BONUS: A Fake News Podcast
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “BONUS: A Fake News Podcast” inside PodZeus.
In this bonus episode of Canada Land, host Sam Connard explores the evolving landscape of fake news, from classic April Fools' pranks to the modern era of AI-generated deception. Drawing on personal anecdotes—including falling for a fake AI image of Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau at the Grammys, and being duped by a fabricated story about a manatee barbecue at the Calgary Aquarium—the episode examines how easily even media-savvy individuals can be misled. The discussion expands to historical hoaxes like the 2006 Flemish independence prank on Belgian TV, the viral marketing campaign for The Blair Witch Project, and the enduring power of urban legends. Listeners share their own experiences, from believing fake news about a transgender husband of Kristi Noem to being tricked by AI-generated movie trailers and 'karma porn' videos. The episode ultimately reveals a deeper truth: our susceptibility to fake news stems not just from technological advances, but from our desire to believe stories that align with our hopes or fears. As AI blurs the line between reality and fiction, the show urges listeners to remain skeptical—but also to recognize that the real danger lies not in being fooled, but in losing trust in all information.
AI-generated content is now so advanced that even media professionals can be deceived, especially when the story aligns with a desired narrative.
Historical hoaxes like the 2006 Flemish independence prank prove that fake news has long existed—and can still cause real public reaction.
The line between satire, marketing, and misinformation has blurred, making it harder to distinguish truth from fiction in the digital age.
Our emotional desire to believe a story—whether it's a celebrity romance or a political scandal—can override critical thinking.
Even trusted sources can be undermined by AI-generated content, leading to widespread cynicism and distrust in all news.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Rise of AI Deception
“I wanted it to be true. They just looked so good and a Canadian official on a Grammy red carpet. Like there was just something so nice about that, that I wanted it to be real.”
April Fools' Gone Wrong
Sam plays a game with listeners, presenting three fake April Fools' headlines from the day before. One is real (the PlayStation controller), and the others are absurd—like a report about Kristi Noem’s cross-dressing husband. The episode critiques how the humor of April Fools' has lost its luster in the age of real misinformation.
The Calgary Aquarium Hoax
“So we're going to have a barbecue. Oh my God. And they talked about being able to have manatee sticks. Oh my God. You know, get there early on Saturday.”
The 2006 Flemish Independence Hoax
“I realized how much people can just go with a story. Yeah. Like if you give them a story that they want to believe in, they will just run with it.”
The Blair Witch Project and the Birth of Viral Hoaxes
The episode explores how The Blair Witch Project used a fake documentary campaign to sell a low-budget horror film. The marketing—complete with fake case files, missing person posters, and a website—was so convincing it became a cultural phenomenon.
“I realized how much people can just go with a story. Yeah. Like if you give them a story that they want to believe in, they will just run with it.”
“I wanted it to be true. They just looked so good and a Canadian official on a Grammy red carpet. Like there was just something so nice about that, that I wanted it to be real.”
“I was just thinking about this this morning kind of in preparation for this show, but I found myself not believing any single piece of news that's coming out of Iran except when service members die because they can't hide that.”
Host
Guests
Sam Connard
person
Canada Land
organization
CBC Radio
organization
This Is That
organization
Calgary Aquarium
organization
Flemish Parliament
organization
Justin Trudeau
person
Katy Perry
person
Oxio
organization
Iran
place
Can Carney Break Canada's High Speed Rail Curse?
CANADALAND • 35m • 3/31/2026
Air Canada CEO’s French Exit
CANADALAND • 29m • 4/1/2026
The Real Way to Stop Big Tech From Harming Kids
CANADALAND • 38m • 4/3/2026
Nardwuar: An Oral History
CANADALAND • 36m • 4/6/2026
Canada Is Built on a Clause That Nobody Is Supposed to Use. What Happens Now That Everyone Is Using It?
CANADALAND • 43m • 4/7/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “BONUS: A Fake News Podcast” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime