The Reality Check

Latest Episodes:

TRC #609: COVID-19 Testing in Canada + 2000 Year Old Cat Carving in Peru? + Coke in Coke? Nov 08, 2020

Show notes

Cristina kicks off the show with an overview of how the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory tests for COVID-19. After archeologists discover a 2000 year old feline geoglyph carved into the hillside in Nazca Lines, Peru, Adam asks, "Is it really a cat?" Darren rounds out the show with a look at Coca-Cola and whether long-time reports of the beverage containing cocaine hold up.

TRC #608: Is 'Sexual Preference' Offensive? + Book Reviews: Woodward; Cohen; Alinsky; Chomsky Oct 31, 2020

Show notes

After negative reaction and backlash to Amy Coney Barrett using the term, Adam digs into whether 'sexual preference' is offensive. Next, Darren brings us another book review roundup including some titles that recently spawned several headlines: 'Rage' by Bob Woodward, 'Disloyal' by Michael Cohen, 'Rules for Radicals' by Saul Alinsky and 'What We Say Goes' by Noam Chomsky.

TRC #607: Trust U.S. Election Polls? + What Is The Red Pill + Skill Testing Questions Oct 26, 2020

Show notes

With the U.S. election on the horizon, can we really trust the election polls? Darren does a deep dive to find out. Next, Adam wonders what it means to 'take the red pill' after seeing a tweet by Elon Musk. Lastly, after Producer Pat wins a Raptors jersey in a scratch-and-win contest, Cristina ponders why he has to answer a skill-testing question before claiming the prize.

TRC #606: James Randi Oct 22, 2020

Show notes

Yesterday we lost a giant in the critical thinking community. James Randi died at the age of 92. This is an interview with him from August 2010. Randi began his career as a magician and later devoted his life to investigating paranormal, occult and supernatural claims. He will be missed.

TRC #605: Calculating The Mass Of Earth + Subway Bread Isn't Bread? Oct 09, 2020

Show notes

This week we bring you two fascinating segments. First our resident planetary geophysics expert, Dr. Stuart Robbins, is back to help us with a listener email about how we calculate the mass of the earth. We also dig into the difference between weight and mass. Adam rounds out the show with a deep dive into whether an Irish court has ruled that Subway bread is not bread asking, 'what is a sandwich anyways'?

TRC #604: The 'Benadryl Challenge' + The Moon's Luminosity Oct 03, 2020

Show notes

This week, we bring in the experts to bring YOU two great interviews! First, Cristina looks at the controversial 'Benadryl challenge' on TikTok and has a discussion with Dr. David Stukus about the potential danger of this over-the-counter medication. Dr. Stukus is a Paediatric allergy & asthma specialist and the Social Media Medical Editor for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Next, our resident research scientist who studies planetary geophysics, Dr. Stuart Robbins, tells us some surprising information about the luminosity of the moon.

TRC #603: Call To Cancel Netflix Over 'Cuties' + Is Jeff Bezos Too Rich? Sep 25, 2020

Show notes

After the huge backlash around the recent release of coming-of-age drama 'Cuties' on Netflix, Pat examines what this film is about. Darren rounds out the show with a deep dive on Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' staggering wealth and wonders: is he too rich?

TRC #602: Life On Venus? + David Bowie Art Hoax? + Book Reviews: Evolution, Oculus, and Google Sep 19, 2020

Show notes

Adam looks behind the latest headlines that suggest we may have discovered life on the planet Venus. Cristina takes us down a fun rabbit hole when she explores how David Bowie pulled off one of the biggest art hoaxes in history. Finally, Darren crushes three book reviews spanning wildly different, equally fascinating topics: 'From Darwin to Derrida', 'The History of the Future: Oculus, Facebook, and the Revolution That Swept Virtual Reality', and 'Life After Google'.

TRC #601: Essential Oils Safe For Kids? + Colour In Hubble Photos + Can Former Presidents Drive? Sep 12, 2020

Show notes

Cristina looks into the safety of so-called 'essential' oils when it comes to use around children. Friend of the show, Dr. Stuart Robbins, answers a question about why those picturesque astronomy photos of galaxies far, far away are so colourful. Finally, Darren asks if former United States Presidents are actually allowed to drive.

TRC #600: Does Cancel Culture Exist? + Name That: Memory + Seeds From China Sep 05, 2020

Show notes

Guess who's back? The crew is back together again for TRC's 600th episode! Darren asks if 'cancel culture' really exists. Producer Pat tests the gang's memories with a game of 'Name That: Previous Game' edition. Adam looks into mystery packets of seeds that people worldwide are randomly receiving in the mail.

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