Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Episodes
Selects: The Texas City Disaster of 1947
In 1947 the port town of Texas City, Texas became the site of the largest industrial disaster in American history. An enormous explosion blew ships out of the water, created a tidal wave that flooded the town, and killed hundreds of people instantly. Find out all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/12/24•41m 5s
Tugboats: Pushing Their Way Around Since 1803
Tugboats are amazing because they do the dirty work without much recognition. Well that's changing today - ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY TUG!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/12/24•50m 26s
Short Stuff: Joro Spiders
These invasive spiders are everywhere these days. But how did they get to the USA and are they harmful?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/12/24•12m 11s
Ba-Gawk! How Peacocks Work
If you’ve ever wanted to know why peacocks have such amazing feathers, why they’re not all called peacocks, and plenty of other neat stuff about peacocks, then perhaps this episode on peacocks is for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/12/24•40m 38s
Selects: How The Pill Changed the World
When the birth control pill hit the market in 1960 it landed like a social bomb. Almost overnight, women gained the ability to separate sex from pregnancy and everything from feminism to patients’ rights centered on it. Find out all about its history in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/12/24•43m 42s
The Ruby Ridge Standoff
The Ruby Ridge standoff still lingers after more than 30 years. But who was at fault for the lives lost? Listen in today to learn all about this dark spot in American history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/12/24•50m 56s
Short Stuff: Franca Viola
One of the world’s unsung heroes – at least outside of Italy – is a brave woman who stood up to an insidious and longstanding custom and made her country a better place for it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/12/24•12m 40s
Solipsism: This Is All In My Mind?
As the philosophical holds, there’s a chance you don’t exist, that not only you, but this episode, the podcast, and the entire universe are only projections of Josh or Chuck’s mind. If so, then recording this episode was a waste of time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/12/24•35m 43s
Selects: Star Wars Holiday Spectacular
Long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas allowed the Star Wars Holiday Special to be made. What happened on the night of November 17, 1978 can never be fully explained, but we make our best effort in our annual special edition of SYSK. May the force be with us all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/11/24•54m 31s
LIVE: Minneapolis - The Madd Gasser of Mattoon
Please enjoy our 2024 live show about the wild tale of the Madd Gasser of Mattoon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/11/24•1h 1m
Short Stuff: Erfurt Latrine Disaster
A terrible thing happened in Germany in the summer of 1184.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/11/24•14m 7s
The Wild History of Tetris
Tetris is an iconic game with a fascinating history. Dive in today to learn all about this classic puzzle game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/11/24•50m 6s
Selects: How the Stanford Prison Experiment Worked
The infamous Stanford Prison Experiment wasn't really much of an experiment as it turns out. It was more like a poorly thought out exercise conducted by a professor who didn't dot the i's and cross the t's. Listen in to this classic episode as Josh and Chuck give this experiment some harsh treatment of their own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/11/24•46m 39s
The Story of Tavern on the Green
Tavern on the Green is a legendary NY eatery that has never rated particularly well with food critics. Despite that, it's been a NYC mainstay for decades. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/11/24•44m 52s
Short Stuff: The Gaslighting of Martha Mitchell
Martha Mitchell, the wife of Nixon's Attorney General, was well-known to spread a juicy rumor. That's why when Watergate unfolded, she was held captive in a hotel room on her husband's orders and painted as a crazy alcoholic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/11/24•13m 45s
The Saga of Silk Road
The US government took a thumb in the eye with the creation of the Silk Road website. Right there on the internet you could anonymously buy drugs and various other contraband, and for a couple years no one could do a darn thing about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/11/24•48m 3s
Selects: The Cleveland Torso Murders
During the depths of the Great Depression, Cleveland’s most vulnerable and destitute residents were prey for one of history’s most horrific serial killers. The killer’s identity remains a mystery to this day. Josh and Chuck take you through what's known in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/11/24•49m 0s
The Fascinating History of Dandelions
Dandelions are way more interesting than you think. Trust us and click play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/11/24•42m 6s
Short Stuff: The wAve
It’s a thrill to stand and, raise your arms, maybe give a woo! then sit down again, especially if you’re in a sports stadium. And especially if you’re doing it as part of a Wave.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/11/24•15m 11s
Kids' Chemistry Sets: KABOOM!
A surprising number of Nobel Prize winners credit their childhood chemistry set for sparking their interest in science. But most kids just used them to make stuff explode. Compared to the originals, today’s versions are super safe, pale shadows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/11/24•43m 12s
Selects: What's a quinceañera anyway?
A quinceañera is the celebration of a girl of Hispanic heritage becoming a young woman on her 15th birthday. It involves family, friends, music and a lot of great food. Join Josh and Chuck in this classic episode as they don their favorite pink dresses and go over this wonderful tradition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/11/24•39m 53s
ADHD pt 2
Today, the conclusion of the two-part episode on ADHD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/11/24•49m 6s
Short Stuff: Tornado Alley
North America gets as many as 1400 tornadoes a year. The place with the next highest is the UK at 33. So the spot with the most tornadoes in the US is also the spot with the most tornadoes in the world. That would be Tornado Alley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/11/24•11m 47s
ADHD pt 1
Today, Josh and Chuck dive into part one of their two-part suite on ADHD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/11/24•45m 10s
Selects: The Strange Story of Sea Monkeys
Anyone who ever picked up a comic book as a kid probably marveled at the ads for the mysterious Sea Monkeys. In reality, they are just brine shrimp, not fantastical beings with magical powers. But the story behind the invention of the Sea Monkey is tale all its own. Listen in to this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/11/24•52m 51s
15th Annual SYSK Halloween Spooktacular!
Buckle up folks, it's time for another of our favorite traditions, the SYSK Halloween Spooktacular! So sit down, dim the lights and get ready for some spooky stories. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/10/24•1h
Short Stuff: Two Scary True Shorties!
Josh and Chuck dive into two spooky true stories in today's Short Stuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/10/24•18m 23s
The Mystery of the Skeletons of Roopkund Lake
One of the greatest unsolved historic mysteries is found in a lake atop a mountain glacier high up in the Indian Himalayas. The skeletons of as many as 800 people are inexplicably in and around the lake. No one knows who they are or what happened to them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/10/24•43m 59s
Selects: Why Landmines Are The Deadliest Legacy Of War
One of the worst legacies of war are the millions of landmines left behind. They hide for decades after a conflict is over, exploding beneath unsuspecting civilians and children. To many, removing mines and banning new ones is of paramount importance. Learn all about the scope of the problem and this important work in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/10/24•51m 34s
Spend Some Time with Fairies
Most people think of Tinkerbell when we think of fairies, but the Disney versions capture only the last century or so of what we’ve conceived fairies to be. Over millennia they’ve gone from ugly and scary to pretty and helpful and everything in between. Come meet the fae!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/10/24•46m 53s
Short Stuff: The Story of Spirit Halloween
Every August, abandoned storefronts across America are filled with the spirit of Halloween, by way of the store, Spirit Halloween. Learn all about this wildly successful pop-up today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/10/24•14m 45s
Q Anon: When Wild Conspiracy Went (sort of) Mainstream
Q Anon believes many things, including that Tom Hanks is a Satan-worshipping, child-eating pedophile. Yeah. We'll just leave our "drop" right here for you to make up your own mind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/10/24•48m 34s
Selects: Porcupines: Little Stabby Cutie Pies
We love animals. A lot. Especially underrated ones like the darling porcupine. Listen in to this classic episode to learn all about these stabby little boogers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/10/24•40m 12s
Kudzu: The Vine That Just Won't Stop
If you're from the American South, then kudzu is something that cannot be avoided. But how did this invasive species get here and why does it love to consume everything in its path?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/10/24•39m 10s
Short Stuff: Redacted!
The process of redacting sensitive information is long and storied. But are there even any rules that apply to when and how it's done? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/10/24•12m 29s
The Anarchist Cookbook: Funny but Dangerous
You might have owned the Anarchist Cookbook once, but you probably didn’t use it to turn a shotgun into a grenade launcher or build a bomb. Unfortunately some people did and the author called for this book of “forbidden knowledge” to be taken out of print.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/10/24•41m 25s
Selects: How Paramedics Work
Paramedics are not EMTs. Or fire fighters. Or cops. But they do ride around in ambulances (and drive) to help to save lives. It's a stressful job and in this classic episode we shine a light on this noble profession. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/10/24•48m 4s
Swatches!
The story of the Swatch is super cool and one of the great retail successes. Listen in today to find out just why a country known for the finest craftsmanship started making plastic watches for the masses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/24•44m 50s
Short Stuff: Mystery of the Sarah Jo
In another chapter of our continuing mysteries of the sea theme, we deliver a truly baffling mystery involving a ship that was lost and found, which brought more questions than answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/10/24•10m 3s
Gobekli Tepe
Gobekli Tepe is a profoundly ancient spiritual site that shouldn’t exist, according to conventional wisdom. The massive site of columns and pictograms was built thousands of years before humans were thought to have been able to create anything like it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/10/24•46m 40s
Selects: How the Escape from Alcatraz Worked
In 1962, three ordinary criminals transcended into folk heroes when they crawled out of their cells in Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary took to the water in a homemade raft and were never heard from again. Could they have possibly survived? Find out more in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/10/24•54m 30s
The Strange Story of Lysol
The Lysol we know now is sold as disinfectant only. But at one time it was also marketed as a means of birth control. Listen in today to the twisted history of this common household product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/10/24•43m 47s
Short Stuff: Flower Power
What we equate with acid, hippies, and garish polyester prints actually began as a theatrical way of protesting bans on free speech and the Vietnam War. When the hippies got hold of it, it definitely transformed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/10/24•11m 52s
The Shadow Biosphere: Is There Other Life on Earth?
As far as we know life evolved once in the universe – here on Earth in the form of life as we know it. Could life have originated in other conditions with different raw materials? If so, we may be sharing the planet with lifeforms we don’t recognize yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/10/24•42m 42s
Selects: Rosa Parks: Agent of Change
Rosa Parks finishes out our Black History Month episodes in grand fashion. While most know her from that fateful day on the Montgomery city bus, she actually had a long life as an advocate, protestor and agent of change. Join us via this classic episode as we celebrate one of America's great history makers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/09/24•50m 48s
The Judas Priest Suicide Trial
A greatest hit of the Satanic Panic of the 1980s came when the metal band Judas Priest was put on trial for the suicides of two teens. While the case was preposterous – based on alleged hidden satanic messages in the music – it arose from a real tragedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/09/24•48m 31s
Short Stuff: The SS Ourang Medang
We love our ghost ships here at SYSK and this is one of the better ones. But did it really even exist? Not likely. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/09/24•11m 13s
Four Eyes Good: The History of Glasses
Glasses as we know them have only been around for a few hundred years. So what did people do before this? And how did things change once spectacles were on the scene? Listen in to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/09/24•50m 23s
Selects: How Government Shutdowns Work
Every year Congress decides how the federal government will spend money. Simple enough, but in practice politics tend to mess it up. Sometimes it gets so messy the budget doesn’t get passed and parts of the government shut down. Then the hurting begins. Learn all about it in this classic, always timely episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/09/24•52m 19s
Tom Slick: Not the Cartoon
There's a good chance that if you don't live in San Antonio, Texas, you may not know who scientist/adventurer Tom Slick is. Today we tackle the story of the most interesting man you've never heard of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/09/24•48m 24s
Short Stuff: The Killing Stone
The Killing Stone looms large in Japanese folklore, so when it split in half in March 2022, people were worried it would bring devastating effects in its wake. Except... they really didn't.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/09/24•9m 25s
Would A Love Drug Be Ethical?
