Navigating today’s tricky digital landscape through comedy and conversation
You've been lied to. And so has everyone you disagree with.
We live in a world engineered for outrage. Algorithms, advertisers, and political operatives have spent billions studying your brain just to exploit it – and it's working on all of us.
So what can we do about it? Disagree, laugh, repeat.
Join RCIScience for an interactive night of picking sides and making cases — no expertise required, just an opinion and a sense of humour. Hosting the chaos: CBC’s Anthony Morgan (co-host of The Nature of Things), comedian Lexa Graham, and Dr. Aviva Philipp-Muller, whose research on stubborn, hard-to-shift beliefs has been featured in the Wall Street Journal.
Together, they'll show you what political polarization and snake oil have in common — why we fall for both, how bad actors exploit the mental shortcuts we all rely on, and why what you think your own side believes might be making things worse.
Expect to laugh, be surprised, and leave seeing the news, your feed, and your own certainty a little differently.
Come if you're burned out by the noise and the AI slop. Come if you've lost faith in the algorithm, the headline, or the hot take. Or just come if you want to have a good time!
Please note: No outside food or drink are permitted. Concessions and drinks are available for purchase at the venue.
More about Freestyle Socials.
About the Speakers
Anthony Morgan
(he/him)
Anthony Morgan is an award-winning Science communicator, PhD researcher, game designer, entrepreneur and host of The Nature of Things on CBC Television. He's obsessed with changing how people see, think, talk about and use science in their everyday lives. To that end, he's worked closely with numerous public-facing institutions including the Canadian Association of Science Centres, Universities, media influencers, municipalities and the federal government to build public-facing tools for engaging the new science and technology of our times.
Lexa Graham
(she/her)
Lexa Graham is an award winning scientist, educator, and comedian who specializes in science centered comedy, humour workshops for professionals, and speaking about the science of success for university students. An expert at mixing science and comedy into a fun and educational cocktail, Lexa is the creator of DNAtured Journal, a satirical academic journal on student life and science, and Dirty Science, a monthly Science Comedy show. Lexa is also a popular host, performer, and panelist for all kinds of events due to her personable nature, quick wit, and broad scientific knowledge.
More speaker information coming soon!
Filming and Photography Notice
RCIScience will be filming and photographing this event. By attending, you consent to the use of your image and likeness being used in promotional materials.
Please let us know if you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.
By attending this event, you agree to adhere to the Code of Conduct.