executive of Friends of Science in Medicine and she strongly promotes evidence based medicine.



https://www.scienceinmedicine.org.au Sue is an Australian doctor and emergency specialist with more than three decades' experience in the public hospital system. She is a vocal advocate for improvements in Emergency Medicine, how it is viewed in the hospital framework and patient-centred care. Sue is a member of the Executive of Friends of Science in Medicine and she strongly promotes evidence based medicine. 0:23:16 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma



This week Michelle looks at "The Appeal to Consequences".



This is when it's concluded that an idea or proposition is true or false because the consequences of it being true or false are desirable or undesirable to the one making the argument.



A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:28:53 Typewriter Time



Green complexion and blue spots on the toes. What can it mean for Lakeside hospital?



With the voice talent of Celestia Ward and Brian Dunning. 0:33:19 SovCits Invading Australia



More and more we are hearing news about "sovereign citizens", or "SovCits" for short, with some reports suggesting COVID-19 government restrictions have driven a surge of interest in this movement.



https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/coronavirus-victoria-sovereign-citizens-tactic-infuriating-cops/news-story/29a57a1004bd32780c5f078d501b61da



https://www.utas.edu.au/news/2020/7/28/1038-why-do-living-people-believe-they-have-immunity-from-the-law



https://skeptoid.com/blog/2013/10/14/the-legal-gibberish-of-freeman-on-the-land More and more we are hearing news about "sovereign citizens", or "SovCits" for short, with some reports suggesting COVID-19 government restrictions have driven a surge of interest in this movement. Also Canberra Skeptics



https://canberraskeptics.org



Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au



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Look out Quacks Look out Quacks

Logical Fallacies Logical Fallacies

You have the right to remain silly You have the right to remain silly Skeptic Zone Promo

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The Skeptic Zone #616 - 2 August 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:04:51 VAXXED Bus Banned



Blue Mountains City Council - Matter of Urgency - That the Council now considers a matter arising in relation to NSW Heath order and Council bookings by VAXXED Bus tour that has been ruled by the Mayor to be a matter of great urgency.



https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/documents/2020-07-28-council-meeting-unconfirmed-minutes Blue Mountains City Council - Matter of Urgency - That the Council now considers a matter arising in relation to NSW Heath order and Council bookings by VAXXED Bus tour that has been ruled by the Mayor to be a matter of great urgency. 0:10:30 Australian Skeptics Newsletter



Highlights from the recent newsletter from Australian Skeptics. Find out what's going on around the skeptical world and especially right here in Australia.



https://www.skeptics.com.au



https://canberraskeptics.org



https://www.facebook.com/events/604994790085985/ Highlights from the recent newsletter from Australian Skeptics. Find out what's going on around the skeptical world and especially right here in Australia. 0:19:47 Participating in the Predictions Project



Ease drop in on the very first meeting of the international prediction project participation partnership program. An interesting look into how to score and mark the homework of so-called psychics and mystics. With Richard Saunders and skeptics from all over the United States.



Follow Susan Gerbic on Facebook for details of Prediction Project Zoom meetings.



https://www.facebook.com/Gerbic Ease drop in on the very first meeting of the international prediction project participation partnership program. An interesting look into how to score and mark the homework of so-called psychics and mystics. With Richard Saunders and skeptics from all over the United States.Follow Susan Gerbic on Facebook for details of Prediction Project Zoom meetings. 0:33:45 Typewriter Time



A very short trip to another planet. 0:36:35 Ghost in a Box



Want to talk with dead people? Ari Moore says there's an app for that.



It doesn't take much time on YouTube before the video-hosting website's algorithm will automatically recommend a video referring to the paranormal. Hundreds of paranormal investigation channels promote their 'research' on the platform, with larger channels reaching upwards of 1 million subscribers. A recent trend in YouTube paranormal entertainment has content creators using smartphone 'spirit box' apps to communicate with whatever spirits and/or demons are in the vicinity.



