The Reality Check

TRC #728: Does Moltbook AI Matter? + Family Feud Surveys

There has been a lot of news lately about Moltbook AI, a network of Artificial Intelligence agents who are interacting with each other in great numbers in a virtual space. Darren separates fact from fiction as he explores many fascets of this emerging technology and what it could mean for the future. Then Adam looks into just how the surveys they use to get answers for the game show Family Feud really work. There has been a lot of news lately about Moltbook AI, a platform where Artificial Intelligence agents are interacting with each other in great numbers. Darren separates fact from fiction as he explores many fascets of this emerging technology and what it could mean for the future. Then Adam looks into just how the surveys they use to get answers for the game show Family Feud really work.

TRC #727: Things Your Parents Said Were Illegal + Canada's Apology Laws

This week's show is all about the law. Growing up our parents told us all kinds of things were illegal, such as driving with the dome light on in the car, riding in the back of a pickup truck, skipping school or playing Ding Dong Ditch. Adam explores whether any of these things are actually illegal, and asks if our parents were lying to us or just mistaken themselves. Then Darren investigates the effect of Canadian politeness and the law. Does saying you're sorry mean that you're actually admitting to being guilty of something?

TRC #726: 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.

TRC #725: 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 given 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.

TRC #724: 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!