What if science could create a drug that made you connect with people more deeply, let your emotions flow more openly, and sparked love and attachment in you for other people? Would you take it? Better hurry and decide because they might be on their way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/09/24•39m 27s
Selects: The Manson Family Murders Part 2
Listen in to this classic episode for the conclusion of the story of the Manson Family Murders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/09/24•40m 38s
Celebration Florida: The Story of a Utopia that Never Was
The town of Celebration, Florida was supposed to be a utopia. What it ended up as is a mediocre neighborhood on the outskirts of Disney World. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/09/24•52m 0s
Short Stuff: Uncle Sam Wants YOU!
Who is Uncle Sam anyway? Was it a real person or just a marketing exercise? And why does he refuse to go away? Listen in to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/09/24•13m 36s
Henry Ford: The Good, Bad and Ugly
Henry Ford was an odd guy, but one who had a vision for America that centered around a populist, affordable and reliable automobile. He was also a noted antisemite and not a great father. Today, we dive into the life of FMC's founder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/09/24•45m 0s
Selects: How Futurology Works
Science fiction writers have made some amazingly accurate predictions over the years, but in 1945 the pace of technological change created a field that spun off of sci-fi forecasting, futurology. Learn all about it with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/09/24•39m 55s
Ludwig II: The Only Real King of the 19th Century
Outside of Germany, King Ludwig II is relatively unknown. And, yet, he is one of history’s most tragic and romantic kings. He was a gay icon and a ruler who eschewed public appearances for turn inward into a fantasy realm of his own making. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/09/24•47m 39s
Short Stuff: Rescuing Mistreated Pets
You – yes, you! – can be a hero to neglected and abused animals. But there’s a right way to do it, and that does not involve sneaking onto a neighbor’s property and stealing their dog or cat. Learn how to do it real legal-like in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/09/24•13m 17s
The History of Streaming Music
When Napster reared its head in 1999, it marked the beginning of the end of the compact disc era. Today, we trace the history of the slowly evolving death of physical music media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/09/24•49m 40s
Selects: The Manson Family Murders Part 1
The '60s ended with a lot of turbulence, not the least of which was the Manson Family Murders. What made Charles Manson so alluring to his family? What makes one person kill for another? And what did The Beatles have to do with it all? Learn all this and more in this first part of our two part classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/08/24•46m 37s
How Bomb Disposal Works
Out of all the jobs a person can have, few are as overtly dangerous as making sure bombs don’t go off and if they do, making sure they’re away from people. Learn how bomb technicians do it safely, without a 100% turnover rate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/08/24•47m 36s
Short Stuff: Skid Row (not the band)
How did a large section of downtown Los Angeles become a permanent fixture of unhoused individuals? Will it always be this way? Listen in to learn all about LA's famous Skid Row.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/08/24•12m 56s
The Strange Story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon
The Olympic marathon of 1904 is an incredible story filled with wacky characters, cheating, heat and humidity, dust and dirt, and oh yeah, a few actual qualified athletes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/08/24•40m 10s
Selects: Hummingbirds: Ornery Helicopters of the Animal Kingdom
If you didn’t already know how amazing hummingbirds are, prepare to learn. Not only do they count among their numbers the smallest bird species, they are also lightning fast and have the endurance of a marathoner and a telethoner put together. Get up to speed on these wonderful creatures in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/08/24•46m 44s
The Luddites: Misunderstood Working Class Heroes
Today we think of Luddites as people who don’t know how to use technology or are maybe even afraid of it. That’s pretty far from what the original Luddites were all about. They were the first workers to fight for fair treatment. They were not successful.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/08/24•41m 27s
Short Stuff: Chupacabra
What in the world is a chupacabra? Is it even real or is it the stuff of legend? Listen in to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/08/24•12m 25s
True Mysteries of the Internet
There is A LOT of made-up stuff on the internet that gets passed off as true. But once in a while something truly odd comes along. Here are three stories of real mysterious events in the internet’s recent history that are yet to be fully explained. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/08/24•47m 1s
Selects: Body Language!
Body language is how you communicate without words. Some say it bears more impact in communication than speaking words. In this classic episode, learn about how you say what you say could mean more than you think.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/08/24•37m 18s
The Cher Episode
Cher is an icon, with hits spanning an unbelievable SEVEN decades. So kick back as we laud the singer/actress/legend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/08/24•51m 11s
Short Stuff: Tarring and Feathering
Being tarred and feathered is an old trope in America, but the actuality of it was pretty brutal, not the least of which included burning skin. Let's dive into history - now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/08/24•12m 17s
Minecraft! Minecraft! Minecraft!
It’s so simple, yet so compelling: you mine blocks and cut down trees to put things together to make cool new stuff. There isn’t really a point and there’s not really a way to win. Minecraft is a non-game and it’s the second-most popular game of all time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/08/24•54m 2s
Selects: Genghis Khan: Madman or Genius?
Depending on who you talk to, Genghis Khan was either a sadistic madman or one of the great leaders in world history. One thing is sure, he was one of the most advanced military minds of all time. Learn all about him in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/08/24•49m 45s
The Call of the Void: Don’t Pick Up!
Many of us have experienced the odd sensation that we shouldn’t trust ourselves not to simply jump from a high place for no reason. Some even feel an urge. Philosophers and psychologists have tried to make sense of this senseless urge for centuries now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/08/24•41m 53s
Short Stuff: Pruney Skin
We know how our skin prunes, but we don't know for sure why. Chuck likes the leading theory, Josh does not. WHO WILL WIN? (nobody)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/08/24•12m 13s
The Story of Rudolf Diesel
Rudolf Diesel was a game changing inventor, though his most famous product was not used how he envisioned it. Listen in and learn about his life and mysterious death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/08/24•43m 53s
Selects: Timber! How Timber Works
Throughout much of the world, the forests are being managed through sustainable timber harvesting practices. This has come at the cost of much legal battling and a century of practice. Find out all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/08/24•1h 5m
The One About Car Washes
The car wash you get to ride through on a journey to sparklingness is made of a handful of different tools that have been developed over the last century. They have just now reached the point where it all works together so well the industry is booming. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/08/24•48m 48s
Short Stuff: ZIP Codes!
ZIP codes are pretty self-explanatory, but there are all kinds of fun facts around the topic. Listen in to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/07/24•14m 8s
Who was Dr. Bronner?
You may have his soap in your shower, but what do you know about the man himself? Buckle up, here comes Dr. Bronner!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/07/24•40m 11s
Selects: The Tulsa 'Race Riots'
In reality, the Tulsa "race riots" of 1921 was more like a massacre. Yet it was almost lost to history until 1997, and still not widely known outside of Oklahoma until HBO's The Watchmen put it on the cultural map. Learn all about this dark chapter in American history in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/07/24•46m 51s
The KILLDOZER Rampage
The Killdozer rampage is one of those stories you just couldn't make up. Yet it happened. And we're here to tell you the story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/07/24•50m 40s
Short Stuff: The Ritchie Boys
Who were the Ritchie Boys? Listen in to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/07/24•12m 9s
Phone Phreaking: The Advent of Hacking
Years ago the telephone network was like the internet is to us today: a vast, interconnected means of communicating and sharing information. And, like the internet today, it attracted people who were interested in learning how it worked by hacking it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/07/24•48m 18s
Selects: The Duality of Caffeine
Caffeine is a heck of a drug - at the same time it's both good and bad for you. Learn the good, bad and ugly about this everyday stimulant in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/07/24•46m 18s
HPV and You
Human papilloma virus, HPV, is an unusually common bug among humans. Most of the time it’s benign and your body manages to overcome the infection. Sometimes it can linger and cause warts. But in the worst cases, HPV infections can actually cause cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/07/24•44m 12s
Short Stuff: Sitzpinklers Unite
Sitzpinklers - men who sit down to pee - is a big thing in Germany, and a handful of other places. And if Josh and Chuck have any say it’ll catch on like wildfire around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/07/24•15m 51s
The Puritans in America
The founding of New England by the Puritans is quite a story. Today, we dive into who those people were.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/07/24•50m 15s
Selects: Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, Feminist Physician
Becoming the first licensed woman physician in America was tough, convincing male surgeons to wash their hands between patients was even tougher. In this classic episode Josh and Chuck pay tribute to a genuine pioneer in medicine and society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/07/24•49m 9s
Salsa: NOT THE DANCE
Salsa is one of the great inventions of the culinary world. Here in the USA it's mainly a vehicle for tortilla chips. In Mexico, it's more like a sauce to add to, well, anything. Get ready to be hungry!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/07/24•45m 20s
Short Stuff: Milk Wars
If you’re a mobster and you can’t make money off of booze any longer what should you move to next? How about milk?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/07/24•14m 50s
Jane Goodall: All Good
There aren’t too many people walking around today who get a pass from the entire world for anything remotely negative they do or say. That’s just how the world receives Jane Goodall, and she’s earned that from a lifetime of building greater human understanding of our animal relatives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/07/24•46m 57s
Selects: How the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Work, Part II
In this classic episode, we finish revisiting our 2017 tour of the best sights of the ancient world when we get deep into the history of a lighthouse that stood for 1200 years, an unsettling statue of Zeus, the world’s first mausoleum, and Chuck’s favorite, the Colossus of Rhodes!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/07/24•44m 41s
Salute to Women Inventors
Women inventors have always had a tough time, for obvious reasons. So we're here today to pay tribute to those who persevered in the face of the laws and customs that prevented progress. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/07/24•41m 30s
Short Stuff: POW Olympics
While it sounds like something out of a movie, some POWs in WWII really held an Olympics. And it happened more than once. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/07/24•10m 39s
How Dopamine Works
Dopamine is perhaps the most talked-about, most misunderstood biochemical in our bodies. It’s linked to not only addiction and depravity, but also focus, motivation, and living a productive life. How can one molecule be so many things to so many people?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/07/24•45m 7s
Selects: How Restaurant Health Inspections Work
If you've ever worked in a restaurant, you know the feeling that occurs when the health inspector pays a visit. While nerve wracking, it's the best insurance patrons have that their food will be prepared and served in a proper environment. Learn all about how these inspections work, from their past history to current incarnation, in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/06/24•51m 20s
EXTRA! EXTRA! The Newsboy Strike Episode!
When paperboys stopped delivering a couple of very big newspapers in 1899 it was a big deal. Big enough that the two biggest publishers in the world got pretty scared. But did it actually accomplish anything? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/06/24•49m 26s
Short Stuff: James Dean's Car
The story of what happened to the car that James Dean crashed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/06/24•13m 38s
Whistling!
