The Reality Check

Latest Episodes:

TRC #629: COVID-19 Sniffing Canines + Thought-To-Image Generation + Skin Asphyxiation Jun 13, 2021

Show notes

Cristina digs into headlines claiming dogs can sniff out coronavirus with impressive accuracy. Darren looks into whether we currently have the technology to generate images just by using our thoughts. After recently watching the classic James Bond flick 'Goldfinger', Adam investigates whether a person can actually die from skin suffocation.

TRC #628: Canine DNA Tests? + Good News 2020: Peace, Safety & Human Rights + Snow White Controversy May 24, 2021

Show notes

Cristina digs into doggie DNA tests to find out if they live up to the claims and the hype made by direct-to-consumer canine DNA-test companies. Darren highlights some of the positive stuff to come out of 2020 with another instalment of his 'good news' series. This week his focus is peace, safety and human rights. Adam rounds out the show by looking into the recent controversy over Disney's Snow White and Prince Charming's unsolicited kiss.

TRC #627: Produce Bags + Science Of Soulmates + Are Turtles Slow? May 08, 2021

Show notes

Adam is perplexed by his recent woes trying to open produce bags and goes looking for answers. Cristina examines the notion of soulmates and whether we can use science to determine how likely we are to meet that 'one' human on Earth we're meant to be with. Finally, Darren challenges the narrative we're taught since childhood that turtles are slow after seeing a video of one ninja-moving turtle.

TRC #626: A Deep Dive Into 'Just Deserts' By Daniel Dennett & Gregg Caruso May 02, 2021

Show notes

On this week's show, Darren takes a deep dive into a well of ideas discussed in "Just Deserts" by Daniel Dennett and Gregg Caruso. The book features a debate between the two famed philosophers regarding their views on a range of topics like free will, moral responsibility and legal punishment. Darren recorded the segment with Adam and their ensuing conversation was quite interesting, so we decided to release it as a full show.

TRC #625: Good News 2020: Global Health + Dogs Communicating With Buttons? Apr 24, 2021

Show notes

The year 2020 was a dumpster fire, right? Darren gives us another instalment of his good news stories from the year, this time discussing global health. Adam does a deep dive into viral videos claiming to show dogs communicating using soundboards.

TRC #624: COVID Vaccine Risk & Critical Thinking + Mary Kay Pink Cadillac + What Does The Fox Say? Apr 18, 2021

Show notes

Darren kicks off the show with an important segment that examines the benefit of getting the COVID vaccine versus any potential risks, using critical thinking. Cristina takes a ride down the MLM highway and explores Truth In Advertising's recent scrutiny of Mary Kay's deceptive pinky promises. Finally, Adam really does a deep dive to find out, what does the fox say?

TRC #623: The Neuroscience Of Addiction with Dr. Kim Hellemans Apr 10, 2021

Show notes

This week we bring you a fascinating interview with Dr. Kim Hellemans about the neuroscience of addiction which originally aired in 2019. Kim is an award-winning neuroscientist and the chair of the department of neuroscience at Carleton University. She is also a co-host of Minding The Brain podcast. Enjoy!

TRC #622: Suez Canal Conspiracies + Are Maps Racist? + 2020 Book Picks Mar 28, 2021

Show notes

Cristina kicks off the show by diving hip deep into the conspiracy theories swirling around why the massive container ship Ever Given is blocking the Suez Canal. Adam ponders whether maps are racist after seeing an angry online commenter suggest as much when replying to a post featuring a world map. Darren really did read or listen to more than 100 books last year and he's here to tell you which titles he thinks are worth your while.

TRC #621: Subtitles and Reading Skills + Biased Algorithms? Mar 13, 2021

Show notes

After seeing a viral video featuring Stephen Fry, Cristina examines the practice of turning on same-language subtitling and its surprising effect on reading skills, particularly in children. Adam looks at examples of recent cases where Google and Twitter algorithms are being accused of bias.

TRC #620: Does COVID-19 Kill More Men? + Potatoes and Gender? Mar 06, 2021

Show notes

Darren looks into whether COVID-19 kills more men than women after a friend shares an article suggesting women are more adversely affected by the pandemic. When toy maker Hasbro announced they are rebranding Mr. Potato Head with a gender-neutral name, Adam ponders, how do potatoes actually reproduce?

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