

The Reality Check
The Reality Check
Canada's weekly podcast that explores a wide range of controversies and curiosities using science and critical thinking.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 20, 2016 • 27min
TRC #402: Helping Or Hurting Wildlife? + Is Uber A Scam? + Did A Teen Find A Lost Mayan City?
On this week's show, Darren examines recent stories about people who put a baby bison in their car in Yellowstone National Park. Next, Cristina does the math on how much Uber drivers really make. Last, Adam fact checks headlines claiming that a Quebec teenager found a lost Mayan city.

May 13, 2016 • 28min
TRC #401: Did Apple Steal Your Music? + Disaster Relief + Catterbox
On this week's show, Pat looks into a recent story making the rounds on the internet about Apple stealing your music. Next, Darren revisits the best way to give during a disaster on the heels of the Fort McMurray wildfires. Finally, Adam talks about...what else? Cats! Is there really a new cat collar that will translate your cat's meows? Collar me skeptical.

May 7, 2016 • 30min
TRC #400: Panel Questions + Do Dogs Hate Hugs? + Alberta Toddler Meningitis Case
In celebration of our 400th episode, we take on a couple of listener questions. Then Adam looks into whether your dog really hates it when you give them a hug. Lastly Cristina leads the panel in a discussion about the recent conviction of two Alberta parents who were found guilty in their 19-month-old son's death from meningitis.

Apr 29, 2016 • 30min
TRC #399: Free Throw Distraction + Differentiating Science From Pseudoscience + Do Politicians Keep Promises
The whole crew is back together. First Pat examines whether fans can affect the outcome of basketball games by distracting players who are taking free throws. Next Darren looks into the demarcation problem in the philosophy of science. Lastly Cristina checks up on how well politicians do with keeping their campaign promises.

Apr 22, 2016 • 32min
TRC #398: The Physics of Superheroes + Name That: High School Edition + Green Moon
While Adam is galavanting in Europe, “Physics Commando” Barry Panas joins the crew to school us on the physics of superheroes. Pat discovers who showed up in class with a game of Name That: High School Quiz Edition. Finally, Darren investigates whether there’s any truth to a claim making the rounds on the internet about a rare green moon.

Apr 16, 2016 • 35min
TRC #397: Star Wars Droids with Jim Davies + Misleading Terms In Psych Fields + Star Wars Myths
Friend of the show Jim Davies joins us this week to explore our psychology, and often conflicted feelings, about droids in the Stars Wars universe. Cristina schools us in terms often misused when reporting psychological science. Finally, Adam rounds out this week’s Geek factor by debunking some popular Star Wars myths.

Apr 8, 2016 • 31min
TRC #396: French's Ketchup Better For Ontario? + Misleading Headlines + China Bans April Fools'?
Adam squeezes the truth out of rumours that French’s Ketchup, rather than Heinz, is supporting Ontario industries. Next Cristina looks into whether readers are influenced by misleading headlines, even if they read the full article. Lastly Darren checks into reports that China has banned April Fools’ day.

Apr 2, 2016 • 32min
TRC #395: Tribeca vs Vaxxed + Double-Dipping + Tay: Microsoft's AI "Racist" Chatbot + Energy-Infused Beauty Products
Darren kicks off the show with a quick panel discussion about Tribeca Film Festival’s decision to pull a controversial documentary linking vaccines with autism from their line-up. Next, Pat dives right into a listener email about double-dipping. Adam looks into how the internet corrupted Microsoft’s innocent new AI chatbot Tay in less than 24 hours. Finally, Cristina gets goopy with a segment about energy-infused beauty products.

Mar 25, 2016 • 31min
TRC #394: Money & Happiness + An Evening With Neil deGrasse Tyson + How Is Easter Sunday Determined?
Happy March Equinox, Checkers! This week, Darren delves into the age-old question, does more money really make us happier? Pat and Cristina give a recap of An Evening With Neil deGrasse Tyson in Toronto. Finally, Adam hops right into a segment about how Easter is determined.

Mar 18, 2016 • 34min
TRC #393: Talking Mirrors with Barry Panas + Clinton Onion Conspiracy + Splenda vs Cancer
Very special guest Barry “Physics Commando” Panas reflects on whether mirrors reverse left and right. Next, Adam peels back the layers on a conspiracy about The Onion and Hillary Clinton. Lastly, Cristina sweetens things up by looking at a recent study claiming Splenda causes cancer.