Whistling is pretty cool when you think about it because it can mean many things, from simple happy tunes to legit communication. Learn all about this ubiquitous skill today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/06/24•50m 12s
Selects: How the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Work, Part I
Long before slide rulers and pocket protectors, civilizations across the world used their noggins to build some impressive structures. Almost all have crumbled to ruins over the millennium, but thanks to the earliest tourists, we admire them still today. Explore some of them with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/06/24•42m 25s
The Big Episode on Wikipedia
Wikipedia changed the world. Before it came along, you had to go to the library to get the answers you sought. And you and your friends had to just agree to disagree on facts. And as the internet grew and commercialized, Wikipedia remains free and open.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/06/24•46m 41s
Short Stuff: Hostile Architecture
Those armrests in the middle of benches aren’t just for your comfort, they’re intended to keep the homeless from laying on them. Cities are filled with these mean-spirited inconveniences. But who’s to say how a person should use a bench?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/06/24•14m 13s
Why Must Widowhood Be So Difficult?
In almost every part of the world, in some form or fashion, widows have things harder than they did when their spouses were alive. In some places it means they pay higher taxes, in others it means they’re ostracized to live on the margins of society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/06/24•46m 52s
Selects: The Murder Mystery of Ötzi the Iceman
About 5,300 years ago a Copper Age shepherd was murdered. He just happened to die in a place where his body was so well preserved that gave researchers an actual shot at determining the course of his final day on Earth. Josh and Chuck take you through their reconstruction in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/06/24•53m 5s
A Brief History of Air Travel
Today we take to the friendly skies to detail the fascinating history of air travel. From planes with piano bars and lounges to the current no frills varieties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/06/24•58m 41s
Short Stuff: Peace Sign
The peace sign is one of the most globally recognized symbols around today, but it’s only a few decades old. And it wasn’t the hippies who created it, it was a group of Brits dedicated to nuclear disarmament in the 50s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/06/24•11m 13s
Coercive Control, the Invisible Basis of Abuse
When we think of an abused spouse we tend to think of horrific physical or emotional violence. But over the last decade or so, it’s become clear that’s only a symptom – that domestic abuse is in fact an all-consuming form of interpersonal terrorism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/06/24•54m 12s
Selects: Sunburn, Suntans and Sunscreen
It's pretty obvious something's gone wrong when you get a sunburn, but did you know a tan means you've damaged your DNA? Dive into the three Ss of summer and learn all about how to protect yourself from the sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/06/24•47m 1s
The Ballad of Grit
In the last decade American schools became enrapt by a new psychological concept centered on persevering. Things went south when they started attaching funding to it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/06/24•50m 39s
Short Stuff: Amber Alerts
Learn all about the saddest phone notification in today's episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/06/24•12m 33s
Conductors: What the heck is going on there?
You've probably been to a symphony performance and wondered, what in the heck are conductors doing up there anyway? Well we're here to explain that as best we can.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/06/24•50m 44s
Selects: What are think tanks all about?
Think tanks? More like stink tanks! We're kidding. Think tanks do valuable work, when they operate in a non-partisan way of course. Learn all about the history of these heady institutions in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/06/24•45m 42s
The Guinness Book of Records
If you grew up in the 70s and 80s in America, you probably have the image of your tattered Guinness Book of Records. The book was ubiquitous then, but is still thriving today in despite the internet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/05/24•51m 3s
Short Stuff: What's a mudlarker?
Mudlarking is a uniquely British hobby, though you can dig through river mud anywhere there's a river. But the Thames has the good stuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/05/24•14m 13s
The shameful and harrowing story Unit 731
Unit 731 was a secret group within the Japanese Army in WWII that committed unspeakable atrocities against humans in the name of scientific research. Listen with caution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/05/24•48m 3s
Selects: How Vomit Phobia Works
No one - no one - likes to vomit, but there are some people who would prefer to die rather than vomit, people who spend their days worrying they will vomit at any moment and become so obsessed they curtail their lives to prevent it from happening. Learn all about it with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/05/24•29m 48s
J. Edgar Hoover: Evil G-Man Pt. 2
In the exciting conclusion of our two-part episode on Hoover, we come in at the Cold War and end on a strange note.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/05/24•45m 43s
Short Stuff: Hobo Signs
By definition hobos are people who travel from town to town taking odd jobs as they go. But some towns are friendlier than others, and hobos developed a system of symbols they left one another to know what to expect from a town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/05/24•14m 35s
J. Edgar Hoover: Evil G-Man Pt. 1
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that J. Edgar Hoover was perhaps the most powerful American of the 20th century. By the time he established the FBI as America’s police force, presidents were afraid of him. Just exactly how did he get to be so puissant?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/05/24•40m 18s
Selects: The Great War of the Worlds Panic Myth
On Halloween 1938 young radio star Orson Welles scared the pants off of America with a fictional news bulletin claiming Martians had landed and were destroying the country. People across the nation ran wild with panic in the streets – or did they? Listen to this classic episode to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/05/24•46m 33s
The Silurian Hypothesis
The idea that we aren’t the first advanced civilization to live on Earth sounds like a fringe theory, but it raises a good question: How can we be so sure that a civilization didn’t arise and die on Earth so long ago that any trace of it has been erased?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/05/24•49m 10s
Short Stuff: Zambonis!
Even the dullest hockey game is worth seeing when the Zamboni comes out to resurface the ice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/05/24•13m 8s
NYC Trash: A study in persistence
Taking care of 12,000 tons of residential trash every day is a hard job. But how does that even work? Listen in to marvel at the NYC sanitation system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/05/24•50m 29s
Selects: How Stuttering Works
Despite as much as one percent of the adult population having the condition, science doesn't actually know how stuttering works. The best it's come up with so far: there seems to be an issue between the physical process of speaking and the thought process that underlies it. Find out what science means by this in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/05/24•50m 45s
10 - Yes, 10! - Dumb Criminals
Sometimes you just have to turn it off for a while – all the thinking, and overthinking, analyzing, and figuring out. Sometimes it’s nice to just breathe through your mouth and talk about dumb things criminals do for an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/05/24•45m 49s
Short Stuff: Titanic Survivors!
We all know the story of the Titanic and the tragedy of lives lost. So hey, let's talk about the survivors for a change!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/05/24•16m 15s
Misophonia: More Than an Annoyance
Misophonia is a condition in which certain sounds trigger people in very negative ways that can really disrupt someone's life. Listen in today to learn all about this fairly recently recognized condition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/05/24•47m 50s
Selects: The Legends of Lost Nazi Gold
As if being murdering SOBs weren’t enough, the Nazis were also thieving rats. During WWII, they stole billons in gold from countries they overran and moved it to Germany. But at the end of the war, only part of it was recovered. Where’s the rest? Find out the extent of our knowledge in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/05/24•46m 34s
Atomic Clocks, Ahoy!
The only thing more complicated than an atomic clock is researching how they work and then figuring out how to explain it to other people. But believe us, they are fascinating. Even if you don’t care about clocks or atoms you’ll still like this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/05/24•51m 59s
Short Stuff: Getting Winded
Getting the wind knocked out of you is scary, but passes quickly. Learn exactly what's happening with all that today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/05/24•11m 53s
The Village People Episode
The Village People were a smash hit singing group that came and went in under two years. Then other people performed under that name for several decades. This is their story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/04/24•54m 3s
Selects: How the Beagle Brigade Works
If you've ever been to an international airport, you've probably seen one of the keenest spotters of illegal contraband - The Beagle Brigade! These cute dogs aren't after drugs or bombs, they're carefully trained to sniff out agricultural products. Learn all about this furry group of crime stoppers in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/04/24•48m 38s
The Awful Crimes of Georgia Tann
Georgia Tann was a bad human. We feel safe in saying that because she kidnapped babies from poor families to sell to wealthy ones. Listen in if you can stomach it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/04/24•46m 39s
Short Stuff: The Sad, Strange Tale of Margaret Schilling
Not too much is known about Margaret Schilling. She was the kind of person whose memory might have been lost to time had she not left behind an indelible reminder of her. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/04/24•13m 20s
The Power of the Wind
You probably know wind energy projects have been around since the 90s, but did you know they now provide 10% of America’s energy, and more than that in other countries? Learn about what’s ahead for wind and what it’ll need to become a real star like coal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/04/24•51m 54s
Selects: Special Effects: A Short History
Special effects have been around since the first movies. In fact, the techniques the earliest filmmakers created are still around today, we just use computers to do them faster and cheaper. Hit play on this classic episode and then put on your beret and get ready for SYSK film class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/04/24•55m 4s
Hitchhiking: Two thumbs out!
Today we go down the road a bit, thumbs out, to explore the rich history of hitchhiking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/04/24•51m 18s
Short Stuff: The Amazing Tale of Juliane Koepcke
Few people have been more qualified to survive a plane crash alone in the Amazon for almost two weeks than Juliane Koepcke. Let’s hear her story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/04/24•13m 25s
The Dubious Science of Arson Investigation
Arson investigation has changed a lot over the years. There is actual science available now, but the word still hasn't totally gotten out. Listen in today, and don't play with matches!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/04/24•46m 32s
Selects: How Famines Work
It's common knowledge that famines are usually caused by major droughts: Rain doesn't fall, crops don't grow, and people go hungry. But recent research suggests that while weather may trigger famines, they may actually be more of a human-made catastrophe. Find out more in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/04/24•49m 2s
Testosterone and Estrogen: Wondrous Hormones
We think of estrogen and testosterone as the female and male sex hormones and they may seem kind of gross (is that just Josh?), but that simple understanding is way off. A magical biochemical dance between the two creates everything from bones to moods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/04/24•48m 55s
Short Stuff: Straitjackets
Straitjackets aren't really a thing anymore unless you're watching a movie or TV show. Or in prison. That's the sad truth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/04/24•12m 55s
The 1977 Women's Conference That Changed America
The 70s were the decade of the woman in the US. America finally was coming around to the understanding women and men are equals and the government sponsored a conference to advance women’s rights. The opposition that arose changed the fabric of America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/04/24•49m 32s
Selects: All the Gold In Fort Knox: Meh
When Fort Knox was built in the 1930s to house America’s gold supply, it was billed as an impenetrable, impregnable, don’t-even-think-of-trying vault. But as the world has moved further away from gold, the stockpile’s lost a bit of its luster. Learn all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/04/24•51m 59s
The Everglades: Wowee
One of America’s most important ecosystems takes up more than half the state of Florida. It’s a river of grass, a cactus desert, and a saltwater bay all rolled into one. And there are alligators and crocodiles. And that’s just the beginning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/04/24•54m 18s
Short Stuff: Knock on Wood
What's the deal with knocking on wood? It's an action one takes to ensure good luck. Which doesn't exist. Yet we do it. Humans are funny that way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/04/24•11m 25s
Greedflation Is Real
One of the things we rely on is for the companies who make the stuff we need to not stick it to us, the customer. But it’s become painfully clear that’s just what happened during the pandemic and that it’s still happening today. What can we do about it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/04/24•55m 34s
Selects: Who is The Man of the Hole?
