Why do people think they understand things better than they actually do?
Nov 2025
The Dark Side of Achievement & The Astonishing Science of the Sea-SYSK Choice
Why are the numbers 1, 2, and 3 across the top of a phone keypad but across the bottom of a calculator? It’s not random — and once you hear the logic, you’ll never look at a keypad the same way again. That’s just one of three quirky mysteries I explain at the start of this episod ... Show More
48m 29s
Sep 2021
Listen Again: The Gratitude Chain: A.J. Jacobs
Original broadcast date: February 19, 2021. When A.J. Jacobs set out to thank everyone who made his morning cup of coffee, he realized the chain of thank-yous was endless. This hour, Jacobs shares ideas on gratitude—and how to make it count.See pcm.adswizz.com for information abo ... Show More
50m 32s
Nov 2022
Cosmic Queries – Why do we believe conspiracy theories? with Michael Shermer
<p>Why do rational people believe irrational things? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice break down media literacy, the psychology behind conspiracy theories, and how to combat our cognitive biases with author and science historian, Michael Shermer.</p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons c ... Show More
53m 1s
Jul 2022
Things You Thought You Knew – The Fast and The Friction
<p>What is the Magnus Effect? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore physics through spin, banking, and angular momentum. Why are race tracks banked? </p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commerci ... Show More
43m 4s