https://www.skeptics.com.au/the-magazine Want to talk with dead people?says there's an app for that.It doesn't take much time on YouTube before the video-hosting website's algorithm will automatically recommend a video referring to the paranormal. Hundreds of paranormal investigation channels promote their 'research' on the platform, with larger channels reaching upwards of 1 million subscribers. A recent trend in YouTube paranormal entertainment has content creators using smartphone 'spirit box' apps to communicate with whatever spirits and/or demons are in the vicinity. Also Sydney Skeptics in the Pub Online



https://www.meetup.com/austskeptics



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Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au

Going Nowhere Fast Going Nowhere Fast

Newsletter Newsletter

With a little help from my friends With a little help from my friends

Are you there, spirits? Are you there, spirits? Skeptic Zone Promo

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The Skeptic Zone #615 - 26 July 2020 Show Notes 0:00:00 Introduction

Richard Saunders 0:04:13 Pete Evans, what a Tweet



Criticism has been levelled against celebrity chef Pete Evans for a recent tweet in which he seemed to discourage the wearing of face masks.



https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/pete-evans-suggests-followers-should-stop-wearing-face-masks/news-story/354b3edc7b50bb5b2ef4d763e20f756c Criticism has been levelled against celebrity cheffor a recent tweet in which he seemed to discourage the wearing of face masks. 0:10:14 Live Psychic Reading



We chat to Susan Gerbic and a host of skeptics with their comments on a live psychic reading. Were we amazed, suprised or disapointed by what the psychic said?



WIth Celestia Ward, Pontus Böckman, Kenny Biddle, Leonard Tramiel and Wendy Hughes.



https://youtu.be/7PyZ3pPxKs0 We chat toand a host of skeptics with their comments on a live psychic reading. Were we amazed, suprised or disapointed by what the psychic said?WIth Celestia Ward, Pontus Böckman, Kenny Biddle, Leonard Tramiel and Wendy Hughes. 0:20:29 VAXXED Bus - Delivers COVID-19 Conspiracies and Bad Advice



Australian Skeptics has issued a warning and call to action to Australian media, medical professionals, and local councils regarding the current anti-vaccination ‘revival’ tour of rural and regional Australia.



https://www.skeptics.com.au/2020/07/19/call-to-action-on-anti-vaccination-bus-tour/ Australian Skeptics has issued a warning and call to action to Australian media, medical professionals, and local councils regarding the current anti-vaccination ‘revival’ tour of rural and regional Australia. 0:31:24 Logical Fallacies. With Michelle Bijkersma



This week Michelle looks at "No True Scotsman".



This interesting sounding fallacy comes from the notion that all Scotsmen are brave and if one turns out to be a coward, then he can not really be a true Scotsman.



A Logical Fallacy is an error we can make in reasoning, but it usually crops up when we are discussing or arguing our point of view. 0:37:00 Typewriter Time



Water, water everywhere......



With the voice talent of Beth Darlington 0:40:57 The Book of Tim. With Tim Mendham



What Goes Around - Psychics, Writers, Psychologists and Imbibers.



http://www.skeptics.com.au - Psychics, Writers, Psychologists and Imbibers. Also Star Trek Continues



https://www.startrekcontinues.com Skepticon 2020



https://www.skepticon.org.au



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What a Tweet What a Tweet

Hanging on the line Hanging on the line

Road to Nowhere Road to Nowhere

Logical Fallacies Logical Fallacies

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The Vaccination Chonicles Solar Flare Featuring



Verna Morris, Maureen Chuck, Ken McLeod, Monica Saville, Dr Richard Gordon, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, John Bundock, Peter Bowditch and Lauren Cochrane with Ada and Jack. YouTube

http://youtu.be/mTprFOmIjIg The Band of Power



Join the cast of the Skeptic Zone Podcast, and host of special guests, in their first audio adventure as they board the Australian Space Ship Solar Flare to fight the forces of woo thoughout the galaxy! Also featuring the hit song

FAR by George Hrab. It's old time radio from the future! Solar Flare episode 1

Free Origami Posters

Cranes



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by Richard Saunders Pigasus



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by Richard Saunders Cranes on Matches



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by Richard Saunders Ducks on a Coin



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by Richard Saunders

The Skeptic Zone Podcast is an independent production by Richard Saunders and the team of reporters. The views and opinions expressed on the Skeptics Zone Podcast are not necessarily those Australian Skeptics Inc. or any other skeptical organisation.