Token Skeptic Podcast
Why do we believe weird things? What does feminine intuition really mean? How do you become an effective activist for science and reason? Are you ready for a monthly show that poses these questions and more? Tune into the Token Skeptic for a slightly more skeptical look at stories in the news, urban legends, good science, pseudoscience, and what makes popular culture pop. Hosted and produced by philosophy teacher and radio broadcaster Kylie Sturgess.
Episodes
Why would anyone join a cult?
Maybe they're unhappy with their current religion, or they want to change the world, or they're disappointed with their lives and want to find something bigger or holier that makes sense of this confusing, chaotic and dangerous world.
Or maybe they just want to give themselves the best possib...
The idea that animals have the potential to talk is an alluring one; from the mathematical stunts of Clever Hans, to research on parrots, dolphins and chimps - just look at viral BBC footage of a gopher yelling "Alan". It's interesting, exciting and even cute - but is it really true that animals have language?
After the recent passing of Koko the Gorilla, I spoke to Daniel Midgley about the hopes we have about being ...
Hundreds of bizarre health claims such as "tonifies kidney essence" and "opens body orifices" could appear on complementary medicine labels under new laws being pushed by the Australian federal government.
Their campaign poin...
Mr Shaha's Recipes for Wonderis a science book with a difference, written by Alom Shaha, illustrated by Emily Robertson and published by Scribble Kids Books. Alom was born in Bangladesh but grew up in London; as a parent, teacher, science writer, and filmmaker, he has spent most of his professional life trying to share his passion for science and education with the public.
Alom has produced, directed, and...
Belle Gibson convinced the world she had healed herself from terminal brain cancer with a healthy diet. She built a global business based upon her claims. There was just one problem: she'd never had cancer.
In 2015, journalists uncovered the truth: this hero of the wellness world, with over 200,000 followers, international book deals, and a best-selling smartphone...
How To Be Reasonable (By Someone Who Tried Everything Else) is a primer on critical thinking and an introduction to scientific skepticism that will empower you to see the world a little bit more clearly.
The world is a strange, scary and beautiful place. and author and artist Rebecca Fox suggests that being reasonable helps you to wonder at the strange, avoid the scary and celebrate the beauty.
I interviewed Rebecca ...
Free WIFI - two words that many people love to hear. But how many people read the terms and conditions before they connect to it?
Accessing wireless points that you don't know where it originates from can be risky and harmful to your confidential information.
Edith Cowan University researchers did some testing by setting up some rather interesting WIFI networks around Perth… and Dr Krishnun Sansurooah joined me to...
The recent news that Australia is getting its own Space Agency is one sure to affect the entire nation - but should we be so eager so fast?
The Federal Government has announced its plans to cash in on a $420 billion aeronautical industry and create thousands of new jobs, which coincided with the 69th International Astronautical Congress which is being held in Adelaide this week.
Cold-pressed juices, quitting sugar, Paleo, hot yoga, mindfulness … if you embrace these things you will be happy, you will be well – just ask Instagram. Wellness has become a global mega-industry. But does any of this stuff actually work?
Feeling exhausted, anxious and out of shape, journalist Brigid Delaney decides to find out – using herself as the guinea pig. Starting with a brutal 101-day fast, Brigid tests ...
It started around a kitchen table, three friends reading out the erotic work of a retired dad – and now it's a podcasting sensation.
Jamie Morton of "My Dad Wrote A Porno" podcast never expected that "Belinda Blinked" (written by his dad, known only as "Rocky Flintstone") - would eventually lead to a live touring show, that is touring Australia (and heads to Perth's Astor Theatre on the 24th August).
With over...
The March For Science is an international phenomenon - a stand for solidarity, for education, for inclusivity and for diversity in the field and for the importance of science to be understood and promoted by not just scientists, but policy makers and the public.
Here are some vox pops and speeches from the rally that was held at the Perth March for Science on the 22nd April, 2017, at Forrest Chase, Perth, Western Australia. Ma...
The Perth Writers Festival comes to town and it was a great chance to interview a range of talented authors taking part in the festivities.
My interviews are with:
- Ben Rawlence - his book City of Thorns is about Northern Kenya - the home of the world's largest refugee camp, with half a million people. Opening Night speaker at the Perth International Arts Festival.
- Candice Fox - her first novel, H...
How safe are herbal medicines?
In 2011, just over a billion dollars was spent on alternative medicines in Australia, many of which come with unproven efficacy claims.
After reports on mainstream media in Australia about the efficacy of alternative medicine, cancer 'cures' and the like, there's a call for increased scrutiny about what's being offered to the public in the name of 'health supplements'.
Murdoch University B...
Can you really rewire an adult brain?
In theory the answer is 'yes', but there's a problem: no one seems to know exactly how to do it!
In her new book "Override: My Quest to go Beyond Brain Training and Take Control of my Mind", science journalist Caroline Williams went off on a world-wide mission to find the answer.
Visiting top neuroscientists in thei...
Merry Christmas! One of the great things about the holiday break is the opportunity to get some reading done – and Edzard Ernst has a new book out this year.
This book traces the genesis, principles and practice of homeopathy, and discusses the reasons for its enduring popularity. Ironically, while modern medicine has changed beyond recognition, homeopathy, with its roots in alchemy and metaphysics, continues to be pract...
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