In 2018, there's a man from a lost tribe still living deep in the jungles of Brazil who has been all alone since the mid 1990s. He's referred to as the Man of the Hole, and has had no face-to-face with modern humans. Who is he? We'll answer that question as best we can in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/03/24•37m 58s
The Pulitzer Prize: A major award!
It doesn't get much bigger than the Pulitzer Prize if you're a journalist. Or a novelist. Or really any kind of writer. They even give them to podcasts now. We're not holding our breath.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/03/24•48m 52s
Short Stuff: Ramree Island Crocodile Massacre
The strange thing about the story of the Ramree Island Crocodile Massacre is that it didn't happen. Yet the story lives on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/03/24•11m 12s
Love Canal: Even Dirtier Than It Sounds
A man with an unfulfilled vision left a huge gash in the ground near Niagara Falls. Then a chemical company came along and filled it with toxic waste. Then people came along and built homes and an elementary school on top of it. Then things went badly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/03/24•46m 45s
Selects: MOVE: Or When the Philly Police Dropped a Bomb on a Residential Neighborhood
Believe it or not, in 1985 the Philadelphia Police Department dropped a bomb from a helicopter onto a residential building in an African-American neighborhood. The fact that this story isn't more widely known says it all. Listen and learn about MOVE in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/03/24•51m 31s
Peanuts (the comic) Part II
Today is part II of our tribute to one of the most iconic pieces of American culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/03/24•45m 23s
Short Stuff: Mariko Aoki Phenomenon
Ten percent of people – in Japan at least – get the urge to poop when they visit bookstores. But it wasn’t until a courageous woman stepped up and became the voice of the phenomenon now named after her that they realized they were part of a movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/03/24•11m 52s
Peanuts (the comic) Part I
Today we pay tribute to one of the most iconic pieces of American culture. Listen in to hear us gush about Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/03/24•45m 21s
Selects: How Dyslexia Works
For a learning disability that everyone seems to know about, dyslexia is maybe the most commonly misunderstood and controversial cognitive difficulty there is. Some people think it’s a gift, some people think it doesn’t even exist. Learn more in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/03/24•43m 23s
The Alien Abduction Phenomenon of the Mid-20th Century
It started with New Hampshire couple Betty and Barney Hill, who learned under hypnosis they’d been abducted and examined by aliens in 1962. Since then, possibly millions of people in the US alone came to believe they followed in the Hills’ footsteps. Why?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/03/24•51m 25s
Short Stuff: Skittles and TIO2
There’s an ingredient in Skittles and lots of other food that Dunkin Donuts stopped using it in their powdered donuts. Skittles said they were phasing it out too back in 2016 but still haven’t and now the lawsuits flow like The Spice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/03/24•11m 37s
Leave Brutalism Alone!
The most reviled, hated, despised, no-good, low down, dirty rotten architectural style of all time is actually just the most misunderstood. Learn about this unfairly treated architectural movement and why it’s awesome. Learn to love brutalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/03/24•48m 54s
Selects: The Science of Break-Ups
Breaking up is hard to do. Your brain might even think you're getting over a cocaine addiction. Learn all about the science behind break-ups in this classic episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/03/24•50m 53s
The Smiley, Stubborn Llama
Llamas are pretty great. They smile! They also spit and if they feel overworked will just lay down. There's a lot to admire there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/03/24•41m 26s
Short Stuff: Roly Poly...Bugs?
Roly Poly bugs go by many names. They look like tiny armadillos. They're great for your garden. And they're crustaceans. Yeah, you read that right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/03/24•10m 59s
Multitasking: Working slower with worse results
Multitasking isn't really possible, because of the way the human brain works. We know you think you're getting more done, but you're really working slower and with worse results than working sequentially. We promise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/03/24•46m 22s
Selects: The Case of Sacco and Vanzetti
The trial of Sacco and Vanzetti, two anarchists accused of murder, was one of the first "crimes of the century." But did they do it? To this day there is speculation that they did not. Learn all about this famous case in this classic episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/03/24•55m 49s
Wireless Electricity: When Can We Unplug Our TVs?
You know all of those cords and cables and wires that we use to connect our stuff to the electrical grid so they’ll, you know, work? Imagine a day when energy flies through the air like wifi, utterly cord-free. Well, imagine no more! That day is coming!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/02/24•47m 12s
Short Stuff: Smudging: Not just for hippies
Smudging is the process of wafting around the smoke of burning white sage. What is it good for? Listen in and find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/02/24•14m 30s
Haile Selassie: Statesman, Colonizer, God?
If you grew up outside of Africa, you might know Haile Selassie’s name from reggae music - the man who ruled Ethiopia is considered a god in Jamaica. In Ethiopia opinions are more varied. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/02/24•56m 55s
Selects: How Zero Population Growth Works
In 1968, Paul Erlich published The Population Bomb, predicting coming famine and mass death. Erlich's predictions didn't pan out but his ideas launched a debate still raging today. Learn all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/02/24•51m 53s
The Story of the Nuclear Boy Scout
David Hahn was a kid who was really into science. So much that he built a nuclear reactor in his mother's potting shed. And it worked. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/02/24•40m 39s
Short Stuff: Benin Bronzes
One of the world’s cultural treasure troves were created in West Africa. But for over a century they’ve been held in museums outside of Africa. In fact, an estimated 95 percent of Africa’s cultural heritage is kept in museums overseas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/02/24•14m 38s
Ray and Charles Eames: More than Chairs
Charles and Ray Eames were superstar designers who dreamed up some of the most iconic pieces of furniture ever made. And they did much more than that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/02/24•57m 12s
Selects: Geodesic Domes: The Wave of the Future That Wasn't
Sometimes a good idea doesn’t pan out in real life. Take Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome: It requires less energy to heat and cool, it’s cheap, and it’s durable enough to withstand a hurricane – but it’s also godawful ugly and that was its undoing. Learn more with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/02/24•50m 22s
Like, here's the episode on "like"
Like is a very divisive word. Purists think it's like, a filler word born in the 80s that's like, destroying the English language. Turns out none of these are like, true. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/02/24•38m 46s
Short Stuff: The Original Snake Oil Salesman
There’s a great origin story behind snake oil salesmen, and it has to do with just one guy who singlehandedly gave it a bad name.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/02/24•10m 42s
What Americans Ate When There Were No Food Laws
There was a brief period in America’s history – after people left the farm to work in the city and before the government started regulating it – when there was a total, lawless free-for-all in the food industry. Things were bad. Really, really bad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/02/24•47m 41s
Selects: The Unabomber: Misguided to say the least
The Unabomber was one of the most notorious and longest lasting cases in the history of the FBI. Just because the manifesto reads like he was a fortune teller doesn't make his actions any less deplorable. Learn all about this fascinating case in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/02/24•45m 22s
What's the Pygmalion Effect?
Do teachers and managers give special treatment to those who they're told have great academic or professional promise? Does this create a self-fulfilling prophecy, regardless of the truth? That's just part of the fascinating Pygmalion Effect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/02/24•46m 44s
Short Stuff: School Bus Yellow
Why are all school buses the same color? Because one man made it so. This is that story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/02/24•12m 23s
Clue(do): Third Best Board Game Ever
Whether you know it as Clue or Cluedo, the whodunnit mystery board game is one of the best of all time. Learn all about the history behind the game’s development, and strategies on how to crush your fellow players as soundly as Chuck’s wife crushes him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/02/24•48m 59s
Selects: How Disgust Works
Disgust is an odd thing. It makes sense that we would feel a sense of revulsion at the thought of putting rotten meat in our mouths – that’s pure evolution. But why would we feel the same emotion at the thought of weird sex or from hearing a racist rant? Find out more in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/02/24•54m 46s
The History of Las Vegas
How did the sleepy Nevada town of Las Vegas become LAS VEGAS? Well, we'll let you know over the course of about 45 minutes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/02/24•49m 50s
Short Stuff: Wainscoting: When Half a Wall is Enough
Wainscoting is a beloved and time-tested decorative way to spruce up your walls. But what is it anyway? Listen in to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/01/24•11m 53s
The Harrowing Story of the North Hollywood Shootout
Tune in today to listen to the story of when North Hollywood became a war zone after a brazen bank robbery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/01/24•51m 52s
Selects: A List Of Games You Would Surely Lose to a Computer
We live in a time where computers can beat the best humans in the world at chess, checkers, poker and video games. But these games are really just demonstrations of how intelligent our machines are growing. They’re growing more intelligent by the hour. This classic episode features a special guest, Tech Stuff's Jonathan Strickland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/01/24•56m 2s
Esperanto: Tre Mojosa
One thing you could do is create your own language. Some people do and for lots of different reasons. LL Zamenhof created Esperanto to try to bring about world peace. It worked, but on a less-than-global scale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/01/24•48m 26s
Short Stuff: Hot Cold Plunge
Jumping into a cold pool after a long sauna or hot tub can be pretty great. Saunas have proven health benefits like lowering blood pressure; cold plunges are shown to reduce inflammation. Why not combine them? A bunch of safety reasons, bucko, that’s why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/01/24•14m 7s
The Strange Unsolved Murder of Ken McElroy
The murder of Ken McElroy comes off like a story from a cheap paperback book you’d get to read on a plane. But this is a true crime story, set in Missouri in the early 80s. And boy does it pack a punch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/01/24•46m 21s
Selects: Is yogurt a miracle food?
Yogurt has been touted as a health food, but is it? Maybe. If you eat it every day. We get into the rich and creamy history of this supposed miracle food in today's episode. Get an earful of the stuff in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/01/24•46m 3s
Jonestown
We all know what happened at Jonestown, but who was Jim Jones before the tragedy at the People's Temple?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/01/24•57m 57s
Short Stuff: Frozen Dead Guy
Back in 1994, Nederland, Colorado found out it had a resident it hadn’t accounted for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/01/24•12m 55s
Dry Cleaning: Not Really Dry(!)
