Blocked and Reported Episode 296: Loving Pound Cake
Feb 23, 2026
They unpack a subreddit scandal around a beloved sphynx cat and the fallout when its authenticity is questioned. They explore how AI and deepfakes creep into online communities and change trust. Conversation ranges from moderator power and subreddit politics to real-world harms of fabricated media and how platforms shape culture.
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Practice Snow Tire Chains Before Mountain Drives
- Prepare practically for hazardous drives by equipping snow tires and practicing put-on chains rather than improvising.
- Jesse suggests having proper tires and knowing how to install chains before attempting steep winter mountain routes.
Newspaper Uses AI Rewriters For Drafting
- Katie recounts a Cleveland Plain Dealer editor explaining reporters submit reporting while an AI rewrite specialist drafts articles, with humans fact-checking and editors and reporters retaining final say.
- This raised mixed reactions: efficiency versus the loss of journalists' writing role, and discomfort at seeing the process described bluntly.
Poundcake Became A Reddit Celebrity
- Jesse and Katie recount the rise of Poundcake, a morbidly obese sphinx cat posted by PracticalIntern735 who quickly charmed r/sphynx with photos and videos.
- Posts detailed severe health issues, vet prescriptions, and dramatic caregiving scenes that drew thousands of upvotes and communal concern.