Token Skeptic 235 - On Zealot: A Book About Cults
Token Skeptic Podcast
"Zealot: A Book About Cults" by Jo Thornley is published by Hachette and is available online as well as bookstores. We started this Token Skeptic interview by chatting about how "Zealot" came to be.
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Token Skeptic 234 - On Animals, Language, Koko and Wish Fulfilment
Token Skeptic Podcast
The idea that animals have the potential to talk is an alluring one; from the mathematical stunts of , to research on parrots, dolphins and chimps - . It's interesting, exciting and even cute - but is it really true that animals have language? After the recent passing of , I spoke to about the hopes we have about being the next Dr Dolittle, and just how realistic those hopes are. Daniel is a lecturer in applied linguistics at Edith Cowan University, and at the University of Western Australia, as well as a presenter on the popular language podcast . ****************************** A...
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Token Skeptic 233 - On Complementary Medicine Laws In Australia and Choice Campaign
Token Skeptic Podcast
Hundreds of such as "tonifies kidney essence" and "opens body orifices" could appear on complementary medicine labels under Their campaign points out that "Proposed laws could see dangerous and potentially misleading claims on therapeutic goods, especially complementary and alternative medicines like herbal and homeopathic treatments. It means that products can claim to decrease the time it takes to fall asleep or help maintain healthy heart function without having scientific evidence to back their claims." I spoke to Katinka Day, the Campaigns Policy Team Leader at...
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Token Skeptic 232 - On Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder
Token Skeptic Podcast
is 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 appeared in a number of television programmes for broadcasters such as the BBC, and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts (NESTA) and...
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Token Skeptic 231 - On The Woman Who Fooled The World
Token Skeptic Podcast
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 app, was a fraud tracks the 23-year-old's rise to fame and fall from grace. Told through interviews with the people who know her best, it unravels the mystery and motivation behind this deception and follows the public reaction to a...
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Token Skeptic 230 - How To Be Reasonable
Token Skeptic Podcast
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 about How To Be Reasonable – you can find the book on Amazon and check out her website at *********** A quick note about supporting the podcasts! Check...
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Token Skeptic 229 - Internet Tests, Manus Island And Podcast Trends
Token Skeptic Podcast
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. … and Dr Krishnun Sansurooah joined me to tell us how it went. *********** About a month ago, the Manus Island Regional Processing Centre closed down. More than a thousand displaced refugees are now left in a vulnerable state after being moved to an alternative location. As the tensions surround the island's Regional...
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Token Skeptic 228 - Australia Enters The Space Race (?) - Interview With Paul Willis
Token Skeptic Podcast
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. Science Communicator spoke to me about the developments on The Mag for RTRFM. ******** A quick note about supporting the podcasts! Check out – and...
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Token Skeptic 227 - On Wellmania: Misadventures in the Search for Wellness by Brigid Delaney
Token Skeptic Podcast
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?
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Token Skeptic 226 - On My Dad Wrote a Porno - Interview With Jamie Morton
Token Skeptic Podcast
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 "" 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 ). With over 50 million downloads, there’s bound to be a few fans of the pots and pans industry in the audience. RTRFM reporter Kylie Sturgess asked Jamie about what was it like when the show first started getting downloads......
info_outlineThis is going to be one interesting tour...
Essentially, the fact that every show is different (apart from host and the following guests you can see pictured above) means that you're not entirely sure what you're going to get.
Maybe Sydney will have flying. Melbourne could involve cake-throwing. I'm seriously planning for Perth to involve a fiesta on the high street. They had The Cure turn up at one of their London gigs, so you never know what local talent they may be able to find.
At any rate, I got the chance to speak to most of the performers in the show for this little special episode and if you'd like to get in touch for more details (especially if you're a Patreon!), the link is http://cosmicshambleslive.com.
Here's the interview with Robin Ince, Trent Burton, Josie Long and Matt Parker about the forthcoming Cosmic Shambles Tour of Australia and NZ .
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The Atheist Foundation of Australia and Cerebral Events Ltd (NZ), in association with Trunkman Productions (UK), proudly presents Cosmic Shambles LIVE, in Australia and New Zealand.
Cosmic Shambles LIVE is a variety show that celebrates curiosity and reason, an explosion of science, comedy, music and general wonder, with a great sense of fun. Hosted by comedian and writer Robin Ince, best known for co-hosting The Infinite Monkey Cage, and joined by a cast of world leading scientists, comedians and performers - this is a show that will make you laugh and make you think.
As the show travels across Australia and New Zealand, many local acts and scientists will be incorporated into the show, making for a unique and different experience with every performance. Each show will be packed with surprises and secret guests.
Make sure you're are on board for what is bound to be a series of nights like no other. Funky sounds! Nerdy wonders! Dazzling spreadsheets! Confused earthworms! And everything else besides.
Part proceeds from the show will be going to great charities like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
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A quick note about supporting the podcasts! Check out https://www.patreon.com/kyliesturgess – and consider becoming a Patreon for these shows. Thanks to RTRFM for their support, especially producer Peter Barr.
Theme songs “Cosgrove” by Pogo, from http://pogomix.net and “Leap Second” by Milton Mermikides, of www.miltonmermikides.com. Additional ambient music from Jukedeck – create your own at jukedeck.com.
This episode is brought to you with thanks to Patreon supporters – they include: Steven, Andrew, Dr T, Paul, Gerry, Josh, Kathy, Linley, Gold, Iggy, Lukas, Finch and Andrew.
Thanks to everyone who contributes and please consider joining to help continue these shows at patreon.com/kyliesturgess.
Please leave positive comments and reviews on iTunes and consider supporting the show via visiting Tokenskeptic.org – and I’d love to get your feedback via [email protected].