Dry cleaning is one of those things that we’re all familiar with but don’t actually know much about. That will hold true no more! Learn about all the ins and outs of the dry cleaning biz, some of its toxic secrets, and some spot removal tips too!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/01/24•52m 20s
Selects: History's Greatest Traitors
The annals of history hold a special place for people who have carried out treachery and betrayed their own. Thousands of years later, their names are still synonymous with being a scoundrel around the world. From Marcus Brutus to Vidkun Quisling and more, in this classic episode Josh and Chuck examine some of the bigger turncoats to live -- and exonerate others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/01/24•44m 17s
How Cranes Work
You’ve probably seen cranes moving elegantly in the sky, but did you know what an important role they play in their surroundings? Learn all about cranes in this episode on cranes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/01/24•51m 4s
Short Stuff: NYT Bestseller List
What kind of black magic goes into deciding who makes the NYT Bestseller List? Well you probably don't know the whole story unless you work there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/01/24•14m 29s
Kenton Grua: Grand Canyon Legend
Tune in today to listen to the amazing story of Colorado River guide Kenton Grua's wild 277 mile record-breaking speed run down the center of the Grand Canyon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/01/24•51m 26s
Selects: Dr. Seuss: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Seuss is loose in this episode about legendary children's book author Ted Geisel. The funny thing is, he didn't ever want children of his own, and his past work was a bit problematic. Explore his entire legacy in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/01/24•52m 4s
The 2000 Presidential Election: A Real Cluster
When George W Bush and Al Gore ran against one another, most pundits predicted a tight race. Absolutely zero of them predicted the election would come down to a few hundred votes. Today, we still don’t know who won.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/01/24•53m 10s
Short Stuff: Blueprints
The story of why blueprints were blue is more involved than you think. It involves a chemical process and the Prussian Army. Yeah you heard me right.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/01/24•11m 58s
SYSK Live in Nashville: The Biosphere II Experiment
Hello, friends! Join us today for our annual live show release, recorded in beautiful Nashville. On the docket? The Biosphere II Experiment!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/01/24•1h 6m
Selects: Nuclear Semiotics: How to Talk to Future Humans
The nuclear waste we produce will be dangerous for a very long time. We’ve figured out how to safely store it in the earth until it’s no longer a biohazard. Now we just have to figure out how to warn humans 10,000 years in the future to stay away from it. Find out about our best ideas in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/12/23•53m 51s
How Primitive Will Our Descendants Find Us?
It’s all fun and games to think about how backwards and misguided some things people did in the past were until you realize we’ll be “the past” one day. What do we do now that will seem primitive then and how will they be better in the future?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/12/23•51m 42s
Short Stuff: Scheele's Green
Can you imagine a color so alluring that even though you know it’s toxic you’d still use it to your heart’s content? The Victorians certainly could.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/12/23•13m 18s
How Snails Work
They seem gross and bothersome at first, but once you get down to ground level and get to know snails, we’ll bet you’ll grow quite fond of them. They are living in a whole world we’re largely unaware of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/12/23•53m 47s
Selects: How Fireplaces Work
They are dirty, harmful to your health, bad for the environment and utterly charming. Wood-burning fireplaces have been with us for centuries and, despite their many drawbacks, are sticking around. Learn more than you thought possible about the fireplace, in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/12/23•56m 50s
The 2023 SYSK Ho-Ho-Holiday Spectacular!
Happy Holidays, friends! Tune in today to listen to our annual ad-free holiday extravaganza. There will be talk of merriment and joy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/12/23•52m 42s
Short Stuff: Christmas Lights
Just three years after the lightbulb was invented a compadre of Thomas Edison thought to use them to decorate his Christmas tree. It set off a sensation that’s gotten more popular each year since.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/12/23•13m 5s
Beanie Babies: Reigning Toy Craze Champion
The world has seen a lot of weird investment bubbles in its time, but few of them rival the fever that gripped the world in the 90s after Beanie Babies took off. Let’s visit this strange chapter in toy history together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/12/23•50m 6s
Selects: Star Wars Holiday Spectacular
Long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas allowed the Star Wars Holiday Special to be made. What happened on the night of November 17, 1978 can never be fully explained, but we make our best effort in our annual special edition of SYSK. May the force be with us all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/12/23•54m 20s
Selects: How Dictators Work
There are many types of dictators, from so called "benevolent" ones to the kind who rule with an iron fist. There are also many ways they can come into power, and they don't all include violence. Learn all about dictators past and present in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/12/23•45m 56s
What was the Skeleton Army?
The Skeleton Army was a rowdy group of folks in England who battled, sometimes violently, with the Salvation Army - largely against their efforts to keep people from drinking and having a rowdy good time. Listen in today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/12/23•48m 50s
Short Stuff: Pickles
Josh loves pickles but hates cucumbers. Chuck loves cucumbers but hates pickles. WHO WILL WIN?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/12/23•15m 26s
The Matewan Massacre
The Matewan Massacre was a pivotal moment for the US mining industry and the labor movement as a whole. Learn about what happened in this sleepy West Virginia town today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/12/23•56m 9s
Selects: What were the Freedom Schools?
Freedom Schools were set up in Mississippi in the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, with the aim of giving young black school children agency and a future. They remain one of the more inspiring and progressive programs in American History, yet so few know about them. We're hoping to change that. Learn all about them in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/12/23•46m 28s
The Murder of John Lennon
On December 8th, 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment building in New York City, by Mark David Chapman. Music history was altered forever. Listen in to this tragic story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/12/23•51m 29s
Short Stuff: Boba Tea
Boba tea is bubble tea. But what are the bubbles? Tapioca pearls! Listen in today to learn about the disputed history of this trendy beverage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/12/23•11m 43s
The Life and Works of J.D. Salinger
J.D. Salinger was a complicated and problematic human who stopped publishing soon after creating one of the great works of literature. Listen in today to learn the good, bad and ugly sides of the man who got famous, then dropped out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/12/23•53m 52s
Selects: Beavers: Tail Slapping Fun
Beavers are in fact, very busy. They're builders and solid family members, husbands and wives. Learn all about N America's largest rodent in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/12/23•42m 21s
You Down With OED?
The story of the Oxford English Dictionary is really something. From its origin to its crowd-sourced literary quotations. Dive in today to learn all about the best dictionary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/11/23•47m 52s
Short Stuff: The Zipper Merge
When you switch lanes on the highway after noticing that the lane you’re in is ending up ahead, you are literally ruining the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/11/23•14m 42s
Plate Tectonics Are What Makes Earth Inhabitable
It’s time to get jazzed about Earth science again. It’s only been 60 or so years since we’ve known the continents move around and we’re still figuring out exactly how they do. But one thing is for sure, that super-slow movement is super important.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/11/23•48m 56s
Selects: NYC Water: An Engineering Marvel
Getting the rain and melted snow from upstate NY into the taps of every NYC resident and business is one of the great feats of engineering. Does it taste great and make perfect bagels and pizza crust? Sources say yes! Learn all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/11/23•47m 45s
The Wreck of the Costa Concordia
It’s astounding that with the exceptional navigational equipment aboard a cruise ship can run aground in the 21st century, and 32 passengers and crew can lose their lives within a thousand feet of land. Such is the power of incompetence and cowardice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/11/23•50m 49s
Short Stuff: Magnetic Pole Switcheroo
Everyone once in a while, say a few hundred thousand years or so, the north and south poles of Earth’s magnetic field switch places. The result: Dogs and cats living together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/11/23•12m 14s
Legs! Legs! Legs! (The Periodic Table)
If you’ve ever wanted to listen to two totally untrained, non-chemists who are fully unqualified to explain how the periodic table works nervously explain how the periodic table works, then this episode is for you. Chemistry majors, be warned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/11/23•47m 30s
Selects: E.T.: Is It Really the Worst Video Game of All Time?
If you play video games you probably have an easy answer to worst game of all time: ET. But it turns out there are no easy answers, especially when you’re talking about a game so terrible it’s blamed for bringing the entire video game industry with it. Find out more in this classic episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/11/23•41m 54s
Diners: The Most American Establishment?
Diners may just be the most American establishment there is. They were born in the USA, thanks to European immigrants, and they only exist in the USA, unless it's a kitschy homage. So break open that 12-page menu and order up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/11/23•46m 58s
Short Stuff: Liberty Bell
The story of the Liberty Bell is far more confusing than we imagined.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/11/23•11m 39s
The Tragic Death of Natalie Wood
Natalie Wood was Hollywood royalty who tragically drowned after a long night of partying with her husband, Robert Wagner, and actor Christopher Walken. Over the last 40 plus years, stories have changed and the investigation has moved from closed to open. Listen in to learn this tragic story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/11/23•50m 29s
Selects: Who were the Buffalo Soldiers?
Josh and Chuck dive into history in this classic episode to tell the story of the Buffalo Soldiers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/11/23•51m 8s
How Scuba Works
It’s a good, old fashioned how it works episode where we break down all of the nuts and bolts and threats to safety that make scuba diving such a unique and thrilling hobby. Dive in feet first with Josh and Chuck on the undersea adventure of a lifetime!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/11/23•1h 2m
Short Stuff: Petrified Wood
Petrified wood isn't just hard wood. Listen in today to learn all about this unique process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/11/23•10m 22s
Things We Believed Before the Scientific Method
It’s easy to think of people in the distant past as kinda dumb for believing things like that mice could spontaneously generate from old grain. But if you look a little deeper, you’ll find there was a sensibility to the odd beliefs that came before science.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/11/23•43m 43s
Selects: Are Election Laws Designed to Suppress Voting?
Are laws that are meant to protect the sanctity of the polling place in reality designed to make it harder for groups that traditionally vote Democrat to cast their ballots? Find out in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/11/23•1h 9m
The Harlem Globetrotters: American Treasures
The Harlem Globetrotters are an American entertainment institution. Their story may not be quite what you think either. Hint, they didn't originate in Harlem. Tune in now to learn their fun, fascinating story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/11/23•53m 56s
Short Stuff: White Dog Poop
If you grew up from the 70s to the 90s you know white dog poop. It’s the old, crusty – yes, white – phase that dog poop goes through as it ages on a lawn. Or it used to. Where has all the white poop gone?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/11/23•14m 8s
The 14th Annual Halloween Spooktacular!
As per tradition, today Josh and Chuck perform a spooky Halloween story reading to delight, amuse and FRIGHTEN YOU TO YOUR CORE. Will Meagle show up? Tune in to find out! Thanks to guest producer Ben Hackett for all the great sound effects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/10/23•1h 4m
Selects: How Mummies Work
A mummy is a human being whose soft tissue has been preserved after death, and there are mummies around the world -- including natural mummies, as well as corpses that have been intentionally embalmed. Listen to this classic episode with Chuck and Josh to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/10/23•40m 22s
Naked Mole Rats: A Face Only a Mother Could Love
Naked mole rats are funny looking to be sure, but neither moles nor rats. So what are they? You'll have to tune in to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/10/23•46m 32s
Short Stuff: Bed Sheet Ghosts
The simple bed sheet has provided countless kids and adults with an easy go-to Halloween costume. But why do we associate white sheets with ghosts anyway?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/10/23•13m 15s
The Compton Cafeteria Riot
Three years before the riots at Stonewall, the LGBTQ community of San Francisco's Tenderloin rose up. And the story was almost lost to time. Learn how and why today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/10/23•37m 51s
Selects: Where Did Trick-Or-Treating Come From?
We aren’t exactly sure who invented trick-or-treating – kids who realized they could extort adults for candy, or adults who bought off kids in exchange for laying off pranks? The bigger question is: Will trick-or-treating survive the 21st century? Learn more in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/10/23•51m 34s
Kindness: Do It
In the tradition of our episodes on forgiveness and revenge, comes the third installment in the Emotional Roller Coaster trilogy. Kindness, it turns out, really does make the world go round.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/10/23•48m 21s
Short Stuff: Candy Corn
Is it vile? Is it delicious? It seems to be both! Hear all about the history of candy corn, how it’s made, and who likes it in this pre-Halloween episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/10/23•15m 19s
The Criminal Father of Criminology
Eugene Francois Vidocq is without a doubt one of the most interesting figures in modern history. He’s a former criminal turned undercover informant who went on to found the French national police force and the world’s first private detective agency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/10/23•53m 34s
Selects: Pain Scales: Yeeeow!
