Richard Saunders (skeptic): Difference between revisions

Richard Saunders
Richard Saunders
	At New Zealand Skeptics conference in 2016
Born	Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia
Known for	Scepticism advocacy
Website	skepticzone.tv; mysteryinvestigators.com;

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Richard Saunders Voice

recorded in March 2014

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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.

Early life

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

Web design

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

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

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

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

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

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

2001 Made "Life Member" of Australian Skeptics, Inc.
2011 Made CSI Fellow (Committee for Skeptical Inquiry)^[49]

List of publications

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

^ ^a ^b ^c "Victorian Skeptics: Richard Saunders". Victorian Skeptics, Australian Skeptics. Archived from the original on 14 September 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
^ ^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.
^ "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
^ Richard Saunders (28 March 2021). "The Skeptic Zone". The Skeptic Zone (Podcast). Richard Saunders. Event occurs at 1:03:00. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
^ ^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.
^ "Richard Saunders: Adventures of an Australian Paranormal Investigator". Skeptical Science. 11 April 2013. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
^ "AFO 48: Competition Juries". Olomouc, Czech Republic: Academia Film Olomouc. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
^ "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.
^ "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.
^ Academia Film Olomouc (2013), "48th International Festival of Science Documentary Films" (PDF), catalog, Olomouc, Czech Republic: Profi-Tisk Group s.r.o., pp. 86, 91, ISBN 9788024434629, archived from the original (PDF) on 10 August 2013, retrieved 16 May 2013
^ Saunders, Richard (June 2015). "Birth of a Nation". The Skeptic. 35 (2): 53.
^ Hills, Surry (28 October 2006). "Sydney Sketches in the Pub". The Daily Telegraph. ProQuest 359458217. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via ProQuest.
^ ^a ^b Baker, Emily (24 July 2023). "The psychic scams that are swindling Australians out of thousands of dollars" (Video). Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
^ Moynihan, Michael (16 August 2013). "James Randi, The Amazing Meeting, and the Bullshit Police". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
^ Saunders, Richard (Summer 2001). "Take an Internet Dip in The Skeptic Tank" (PDF). The Skeptic. 21 (4). New South Wales, Australia: Australian Skeptics Inc.: 65. ISSN 0726-9897. OCLC 173343236. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 February 2014.
^ Plait, Phil (3 May 2005). "Mystery Investigators". Slate. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Brown, Christopher. "Meet Richard Saunders". Meet the Skeptics! Podcast. Archived from the original on 13 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
^ 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.
^ Bryan Farha, Michael Shermer (2014). Pseudoscience and Deception: The Smoke and Mirrors of Paranormal Claims. Maryland: University Press of America, Inc. p. 70. ISBN 978-0-7618-6292-5.
^ 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.
^ "BANKRUPT?". HuffPost. 21 November 2011. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
^ "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.
^ 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.
^ 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.
^ "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.
^ "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.
^ "Myths and Mysteries with Richard Saunders". Mystery Investigators. Archived from the original on 7 July 2009. Retrieved 6 December 2008.
^ 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
^ 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
^ 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.
^ Robson, Lou (3 July 2008). "Witches brave the fires of scepticism". Green Guide. The Age. Victoria, Australia.
^ 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.
^ 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.
^ "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.
^ "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
^ 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
^ 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.
^ 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
^ "Panel 2 – Videocasting 101", Dragon*Pod, Dragon*Con, 8 September 2008, archived from the original on 5 October 2011, retrieved 6 December 2008
^ "Panel 4 – Podcasting United Nations", Dragon*Pod, Dragon*Con, 8 September 2008, archived from the original on 5 October 2011, retrieved 6 December 2008
^ "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
^ 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
^ "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
^ Brougham, William (10 December 2008), "BPTV: William Brougham Interviews Australian Skeptic Richard Saunders" (video), BadPsychics.blogspot.com, retrieved 11 December 2008^{[dead YouTube link]}
^ 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.
^ 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.
^ 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.
^ ^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.
^ 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)

[VicSkeptics-1] "Victorian Skeptics: Richard Saunders". Victorian Skeptics, Australian Skeptics. Archived from the original on 14 September 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2009.

[YahooTVBio-2] "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.

[Palmer-5] Palmer, Rob (2 July 2018). "Celebrating 500". skepticalinquirer.org. Archived from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2021.

[6] "Richard Saunders: Adventures of an Australian Paranormal Investigator". Skeptical Science. 11 April 2013. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2022.

[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.

[10] Academia Film Olomouc (2013), "48th International Festival of Science Documentary Films" (PDF), catalog, Olomouc, Czech Republic: Profi-Tisk Group s.r.o., pp. 86, 91, ISBN 9788024434629, archived from the original (PDF) on 10 August 2013, retrieved 16 May 2013

[11] Saunders, Richard (June 2015). "Birth of a Nation". The Skeptic. 35 (2): 53.

[12] Hills, Surry (28 October 2006). "Sydney Sketches in the Pub". The Daily Telegraph. ProQuest 359458217. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023 – via ProQuest.

[EB-13] Baker, Emily (24 July 2023). "The psychic scams that are swindling Australians out of thousands of dollars" (Video). Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.

[14] Moynihan, Michael (16 August 2013). "James Randi, The Amazing Meeting, and the Bullshit Police". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.

[skeptank-15] Saunders, Richard (Summer 2001). "Take an Internet Dip in The Skeptic Tank" (PDF). The Skeptic. 21 (4). New South Wales, Australia: Australian Skeptics Inc.: 65. ISSN 0726-9897. OCLC 173343236. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 February 2014.

[16] Plait, Phil (3 May 2005). "Mystery Investigators". Slate. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.

[MTS-17] Brown, Christopher. "Meet Richard Saunders". Meet the Skeptics! Podcast. Archived from the original on 13 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.

[Hall2-18] 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.

[19] Bryan Farha, Michael Shermer (2014). Pseudoscience and Deception: The Smoke and Mirrors of Paranormal Claims. Maryland: University Press of America, Inc. p. 70. ISBN 978-0-7618-6292-5.

[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.

[HuffPo-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.

[Robson2008-31] 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.

[TANK-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.

