
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 | 39 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Business NewsNewsNews Commentary | |||

Keir Starmer has announced his plans to ban social media for under 16s in Britain. The ban is due to come in early next year and include all main social media apps. Age-recognition and digital ID checks will be used to keep children away from social ... more
For years, Pride month has been an unmissable fixture in the corporate calendar. But recently, many of the world’s biggest brands appear to be quietly backing away – toning down campaigns, dropping rainbow logos and retreating from the culture wars. ... more
Nicola Sturgeon has claimed she was deceived by her ex husband Peter Murrell who pled guilty having embezzled tens of thousands of pounds of SNP money. Financial infidelity has become a top reason behind couples divorces. The Times Alice Wright joins... more
The government have rolled back on plans to impose price caps in supermarkets. Was Reeves wrong to go after them for price gouging? Michael Simmons has the data. This episode is brought to you by Artemis Fund Managers, for more information on our fun... more
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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
Splendid spin-off and valuable insights at this pivotal moment in Scottish (and more broadly U.K. / European) politics. Still not sure if Fraser Nelson’s really Scottish though 😉
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.
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Apple Podcasts | #53 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Reality Check delivers data-driven takes on timely economic and political stories, often featuring sharp, numbers-focused discussions with high-profile guests. Episodes frequently cover macroeconomics, public finances, housing, and policy reform, mixing investigative analysis with accessible storytelling. Noteworthy are its willingness to challenge official narratives and present contrarian or reform-minded viewpoints, making it a compelling listen for professionals evaluating policy impacts, markets, and public investment.
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Reality Check launched 3 years ago and published 39 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. Alice Wright
2. Matthew Lesch
3. William Clouston
4. Lyndon Kim Caron
5. Zack Polanski
6. John Power
7. Charlie Mullins
8. Harry Scoffin
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