Topic: The Real

11 chapters across the catalog

Big Bully
Episode 1836 49:15 - 52:43

1836: Big Bully

Norway Nobel Prize Letter, The View and Greenland Boomtowns

The hosts of *The View* discussed a letter sent by President Trump to the Prime Minister of Norway, in which he blamed the country for denying him the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump argued that because he was denied the prize, he no longer feels an obligation to "think purely of peace" regarding Greenland. Despite the diplomatic friction, some observers predict a real estate "bonanza" in Greenland, envisioning the territory as a future economic boomtown for minerals and security infrastructure.

Attunement
Episode 1815 50:18 - 55:48

1815: Attunement

Birds Aren't Real and Phone Addiction

A discussion on the "Birds Aren't Real" conspiracy theory serves as a critique of modern phone addiction and its impact on interpersonal communication. The hosts argue that delayed responses caused by "thumb typing" on smartphones are the true cause of relationship friction rather than a lack of interest in birds. The segment references the 1963 song "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen as a humorous retort to the social media trend.

Jabs for Jesus
Episode 1344 24:36 - 30:19

1344: Jabs for Jesus

The Real, Pfizer Chief Patient Officer Interview

The talk show "The Real" aired a special segment sponsored by Pfizer featuring Chief Patient Officer Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron. She addresses mistrust in the healthcare system among Black communities by citing the Tuskegee syphilis study and Henrietta Lacks. The hosts criticize the segment for lacking scientific data and focusing on historical grievances.

Expando-Vision
Episode 1079 2:31:55 - 2:34:17

1079: Expando-Vision

New York Empty Storefronts, Retail Real Estate Crisis

An Atlantic article titled "Why New York Has So Many Empty Storefronts" explores the 89% rise in retail rents that has driven out local businesses. The hosts observe similar trends in Austin, Texas, where unique local shops are being replaced by global chains like Starbucks and Swatch, or left vacant by landlords holding out for higher-paying tenants.

Hot Rhetoric
Episode 784 1:52:37 - 1:55:10

784: Hot Rhetoric

The Real, Mirror Kissing Segment

The daytime talk show "The Real" is criticized for a segment where a hostess was challenged to "passionately" kiss a handheld mirror. The hosts mock the absurdity of the competition and the high-energy reactions of the show's cast to the "dopey" task.

Morally Deformed
Episode 774 1:41:58 - 1:45:50

774: Morally Deformed

"The Real" Talk Show on Cell Phone Radiation

A segment from the multicultural talk show "The Real" features the hosts discussing the dangers of sleeping with cell phones near their heads. One host, Tamara Mowry-Housley, suggests a "scientific test" involving putting a phone near a microwave to hear "weird noises." John C. Dvorak finds it significant that none of the hosts challenged the idea that cell phones cause cancer, indicating a shift in mainstream public perception.

Evil Layer Cake
Episode 653 2:48:10 - 2:53:38

653: Evil Layer Cake

The Real Talk Show, Amazeballs, Junk Food Segments

"The Real," a syndicated talk show featuring five women of color, is criticized for its "slick" production and "offensive" content. The hosts mock a segment where the presenters eat extreme junk food, such as chicken nugget cupcakes and chocolate-covered potato chips. The use of the slang term "amazeballs" is highlighted as a low point in American television.

The Deuce!
Episode 200 1:52:30 - 1:55:16

200: The Deuce!

Showtime's "The Real L Word", Reality TV Trends

Showtime's new reality series, "The Real L Word," is discussed as a marketing-driven show that features "hot looking" actresses rather than a realistic portrayal of the lesbian community. The hosts compare the show's promotional style to other reality programs like the Tyra Banks Show.

Podcast Award Nominees
Episode 147 1:01:16 - 1:08:01

147: Podcast Award Nominees

Listener Donations, Russian Botnets, New York Economic Crisis

The hosts acknowledge various listener donations, including a contribution from St. Petersburg, Russia. They discuss the economic downturn in New York City, reporting that some condo buildings are losing utility services due to insolvency. The segment includes mentions of specific donor names and their unique donation amounts, such as palindromes and cultural references.

Iridium Fluoride Marijuana and Pelosi's Puppies
Episode 76 1:04:27 - 1:06:27

76: Iridium Fluoride Marijuana and Pelosi's Puppies

Enhanced Driver's Licenses, Real ID Mark of the Beast

The Department of Homeland Security, under Janet Napolitano, is rebranding Real ID initiatives as "Enhanced Driver's Licenses." Some religious groups view the inclusion of tracking chips in identification cards as a fulfillment of the biblical "Mark of the Beast," leading to concerns about total government control over individual lives.