The Reality Check

The Reality Check
  • 4.7 (221)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Canada's weekly podcast that explores a wide range of controversies and curiosities using science and critical thinking.

  1. JAN 29

    Are Orange Cats Weird? + What Kind of Cat is Garfield?

    After decades of doing the podcast we have finally gotten around to recording an episode entirely dedicated to orange cats. Darren examines just what's going on with orange cats acting weird on the Internet and in real life. Is Orange Cat Energy a thing or are humans just stereotyping orange taby cats? Adam explores the world's most popular orange cat, Garfield, as he tries to find out just what kind of cat he actually is.

    23 min

  2. JAN 15

    Infant Simulator Programs + Book Reviews: The Thinking Machine, The Philosopher in the Valley & Peak Human

    For our first show of 2026 Adam looks at the efficacy of Infant Simulator Programs, which involves giving a fake baby to high school kids to discourage teen pregnancy. Darren gives us a review of three books, "The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, and the World's Most Coveted Microchip" by Stephen Witt, "The Philosopher in the Valley: Alex Karp, Palantir, and the Rise of the Surveillance State" by Michael Steinberger and "Peak Human: What We Can Learn From History's Greatest Civilizations" by Johan Norberg.

    27 min

  3. 2025-12-18

    Mistletoe + Christmas Tree Lights

    As Christmas approaches we bring you the history of two popular decorations you might see this holiday season. Darren looks at the history of the mistletoe as a decoration, symbol of fertility and God killer. Adam looks at the first use of lights on a Christmas tree and it may be older than you think!

    19 min

  4. 2025-12-05

    The Introduction to Darren McKee's Uncontrollable: The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence and the Race to Save the World

    With AI safety still underrated yet imperative, in this bonus episode of the show we share the Introduction to "Uncontrollable: The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence and the Race to Save the World" by Darren McKee.

    43 min

  5. 2025-12-02

    Effective Giving + The Mona Lisa

    Today, December 2nd, is Giving Tuesday. Darren gives an overview of the concept of Effective Giving, with some tips on how your charitable donations could will lead to the most good in line with your own priorities. Adam tackles a few claims about the Mona Lisa, inspired by not all that evidence based viral clips. What were the original colours of this painting, and did it only become popular after being stolen years ago?

    26 min

  6. 2025-11-21

    Our 2023 Interview with Yoshua Bengio

    Two years ago we interviewed Yoshua Bengio, the prominent AI researcher, about his long career in AI where he helped build the foundations for the tools millions use around the world every day. We discussed the future of AI systems, including the importance of AI safety. Since then, Yoshua Bengio has continued to achieve great success in his career in both work on AI and raising awareness about their risks. This bonus episode is a repeat of Darren McKee and Adam Gardner's interview with him from 2023.

    1 hr

  7. 2025-11-17

    Diabetes and DKA + Name That: Spot The Fake

    We've got two special guests on the latest show! TRC alumni Pat and Cristina join us with a couple of great segments. First Critina tackles a number of myth about diabetes, including her own recent serious experience with DKA or diabetic ketoacidosis. Then Pat delights us with another round of everyone's favourite mostly guessing game Name That: Spot the Fake edition. This game has a special twist that really challenged the contestants.

    45 min

  8. 2025-11-05

    The Disney Point and Smoking + Book Reviews: Shadow Cell and Algospeak

    Is the "Disney Point" the bizarre result of certain images of Walt Disney around Disney Parks with cigarettes edited out to give the illusion of a unique pointing style? Adam weighs the evidence. Then Darren gives us a couple of book reviews. First up is Shadow Cell by Andrew and Jihi Bustamante, a real life exploration of the world of espionage by former CIA operatives. Next is Algospeak by Adam Aleksic, which examines how social media algorithms inflence language online and in the real world.

    31 min
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4.7
out of 5
221 Ratings

About

Canada's weekly podcast that explores a wide range of controversies and curiosities using science and critical thinking.

Information

  • Creator
    The Reality Check
  • Years Active
    2008 - 2026
  • Episodes
    350
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Reality Check
  • Show Website
    The Reality Check

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