[Hill-48] 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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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Short description|Australian-born sceptic and podcaster}}
+{{Advert|date=March 2021}}
-<noinclude>{{User:RMCD bot/subject notice|1=Richard Saunders (sceptic)|2=Talk:Richard Saunders (skeptic)#Requested move 9 August 2023}}
-</noinclude>{{Advert|date=March 2021}}
 {{Use Australian English|date=July 2011}}
 {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
@@ Line 12: / Line 11: @@
 | birth_date =
 | birth_place = [[Kurri Kurri, New South Wales]], Australia
-| known = Scepticism, author, podcaster
+| known = [[Scientific scepticism|Scepticism]] advocacy
 | title =
 | term =
@@ Line 23: / Line 22: @@
 | children =
 | relations =
+| website = {{ubl|{{URL|skepticzone.tv}}|{{URL|mysteryinvestigators.com}}}}
-| website = http://skepticzone.tv/ and http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com {{listen |filename=Richardsaunders.ogg |title= Richard Saunders Voice |description=recorded in March 2014 }}
 }}
+{{listen |filename=Richardsaunders.ogg |title= Richard Saunders Voice |description=recorded in March 2014 }}
-'''Richard Saunders''' is an Australian [[Scientific skepticism|sceptic]], [[podcast]]er and professional [[origami]]st. In 2001, he was awarded a life membership by [[Australian Skeptics]]<ref name="VicSkeptics"/> and has twice served as their president.<ref name="YahooTVBio"/><ref>{{citation | title = Group Info: New South Wales (Australian Skeptics Inc.) | url = http://www.skeptics.com.au/contact/nsw/ | publisher = Australian Skeptics Inc. | access-date = 2013-05-16 | work = Australian Skeptics website}}</ref> He founded [[Sydney Skeptics]] in the Pub.<ref name="InThePub">{{cite web | title = Sydney Skeptics in the Pub | publisher = Australian Skeptics | url = http://www.skeptics.com.au/events/inthepub.htm | access-date = 2009-06-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081119234340/http://www.skeptics.com.au./events/inthepub.htm | archive-date = 2008-11-19 }}</ref> 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''' is an Australian [[Scientific skepticism|scientific skeptic]] and [[podcast]]er. In 2001, he was awarded a life membership by [[Australian Skeptics]]<ref name="VicSkeptics"/> and has twice served as their president.<ref name="YahooTVBio"/><ref>{{citation | title = Group Info: New South Wales (Australian Skeptics Inc.) | url = http://www.skeptics.com.au/contact/nsw/ | publisher = Australian Skeptics Inc. | access-date = 2013-05-16 | work = Australian Skeptics website | archive-date = 17 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130517050329/http://www.skeptics.com.au/contact/nsw/ | url-status = live }}</ref> He has presented on skepticism, represented the Australian Skeptics on television and radio shows, and is the co-host of ''The Skeptic Zone'' [[podcast]].
 {{TOC limit|3}}
 ==Early life==
-Saunders was born in [[Kurri Kurri, New South Wales]], Australia,<ref name="VicSkeptics">{{cite web  | title = Victorian Skeptics: Richard Saunders | publisher = Victorian Skeptics, Australian Skeptics
+Saunders was born in [[Kurri Kurri, New South Wales]], Australia.<ref name="VicSkeptics">{{cite web  | title = Victorian Skeptics: Richard Saunders | publisher = Victorian Skeptics, Australian Skeptics
 | url = http://www.keypoint.com.au/~skeptics/Richard_Saunders  | access-date = 2009-06-12| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090914000938/http://www.keypoint.com.au/~skeptics/Richard_Saunders
-| archive-date = 2009-09-14}}</ref> and lived in [[Tribune, Saskatchewan]], Canada, in 1968 and 1969. His father R. H. Saunders was a [[reverend]], was posted there.<ref>{{cite podcast| url= https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-650-28march2021| title= The Skeptic Zone| website= The Skeptic Zone| publisher= Richard Saunders| host= Richard Saunders| date= 28 March 2021| time= 1:03:00| access-date= 30 March 2021}}</ref>
+| archive-date = 2009-09-14}}</ref> His father, R. H. Saunders, a [[reverend]], was posted in [[Tribune, Saskatchewan]], where he lived in 1968 and 1969.<ref>{{cite podcast| url= https://skepticzone.libsyn.com/the-skeptic-zone-650-28march2021| title= The Skeptic Zone| website= The Skeptic Zone| publisher= Richard Saunders| host= Richard Saunders| date= 28 March 2021| time= 1:03:00| access-date= 30 March 2021}}</ref>
 ==Professional career==
@@ Line 39: / Line 39: @@
 ===Acting===
-Saunders works as a part-time actor and a film and TV [[Extra (actor)|extra]], appearing in the background in such feature films as ''[[Superman Returns]]''<ref name = Palmer/> and [[Australia (2008 film)|''Australia'']]{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}} as well as in the background in the TV shows [[All Saints (TV series)|''All Saints'']]{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}} and ''[[Home and Away]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-04-11 |title=Richard Saunders: Adventures of an Australian Paranormal Investigator |url=https://www.skeptical-science.com/people/skeptics/richard-saunders-adventures-australian-paranormal-investigator/ |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=Skeptical Science |language=en-US}}</ref>
+Saunders appeared in the background of ''[[Superman Returns]]''<ref name = Palmer/> and ''[[Home and Away]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-04-11 |title=Richard Saunders: Adventures of an Australian Paranormal Investigator |url=https://www.skeptical-science.com/people/skeptics/richard-saunders-adventures-australian-paranormal-investigator/ |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=Skeptical Science |language=en-US |archive-date=17 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817223923/https://www.skeptical-science.com/people/skeptics/richard-saunders-adventures-australian-paranormal-investigator/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
-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]].<ref>{{cite web |title=AFO 48: Competition Juries |url=http://afo.cz/index.php?seo_url=competition-juries | publisher = [[Academia Film Olomouc]] | location = [[Olomouc]], [[Czech Republic]] | access-date= 2013-05-12}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | title = Výzva pro AFO48: Odhalit krásu matematiky |trans-title=Call for AFO48: Discover the beauty of mathematics | language = cs | url = http://afo.cz/index.php?seo_url=&novinka=170 | publisher = [[Academia Film Olomouc]] | location = [[Olomouc]], [[Czech Republic]] | access-date= 2013-05-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Souboj vědy s mýtem na AFO48 rozsoudí Richard Saunders |trans-title=Clash of science toll on AFO48 judge Richard Saunders | language = cs | url= http://afo.cz/?seo_url=&novinka=173 | publisher = [[Academia Film Olomouc]] | location = [[Olomouc]], [[Czech Republic]] | access-date = 2013-05-16}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | author = Academia Film Olomouc | author-link = Academia Film Olomouc | year = 2013 | title = 48th International Festival of Science Documentary Films | work = catalog | publisher = Profi-Tisk Group s.r.o. | place = [[Olomouc]], [[Czech Republic]] | pages = 86, 91 | isbn = 9788024434629 | url = http://afo.cz/admin/temp/download/katalog_AFO48.pdf | access-date = 2013-05-16 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130810053530/http://afo.cz/admin/temp/download/katalog_AFO48.pdf | archive-date = 10 August 2013}}</ref>
