TRC #275: Validity of Astrology + Effectiveness of Prayer + Holiday Suicide Rates

Posted on 14 December, 2013 by Pat

Title-1The gang brings out the big guns for episode 275 of the Reality Check as they give their special TRC take on some classic skeptical topics. Darren leads off the show with a segment analyzing the claims made by Astrology and whether or not they make sense. Next, Elan looks into the studies that have been done to determine the effectiveness of intercessory prayer on health outcomes. Adam closes things out with a look into whether or not suicide rates increase during the holidays. Enjoy the show!

“I think it’s a gem of an episode” – Pat Roach

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TRC #274: Cosmological Overview + Icelandic Elves + Marriage Annulment and Consummation

Posted on 6 December, 2013 by Pat

icelandic_elvesThe gang is joined by special guest Dana Peters for episode 274 of The Reality Check. Dana starts off the show by providing an overview of all of cosmology. No biggie. Adam then discusses The Huldufólk, Icelandic elves. Elan closes out the show by looking into whether a marriage is eligible for annulment if it hasn’t been consummated. Enjoy!

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TRC #273: Krokodil + Effective Altruism + Homeopathy + Aspartame + Punting + Friends

Posted on 30 November, 2013 by Pat

artifacts-images-design_data-17B229-thumb-275x274-design-1193The guys at TRC Productions bring a different format for episode 273 and deliver a jammed packed episode! Darren starts things off with 3 short updates on Krokodil, his thoughts on an article about Effective Altruism and a recent tragedy involving homeopathy. Pat then recounts a recent story about some skeptical activism related to aspartame that he was involved in. Next, Elan examines whether American football teams are maximizing their chances to win when they punt on 4th down. Adam finishes off the show buy answering the question of whether or not your friends have more friends than you do.

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TRC #272: Rob Ford + Sleeping Twice Per Night + Vaccine Myths + George Washington Wooden Teeth

Posted on 23 November, 2013 by Pat

vaccineRight on schedule, we present to you episode 272 of The Reality Check. We provide a brief overview of Rob Ford and why he is still in office. Then, Adam starts off the first segment of the show with a look into if our ancestors slept twice per night, and if that’s a healthier sleeping habit that should be adopted. Darren then goes over a bunch of flu vaccine myths (hint: get the flu shot). Elan closes things out with the myth of the week: Did George Washington have wooden teeth? All of this plus your regular dose of rants and jokes. Enjoy!

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TRC #271: Computer Use & Carpal Tunnel + Name That: Number Edition + Facebook Word Search

Posted on 15 November, 2013 by Pat

1455044_10151802489768883_984856837_nIt’s the end of the week and that means it’s time for another dynamic episode of The Reality Check. This week is a doozy featuring three fun segments. First, Elan looks into the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome epidemic of the 90’s and whether or not computer use is in fact a cause of the ailment. Next, Pat leads a game of Name That, with all of the questions being number-based. Darren closes out the show by ranting about another thing that’s bugging him on Facebook.

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TRC #270: Effective Altruism + Drinking While Eating + Square on Toothpaste Tube

Posted on 8 November, 2013 by Pat

toothpasteIt’s episode 270 of The Reality Check and the gang is back with another solid dose of skepticism. Darren starts things off with an interesting look into the Effective Altruism movement and how one can be most effective when trying to do good. Adam then presents a segment on whether or not you should drink while eating. Elan closes out the show by answering if the coloured square on the bottom of a toothpaste tube indicates the composition of the toothpaste.

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Darren On Ron Corbett Unscripted

Posted on 2 November, 2013 by Pat

boxingghostWe are calling this “episode 269.5.”   Our very own Darren McKee appeared on CFRA News Talk Radio for a special Halloween episode of Ron Corbett Unscripted to participate in a debate about ghosts, spirits and the paranormal.  If you enjoy a little extra content between regular shows, please let us know and we will try to do it more often!

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TRC #269: Talking Calories w/ Stephan Guyenet + Money Game + 50 Shades of Twilight

Posted on 1 November, 2013 by Pat

smdIf you like well produced and thought provoking podcasts, then episode 269 of The Reality Check is the show for you! Pat leads things off with a fascinating interview with Stephan Guyenet where they discuss Gary Taubes’ model of good vs. bad calories and how the evidence for it stacks up compared to the calories in / calories out model. Elan then hosts a fun game of Science Fact or Science Fiction, with all questions of a monetary theme. Adam closes things out by answering the question of whether or not 50 Shades of Grey is Twilight Fan Fiction.

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TRC #268: Krokodil + Oreos vs. Cocaine + Does Reading in Dark Damage Eyes

Posted on 26 October, 2013 by Pat

oreoThe gang celebrates Halloween in skeptical fashion in episode 268 of The Reality Check. Darren starts things off by looking into the so-called “flesh-eating ‘zombie’ drug” Krokodil. Adam then looks into the recent media coverage stating that Oreos are more addictive than cocaine. Elan closes the show by answering the question of whether or not reading in the dark damages your eyes.

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TRC #267: Supervised Injection Sites + Who Owns The Future + Are Refrigerators Death Traps?

Posted on 19 October, 2013 by Pat

punkyfridgeEpisode 267 is here!   First the gang is joined by Dina Tsirlin who explores supervised injection sites such as Insight in Vancouver.   Next the panel has a heated discussion about the book “Who Owns The Future” by Jaron Lanier.  Finally, Adam examines an episode of Punky Brewster and asks: are refrigerators death traps?

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