Pain is subjective; it is whatever the person experiencing it says it is. But to effectively treat pain, it helps to quantify it, which is why medicine came up with pain scales. Learn all about them in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/10/23•43m 55s
How Intellectual Property Works
Intellectual property sounds as dry as can be, but it’s actually very interesting. It’s at the heart of the global economy and the center of a dispute over what should belong to the people who create things, from poetry to pharmaceuticals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/10/23•52m 33s
Short Stuff: Longyou Caves
What’s better than discovering a mysterious cavern? Discovering five!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/10/23•15m 30s
Parasocial Relationships: That Podcaster is Your Friend!
Parasocial relationships are fascinating and it turns out Chuck knows what it's like from both sides. Listen in today to your old friends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/23•54m 17s
Selects: How Motion Sickness Works
Motion sickness is the worst and hits about 25 to 40 percent of humans when they ride in cars, boats, or simply watch the wrong 3-D movie. Join us as we break down the science behind this nausea-inducing affliction in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/10/23•37m 11s
How Andy Warhol Worked
You know Andy Warhol from his quip on being famous for 15 minutes and paintings of soup cans, but even as far as artists go he was an eccentric and misunderstood person. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/10/23•51m 34s
Short Stuff: Rhodium
Rhodium is one of the most valuable precious metals on Earth, though it has dropped in value by about 80% in the last year. Learn why by clicking play.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/10/23•12m 3s
Night of the Grizzlies
Grizzly bears had never killed a person in Glacier National Park until the night of August 12, 1967. That's when everything changed for National Parks moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/10/23•48m 41s
Selects: Social Security Numbers: Less Boring Than You'd Think
Do you know that up until July 2011 an ambitious hacker with a good software program could deduce your social security number based on your date and place of birth? In this classic episode, the boys examine some of the lesser-known details of the Social Security system in the U.S.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/09/23•39m 3s
Revenge: Bitter, Not Sweet
Someone cuts you off in traffic or makes fun of your friend and all you can think of is how to get back at them and then some. But wait! Research has found that taking revenge actually makes you feel worse in the long run. Learn about what to do instead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/09/23•45m 48s
Short Stuff: The Dakota
The Dakota is one of New York City's great buildings. And its backstory is pretty great to boot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/09/23•12m 29s
The Amazing Life of Christine Granville
Christine Granville was about as James Bond as it gets. Stories of her life as a spy during World War II are legendary. Today we'll tell her story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/09/23•49m 47s
Selects: Cockney Rhyming Slang: Beautiful Gibberish
What is Cockney Rhyming Slang? It's complicated and its origins are unclear. Learn everything we know about it today in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/09/23•42m 45s
Kombucha: Fizzy Goodness
Kombucha is pretty popular right now. But what is it exactly and where did it come from? The answers await you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/09/23•47m 4s
Short Stuff: Origin of Math Signs
Have you ever stopped mid-pencil mark and realized to your astonishment where the plus sign came from? Then this one’s for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/09/23•11m 57s
10ish Worst Business Decisions Ever
It’s easy (and kind of fun) to laugh at the misfortune of CEOs and other high up business types when they bring it on themselves – so let’s do that now. Herein lies some of the worst business decisions ever made, hindsight being 20/20, of course.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/09/23•51m 46s
Selects: How Floods Work
Floods happen when more water is introduced to an area than can be quickly removed. That's about it, but there's more to floods, what causes them and the havoc they can wreak. Join Josh and Chuck in this super-saturated classic episode of Stuff You Should Know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/09/23•33m 49s
The Hyatt Regency Skywalk Disaster
In 1981 America suffered the worst accidental structural collapse in its history. Listen in today to the tragic story of the fast-tracked building disaster that stills haunts Kansas City. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/09/23•40m 37s
Short Stuff: Why Spilling Salt is Unlucky
Face it, when you spill salt your life goes totally off the rails, maybe even forever. Fortunately, we humans stumbled upon the one reliable way to counteract that bad luck by tossing some over our left shoulder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/09/23•11m 18s
Axolotls: The Smiling Salamander from Mexico
It’s a listener request! Axolotls are one of the more amazing animals roaming the planet right now – they can regenerate parts of their brains, can fight off tumors, are found in the wild only in one single lake? And did we mention they smile all the time?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/09/23•48m 45s
Selects: How Space Stations Work
It seems like we largely take it for granted these days, but the fact that we have humans living in space is the realization of a scientific dream a century old. Visit the space stations orbiting Earth past, present and future in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/09/23•48m 12s
Native American Reservations
Today we dive into the history and current state of Native American reservations. This serves as a nice follow-up to the Trail of Tears double-ep from 2017. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/09/23•52m 21s
Short Stuff: History of OK
Is OK the best word? It's certainly one of the most versatile. Check the interesting history of this weird contraction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/09/23•14m 48s
The Made-up Disease of Syndrome K
In WWII, Italy went through its own Jewish Holocaust, terrible at first then horrific as the Nazis took over the country. In Rome, a group of doctors hid Jewish refugees in plain sight in their hospital by giving them a highly contagious, highly fictitious disease. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/09/23•41m 13s
Selects: Body Odor: You Stink
Chuck and Josh end up making reduxes of past episodes on things like sweating and deodorant in this all-new episode on the science beneath what makes people smell. Learn all about your odor in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/09/23•46m 58s
Laurens Hammond: The Non-Musical Genius Who Changed Popular Music
Laurens Hammond invented the Hammond organ and in the process changed music history. But he was much more than that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/08/23•50m 9s
Short Stuff: Evil Eye
You've seen the evil eye. Many Middle Eastern cultures have a long history with it. Learn how to thwart this curse today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/08/23•11m 11s
Fordlandia: Brazil Isn't Michigan
Henry Ford tried to build a Midwestern American town in the Amazon rainforest in the 1920s. It's true. And yes, Chuck will say this should be a movie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/08/23•46m 55s
Selects: How Toy Testing Works
It's every kid's dream - a job playing with toys that pays in toys. It's a real thing and has been around for a long time. Then there's the other side of the testing process, companies who ensure that toys are safe. It takes both of these testing techniques to successfully bring a toy to market these days. Dive into the ball pit with us today and learn all about toy testing in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/08/23•47m 5s
Plant Migration
Climate change is having sweeping effects on our climate and this is changing the world, not just for humans and other animals, but plants too. Will the Earth’s flora manage to find safe refuge in time? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/08/23•45m 19s
Short Stuff: Saturn's Rings
Friends, treasure Saturn’s rings while they are young. They won’t be around forever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/08/23•11m 44s
Farmer's Almanac: Literature to Poop To
The Farmer's Almanac has a long rich history that is more than just moon phases and long-term weather patterns. Tune in to learn all about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/08/23•48m 3s
Selects: How Music Sampling Works
Today music sampling is a common practice, especially in electronic or hip-hop music. But how does it work? After all, other artists made the original music, and most of them would presumably like to be paid. Tune in to this classic episode to learn more about music sampling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/08/23•44m 24s
The Mysterious Disappearance of the Franklin Expedition
One of the great Arctic mysteries was the disappearance of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition in search of a northwest passage between the Atlantic and Pacific. Not one man survived the trip, and they left precious little behind in the way of clues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/08/23•50m 24s
Short Stuff: Edward Mordake
In the 19th century news spread of an unfortunate man who was born with an evil second face on the back of his head that spoke to him. The real story is that people keep falling for it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/08/23•12m 57s
How We’re Learning to Talk to Animals
If we could talk with the animals, grunt and squeak and squawk with the animals, what would we say? We’d better start thinking of something good because researchers are learning to speak sperm whale, prairie dog, and a bunch of other species' languages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/08/23•53m 58s
Selects: How Magnets Work
You can stick them to the fridge or use them to transpose sound to tape, whatever they are used for magnets are surprisingly interesting. And knowing just exactly how and why magnets work will make you more interesting, which is why you should listen to this classic episode of SYSK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/08/23•36m 15s
Xenobiotics
Science is just realizing the extent of the tiny pollutants that have entered ecosystems across Earth and inside all humans. We call them xenobiotics – substances foreign to our bodies – and what effects they have on us we’re only starting to learn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/08/23•45m 28s
Short Stuff: History of English
Who spoke English first and what was it like? Nothing like it is today. Listen in to learn all about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/08/23•12m 6s
Dear Diary...
Diaries have been around for a long time. There are many famous ones, and tens of millions that will never see the light of day. Learn about the history and benefits of journaling today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/08/23•47m 45s
Selects: Rainbows: Delighting humanity since forever
Rainbows seem to defy nature, but they're really pretty simple when it comes down to it. Turns out it's just light reacting to water droplets in the air. But they sure do look cool. Learn all about how rainbows are formed in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/08/23•30m 0s
The Last Meal Ritual
The last meal of the executed is a longstanding tradition. Listen in today to learn about the dark history and modern practice of this culinary curiosity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/08/23•49m 46s
Short Stuff: NATO Alphabet
Alpha, Bravo, Charlie. This is the NATO alphabet. But where did it come from?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/08/23•13m 8s
BPD: The Worst Disorder or Not a Disorder at All?
Borderline Personality Disorder has been described as emotional “third degree burns over ninety percent of your body.” It’s as close to a curse as a personality disorder can be: deep fear of being abandoned creates behaviors that end up driving people off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/08/23•50m 54s
Selects: What's the deal with Stradivarius violins?