+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]].<ref>{{cite web |title=AFO 48: Competition Juries |url=http://afo.cz/index.php?seo_url=competition-juries |publisher=[[Academia Film Olomouc]] |location=[[Olomouc]], [[Czech Republic]] |access-date=2013-05-12 |archive-date=28 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128093233/http://afo.cz/index.php?seo_url=competition-juries |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | title = Výzva pro AFO48: Odhalit krásu matematiky | trans-title = Call for AFO48: Discover the beauty of mathematics | language = cs | url = http://afo.cz/index.php?seo_url=&novinka=170 | publisher = [[Academia Film Olomouc]] | location = [[Olomouc]], [[Czech Republic]] | access-date = 2013-05-16 | archive-date = 28 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160128093233/http://afo.cz/index.php?seo_url=&novinka=170 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Souboj vědy s mýtem na AFO48 rozsoudí Richard Saunders | trans-title = Clash of science toll on AFO48 judge Richard Saunders | language = cs | url = http://afo.cz/?seo_url=&novinka=173 | publisher = [[Academia Film Olomouc]] | location = [[Olomouc]], [[Czech Republic]] | access-date = 2013-05-16 | archive-date = 28 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160128093233/http://afo.cz/?seo_url=&novinka=173 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation | author = Academia Film Olomouc | author-link = Academia Film Olomouc | year = 2013 | title = 48th International Festival of Science Documentary Films | work = catalog | publisher = Profi-Tisk Group s.r.o. | place = [[Olomouc]], [[Czech Republic]] | pages = 86, 91 | isbn = 9788024434629 | url = http://afo.cz/admin/temp/download/katalog_AFO48.pdf | access-date = 2013-05-16 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130810053530/http://afo.cz/admin/temp/download/katalog_AFO48.pdf | archive-date = 10 August 2013}}</ref>
-===Origami===
+===Professional sceptic===
+[[File:Richard Saunders NZ Skeptics Conference 2016.jpg|thumb|right|Saunders speaking to the [[New Zealand Skeptics]] 2016]]
-In 1988 Saunders began authoring over twenty books on origami,<ref name="children's books on origami">{{cite web | title = Books by Richard Saunders (authored and co-authored) | publisher = Mystery Investigators | url = http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com/richard/books.htm | access-date = 2009-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061119142321/http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com/richard/books.htm |archive-date= 2006-11-19}}</ref> which subsequently were featured on the Australian children's television program [[Wombat (TV series)|''Wombat'']],<ref>{{cite web  | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQO_AKzI3I | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414061313/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQO_AKzI3I | url-status=dead | archive-date=14 April 2016 | title=Origami – Richard Saunders 1988 – Wombat – Ch. 7 | publisher=YouTube | access-date=7 May 2009}}</ref> [[The Afternoon Show (Australian TV series)|''The Afternoon Show'']],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiOaj8ptYTw | title=Origami – Richard Saunders 1989 – Afternoon Show ABC TV | publisher=YouTube | access-date=2009-05-07 | archive-date=25 July 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725032657/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiOaj8ptYTw&gl=US&hl=en | url-status=dead }}</ref> and similar programs.
+As a teenager, he became a [[Scientific skepticism|scientific skeptic]] after watching television documentaries on the subject.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Saunders|first1=Richard|title=Birth of a Nation|journal=The Skeptic|date=June 2015|volume=35|issue=2|page=53}}</ref><ref name = Palmer/> In 2001, he became a member of the [[Australian Skeptics]] committee, later becoming president and vice president<ref name="YahooTVBio"/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hills |first=Surry |date=28 October 2006 |title=Sydney Sketches in the Pub |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/359458217 |access-date=11 August 2023 |via=ProQuest |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831223020/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJvcXVlc3QuY29tL25ld3NwYXBlcnMvdHJpYmVzLXN5ZG5leS9kb2N2aWV3LzM1OTQ1ODIxNy9zZS0y |id={{ProQuest|359458217}} |url-status=live }}</ref> of the organisation. He was later awarded a life membership in the organisation<ref name="VicSkeptics"/> and as of 2023 was their Chief Investigator.<ref name=EB>{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Emily |date=24 July 2023 |title=The psychic scams that are swindling Australians out of thousands of dollars |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |format=Video |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-24/the-psychic-scams-that-are-swindling-australians/102642272 |access-date=11 August 2023 |archive-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811224418/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-24/the-psychic-scams-that-are-swindling-australians/102642272 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, he described himself as an "old school skeptic" interested in the paranormal and consumer protection, but uninvolved in religious debates.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moynihan |first=Michael |date=16 August 2013 |title=James Randi, The Amazing Meeting, and the Bullshit Police |work=Newsweek |url=https://www.newsweek.com/2013/08/16/james-randi-amazing-meeting-and-bullshit-police-237816.html |access-date=11 August 2023 |archive-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811225257/https://www.newsweek.com/2013/08/16/james-randi-amazing-meeting-and-bullshit-police-237816.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
+He initiated ''The Skeptic Tank'' radio show on Net.FM with Stefan Sojka,<ref name="skeptank">{{Cite journal |last=Saunders |first=Richard |title=Take an Internet Dip in The Skeptic Tank |journal=The Skeptic |volume=21 |issue=4 |page=65 |date=Summer 2001 |publisher=Australian Skeptics Inc. |location=New South Wales, Australia |issn=0726-9897 |oclc=173343236 |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2001/4.pdf |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214141134/http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2001/4.pdf |archive-date=14 February 2014}}</ref> 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 2008 Saunders and Gary Clark produced ''DVD Origami'', an instructional DVD with step-by-step instructions on how to fold 20 paper models.<ref>{{citation | title = DVD Origami | url  =http://www.maximedia.com.au/dvd-origami/ | publisher = Maximedia | format = online vendor site | access-date = 2013-05-12}}</ref>
+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]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Plait |first=Phil |date=3 May 2005 |title=Mystery Investigators |work=Slate |url=https://slate.com/technology/2005/05/mystery-investigators.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812001843/https://slate.com/technology/2005/05/mystery-investigators.html |archive-date=12 August 2023}}</ref><ref name=MTS>{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Christopher|title=Meet Richard Saunders|url=http://meettheskeptics.libsyn.com/mts-meet-richard-saunders|work=Meet the Skeptics! Podcast|access-date=2014-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113084704/http://meettheskeptics.libsyn.com/mts-meet-richard-saunders|archive-date=13 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2008 Brown left the show and was replaced by biologist [[Rachael Dunlop]]. In 2013, the show celebrated 10 years of performing.{{cn|date=August 2023}}
-Saunders has used his skills in origami to design an origami [[Pigasus Award|Pigasus]]<ref name="AlaskaCruise">{{cite web | title = Our Recent Adventure | last = Randi | first = James | author-link = James Randi | date = 2007-09-14 | work = SWIFT | publisher = [[James Randi Educational Foundation]] | url = http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/88-swift-september-14-2007.html#i6 | format = blog | access-date =2008-12-06 }}</ref> in honour of the mascot of the [[James Randi Educational Foundation]].  He authored instructions for folding the Pigasus and a dragon for [[Skeptic (U.S. magazine)|''Skeptic'']] magazine.<ref name="PigasusVideo">{{cite web|title=How to Fold Origami Pigasus |last=Saunders |first=Richard |publisher=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqo-dLkyl3o |access-date=2008-12-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308100202/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqo-dLkyl3o |archive-date=8 March 2008 }}</ref> He also recorded a YouTube instructional video of the Pigasus.<ref name = Palmer/>
