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Richard Saunders (skeptic)

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Richard Saunders is an Australian scientific skeptic and podcaster. In 2001, he was awarded a life membership by Australian Skeptics[1] and has twice served as their president.[2][3] He has presented on skepticism, represented the Australian Skeptics on television and radio shows, and is the co-host of The Skeptic Zone podcast.

Richard Saunders
At New Zealand Skeptics conference in 2016
Born
Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia
Known forScepticism advocacy
Website
Richard Saunders Voice
recorded in March 2014
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Early life

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Saunders was born in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia.[1] His father, R. H. Saunders, a reverend, was posted in Tribune, Saskatchewan, where he lived in 1968 and 1969.[4]

Professional career

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Web design

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After graduating from high school, Saunders joined educational publisher Ashton Scholastic and sold educational software for Apple II and Commodore 64 home computers. He also worked as a web designer for The Advance Bank of Australia and Commonwealth Bank[2] and in 1999 was transferred to EDS, where he designed the interface for netBank online banking and worked for two years[citation needed] before joining GreenStone Pty Ltd as a web designer for three years.[citation needed]

Acting

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Saunders appeared in the background of Superman Returns[5] and Home and Away.[6]

In 2013, he was invited to be a member of the "World Competition Jury" at Academia Film Olomouc's 48th International Festival of Science Documentary Films or AFO48 in the Czech Republic.[7] He also gave a lecture on the claims of water divining as part of the "Pseudoscience" block and a lecture and workshops on origami as part of the "Beauty of Numbers" block.[8][9][10]

Professional sceptic

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Saunders speaking to the New Zealand Skeptics 2016

As a teenager, he became a scientific skeptic after watching television documentaries on the subject.[11][5] In 2001, he became a member of the Australian Skeptics committee, later becoming president and vice president[2][12] of the organisation. He was later awarded a life membership in the organisation[1] and as of 2023 was their Chief Investigator.[13] In 2013, he described himself as an "old school skeptic" interested in the paranormal and consumer protection, but uninvolved in religious debates.[14]

He initiated The Skeptic Tank radio show on Net.FM with Stefan Sojka,[15] produced The Australian Skeptics collection on "Theories of Everything" for TVS local Sydney TV, and created several of the Australians Skeptics convention DVDs. He was the acting artistic director and layout manager for The Skeptic Magazine from Australian Skeptics until Tim Mendham was appointed the new editor in June 2009.

In 2003, Saunders co-founded Mystery Investigators with Alynda Brown and Ian Bryce. The program teaches students to use science and critical thinking to investigate claims of the paranormal, such as water divining, spoon bending, and firewalking.[16][17] In 2008 Brown left the show and was replaced by biologist Rachael Dunlop. In 2013, the show celebrated 10 years of performing.[citation needed]

In December 2009, Saunders conducted an informal double-blind test of the popular Power Balance hologram bracelet on the Australian television program Today Tonight. The results of the test showed evidence that the holograms' effect wasn't different than a placebo.[18][19] Saunders had previously demonstrated how someone could put together a convincing demonstration to deceive people about the effect of the product.[20] In 2011, Power Balance had to recognize the marketing claims made about the product were not supported by science and paid a large settlement in response to a lawsuit [21][22] He also penned a letter to Australian pharmacies in March 2009 asking them to take products not backed by medicine off the shelves, such as homeopathic preparations and magnetic pain relief devices.[23]

In 2010 he helped organise the first The Amaz!ng Meeting Australia in Sydney. The meeting featured presentations by several high-profile members of the skeptical community, including James Randi, Brian Dunning, and Eugenie Scott.[17]

Public and media appearances

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Saunders is frequently interviewed by the media as an expert on consumer protection and the paranormal, notably the Australian Broadcasting Corporation[13][24] and international media.[25][26]

In 2007 he did a recurring segment for the Mike Williams Saturday Night Live radio program called Myths and Mysteries.[27] In 2011 and 2012 he was a regular on The Dirty Disbelievers, a radio program on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio network.[28]

In July and August 2008 (series #1) and in 2011 (series #2), Saunders appeared as the resident sceptic judge on The One, an Australian reality television program on the Seven Network that tested the powers of several alleged psychics.[2][29][30][31][32]

Saunders produced the Vaccination Chronicles in 2014. The film is a 30-minute documentary collects first-hand anecdotes about the horrors faced by parents of recent generations, whose children died from diseases which are now preventable with vaccines.[33]

