Reality Check
The SpectatorReality 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 | 60 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Business NewsNewsNews Commentary | |||
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Latest Episodes
Chancellor John Healey has just delivered his first Budget of the Andy Burnham premiership – but has he done enough to turn the economy around?
In this special live edition of Reality Check, economics editor Michael Simmons is joined by deputy polit... more
Andy Burnham’s first Budget as Prime Minister is approaching – but higher borrowing costs have already made the sums more difficult. Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane joins Michael Simmons to warn that Britain has little room left t... more
Is Britain’s welfare state still a safety net or has it become a pipeline for long-term dependency? Almost one in ten six-year-olds are now categorised as disabled through the benefits system and, on current trends, that figure would rise to one in f... more
For this special edition of Reality Check, economics editor Michael Simmons hosts a panel from Conservative Party conference on Britain’s growing NEETs crisis: the hundreds of thousands of young people not in education, employment or training. He is ... more
Key Facts
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Recent Guests
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Reviews
- Sane analysis not spin
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.
Apple Podcasts5Feybear
United Kingdom2 months ago - Well informed
Episode on leasehold was fascinating. Very revealing. Michael cuts to the chase and has no agendas or metropolitan bias, which is a rare thing.
Apple Podcasts5Tom Walton TemmyUnited Kingdom6 months ago - Utter lies when discussing PIP
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.
Apple Podcasts1Wbt1981United Kingdoma year ago - Rory Sutherland episode - priceless
And I’m 60 and retired (albeit is volunteering my socks off…), quite the Reality Check ! Keep up the good work, thank you.
Apple Podcasts5NatsPoddieUnited Kingdoma year ago - Disappointing episode
Rory Sutherland podcast very disappointing, just another person airing their peeves. Let’s get back to the content in the initial two podcasts
Apple Podcasts1YachtsmanUnited Kingdoma year ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #209 |  United States/News/Business News |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | United Kingdom/News/Business News |
Apple Podcasts | #130 | United Kingdom/News |
Apple Podcasts | #215 |  Canada/News/Business News |
Apple Podcasts | #55 |  Australia/News/Business News |
Apple Podcasts | #120 |  Italy/News/Business News |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reality Check
What is Reality Check about and what kind of topics does it cover?
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.
Where can I find podcast stats for Reality Check?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Reality Check. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Reality Check and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does Reality Check get?
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What are the audience demographics for Reality Check?
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How many subscribers and views does Reality Check have?
To see how many followers or subscribers Reality Check has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to Reality Check?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Reality Check:
1. Coffee House Shots
2. Quite right!
3. The Edition
4. Americano
5. Best of the Spectator
How many episodes of Reality Check are there?
Reality Check launched 4 years ago and published 60 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Reality Check?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Reality Check?
Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Reality Check from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Reality Check?
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What guests have appeared on Reality Check?
Recent guests on Reality Check include:
1. Andy Haldane
2. Fraser Nelson
3. Laura Trott
4. Megan Bulford
5. Daniel Herring
6. Robin Wigglesworth
7. Paul Nowak
8. John Power
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.