-{{Gallery
-|title=
-| width=160 | height=170 |align=center
-|File:Origami Pigasus.jpg|Origami Pigasus invented by Saunders
-|File:Origami cranes on match heads.jpg|Tiny origami cranes on match heads
-|File:Origami Ducks on 50 cents.jpg|Origami ducks on Australian 50 cent coin
-|File:Origami Cranes in a row.jpg|Classic origami cranes, folded and photographed by Richard Saunders
-}}
-{{clear}} <!-- This code controls section formatting and prevents next section from starting early.-->
-===Professional sceptic===
-[[File:Richard Saunders NZ Skeptics Conference 2016.jpg|thumb|right|Saunders speaking to the [[New Zealand Skeptics]] 2016]]
-As a teenager he was inspired by Channel 7's ''Great Mysteries of the World'' with Scott Lambert; he was surprised at just how easily people could fool themselves, even after being shown evidence that they may be wrong.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Saunders|first1=Richard|title=Birth of a Nation|journal=The Skeptic|date=June 2015|volume=35|issue=2|page=53}}</ref> A TV documentary called [[James Randi]] in Australia was another great sceptical influence on Saunders.<ref name = Palmer/> He joined the committee of the [[Australian Skeptics]] in 2001 and has been president and vice president<ref name="YahooTVBio"/> of the organisation. He was granted a Life Membership in the organization in recognition of his work on The Great Skeptic CD.<ref name="VicSkeptics"/> He went on to create the Great Water Divining DVD and the "card carrying skeptic card". He founded Sydney Skeptics in the Pub,<ref name="InThePub"/> initiated ''The Skeptic Tank'' radio show on Net.FM with Stefan Sojka,<ref name="skeptank">{{Cite journal |last=Saunders |first=Richard |title=Take an Internet Dip in The Skeptic Tank |journal=The Skeptic |volume=21 |issue=4 |page=65 |date=Summer 2001 |publisher=Australian Skeptics Inc. |location=New South Wales, Australia |issn=0726-9897 |oclc=173343236 |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2001/4.pdf |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214141134/http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2001/4.pdf |archive-date=14 February 2014}}</ref> 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 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.<ref name="Hall2">{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Harriet |title=Power Balance Products: A Skeptical Look |url=https://quackwatch.org/device/reports/power_balance/ |website=Device Watch |date=23 May 2011 |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-date=9 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109190816/https://quackwatch.org/device/reports/power_balance/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Bryan Farha |first1=Michael Shermer |title=Pseudoscience and Deception: The Smoke and Mirrors of Paranormal Claims |date=2014 |publisher=University Press of America, Inc. |location=Maryland |isbn=978-0-7618-6292-5 |page=70}}</ref> Saunders had previously demonstrated how someone could put together a convincing demonstration to deceive people about the effect of the product.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hutchinson |first=Alex |date=2 May 2011 |title=Bad Science |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/864186299 |access-date=11 August 2023 |via=ProQuest |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831223024/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJvcXVlc3QuY29tL2RvY3ZpZXcvODY0MTg2Mjk5L2Z1bGx0ZXh0LzMxODQxNUEyNDQ0NjRBQTNQUQ-- |id={{ProQuest|864186299}} |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 <ref name="HuffPo">{{Cite web|date=2011-11-21|title=BANKRUPT?|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/power-bracelets-lawsuit_n_1105559|access-date=2020-12-08|website=HuffPost|language=en|archive-date=11 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811230853/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/power-bracelets-lawsuit_n_1105559|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Power Balance Hit With $57 Million Settlement; Declares Bankruptcy |date=21 November 2011|work=CBS News Sacramento |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/report-power-balance-hit-with-57m-settlement-plans-to-declare-bankruptcy/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807132152/https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/report-power-balance-hit-with-57m-settlement-plans-to-declare-bankruptcy/ |archive-date=7 August 2023}}</ref> 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 [[Homeopathy|homeopathic preparations]] and magnetic pain relief devices.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Simone |date=1 June 2009 |title=What's the alternative? |work=Pharmacy News |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/217505009/318415A244464AA3PQ/ |access-date=11 August 2023 |via=Proquest |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831223048/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJvcXVlc3QuY29tL2RvY3ZpZXcvMjE3NTA1MDA5LzMxODQxNUEyNDQ0NjRBQTNQUS8- |url-status=live }}</ref>
-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]].<ref name=MTS>{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Christopher|title=Meet Richard Saunders|url=http://meettheskeptics.libsyn.com/mts-meet-richard-saunders|work=Meet the Skeptics! Podcast|access-date=2014-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113084704/http://meettheskeptics.libsyn.com/mts-meet-richard-saunders|archive-date=13 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2008 Brown left the show and was replaced by biologist [[Rachael Dunlop]]. In 2013, the show celebrated 10 years of performing.{{cn|date=August 2023}}
-In 2010 he helped organise the first [[The Amaz!ng Meeting]] Australia in [[Sydney, Australia|Sydney]]. The meeting featured presentations by several high-profile members of the skeptical community, including James Randi, [[Brian Dunning (author)|Brian Dunning]], and [[Eugenie Scott]].<ref name=MTS />
+In 2010 he helped organise the first [[The Amaz!ng Meeting]] Australia in [[Sydney, Australia|Sydney]]. The meeting featured presentations by several high-profile members of the skeptical community, including [[James Randi]], [[Brian Dunning (author)|Brian Dunning]], and [[Eugenie Scott]].<ref name=MTS />
 ====Public and media appearances====
+Saunders is frequently interviewed by the media as an expert on consumer protection and the paranormal, notably the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]<ref name=EB/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Leary |first=Jesse |date=15 August 2008 |title=Bigfoot still out there, despite hoax video |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/190287499/318415A244464AA3PQ/ |via=ProQuest |access-date=11 August 2023 |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831223052/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJvcXVlc3QuY29tL2RvY3ZpZXcvMTkwMjg3NDk5LzMxODQxNUEyNDQ0NjRBQTNQUS8- |url-status=live }}</ref> and international media.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2009 |title=Aussie man says Mary and Jesus image in lava lamp blessed his life |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/469300159/318415A244464AA3PQ/ |access-date=11 August 2023 |via=ProQuest |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831223032/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJvcXVlc3QuY29tL2RvY3ZpZXcvNDY5MzAwMTU5LzMxODQxNUEyNDQ0NjRBQTNQUS8- |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 2011 |title=Three-cheese pizza with Jesus' face up for grabs on eBay in Oz |work=Asian News International |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/859259005/318415A244464AA3PQ/ |access-date=11 August 2023 |via=ProQuest |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831223033/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJvcXVlc3QuY29tL2RvY3ZpZXcvODU5MjU5MDA1LzMxODQxNUEyNDQ0NjRBQTNQUS8- |url-status=live }}</ref>