Podcasting

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Saunders (left) in 2015, on the Podcaster Panel at TAM13

Saunders was producer and host of The Tank Vodcast (aka The Skeptic Tank).[34] In 2008 this podcast became The Skeptic Zone podcast, which released its 500th episode on 19 May 2018.[5] It is produced weekly and is billed as "The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason".[35] Saunders has produced every episode of The Skeptic Zone podcast.[5]

Saunders has also appeared as a guest on many other podcasts and vodcasts including The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe,[36][37] Skepticality,[38] Dragon*Pod,[39][40][41] The Reason Driven Podcast,[42] The Amateur Scientist Podcast,[43] Bad Psychics TV,[44] and Meet The Skeptics!.[17]

Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project

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In 2020 Saunders assembled an international team of sceptics to help him complete a project he had been working on since at least 2018, dubbed the "Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project". As of 2021, the project found psychic predictions to have an 11% success rate, out of 3224 predictions, with approximately 650 yet to be evaluated.[45][46][47] In addition to Saunders, the team includes Adrienne Hill, Michelle Bijkersma, Rob Palmer, Leonard Tramiel, Paula Lauterbach, Louis Hillman, Wendy Hughes, Angie Mattke, Kelly Burke and Susan Gerbic. [48]

The project aims to systematically gather and assess psychic predictions that have been published in Australia since the year 2000. These predictions cover a wide range of topics, predominantly related to Australia, including politics, scandals, celebrities, natural disasters, real estate trends, sports, and weather patterns. The project's creator, Richard Saunders, expressed the intention of using this collection to examine the accuracy of these predictions.[48]

