Episodes

Dec. 4, 2020

Fri. 12/4 - When You Find Out You're a Meme

The latest in deep sea luxury tourism. The story of a guy who just found out this week that he’s been a meme for years. The fascinating geometry of Pringles. And an actually kinda sweet story about the polio vaccine. Sponsor…
Dec. 3, 2020

Thu. 12/3 - Proximity Chats: A Solution to Bad Zoom Parties?

A few reasons why Zoom parties suck so much, some science-backed proposals to make them better, and a few platforms that are trying to do it. A website that will play that radio for you from anywhere in the world and any tim…
Dec. 2, 2020

Wed. 12/2 – Competitive Tetris Champions & Christmas Carols For Dogs

The Classic Tetris World Championship final is this Sunday, streaming live online, and if you were also surprised there is a Classic Tetris World Championship, then have I got a documentary recommendation for you. Archaeolog…
Dec. 1, 2020

Tue. 12/1 - China's Chang'e 5 Lands on the Moon

Scientists have used AI to make a massive breakthrough in protein folding that could cause huge ripples in drug treatments and understanding the human body. China has landed a robotic spacecraft on the moon and is bringing b…
Nov. 30, 2020

Mon. 11/30 - The Utah Monolith Has VANISHED

An update on the mysterious monolith in Utah. The plant-based seafood companies vying to become the fishy equivalent of Beyond Meat. And some tips for socializing outside during the cold winter months. Sponsors: BetterHelp, …
Nov. 25, 2020

Wed. 11/25 - Did Devo & Green Day Predict 2020?

The Thanksgiving Day prank at NASA that ensured Thanksgiving Day pranks never happened again. How artificial intelligence could finally end the spread of tuberculosis. The new EP from a new wave band that is definitely not j…
Nov. 24, 2020

Tue. 11/24 - An Unexplained Monolith in the Utah Desert

The saga of the infamous pig couch on Craigslist. A strange metal monolith has appeared without explanation in a deserted red rock cove in Utah. What does Yellowstone National Park have to do with the COVID-19 test kits? And…
Nov. 23, 2020

Mon. 11/23 - Oxford's Vaccine & "Word" of the Year

Mars may still be volcanically active, which could mean positive things for the potential of life on the planet. More good vaccine news, this time from Oxford and AstraZeneca. And speaking of Oxford, the dictionary took a we…
Nov. 21, 2020

Feed Drop - Jacked: Rise of the New Jack

Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, Wondery (Dr. Death, Dirty John, The Shrink Next Door) and Universal Music Group present Jacked: Rise of the New Jack Sound. The story begins with a keyboard player in the heart of Harlem: Teddy Ri…
Nov. 20, 2020

Fri. 11/20 - Did Ben Franklin Want to Replace the Eagle With the Turkey as the National Bird?

Did Ben Franklin really think the turkey should replace the eagle as America’s national bird? Analyzing the microbiome of Leonardo DaVinci’s drawings. And scientists who have figured out a way to rewind cellular aging in hum…
Nov. 19, 2020

Thu. 11/19 - Paleomixology & the Baskin-Robbins Turkey Cake: Tips For Spending the Holidays Alone

Advice for enjoying the holidays even if you’re spending them alone this year. AI researchers have made a sarcasm detector. And a look at the burgeoning field of paleomixology. Sponsors: Fundrise, Get your first 90 days of a…
Nov. 18, 2020

11/18 - Real Talk on Thanksgiving Celebrations in 2020

Some real talk about celebrating Thanksgiving this year. How artificial intelligence is being used to recreate smells from history. And Bunny the Talking Dog, the latest viral star on Tiktok. Sponsors: Fitbod, Get one month …
Nov. 17, 2020

Tue. 11/17 - The Little-Known History of Transgender People

A look at trans figures in history in honor of Transgender Awareness Week. New stretchable sensor gloves that could change the game for robots, physical therapy, and VR. Liquid Death, the over-the-top canned water company, h…
Nov. 16, 2020

Mon. 11/16 - The Moderna Vaccine: What You Need To Know

A second potential COVID-19 vaccine is showing incredible efficacy and bringing us a modest dash of hope. The future of sustainable air conditioning. The French media outlet that accidentally published obituaries for nearly …
Nov. 13, 2020

Fri. 11/13 - How Did Friday the 13th Become Unlucky?

Why do we associate Friday the 13th with being unlucky? The weird and creative solutions some offices are coming up with for virtual holiday parties this year. And don’t miss the next, and first official, SpaceX astronaut fl…
Nov. 12, 2020

Thu. 11/12 - How Many Holes Does a Straw Have?

A simple question with a very, very complicated answer: how many holes does a straw have? Why the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine could be significant beyond COVID-19. And yet another botched art restoration in Spain. Sponsor: Gabi …
Nov. 11, 2020

Wed. 11/11 - Why People Are Mad About Mary Wollstonecraft in 2020

A deep dive into why a statue of an eighteenth century feminist writer has caused such a stir in England. A new YouTube show to watch, made by Hungarian scientists, called The Genius Dog Challenge. And Collins Dictionary’s w…
Nov. 10, 2020

Tue. 11/10 - Make Better Habits By Being Bad At Them

Australian scientists have discovered two new mammals. The trick to sticking to new habits that requires letting yourself be bad at things. A new perfume that smells like books. And a calming, hand-drawn web-based game to he…
Nov. 9, 2020

Mon. 11/09 - What To Know About the Pfizer Vaccine

Pfizer has good news about a potential COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s what you need to know. Meet the man who went viral over the weekend for interrupting a French newscaster. And high fashion scratch-and-sniff t-shirts; plus a br…
Nov. 6, 2020

Fri. 11/06 - The Most Extreme, Hellish Planet Yet Discovered

Scientists have discovered more information about an absolutely hellish, inhospitable planet. And it’s not the one you think. Colorado passed a first-ever of its kind ballot measure to reintroduce a species of animal to its …
Nov. 5, 2020

Thu. 11/05 - Why Nebraska Splits Its Electoral Votes

Remember, remember the fifth of November. Here are some thoughts on the complicated legacy of the Gunpowder Plot. Why Nebraska’s electoral votes are so weird, and the man responsible for keeping them weird. And, inspired by …
Nov. 4, 2020

Wed. 11/04 - Brian Eno & the Atomization of Society

Brian Eno’s thoughts on social media and the role of the artist in these trying times, as well as a related new finding that smartphones may actually be helping to pop people’s filter bubbles when it comes to news consumptio…
Nov. 3, 2020

Tue. 11/3 - The Atheist Ban

It’s Election Day in the US. I’ve got some good and some weird tips for staying calm amidst the election storm. An AI that can tell if you have COVID-19 just by listening to your cough. And a deep dive on one type of U.S. ci…
Nov. 2, 2020

Mon. 11/02 - Debunking & Distracting From Election Coverage

Heading into the U.S. general election tomorrow, a refresher on why polls can be unreliable and how to read them responsibly. An opportunity to own the vintage spyware gadgets of your dreams. It’s 2020: platypuses glow in th…