-Saunders has made many appearances on radio and television in his role as a sceptic, including on ''[[Today Tonight]]'',<ref>{{citation | title = Ghost (spider) on the stairs | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YMtlShAEJ4 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408142710/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YMtlShAEJ4 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2016-04-08 | date = 2006-09-19 | work = [[Today Tonight]] | publisher=[[Seven Network]] | access-date= 2008-12-12 }}</ref><ref>{{cite episode | title = Bracelet claims put to the test | first = Frank | last = Pangallo | url= http://au.news.yahoo.com/today-tonight/consumer/article/-/6615459/bracelet-claims-put-to-the-test/ | date = 2009-12-22 | series = [[Today Tonight]] | network = [[Seven Network]] | quote = Is it a mind blowing scientific marvel or merely the mind playing games with reality? | access-date= 2013-05-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite episode | title = Homeopathy put to the test | first = Frank | last = Pangallo | url= http://au.news.yahoo.com/today-tonight/health/article/-/9925741/homeopathy-put-to-the-test/ | date = 2011-07-27 | series = [[Today Tonight]] | network = [[Seven Network]] | quote = A scientist is out to bust myths about staying healthy, popping pills by the handful to show what works, and what doesn't. | access-date= 2013-05-16 }}</ref> [[Sunrise (Australian TV program)|''Sunrise'']], [[2GB|Radio 2GB]],<ref>{{citation | title = The Skeptic Zone #127 | work = The Skeptic Zone | publisher =  [[Australian Skeptics|Australian Skeptics Inc.]] | date = 2011-03-25 | url = http://skepticzone.libsyn.com/webpage/2011/03 | access-date = 2013-05-16 |location = New South Wales, Australia | format = podcast }}</ref> [[2UE|Radio 2UE]],<ref name="InThePub"/><ref>{{cite web | title = Richard Saunders on Radio 2UE | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObF-9wGO8gw | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412144958/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObF-9wGO8gw | url-status=dead | archive-date=2016-04-12 | date = 2007-07-14 | publisher=YouTube
- | access-date= 2008-12-11 }}</ref><ref>{{citation | title = The Skeptic Zone #92 | work = The Skeptic Zone | publisher =  [[Australian Skeptics|Australian Skeptics Inc.]] | date =2010-07-23 | url = http://skepticzone.libsyn.com/webpage/2010/07 | access-date = 2013-05-16 |location = New South Wales, Australia | format = podcast }}</ref> [[Nova 106.9]],<ref>{{cite web | title = Richard Saunders on NOVA Radio | publisher = YouTube | date = 2008-08-05 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07gY2hcMfBk | access-date = 2008-12-12 }}</ref> [[702 ABC Sydney|702 ABC]],<ref name="YahooTVBio"/><ref>{{cite episode | transcript = Bigfoot still out there, despite hoax video | transcript-url = http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2337180.htm | series = [[PM (ABC Radio)|PM]] | network = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | date = 2008-08-15}}</ref> and the pilot show for ''Curiosity Aroused''.<ref>{{citation |url=http://curiosityaroused.wordpress.com/2007/12/16/hello-world/| title = Curiosity, Aroused: The Pilot| work = Curiosity, Aroused | date= 2007-12-16|last=Watson|first=Rebecca (host) | author-link=Rebecca Watson | publisher=[[WordPress]] | format = podcast |access-date= 2008-12-12}}</ref>  In 2007 he did a recurring segment for the Mike Williams Saturday Night Live radio program called Myths and Mysteries.<ref>{{cite web | title = Myths and Mysteries with Richard Saunders | publisher = Mystery Investigators | url = http://mysteryinvestigators.com/myths/index.htm | access-date = 2008-12-06 }}</ref> In 2011 and 2012 he was a regular on The Dirty Disbelievers, a radio program on the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] radio network.<ref>{{citation  | title = The Dirty Disbelievers |author= Maynard |author-link= Maynard (broadcaster)| url = http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/12/22/3396763.htm | date = 2012-01-23 | publisher = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | access-date = 2013-05-16 | quote = Take the red pill AND the blue pill on ABC Digital Radio across Australia }}</ref>
+In 2007 he did a recurring segment for the Mike Williams Saturday Night Live radio program called Myths and Mysteries.<ref>{{cite web | title = Myths and Mysteries with Richard Saunders | publisher = Mystery Investigators | url = http://mysteryinvestigators.com/myths/index.htm | access-date = 2008-12-06 | archive-date = 7 July 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090707112300/http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com/myths/index.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> In 2011 and 2012 he was a regular on The Dirty Disbelievers, a radio program on the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] radio network.<ref>{{citation | title = The Dirty Disbelievers | author = Maynard | author-link = Maynard (broadcaster) | url = http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/12/22/3396763.htm | date = 2012-01-23 | publisher = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | access-date = 2013-05-16 | quote = Take the red pill AND the blue pill on ABC Digital Radio across Australia | archive-date = 15 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130515233142/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/12/22/3396763.htm | url-status = live }}</ref>
-In July and August 2008 (series #1) and in 2011 (series #2), Saunders appeared as the resident sceptic judge on [[The One (TV program)|''The One'']], an Australian reality television program on the [[Seven Network]] that tested the powers of several alleged psychics.<ref name="YahooTVBio"/><ref>{{citation  | newspaper = [[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | date = 2008-07-07 | last = Ellliot | first = Tim | location = Sydney, Australia | url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/just-act-paranormal/2008/07/05/1214951103927.html | publisher = Fairfax Digital, [[Fairfax Media]] | oclc = 226369741
- | title = Just act paranormal}}</ref><ref name="Robson2008">{{cite news |last= Robson |first= Lou |date= 2008-07-03 |title= Witches brave the fires of scepticism |department= Green Guide |newspaper= [[The Age]] |location= Victoria, Australia }}</ref>
+In July and August 2008 (series #1) and in 2011 (series #2), Saunders appeared as the resident sceptic judge on [[The One (TV program)|''The One'']], an Australian reality television program on the [[Seven Network]] that tested the powers of several alleged psychics.<ref name="YahooTVBio"/><ref>{{citation | newspaper = [[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | date = 2008-07-07 | last = Ellliot | first = Tim | location = Sydney, Australia | url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/just-act-paranormal/2008/07/05/1214951103927.html | publisher = Fairfax Digital, [[Fairfax Media]] | oclc = 226369741 | title = Just act paranormal | access-date = 16 May 2013 | archive-date = 2 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121102064008/http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/just-act-paranormal/2008/07/05/1214951103927.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McWhirter |first=Erin |date=2 July 2008 |title=Power of one |pages=4 |work=Herald Sun |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/361109610/318415A244464AA3PQ |access-date=11 August 2023 |via=ProQuest |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831224639/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJvcXVlc3QuY29tL2RvY3ZpZXcvMzYxMTA5NjEwLzMxODQxNUEyNDQ0NjRBQTNQUQ-- |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Robson2008">{{cite news |last= Robson |first= Lou |date= 2008-07-03 |title= Witches brave the fires of scepticism |department= Green Guide |newspaper= [[The Age]] |location= Victoria, Australia }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Deavin |first=Gemma |date=22 July 2008 |title=Three Questions: Richard Saunders |pages=16 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/364427499/318415A244464AA3PQ/ |access-date=11 August 2023 |via=Proquest |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831224640/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJvcXVlc3QuY29tL2RvY3ZpZXcvMzY0NDI3NDk5LzMxODQxNUEyNDQ0NjRBQTNQUS8- |url-status=live }}</ref>
