Episodes

Dec. 16, 2020

Wed. 12/16 - What Pfizer Can Learn From Dippin’ Dots

Genetically-engineered pigs have gotten the all clear. Digging into the field of galactic archaeology. And how Dippin’ Dots can help us better understand the leading COVID-19 vaccines, and may play a role of their own. Spons…
Dec. 15, 2020

Tue. 12/15 – The Origins of the Emoticon

What are tone indicators? Where do they come from, how are they used, and a look at both the pre-internet history of tone indicators as well as the origin of the emoticon. And, a question for the ages, what was the deal with…
Dec. 14, 2020

Mon. 12/14 - How To Remember More of What You Read

Some practical tips to help you remember more of what you read. After 51 years, one of the Zodiac Killer’s ciphers has been solved. And Brussels sprouts kind of became cool in the last few years, and it’s not just because ba…
Dec. 11, 2020

Fri. 12/11 - How Our Homes Were Shaped By Epidemics + Hot Dr Pepper

The household features that were shaped by previous epidemics. An ethics committee has approved the French military to start making bionic soldiers. And hot Dr Pepper. Sponsors: NordVPN, Get 68% off plus FOUR additional free…
Dec. 10, 2020

Thu. 12/10 - Deepfake Santa & The Great Conjunction

The Great Conjunction is upon us. Learn when and how to see Saturn and Jupiter closer than they’ve visibly been in 800 years. The Austin, Texas pop-up bringing canceled Taco Bell menu items back to life. Advice from a Japane…
Dec. 9, 2020

Wed. 12/9 - Space Booze: It's... For Science

Why did a French company send a whole case of wine into space last year? And, if NASA technically bans alcohol, how come so many astronauts drink it and why are so many companies designing microgravity alcoholic beverage opt…
Dec. 8, 2020

Tue. 12/8 - Can We Pre-Design Vaccines For Future Pandemics?

The COVID vaccines headed for distribution were developed on the fastest timeline in the history of vaccines. But could we do it even quicker next time? Or even make the vaccine before an outbreak? Speaking of vaccines, Will…
Dec. 7, 2020

Mon. 12/7 - What It's Like Finding Buried Treasure in 2020

The finder of Forrest Fenn’s treasure chest has been revealed. Also, what does one do with actual buried treasure in the twenty-first century? A special delivery for the astronauts on board the International Space Station. H…
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 …