Astrophysicist and folklorist Moiya McTier rejoins the show to talk about how there are too many galaxies out there. Plus, Sara Kiley talks about sharks of yore and Rachel explains how ants are becoming little mini surgeons.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook g ... Show More
Apr 8
REVISITING Naked Founding Fathers, Jalapeño Thumb, Counting Vampires
In our final rerun episode during Rachel's parental leave, we have the oldest episode yet. It features one of Jess' first appearances on the show in which she details strange vampire folklore (and why they love to count), Claire Maldarelli shares a weird pepper-related medical co ... Show More
44m 42s
Mar 25
Killer Demon Core, Victorian Theater-Kid Ghosts, Louis Pasteur's Secrets
Jess brings adef and jacksonparodi on the show this week to discuss how one sphere killed two men in a matter of days, why folks in Victorian Australia used glowing paint to transform into ghosts, and how Louis Pasteur had more aura than ever imaginable. adef on Youtube: https:// ... Show More
1h 17m
Mar 11
REVISITING Art Crime Doesn't Pay, Canines Cooking Meat, Eggs Gone Wrong
While Rachel is on parental leave, here's a vintage episode from our vault! Rachel, Sara, and comedian Josh Gondelman discuss dogs cooking in kitchens, chickens laying eggs inside themselves, and one of the most peculiar art heists in history. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This ... Show More
1 h
Aug 2024
Bonus: Fun Fact or Fake Factoid?! A Chemistry and Trivia Showdown
<p>In this bonus game edition of 'Chemistry For Your Life', host Melissa, co-host Jam, and guest Claire embark on an entertaining journey of debunking or verifying popular 'fun facts' submitted by their listeners. The game, titled 'Fun Fact or Fake Factoid', involves dissecting q ... Show More
28m 6s
Aug 2025
Could Peanut Allergies Be Cured?
Peanut allergies have surged dramatically in recent decades, and scientists are still working to understand why. In this episode, journalist Maryn Mckenna, who recently authored an article on the subject, and host Rachel Feltman explore the latest research on causes, treatments a ... Show More
20m 29s
Aug 2025
The Truth About Your 20s & 30s: Life Lessons On Mindset, Money, Relationships, & Growth With Michael Bosstick & Mimi Evarts
#876: Join Michael Bosstick for an exclusive conversation with Mimi Evarts – The Skinny Confidential's powerhouse Director of Branding, the driving force behind every chapter, & most importantly, Michael's Sister-in-Law. Having been a key mentor throughout Mimi's stages of life, ... Show More
1h 31m
Feb 2025
159: Sadism, Sex Potions, & Deer Musk?? History’s Most Disturbing Aphrodisiacs
Hi friends, happy Wednesday!Since ancient times, people have sought out aphrodisiacs—those mysterious foods, herbs, and even animal parts thought to ignite desire, spark passion, and awaken romance. But do these so-called love enhancers really work? Are they based on science or j ... Show More
45m 47s
Sep 2025
Algorithmic Social Media Is Driving New Slang
From viral slang such as “skibidi” to the rise of so-called brain rot, linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic, aka the “Etymology Nerd,” and associate editor Allison Parshall, who covers the mind and brain, unpack how social media and algorithms are reshaping the way we commun ... Show More
26m 55s
Mar 2025
solicited advice on: having a different love language than your partner, dealbreakers vs. preferences, jealousy in friendships, & why situationships hurt so much
230: Two bff's *who have no idea what they're doing* giving you solicited advice on (mainly) dating and relationships. Drea came back for another episode & we're answering a few of your Q's this week - everything from: the difference between venting vs. gossiping, when ghosting i ... Show More
59m 8s