-Saunders has spoken at many sceptic meetings including the Australian Skeptics National Convention in 2003,<ref>{{Cite journal | url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2003/3.pdf | title=Report: Convention Roundup | journal=The Skeptic | issn=0726-9897 | publisher=Australian Skeptics Inc. | volume=23 | issue=3 | pages=9–10 | date=Spring 2003 | access-date=2008-12-12 | archive-date=14 February 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214141010/http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2003/3.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref> 2004,<ref>{{Cite journal | url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2004/4.pdf | title=Convention Roundup | journal=The Skeptic | issn=0726-9897 | publisher=Australian Skeptics Inc. | volume=24 | issue=4 | pages=6–9 | date=Summer 2004 | access-date=2013-05-16 | archive-date=9 September 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909201808/http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2004/4.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref> and 2008.<ref>{{Cite journal | url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2008/4.pdf | title=News: Convention Roundup | journal=The Skeptic | issn=0726-9897 | publisher=Australian Skeptics Inc. | volume=28 | issue=4 | page=38 | date=Summer 2008 | access-date=2013-05-16 | archive-date=1 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701150548/http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2008/4.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skepticssa.org.au/conf08.html |title=Skeptics National Convention 2008 |publisher=Skeptics SA |access-date=2008-12-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914105148/http://www.skepticssa.org.au/conf08.html |archive-date=14 September 2008 }}</ref> In the United States he appeared at The Amaz!ng Adventure North to Alaska<ref name="AlaskaCruise"/><ref>{{cite web | title = Richard Saunders on the Amazing Adventure 2 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MsVpvFMnDk | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160407211508/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MsVpvFMnDk | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2016-04-07 | publisher = YouTube | date = 2007-09-11
- | access-date = 2008-12-11 }}</ref> in 2007, and [[James Randi Educational Foundation#The Amaz!ng Meeting|The Amaz!ng Meeting 6]]<ref>{{citation | title = Saunders is in Action! | last = Randi | first = James | author-link = James Randi | publisher = [[James Randi Educational Foundation]] | work = SWIFT | date = 2008-07-04 | url = http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/201-swift-july-4-2008.html#i3 | format = blog | access-date = 2008-12-05 }}</ref><ref>{{YouTube  | title = Richard Saunders at TAM 6 on Bringing Critical Thinking to Schools  | id = OcCDGgMhK1U }} uploaded 23 January 2012 by [https://www.youtube.com/user/JamesRandiFoundation James Randi Foundation]. Retrieved 2013-05-16.</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TAM 6 DVD Set (Disk 2) | publisher = James Randi Educational Foundation | date = 2008-11-07 | url = http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/jref-store.html?page=shop.product_details&category_id=1&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1&vmcchk=1 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20090425152326/http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/jref-store.html?page=shop.product_details&category_id=1&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1&vmcchk=1 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2009-04-25 | access-date = 2008-12-11 }}</ref> and the [http://www.skeptrack.org Skeptrack] at [[Dragon*Con]],<ref>{{cite web | title = About: Archive: Past Guests | publisher = [[Dragon*Con]] | work = Dragon*Con website | url = http://www.dragoncon.org/?q=past_guests#S | access-date = 2013-05-16 }}</ref> both in 2008.
-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, when many saw their children die from diseases which are now preventable with vaccines.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/enter_the_skeptic_zone_an_interview_with_csicon_speaker_richard_saunders |title= Enter the Skeptic Zone: An Interview with CSICon Speaker, Richard Saunders |author= Susan Gerbic |author-link= Susan Gerbic |date= 2017-08-24  |access-date= 2017-08-24 }}</ref>
+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.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/enter_the_skeptic_zone_an_interview_with_csicon_speaker_richard_saunders |title= Enter the Skeptic Zone: An Interview with CSICon Speaker, Richard Saunders |author= Susan Gerbic |author-link= Susan Gerbic |date= 2017-08-24 |access-date= 2017-08-24 |archive-date= 31 August 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170831001230/http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/enter_the_skeptic_zone_an_interview_with_csicon_speaker_richard_saunders |url-status= live }}</ref>
 ====Podcasting====
 [[File:Podcast Panel TAM13.jpg|thumb|right|Saunders (left) in 2015, on the Podcaster Panel at TAM13]]
-Saunders was producer and host of [[Australian Skeptics#The Tank Vodcast|''The Tank Vodcast'']] (aka ''The Skeptic Tank'').<ref name="TANK">{{cite web|title=The Tank: Skeptics on the radio |publisher=Australian Skeptics Inc. |work=Australian Skeptics website |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/tank/tank.htm |access-date=20 January 2017 |date=April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424071507/http://www.skeptics.com.au/tank/tank.htm |archive-date=24 April 2009}}</ref> In 2008 this podcast became ''The Skeptic Zone'' podcast, which released its 500th episode on 19 May 2018.<ref name = Palmer>{{cite web |last1=Palmer |first1=Rob |title=Celebrating 500 |url=https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/celebrating-500/ |website=skepticalinquirer.org |access-date=22 March 2021 |date=2 July 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210322205014/https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/celebrating-500/ |archive-date=22 March 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is produced weekly and is billed as "The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason".<ref>{{citation |title=Skeptical Podcasts from Australia: The Skeptic Zone |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/publications/podcast/#zone |publisher=Australian Skeptics Inc. |work=Australian Skeptics website |access-date=2013-05-16 |quote=The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason|date=12 July 2009 }}</ref> Saunders has produced every episode of ''The Skeptic Zone'' podcast.<ref name = Palmer/>
+Saunders was producer and host of [[Australian Skeptics#The Tank Vodcast|''The Tank Vodcast'']] (aka ''The Skeptic Tank'').<ref name="TANK">{{cite web|title=The Tank: Skeptics on the radio |publisher=Australian Skeptics Inc. |work=Australian Skeptics website |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/tank/tank.htm |access-date=20 January 2017 |date=April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424071507/http://www.skeptics.com.au/tank/tank.htm |archive-date=24 April 2009}}</ref> In 2008 this podcast became ''The Skeptic Zone'' podcast, which released its 500th episode on 19 May 2018.<ref name = Palmer>{{cite web |last1=Palmer |first1=Rob |title=Celebrating 500 |url=https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/celebrating-500/ |website=skepticalinquirer.org |access-date=22 March 2021 |date=2 July 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210322205014/https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/celebrating-500/ |archive-date=22 March 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is produced weekly and is billed as "The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason".<ref>{{citation |title=Skeptical Podcasts from Australia: The Skeptic Zone |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/publications/podcast/#zone |publisher=Australian Skeptics Inc. |work=Australian Skeptics website |access-date=2013-05-16 |quote=The Podcast from Australia for Science and Reason |date=12 July 2009 |archive-date=3 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503075639/http://www.skeptics.com.au/publications/podcast/#zone |url-status=live }}</ref> Saunders has produced every episode of ''The Skeptic Zone'' podcast.<ref name = Palmer/>
