Token Skeptic Podcast
Kylie Sturgess
Kylie Sturgess
Token Skeptic Podcast
Kylie Sturgess
Kylie Sturgess

About

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.

Episodes

  • Token Skeptic 235 - On Zealot: A Book About Cults
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 234 - On Animals, Language, Koko and Wish Fulfilment
    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?...
  • Token Skeptic 233 - On Complementary Medicine Laws In Australia and Choice Campaign
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 232 - On Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 231 - On The Woman Who Fooled The World
    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:...
  • Token Skeptic 230 - How To Be Reasonable
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 229 - Internet Tests, Manus Island And Podcast Trends
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 228 - Australia Enters The Space Race (?) - Interview With Paul Willis
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 227 - On Wellmania: Misadventures in the Search for Wellness by Brigid Delaney
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 226 - On My Dad Wrote a Porno - Interview With Jamie Morton
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 225 - March For Science - Perth WA
    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...
  • Token Skeptic Special Episode – The Perth Writers Festival Interviews
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 224 - On How Safe are Herbal Medicines - Interview With Dr Garth Maker
    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. , cancer 'cures' and the like, there's a call for increased scrutiny...
  • Token Skeptic 223 - Override: My Quest to go Beyond Brain Training and Take Control of my Mind
    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 " went off on a world-wide mission to find the answer. Visiting top neuroscientists in their...
  • Token Skeptic 222 – On Homeopathy: The Undiluted Facts
    Merry Christmas! One of the great things about the holiday break is the opportunity to get some reading done – and has a new book out this year. This book traces the genesis, principles and practice of homeopathy, and discusses the reasons for...
  • Token Skeptic Special Episode - Cosmic Shambles Live
    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...
  • Token Skeptic 221 - On No Alternative To Cancer Interview with Dr Paul Willis
    Every year, thousands of Australians are suffering and dying prematurely because of alternative cancer treatments, according to a special investigation by The video (part of a series) is called The report details the distressingly high number of...
  • Token Skeptic 220 - On Fair Game: The Untold Story of Scientology In Australia
    As astonishing as it is compelling - is investigative journalism at its very best. From Rugby League players trying to improve their game, to Hollywood superstars and the depressed sons of media moguls, Scientology has recruited its share of famous...
  • Token Skeptic 218 - On The Quest For Wonder
    in association with the Science Museum are proud to announce a brand new six-part episode mini series, The Quest For Wonder, starring Professor Brian Cox, Robin Ince and their puppet counterparts. The show will be a fun-filled caper through the...
  • Token Skeptic 217 - On The Idiot Brain And The Elegant Universe
    Welcome to Episode #217 of the Token Skeptic podcast! Dr Dean Burnett is a neuroscientist working as a tutor and lecturer based at Cardiff University's Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences. His Guardian Science blog, 'Brain...