Awards and honours

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List of publications

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  • Saunders, Richard; Morris, Campbell; Mackness, Brian (1988). Aussiegami : paperfolding Down Under – just for fun. Melbourne: Lothian Publishing.
  • Saunders, Richard; Mackness, Brian (1989). Prehistoric Aussiegami : paperfolding Down Under dinosaurs ... for fun. Melbourne: Lothian Publishing.
  • Saunders, Richard; Mackness, Brian (1990). Horrorgami: Spooky Paperfolding Just for Fun. Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Lothian Publishing Co. ISBN 0-85091-380-2.
  • Mackness, Brian; Saunders, Richard; Saunders, Geoff (1990). Food Tricks. Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Barnacle Publishing. ISBN 1-86338-013-2.
  • Mackness, Brian; Saunders, Richard; Saunders, Geoff (1990). Paper Tricks. Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Barnacle Publishing. ISBN 1-86338-009-4.
  • Saunders, Richard; Mackness, Brian (1990). Boats. Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Barnacle Publishing. ISBN 1-86338-002-7.
  • Saunders, Richard; Mackness, Brian (1990). Decorations. Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Barnacle Publishing. ISBN 1-86338-008-6.
  • Saunders, Richard; Mackness, Brian (1990). Games. Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Barnacle Publishing. ISBN 1-86338-001-9.
  • Saunders, Richard; Mackness, Brian (1990). Hats. Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Barnacle Publishing. ISBN 1-86338-006-X.
  • Saunders, Richard; Mackness, Brian (1990). Masks. Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Barnacle Publishing. ISBN 1-86338-005-1.
  • Saunders, Richard; Mackness, Brian (1990). Planes. Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Barnacle Publishing. ISBN 1-86338-007-8.
  • Saunders, Richard; Mackness, Brian (1990). Toys. Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Barnacle Publishing. ISBN 1-86338-003-5.
  • Saunders, Richard; Roche, Brad (February 1992). The Eyespy Book of Boredom Busters. Sydney, Australia: Ashton Scholastic. ISBN 0-86896-882-X.
  • Saunders, Richard; Davis, Michael (April 1992). The Eyespy Book of Dinosaur Data. Sydney, Australia: Ashton Scholastic. ISBN 0-86896-887-0.
  • Saunders, Richard; Davis, Michael (July 1992). The Eyespy Book of Aussie Action. Sydney, Australia: Ashton Scholastic. ISBN 0-86896-884-6.
  • Saunders, Richard; Somers, Greg (July 1992). The Eyespy Book of Magic Tricks. Sydney, Australia: Ashton Scholastic. ISBN 0-86896-886-2.
  • Saunders, Richard; Davis, Michael (July 1992). Lucky's Favourite Jokes. Sydney, Australia: Ashton Scholastic. ISBN 0-86896-897-8.
  • Saunders, Richard; Spoor, Mike (September 1992). The Eyespy Book of Animal Disguises. Sydney, Australia: Ashton Scholastic. ISBN 0-86896-881-1.
  • Saunders, Richard; Martin, John (October 1992). The Eyespy Book of Christmas Gifts to Make. Sydney, Australia: Ashton Scholastic. ISBN 0-86896-888-9.
  • Saunders, Richard (1992). Animals. Roseville, NSW, Australia: Lineup. ISBN 0-646-09445-9.
  • Saunders, Richard (1992). Decorations for All Occasions. Roseville, NSW, Australia: Lineup. ISBN 0-646-09446-7.
  • Saunders, Geoff; Saunders, Richard (1992). Surfing. Roseville, NSW, Australia: Lineup. ISBN 0-646-10193-5.
  • Saunders, Geoff; Saunders, Richard; Gamble, Kim (1992). Tennis. Roseville, NSW, Australia: Lineup. ISBN 0-646-10192-7.
  • Alabaster, Jo; Saunders, Richard; Bowditch, Peter; Mendham, Tim (December 2014). "Is anyone there?" (PDF). The Skeptic. 34 (4). Australian Skeptics: 10–14. Retrieved 15 March 2016. Review of the Australian Paranormal & Spiritual Expo, Oct 2014.
  • Bowditch, Peter; Saunders, Richard; Mendham, Tim (December 2014). "Fair's fare : purchasing the paranormal" (PDF). The Skeptic. 34 (4). Australian Skeptics: 15–16. Retrieved 15 March 2016. Review of the Australian Paranormal & Spiritual Expo, Oct 2014.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Victorian Skeptics: Richard Saunders". Victorian Skeptics, Australian Skeptics. Archived from the original on 14 September 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d "The One: Judge – Richard Saunders". Yahoo 7 TV Australia. Archived from the original on 23 July 2008. Retrieved 6 December 2008.
  3. ^ "Group Info: New South Wales (Australian Skeptics Inc.)", Australian Skeptics website, Australian Skeptics Inc., archived from the original on 17 May 2013, retrieved 16 May 2013
  4. ^ Richard Saunders (28 March 2021). "The Skeptic Zone". The Skeptic Zone (Podcast). Richard Saunders. Event occurs at 1:03:00. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d Palmer, Rob (2 July 2018). "Celebrating 500". skepticalinquirer.org. Archived from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
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  7. ^ "AFO 48: Competition Juries". Olomouc, Czech Republic: Academia Film Olomouc. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  8. ^ "Výzva pro AFO48: Odhalit krásu matematiky" [Call for AFO48: Discover the beauty of mathematics] (in Czech). Olomouc, Czech Republic: Academia Film Olomouc. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  9. ^ "Souboj vědy s mýtem na AFO48 rozsoudí Richard Saunders" [Clash of science toll on AFO48 judge Richard Saunders] (in Czech). Olomouc, Czech Republic: Academia Film Olomouc. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
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  16. ^ Plait, Phil (3 May 2005). "Mystery Investigators". Slate. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  17. ^ a b c Brown, Christopher. "Meet Richard Saunders". Meet the Skeptics! Podcast. Archived from the original on 13 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  18. ^ Hall, Harriet (23 May 2011). "Power Balance Products: A Skeptical Look". Device Watch. Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