-Saunders has also appeared as a guest on many other podcasts and vodcasts including ''[[The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe]]'',<ref>{{citation |title=Episode #114 |last1=Novella |first1=Steven |author-link=Steven Novella |last2=Watson |first2=Rebecca |author-link2=Rebecca Watson |last3=Novella |first3=Jay |last4=Novella |first4=Robert |last5=Bernstein|first5=Evan (hosts) |date=2007-09-27 |work=[[The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe]] |url=http://www.theskepticsguide.org/skepticsguide/podcastinfo.asp?pid=114 |publisher=[[New England Skeptical Society]] |format=podcast |access-date=2008-12-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012214354/http://theskepticsguide.org/skepticsguide/podcastinfo.asp?pid=114 |archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |title=Episode #162 |last=Novella |first=Steven |author-link=Steven Novella |last2=Watson |first2=Rebecca |author-link2=Rebecca Watson |last3=Novella |first3=Jay |last4=Novella |first4=Robert |last5=Bernstein |first5=Evan (hosts) |date=2008-08-26 |work=[[The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe]] |url=http://www.theskepticsguide.org/skepticsguide/podcastinfo.asp?pid=162 |publisher=[[New England Skeptical Society]] |format=podcast  |access-date=2008-12-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914004558/http://www.theskepticsguide.org/skepticsguide/podcastinfo.asp?pid=162 |archive-date=14 September 2008}}</ref> ''[[Skepticality]]'',<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.skepticality.com/the-australian-skeptic/ |title=Episode #22: The Australian Skeptic – Interview: Richard Saunders |first1=Robynn |last1=McCarthy |author-link=Robynn McCarthy |first2=Derek |last2=Colanduno |author2-link=Derek Colanduno |work=[[Skepticality]] |publisher=[[Skeptic (U.S. magazine)|Skeptic Magazine]] |date=2005-11-02 |access-date=2011-11-27}}</ref> ''Dragon*Pod'',<ref>{{citation |title=Panel 2 – Videocasting 101 |date=2008-09-08 |work=Dragon*Pod |publisher=[[Dragon*Con]] |url=http://dragoncon.libsyn.com/dragon-con-podcasting-2008-panel-2-videocasting-101 |access-date=2008-12-06}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Panel 4 – Podcasting United Nations |date=2008-09-08 |publisher=[[Dragon*Con]] |work=Dragon*Pod |url=http://dragoncon.libsyn.com/dragon-con-podcasting-2008-panel-4-podcasting-united-nations |access-date=2008-12-06}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Panel 9 – PodSci, Science Podcasters Roundtable |date=2008-09-08 |publisher=[[Dragon*Con]] |work=Dragon*Pod |url=http://dragoncon.libsyn.com/dragon-con-podcasting-2008-panel-9-pod-sci-science-podcasters-roundtable |access-date=2008-12-06}}</ref> ''The Reason Driven Podcast'',<ref>{{citation |last1=Schade |first1=Danny |last2=Lockwood |first2=Mikyle (hosts) |title=Episode 12 – Providence and Superstition |date=January 2008 |work=The Reason Driven Podcast |url=http://reasondriven.blogspot.com/2008/01/12-providence-and-superstition.html |access-date=2008-12-06}}</ref> ''The Amateur Scientist Podcast'',<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Episode 42 |date=2008-09-10 |work=The Amateur Scientist Podcast |publisher=AmateurScientist.org |url=http://ww2.amateurscientist.org/xml/TASPFIRSTGEN.xml |access-date=2008-12-06 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221004/http://ww2.amateurscientist.org/xml/TASPFIRSTGEN.xml |url-status=dead }} (audio of show available as [http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-9-10-08.mp3 mp3 here])</ref> ''Bad Psychics TV'',<ref>{{citation |title=BPTV: William Brougham Interviews Australian Skeptic Richard Saunders |last=Brougham |first=William |date=2008-12-10 |work=BadPsychics.blogspot.com |format=video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pbGJ8i8z8 |access-date=2008-12-11}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> and ''Meet The Skeptics!''.<ref name=MTS />
+Saunders has also appeared as a guest on many other podcasts and vodcasts including ''[[The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe]]'',<ref>{{citation |title=Episode #114 |last1=Novella |first1=Steven |author-link=Steven Novella |last2=Watson |first2=Rebecca |author-link2=Rebecca Watson |last3=Novella |first3=Jay |last4=Novella |first4=Robert |last5=Bernstein|first5=Evan (hosts) |date=2007-09-27 |work=[[The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe]] |url=http://www.theskepticsguide.org/skepticsguide/podcastinfo.asp?pid=114 |publisher=[[New England Skeptical Society]] |format=podcast |access-date=2008-12-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012214354/http://theskepticsguide.org/skepticsguide/podcastinfo.asp?pid=114 |archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |title=Episode #162 |last=Novella |first=Steven |author-link=Steven Novella |last2=Watson |first2=Rebecca |author-link2=Rebecca Watson |last3=Novella |first3=Jay |last4=Novella |first4=Robert |last5=Bernstein |first5=Evan (hosts) |date=2008-08-26 |work=[[The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe]] |url=http://www.theskepticsguide.org/skepticsguide/podcastinfo.asp?pid=162 |publisher=[[New England Skeptical Society]] |format=podcast  |access-date=2008-12-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914004558/http://www.theskepticsguide.org/skepticsguide/podcastinfo.asp?pid=162 |archive-date=14 September 2008}}</ref> ''[[Skepticality]]'',<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.skepticality.com/the-australian-skeptic/ |title=Episode #22: The Australian Skeptic – Interview: Richard Saunders |first1=Robynn |last1=McCarthy |author-link=Robynn McCarthy |first2=Derek |last2=Colanduno |author2-link=Derek Colanduno |work=[[Skepticality]] |publisher=[[Skeptic (U.S. magazine)|Skeptic Magazine]] |date=2005-11-02 |access-date=2011-11-27 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422175038/http://www.skepticality.com/the-australian-skeptic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Dragon*Pod'',<ref>{{citation |title=Panel 2 – Videocasting 101 |date=2008-09-08 |work=Dragon*Pod |publisher=[[Dragon*Con]] |url=http://dragoncon.libsyn.com/dragon-con-podcasting-2008-panel-2-videocasting-101 |access-date=2008-12-06 |archive-date=5 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005213421/http://dragoncon.libsyn.com/dragon-con-podcasting-2008-panel-2-videocasting-101 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Panel 4 – Podcasting United Nations |date=2008-09-08 |publisher=[[Dragon*Con]] |work=Dragon*Pod |url=http://dragoncon.libsyn.com/dragon-con-podcasting-2008-panel-4-podcasting-united-nations |access-date=2008-12-06 |archive-date=5 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005214711/http://dragoncon.libsyn.com/dragon-con-podcasting-2008-panel-4-podcasting-united-nations |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Panel 9 – PodSci, Science Podcasters Roundtable |date=2008-09-08 |publisher=[[Dragon*Con]] |work=Dragon*Pod |url=http://dragoncon.libsyn.com/dragon-con-podcasting-2008-panel-9-pod-sci-science-podcasters-roundtable |access-date=2008-12-06 |archive-date=5 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005214721/http://dragoncon.libsyn.com/dragon-con-podcasting-2008-panel-9-pod-sci-science-podcasters-roundtable |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Reason Driven Podcast'',<ref>{{citation |last1=Schade |first1=Danny |last2=Lockwood |first2=Mikyle (hosts) |title=Episode 12 – Providence and Superstition |date=January 2008 |work=The Reason Driven Podcast |url=http://reasondriven.blogspot.com/2008/01/12-providence-and-superstition.html |access-date=2008-12-06 |archive-date=23 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523063336/http://reasondriven.blogspot.com/2008/01/12-providence-and-superstition.