The Strad violin is noted for its tonal qualities and superior craftsmanship. And for its price tag. There are many theories why the Strad sounds so great, from the wood to the lacquer, to the simple fact that Antonio Stradivari was really good at what he did. Rosin up your bow and take a listen to this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/07/23•40m 30s
MAD Magazine: A Tribute
Chuck and Josh grew up on MAD Magazine and we hope you did too. What started out as a comic book that spoofed comic books grew into the foundation of American satire and cultivated a healthy skepticism in generations of kids. Hail to the clods at MAD!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/07/23•1h
Short Stuff: Blue Highway Signs
In the US those ubiquitous blue highway signs that tell you which direction you’ll find a Burger King have an interesting backstory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/07/23•14m 16s
Learning a Foreign Language
Today, Chuck and Josh dive into the ins and outs of language learning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/07/23•47m 12s
Selects: Nirvana: Not The Band
Hinduism and Buddhism are closely related in a number of ways, including their vision of what comes after we exit this mortal coil. Learn about the religions' interesting interpretation of the state of existence outside space-time, in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/07/23•32m 57s
Magic Eye Illusions
What became the Magic Eye illusion fad of the 1990s was born by way of the stereogram of the 1950s (and even before that). It's a winding story that you'll love!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/07/23•47m 17s
Short Stuff: Pie-In-The-Face Gag
Throwing a pie in someone’s face was groundbreaking comedy once upon a time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/07/23•12m 38s
Insomnia: Why you can't sleep
Insomnia is rough stuff. Listen in and learn all about why you can't fall asleep and what you can do about that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/07/23•50m 3s
Selects: How Police Lineups Work
Police lineups are something most people have never had any firsthand experience with. What you see on TV and in movies isn't so far off though. Learn about how these tropes work for real in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/07/23•52m 42s
How PCP Works
There is probably no drug more mythologized than PCP. It drives users insane and has the unfortunate side effect of bestowing superhuman strength thus sending them on a rampage. But does it though?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/07/23•49m 42s
Short Stuff: Père-Lachaise Cemetery
The most famous cemetery in Paris has some of the most famous people in the world buried there. And it's quite lovely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/07/23•12m 4s
Birth Order: So nice, we did it twice
This is a very special episode, the first one we've ever fully recorded a second time and decided to release. Why? Because it's good and a little different and we thought you'd enjoy this unheard of double dose. So enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/07/23•55m 4s
Selects: How Bats Work
They are creepy, sure, but they are also useful, cute and in great danger of extinction. Get a new lease on life from a new view of bats in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/07/23•45m 26s
James Beard: Food Legend
James Beard is well-known now for the annual awards named in his honor. But he used to be the most famous chef in America, and set the standard for what makes a celebrity chef.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/07/23•55m 20s
Short Stuff: Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood sign is an iconic landmark that started out as a real estate billboard. Can you believe it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/07/23•13m 48s
How Trucking Works
If truckers suddenly vanished the global economy would come to a grinding halt in a couple days. But as important as they are these highway heroes (mostly) are, they’re systematically mistreated by their industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/07/23•1h 1m
Selects: What Makes Lead So Poisonous?
The people of Flint, MI were horrified to find their drinking water was poisoned with lead. As we learn more about lead's effects and realize how persistent it is, the more worrying it becomes. What makes lead so toxic? Find out in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/07/23•49m 35s
Butterflies: Caterpillars with Wings!
If you thought caterpillars were awesome, just wait until you see them with colorful, iridescent wings!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/06/23•51m 3s
Short Stuff: Fahrenheit or Celsius
Fahrenheit or Celsius? Why not both? If they can agree - exactly at -40 degrees - then it seems like we should all be able to agree they're both great as well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/06/23•9m 24s
Caterpillars: Nature's Magicians
Caterpillars are simply the best. Don't think so? Well listen in and you'll soon agreeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/06/23•47m 9s
Selects: How Ocean Currents Work
It's easy to overlook the importance of ocean currents - they move along out at sea, while we stay mostly on land. But we are globally affected by them every day. Currents form the base of the food chain, drive weather and keep life as we know it going. Explore them with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/06/23•39m 0s
How Afrofuturism Works
Black sci-fi writers were shut out of their genre in the 20th century so they created their own vision of the future. That sentiment spread to music and film and today it’s so engrained in pop culture it doesn't need its own label. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/06/23•53m 18s
Short Stuff: Chia Pet
It has arrived, the most important podcast episode in the history of the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/06/23•12m 51s
Large Language Models and You
There is a good chance that in March of 2023, humans crossed a threshold into a transformative new era when a new, smarter type of AI was let loose in the wild and an AI arms race began. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/06/23•54m 15s
Selects: SYSK Live: Back When Ford Pintos Were Flaming Deathtraps
For this special live benefit episode recorded in Atlanta, Josh and Chuck go back to the 70s and look at the decidedly ungroovy course of events that led to Ford recalling its Pinto after people started burning up in them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/06/23•1h 9m
How Alumin(i)um Works
Humans made it through the Bronze Age and Iron Age, then we dabbled in steel, and now we are living in the Aluminum Age. The metal is so ubiquitous it seems like it’s been around forever, but we’ve only been really using it since the 20th century.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/06/23•51m 54s
Short Stuff: Suicide Forest
The suicide forest in Japan is a beautiful place with a checkered reputation. Trigger Warning: This episode features a discussion of suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, please call 988.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/06/23•11m 14s
The Stinky History of Human Hygiene
Ever wondered when and why people started caring about body odors and cleanliness? Well look no further than today's episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/06/23•57m 15s
Selects: How Audience Testing Works
Did you know some of our most beloved movies originally had different, sometimes better, endings? That is until they were tested in front of focus groups. Learn all about the how, what, and why of audience testing in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/06/23•40m 46s
Is Reality Real?
Philosophers have been wondering whether we experience reality as it is for millennia now. They’ve pretty much settled on no, no we don’t. Now science has taken up the investigation and it’s proving the philosophers correct. So what is reality then?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/06/23•43m 4s
Short Stuff: DNA Data Storage
One of the more futuristic things around right now on Earth is research into encoding data into strings of genetic code.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/06/23•11m 50s
Why Manners?
Keeping your elbows off the table, keeping your fingers out of the gravy boat – at some point these became very important rules of etiquette. But what purpose do manners serve? It turns out they just may be the glue that prevents society from unraveling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/06/23•47m 4s
Selects: Pterosaurs: Not Flying Dinosaurs
Almost everything you know about pterosaurs is wrong. They weren't birds, they weren't flying dinosaurs and they weren't all pterodactyls. Which makes this classic episode a great one for you to learn some new and amazing stuff about terrifying prehistoric beasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/06/23•38m 28s
What's the deal with intermittent fasting?
Could eating at only certain times of the day lead to weight loss? Possibly! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/06/23•44m 45s
Short Stuff: Rube Goldberg
Everyone knows what a Rube Goldberg machine is, but what do you know about the cartoonist who they're named after?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/05/23•14m 41s
The Saga of Milli Vanilli
For a moment Milli Vanilli was the hottest musical act in the world. Then came the news that it was just that, an act, and the fall came swiftly and humiliatingly. Now, 30 years on, a look back yields not so much a cautionary tale as a very sad story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/05/23•53m 55s
Selects: How Color Works
Science doesn't have a good explanation for why we sense color, yet it is everywhere and affecting us all the time. But why should minutely different wavelengths of light have such an impact on our moods and motivations? Explore these questions and more with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/05/23•41m 39s
The Semi-Recent History of Exercise
Humans exercising for better health has not been around that long. Today we dive into this fun history as we cover why and when we started this now commonplace pastime. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/05/23•55m 16s
Short Stuff: Pollen Count
If you watch the news and hear the pollen count is high for some particular type of plant then it’s high time you learned how they do that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/05/23•12m 41s
What is the Bechdel Test?
The Bechdel Test is a is a measure of the representation of women in film. You'd be surprised how many movies fail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/05/23•42m 8s
Selects: How Dog Shows Work
You know those shows where people wearing sensible shoes jog dogs around in circles? They actually represent the pinnacle of a long and complex path to glory for dogs and their owners. Join Chuck and Josh as they peek inside the American dog show in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/05/23•41m 35s
How Juries Work
It’s totally bonkers that in the US and other countries, the job of determining the guilt or innocence of an accused criminal – whose life may be at stake – is left not to experts in law but to a group of random citizens. Even crazier, it generally works!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/05/23•57m 20s
Short Stuff: Mood Rings
Mood Rings were all the rage in the 1970s. Then they went away, and fast. What's your color today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/05/23•11m 52s
The Inflammation Theory of Disease
Not too long ago we thought that germs were the cause of most diseases, leading to germ theory. But when we look at maladies from heart disease to Alzheimer’s one commonality stands out: inflammation. Could it be we’ve found the root cause of all diseases?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/05/23•58m 48s
Selects: How Slinky Works
It has been called a "glorified spring", but Slinky is one of the best selling toys of all time. From accidental origins to an unlikely resurrection, Slinky has a pretty great back story. Learn all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/05/23•51m 8s
How TV Weathercasters Work
TV weather people can seem corny and maybe a little nerdy, but beneath that toothsome exterior lies the heart of a lonely warrior of science, one who is often overlooked as the hardest working member of the news team. Learn all about these unsung heroes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/05/23•49m 29s
Short Stuff: Frances Kelsey: Hero of the FDA
Who is Frances Kelsey? Well, she's a semi-unsung hero of the FDA whose work helped save a lot of kids from congenital disorders and even death. Listen and learn!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/05/23•12m 12s
The Colosseum
It's funny how similar The Colosseum in Rome is to modern day arenas. They really had it figured out. Tune in today to learn all about this early entertainment venue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/05/23•54m 37s
Selects: Does the body replace itself?
Does the human body really replace itself every few years? The answer is yes, but different parts of the body do so at different rates. Learn all about which parts of your body are the speediest, and which take the longest to regenerate, in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/05/23•38m 11s
Introducing Smell-O-Vision!
Smell-O-Vision was a post-war movie theater gimmick that delivered well-timed scents to the noses of audiences to align with the movie. Did it work? Sort of. Did it ultimately fail? Yes. Does that mean it has gone away forever? No.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/05/23•38m 17s
Short Stuff: Dunbar's Number
There’s a theory that all of us have a maximum number of friendships that we can maintain – 150, to be exact. Suspiciously exact, really, if you think about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/05/23•14m 38s
Nerf!
Another classic toys edition is at your collective feet. Today, we dive into the soft, padded world of NERF!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/05/23•38m 27s
Selects: How Manhunts Work
When a suspect or prisoner goes on the lam there are plenty of ways to hide: in plain sight, in the mountains, in another country. There are as many types of ways law enforcement uses to track wanted people as their are ways to go on the lam, but there are some founding principles to carrying out a successful manhunt and they actually include you. Learn about how the fuzz tracks down fugitives and how it's evolving in the age of social media in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/04/23•34m 51s
Carbon Monoxide: Please Just Listen Anyway
It might not be the sexiest topic we’ve ever covered (and by “might”, we mean “definitely”), but there are some things you just need to learn about and this deadly and undetectable gas that’s part of our everyday lives is one of them. So buck up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/04/23•47m 53s
Short Stuff: Botox Brain
Botox can chase away the lines on your face, apparently it can chase away your depression, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/04/23•13m 5s
Why does everyone love Dolly Parton?
Today we dive in to celebrate the international treasure that is Dolly Parton. Why is she nearly universally loved? Listen in to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/04/23•53m 41s
Selects: Was There A Real Robin Hood?
Is it true that Robin Hood hung out in Sherwood Forest and stole from the rich to give to the poor? No. No, it’s not. Find out the real story in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/04/23•49m 41s
METI: Existential Threat? Probably Yes
We've wanted to contact extraterrestrials for as long as we've suspected they're out there. But as we get better and locating potentially inhabited planets, beaming messages their way is suddenly posing a threat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/04/23•43m 45s
Short Stuff: Routines
Routines are a key part of a successful life. Ask anybody about theirs and they'll be happy to share!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/04/23•15m 9s
Should Rich Countries Cancel Poor Countries’ Debt?
It sounds controversial, but there are persuasive arguments for the wealthy Global North to write off the debts lower-income nations have accrued. Some say the US and Europe actually owe it to them. This is one of those boring ones you shouldn’t skip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/04/23•53m 41s
Selects: How Coffins Work
Sure, you've probably laid in one at the store or a funeral home, but how much do you know about receptacles used to bury the dead? We'll bet you'll learn plenty - like the difference between a coffin and a casket - in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/04/23•41m 26s
John Brinkley: The Quackiest Quack in History?