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  20. ^ Hutchinson, Alex (2 May 2011). "Bad Science". The Globe and Mail. ProQuest 864186299. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via ProQuest.
  21. ^ "BANKRUPT?". HuffPost. 21 November 2011. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  22. ^ "Power Balance Hit With $57 Million Settlement; Declares Bankruptcy". CBS News Sacramento. 21 November 2011. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  23. ^ Roberts, Simone (1 June 2009). "What's the alternative?". Pharmacy News. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via Proquest.
  24. ^ Leary, Jesse (15 August 2008). "Bigfoot still out there, despite hoax video". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via ProQuest.
  25. ^ "Aussie man says Mary and Jesus image in lava lamp blessed his life". Hindustan Times. 16 January 2009. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via ProQuest.
  26. ^ "Three-cheese pizza with Jesus' face up for grabs on eBay in Oz". Asian News International. 30 March 2011. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via ProQuest.
  27. ^ "Myths and Mysteries with Richard Saunders". Mystery Investigators. Archived from the original on 7 July 2009. Retrieved 6 December 2008.
  28. ^ Maynard (23 January 2012), The Dirty Disbelievers, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, archived from the original on 15 May 2013, retrieved 16 May 2013, Take the red pill AND the blue pill on ABC Digital Radio across Australia
  29. ^ Ellliot, Tim (7 July 2008), "Just act paranormal", The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Digital, Fairfax Media, OCLC 226369741, archived from the original on 2 November 2012, retrieved 16 May 2013
  30. ^ McWhirter, Erin (2 July 2008). "Power of one". Herald Sun. p. 4. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via ProQuest.
  31. ^ Robson, Lou (3 July 2008). "Witches brave the fires of scepticism". Green Guide. The Age. Victoria, Australia.
  32. ^ Deavin, Gemma (22 July 2008). "Three Questions: Richard Saunders". Sydney Morning Herald. p. 16. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via Proquest.
  33. ^ Susan Gerbic (24 August 2017). "Enter the Skeptic Zone: An Interview with CSICon Speaker, Richard Saunders". Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  34. ^ "The Tank: Skeptics on the radio". Australian Skeptics website. Australian Skeptics Inc. April 2009. Archived from the original on 24 April 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  35. ^ "Skeptical Podcasts from Australia: The Skeptic Zone", Australian Skeptics website, Australian Skeptics Inc., 12 July 2009, archived from the original on 3 May 2013, retrieved 16 May 2013, The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason
  36. ^ Novella, Steven; Watson, Rebecca; Novella, Jay; Novella, Robert; Bernstein, Evan (hosts) (27 September 2007), "Episode #114", The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe, New England Skeptical Society, archived from the original (podcast) on 12 October 2007, retrieved 6 December 2008
  37. ^ Novella, Steven; Watson, Rebecca; Novella, Jay; Novella, Robert; Bernstein, Evan (hosts) (26 August 2008). Episode #162. The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe. New England Skeptical Society. Archived from the original (podcast) on 14 September 2008. Retrieved 6 December 2008.
  38. ^ McCarthy, Robynn; Colanduno, Derek (2 November 2005), "Episode #22: The Australian Skeptic – Interview: Richard Saunders", Skepticality, Skeptic Magazine, archived from the original on 22 April 2021, retrieved 27 November 2011
  39. ^ "Panel 2 – Videocasting 101", Dragon*Pod, Dragon*Con, 8 September 2008, archived from the original on 5 October 2011, retrieved 6 December 2008
  40. ^ "Panel 4 – Podcasting United Nations", Dragon*Pod, Dragon*Con, 8 September 2008, archived from the original on 5 October 2011, retrieved 6 December 2008
  41. ^ "Panel 9 – PodSci, Science Podcasters Roundtable", Dragon*Pod, Dragon*Con, 8 September 2008, archived from the original on 5 October 2011, retrieved 6 December 2008
  42. ^ Schade, Danny; Lockwood, Mikyle (hosts) (January 2008), "Episode 12 – Providence and Superstition", The Reason Driven Podcast, archived from the original on 23 May 2011, retrieved 6 December 2008
  43. ^ "Episode 42". The Amateur Scientist Podcast (Podcast). AmateurScientist.org. 10 September 2008. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2008. Audio of show available as mp3 here Archived 31 August 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  44. ^ Brougham, William (10 December 2008), "BPTV: William Brougham Interviews Australian Skeptic Richard Saunders" (video), BadPsychics.blogspot.com, retrieved 11 December 2008[dead YouTube link]
  45. ^ Davies, Nathan (21 November 2021). "Sceptics unite in an age of misinformation for Skepticon 2021". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  46. ^ Melbourne, Vic (31 January 2022). "Psychic powers? You know, it's anyone's guess". The Age. p. 2. ProQuest 2623671928. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via ProQuest.
  47. ^ Simons, Daniel J.; Chabris, Christopher F. (2023). Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do about It. Basic Books. pp. Chapter 1. ISBN 978-1541602236.
  48. ^ a b Hill, Adrienne; Saunders, Richard (21 March 2021). "Psychic Scams: Not for Prophet" (PDF). Skeptics.com.au. Australian Skeptics. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 March 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021. With this new understanding of the potential damage that psychics can bring to people emotionally and financially, I looked forward to the opportunity of helping with Richard's project.
  49. ^ Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (7 February 2011), CSI announces new Fellows (press release), Amherst, NY, archived from the original on 30 June 2011, retrieved 7 August 2011{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
 
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