
Reality Check cuts through the spin and explains the numbers behind the noise. In each episode, The Spectator’s economics editor Michael Simmons and in-the-know guests will make a data-driven case on a story hogging the headlines.
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| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 52 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Business NewsNewsNews Commentary | |||

Arthur Laffer, the economist, former adviser to Ronald Reagan and architect of the Laffer Curve, goes head-to-head with journalist and left-wing author Aaron Bastani over one question: should Britain introduce a wealth tax?
Chaired by The Spectator... more
With two months to go until Andy Burnham and John Healey’s first Budget, speculation about tax rises is already beginning. But how much should we believe?
Michael Simmons looks at five facts about Britain’s tax system that should shape the debate – ... more
The backlash to Channel 4’s The Great ADHD Myth has reignited a fierce debate over how we diagnose ADHD – and whether that debate itself is becoming impossible to have.
Michael Simmons looks at the extraordinary rise in diagnoses, the gap between re... more
Britain is in the grip of another hot, dry summer, with hosepipe bans in force and fears growing about the country’s water supply. But are we really running out of water?
Michael Simmons is joined by Reality Check reporter John Power to explain what... more
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A genuine forum for open discussion of the direction of society and the economy. The economics editor raises uncomfortable truths and analyses them in a researched and impassioned way. Very helpful, whether you end up agreeing or not.
Episode on leasehold was fascinating. Very revealing. Michael cuts to the chase and has no agendas or metropolitan bias, which is a rare thing.
I have disabled family and friends, one has an autistic son that repeats the same words over and over. She was denied pip for him. This is one story of many lived experiences I know and your comment it’s easy to get is so far from the truth.
And I’m 60 and retired (albeit is volunteering my socks off…), quite the Reality Check ! Keep up the good work, thank you.
Rory Sutherland podcast very disappointing, just another person airing their peeves. Let’s get back to the content in the initial two podcasts
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #19 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #246 | |
Apple Podcasts | #90 | |
Apple Podcasts | #117 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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A data-driven current events show that dissects headlines with statistics, maps numbers to policy impacts, and invites policy-focused guests to unpack complex issues. Episodes often cover economics, public policy, and social topics through rigorous analysis, with a willingness to challenge rhetoric and test assumptions. A notable strength is the clean, numbers-first framing that helps listeners understand trade-offs in politics and public spending, making it a reliable resource for professionals evaluating policy angles, investment implications, or sponsorship alignments. The format tends to combine expert commentary with practical implications, and sponsored segments are integrated into the conversation rather than dominating it.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Reality Check:
1. Quite right!
2. Coffee House Shots
3. The Edition
4. Americano
5. Best of the Spectator
Reality Check launched 4 years ago and published 52 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Reality Check include:
1. Michael Tobin
2. Robert Bryce
3. Oliver Shah
4. David Goodhart
5. Pia Sinha
6. Rick Henderson
7. Tom Scotston
8. John O'Neil
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