John Brinkley was perhaps the biggest quack who ever claimed to be practicing medicine. Learn all about this not so good guy today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/04/23•45m 4s
Short Stuff: Red Snow
Thanks to green algae, there's such a thing as red snow. And we've recently found it can accelerate global warming. Look out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/04/23•11m 17s
How Skydiving Works
At 13,000 feet the ground is nothing but far-away squares of land, and you can even see some clouds below you. All of a sudden you find yourself plummeting downward. There are very few thrills like jumping out of a plane with a parachute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/04/23•51m 12s
Selects: Some Nutso Fan Theories
It turns out that the characters in your favorite TV shows and the like are actually dead, dreaming, dying or don't exist. Explore some strange fan theories with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/04/23•53m 7s
Playing Cards? You Got That Right!
If you've ever wanted to learn more about playing cards, now is your big chance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/04/23•46m 48s
Short Stuff: Beethoven’s DNA
It's been all over the news, Beethoven's DNA has revealed some interesting things about his health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/04/23•9m 53s
What Caused the Late Bronze Age Collapse?
Humans’ first attempt at civilization went pretty well for the first thousand years. Important stuff like the wheel, writing, math, art, and diplomacy came out of it. But then, in the blink of an historical eye, it all mysteriously failed. What happened?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/04/23•47m 58s
Selects: How Jet Lag Works
It was only since 1958 that the Jet Age began, and jet lag became a real condition. Also known as desynchronosis, jet lag can lead to all manner of ailments, from sleeplessness to irritability to diabetes and cancer. In this classic episode, learn about how the body's natural clock runs normally and what happens when it gets out of whack when we cross time zones quickly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/04/23•35m 38s
What's the deal with dowsing?
Dowsing, aka water-witching has been around a long time. And you might be surprised that's still a thing. We get into all the nitty gritty of this pseudo-science today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/03/23•44m 37s
Short Stuff: Theme Park Cremations
There’s a little-discussed trend you might run into at your favorite theme park – people scattering the ashes of a loved one on rides. Here's hoping you don't literally run into it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29/03/23•11m 52s
The First Road Trip
Back when cars were a brand new thing, before people even knew they'd stick around, two men and a dog drove from San Francisco to New York. This is their story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/03/23•49m 11s
Selects: Is The Uncanny Valley Real?
In 1970, roboticist Masahiro Mori wrote an essay that said the closer robots come to lifelike, the more they unsettle humans. His theory became the Uncanny Valley, and science has been evaluating it – and what makes something creepy - in recent years. Learn all about it with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/03/23•1h 7m
An Interesting, Vastly Incomplete Look at Baseball Cards
One of the all-stars of the hobby world is collecting baseball cards. Over time it’s gone from a kids’ hobby to a major investment vehicle, complete with its own bubble that recently burst. But at the heart of it is something both engrossing and endearing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/03/23•54m 56s
Short Stuff: Semantic Satiation
You know when you read a word over and over it starts to lose its meaning? There’s a term for that and why it happens is fascinating.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/03/23•12m 18s
The Tragic Tale of Floyd Collins
Floyd Collins was a natural-born caver who met a terrible fate, becoming stuck underground where no one could get him loose. His unlucky, slowly unfolding plight also turned out to be one of the first national media sensations of the 20th century.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/03/23•47m 32s
Selects: Do People Really Run Off to Join the French Foreign Legion?
Anyone who knows anything about Jean-Claude Van Damme knows he played a French legionnaire in the movies. He was just one of many actors to star in films that romanticized this mercenary force. Check out the details in this classic episode with Josh and Chuck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/03/23•19m 27s
Arcades: Nostalgia Abounds
Chuck and Josh were around during the Golden Age of the arcade. And look how they turned out! Join them on a trip down memory lane. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/03/23•58m 44s
Short Stuff: John Cage's 639 Year Concert
John Cage was a unique artist to say the least. Learn all about this avant-garde composer today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/03/23•13m 1s
That's Amaro!
Amaro is a delicious traditional liqueur, usually from Italy, that has delighted diners and drinkers for centuries. Tune in to learn all about this wonderful digestif. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/03/23•53m 52s
Selects: The Time Nazis Invaded Florida
During World War II, Nazis invaded the United States with saboteurs bent on fomenting chaos. Three times. Learn all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/03/23•55m 47s
Woodstock: The Festival for Stardust, Golden Hippies
You may have heard your parents or – gasp – grandparents prattle on about how amazing the original 1969 Woodstock Festival was. It turns out that, as much as people who lived through the 60s like to talk them up, Woodstock really was that amazing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/03/23•56m 53s
Short Stuff: Paprika
Paprika is more than a smoky Hungarian spice. Actually, that's not true, that's exactly what it is. But it sure is delicious!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/03/23•8m 42s
Noncompete Agreements, Come On
A noncompete agreement, a pledge not to work for a competitor for a set amount of time, makes sense – when the worker is well compensated and privy to company secrets. But that doesn’t describe the vast majority of workers who’ve signed noncompetes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/03/23•50m 0s
Selects: Live From San Francisco: How Malls Work
In this classic show recorded live on January 5, 2017 at San Francisco’s Castro Theatre, Josh and Chuck delve into the history and the heyday of the church of consumerism and what it means for local communities and our capitalist society at large when malls die.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/03/23•1h 6m
Crosswords episode, perhaps?
Crossword puzzles have an interesting history and are a lot of fun to do. Dive in today to learn about Chuck's latest obsession.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/03/23•54m 16s
Short Stuff: La Pascualita
In a bridal shop in Chihuahua, Mexico a mannequin has been standing in the window since the 1930s that’s so lifelike some say it’s actually a corpse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/03/23•11m 6s
The Awe-Inspiring, Absolutely Crucial Amazon
If you’ve ever thought, “What’s the Amazon rainforest ever done for me? Nothin, that’s what,” then you’re dead wrong, friend. It covers 1 percent of the Earth’s surface but houses perhaps 30 percent of its species and it’s invaluable to all life on Earth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/02/23•54m 10s
Selects: Who Committed the 1912 Villisca Ax Murders?
In a small town in Iowa in 1912 eight people were murdered in the grisliest of ways while they slept. Local reputations were ruined when accusations flew, but could a drifting serial killer working across the Midwest have been behind it? Learn all about it with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/02/23•46m 17s
Naps: Chuck's Secret Talent
Naps are great if you can manage to find the space to take them. The trick is to do it for the right amount of time. We get into all in the ins and outs of Chuck's favorite time of day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/02/23•44m 16s
Short Stuff: Sleeping On It
It’s pretty well known that if you wait to make a big decision until after you get some sleep, you’re likelier to make a good one. But why should that be? Why, we’ll explain if only you’d listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/02/23•14m 10s
The Mystery of the Lost Amber Room
Chuck and Josh turn into the Hardy Boys for one of the great unsolved mysteries of WWII, a work of art worth a king’s ransom that went missing in 1945.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/02/23•47m 25s
Selects: The Max Headroom Affair
In 1987, a very strange broadcast intrusion occurred in the city of Chicago. For just a couple of minutes, the odd TV character Max Headroom appeared onscreen in the middle of an episode of Dr. Who. He spoke in garbled tones, brandished a marital aid, and was spanked on the rear with a fly swatter by a person dressed in Annie Oakley garb. If this sounds weird, it is. It's the Max Headroom Incident. Find out all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/02/23•47m 52s
The Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire
The fire at the Beverly Hills Supper Club was not in Los Angeles, but Kentucky. Which happened to be Las Vegas before Vegas was Vegas. Confused? Listen in and all will be clear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/02/23•52m 36s
Short Stuff: Beulah Mae Donald
In 1981 a Mobile mother of six was forced into the role of civil rights activist when the Klan murdered her son and she was moved to fight back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15/02/23•12m 27s
The Glorious Flamingo
Flamingos are much more than just pretty pink birds. They are in fact, quite remarkable! Listen and learn…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/02/23•49m 8s
Selects: Cave Diving: Totally Nuts
There are extreme sports and then there is cave diving, the most extreme activity a person can engage in without leaving Earth. Cave divers stay underwater swimming miles into – that’s right – caves, where no human has ever been before. It’s pretty cool. Wade in with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/02/23•50m 39s
How (O)possums Work
Josh and Chuck take a listener’s suggestion – many, many suggestions – and learn that possums are pretty great and very much misunderstood. By the end of this episode you will too!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/02/23•49m 33s
Short Stuff: No Shirt, No Shoes, WTF
You can thank your parents and grandparents for the longstanding ban against dining shirtless and shoeless. While the concept was around, it mushroomed when hippies came along.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
08/02/23•13m 19s
Honey: Nature's Wonder Sugar
Honey is an amazing thing. Just ask any bee. They make a ton of it. So much that humans get what bees can't use and that's a lot of honey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/02/23•53m 34s
Selects: How Easy Bake Ovens Work
Easy Bake Ovens are as iconic as a toy can get, as American as apple pie or baseball. Learn all about these light bulb cooking, working ovens that endanger children to this day, in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/02/23•36m 29s
The Largely Equine History of Veterinary Medicine
Vets have been around for a long time, but mainly to care for horses. When horse travel went away, guess who saved the profession? Dogs!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/02/23•47m 18s
Short Stuff: Bird Migration
Where are all those birds flying anyway? How do they decide? When do they do it? All of these questions, and more, are answered in this week's ep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/02/23•11m 19s
Must We Suffer Emotional Pain?
It’s part of the human condition, to feel the pain of sorrow, loss, embarrassment. But isn’t it kind of weird that an overwhelming emotion can cause you physical discomfort or even pain? Turns out that depends on how you think about the mind and the body.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/01/23•49m 19s
Selects: Elephants: The Best Animals?
Elephants are pretty much the best. Why? Josh and Chuck will let you know in great detail in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/01/23•1h 1m
How Attachment Theory Works
A theory in the field of psychology has become so pervasive, it’s generally taken on faith that it’s true. It says that how your parents respond to you during a short window in your infancy has lifelong effects on your personality. Could this be correct?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/01/23•54m 35s
Short Stuff: Adam's Apples and Throat Lumps
This week's short stuff is all about throat lumps and Adam's apples.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25/01/23•10m 5s
Let's Talk About John DeLorean
John DeLorean: visionary, car maker extraordinaire, buyer of large amounts of cocaine, provider of time machine chassis. There is a lot to understand about John DeLorean so let’s get busy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/01/23•56m 54s
Selects: How Game Shows Work
Join Josh and Chuck and a whole bunch of great people at the Gothic Theatre in Denver for this live show on game shows and their place in cultures around the world, recorded on June 28, 2018. You just come right on down, why don’t you?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/01/23•1h 8m
Toast: As in browned bread
Toast is bread that has been browned by heat. It's delicious. This is our ode to toast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/01/23•53m 16s
Short Stuff: Women Pirates
The Golden Age of Pirates didn’t have just men floating on the high seas. Some women became very successful pirates and today you’ll learn about two of them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18/01/23•16m 11s