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Amateur Scientist Podcast'',<ref>{{cite podcast |title=Episode 42 |date=2008-09-10 |work=The Amateur Scientist Podcast |publisher=AmateurScientist.org |url=http://ww2.amateurscientist.org/xml/TASPFIRSTGEN.xml |access-date=2008-12-06 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221004/http://ww2.amateurscientist.org/xml/TASPFIRSTGEN.xml |url-status=dead }} Audio of show available as [http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-9-10-08.mp3 mp3 here] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831224637/https://content.libsyn.com/p/d/5/1/d515513c79f8bfee/TASP-9-10-08.mp3?c_id=1812624&cs_id=1812624&response-content-type=audio%2Fmpeg&Expires=1693523977&Signature=BcZVwJljS~EbpLNf3GEXIcaP5DcVHqFJmmc3wm0wiYNnrZ7mwE8tiBB5mtezPyTmb7ddWiHbB46h-2lfPcrXr8BtgM-H21mxeyqSpa9f7sQChr3UABbpkhGPjnzpjZ3SjrcXSLpod8LV7m9SgiDchyZv-vCcxOTyPteq62o6VBGg84Q5sD1j4tE2zbcjVd5sER-V5K0MIh0LTk-cIhSF1VeK3vBTwGIiwYToI70dyy01rvZGXajW88B7z7~iGi0D2YhL377Kt7rGfyL02gF5e0KzDn5EHEbojxxtEUjdC7yFUUGbhS~FTSTGDNrPJXNcBtf8fl2FcDxe7iVpv66quA__&Key-Pair-Id=K1YS7LZGUP96OI |date=31 August 2023 }}</ref> ''Bad Psychics TV'',<ref>{{citation |title=BPTV: William Brougham Interviews Australian Skeptic Richard Saunders |last=Brougham |first=William |date=2008-12-10 |work=BadPsychics.blogspot.com |format=video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pbGJ8i8z8 |access-date=2008-12-11}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> and ''Meet The Skeptics!''.<ref name=MTS />
 ====Great Australian Psychic Prediction Project====
+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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Nathan |date=21 November 2021 |title=Sceptics unite in an age of misinformation for Skepticon 2021 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/south-australia/sceptics-unite-in-an-age-of-misinformation-for-skepticon-2021/news-story/fb986c582354bad4f6bfcbbb7c75a685?amp&nk=5914d972692b8e2b1419832ada537a4a-1691710557 |url-status=live |access-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230810233546/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/south-australia/sceptics-unite-in-an-age-of-misinformation-for-skepticon-2021/news-story/fb986c582354bad4f6bfcbbb7c75a685?amp&nk=5914d972692b8e2b1419832ada537a4a-1691710557 |archive-date=10 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Melbourne |first=Vic |date=31 January 2022 |title=Psychic powers? You know, it's anyone's guess |pages=2 |work=The Age |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2623671928 |access-date=11 August 2023 |via=ProQuest |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831224640/https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJvcXVlc3QuY29tL25ld3NwYXBlcnMvcHN5Y2hpYy1wb3dlcnMteW91LWtub3ctYW55b25lcy1ndWVzcy9kb2N2aWV3LzI2MjM2NzE5Mjgvc2UtMg-- |id={{ProQuest|2623671928}} |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Simons |first1=Daniel J. |title=Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do about It |last2=Chabris |first2=Christopher F. |publisher=Basic Books |year=2023 |isbn=978-1541602236 |pages=Chapter 1}}</ref> 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]]. <ref name = Hill>{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Adrienne |last2=Saunders |first2=Richard |title=Psychic Scams: Not for Prophet |url=https://www.skeptics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/magazine/The%20Skeptic%20Volume%2041%20(2021)%20No%201%20(Cover).pdf |website=Skeptics.com.au |publisher=Australian Skeptics |access-date=23 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323215420/https://www.skeptics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/magazine/The%20Skeptic%20Volume%2041%20(2021)%20No%201%20(Cover).pdf|archive-date=23 March 2021 |date=21 March 2021 |url-status=live|quote=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.}}</ref>
-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". 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]]. As of March 21, 2021, the project encompassed 3224 predictions, with approximately 650 yet to be evaluated.<ref name = Hill/>
-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. While the majority of the predictions pertain to events within Australia, a minority involve events outside the country. The project's creator, Richard Saunders, expressed the intention of using this collection to examine the accuracy of these predictions. One category of interest is horse racing, for which interim results have been reported. According to Saunders, the initial findings suggest that claims of foreseeing the future may not be substantiated by the collected data, particularly in the context of betting decisions based on psychic advice.<ref name = Hill/>
+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.<ref name = Hill/>
 ==Awards and honours==
 * 2001 Made "Life Member" of Australian Skeptics, Inc.
-* 2011 Made CSI Fellow ([[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]])<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.csicop.org/news/press_releases/show/csi_announces_new_fellows |title= CSI announces new Fellows | date = 2011-02-07 | format = press release | author = Committee for Skeptical Inquiry | author-link = Committee for Skeptical Inquiry | location = Amherst, NY | access-date= 2011-08-07}}</ref>
+* 2011 Made CSI Fellow ([[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]])<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.csicop.org/news/press_releases/show/csi_announces_new_fellows | title = CSI announces new Fellows | date = 2011-02-07 | format = press release | author = Committee for Skeptical Inquiry | author-link = Committee for Skeptical Inquiry | location = Amherst, NY | access-date = 2011-08-07 | archive-date = 30 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110630041832/http://www.csicop.org/news/press_releases/show/csi_announces_new_fellows | url-status = live }}</ref>
 == List of publications ==
@@ Line 334: / Line 318: @@
 * {{cite journal |author1=Alabaster, Jo |author2=Saunders, Richard |author3=Bowditch, Peter |author4=Mendham, Tim |date=Dec 2014 |title=Is anyone there? |journal=The Skeptic |publisher=Australian Skeptics |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=10–14 |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/magazine/The%20Skeptic%20Volume%2034%20(2014)%20No%204.pdf |access-date=2016-03-15}} Review of the Australian Paranormal & Spiritual Expo, Oct 2014.
 * {{cite journal |author1=Bowditch, Peter |author2=Saunders, Richard |author3=Mendham, Tim |date=Dec 2014 |title=Fair's fare : purchasing the paranormal |journal=The Skeptic |publisher=Australian Skeptics |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=15–16 |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/magazine/The%20Skeptic%20Volume%2034%20(2014)%20No%204.pdf |access-date=2016-03-15}} Review of the Australian Paranormal & Spiritual Expo, Oct 2014.
-==See also==
-* [[Scientific scepticism]]
 ==References==
+{{reflist}}{{commons category|Richard Saunders}}{{Authority control}}
-{{reflist}}
-==External links==
-{{commons category|Richard Saunders}}
-* [http://skepticzone.tv/ ''The Skeptic Zone'' homepage]
-{{Authority control}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Saunders, Richard}}
 [[Category:Living people]]
 [[Category:Australian podcasters]]
-[[Category:Origami artists]]
 [[Category:People from New South Wales]]
 [[Category:People from Kurri Kurri]]

Authority control databases
International	ISNI VIAF WorldCat
National	United States