Licorice opinions! War chocolate! Candy corn origins, circus peanut secrets, the sourest sourballs, and your great aunt’s purse. Stay until the very end for the biggest shocked laugh I have ever had on this show. The incredibly charming author, journalist, candy historian, and Confectiologist Susan Benjamin chats about everything from apothecary origin stori ... Show More
Nov 5
Strigiformology (OWLS) Part 1 with R.J. Gutiérrez
<p>OWLS. FINALLY. In no particular order: what’s up with their eyes, legs, hoots, feathers, silent flight, nests, folklore, necks, barfs, conservation status, and omens? Go take a walk or sit on a porch in the dusk and make friends with Rocky. Dr. R.J. “Rocky” Gutiérrez is a cele ... Show More
55m 22s
Oct 24
Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies
Parenting can involve big ideas, public debates and the odd festive guilt trip - and this week, we’re tackling all three. The man who created Adolescence has a new idea for how dads can connect with their sons - it’s beautiful, but one of us hates it. Plus, Amelia dives into the ... Show More
39m 20s
Jan 2023
Horace Fletcher, the Great Masticator
<p>Horace Fletcher is best known for starting a food fad in that came to be known as Fletcherism. This early 20th century fad involved, in part, chewing your food A LOT.</p> <p><strong>Research:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bauerlein, Mark. "The Correspondence of William James. Vol. 3: ... Show More
46m 10s
Sep 17
183: The MESSY Life of Ronald Reagan: Snitching, Scandals & DEADLY Decision
<div>Hi friends, happy Wednesday!<br>
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So the other day, I was googling jelly beans. Don’t ask why, I was in a mood. But I ended up falling down a rabbit hole, and suddenly… I was reading about Ronald Reagan. <br>
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Apparently, Reagan was *obsessed* with jelly beans. I gue ... Show More
1h 1m
Jan 2025
Poodle Sled Dogs, Why Orange Cats Are "Like That," Seal Nose Anatomy
Welcome to SEASON 9!! MIT Technology Review science editor (and former Weirdest Thing champ) Mary Beth Griggs joins the show to talk about self-sealing seal noses. Plus, Laura jumps on to talk about poodles running the Iditarod, and Rachel explains why orange cats are... you know ... Show More
47m 35s
Nov 2024
BREAD BAKING with Seamus Blackley
<p>Sourdough starters! Ancient yeasts! Why we need/knead dough! And why you don't need to buy a starter (or yeast!) to start. Polymath, particle physicist, inventor of the Xbox, and truly delightful fermentation nerd Seamus Blackley joins to chat about his kitchen adventures resu ... Show More
29m 45s
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
Mar 2024
796: Over the Rainbow, Rock Hudson, & Quantum Leap
<p>We start with a rummage through the old mail bag with some feedback from listeners about recent episodes. Yikes. We hear why some people think Over the Rainbow was plagiarized, but others think it's similarities are a coincidence. We discuss some famous musical thefts and how ... Show More
1h 3m
Jun 2023
Ruby Wax, spiced cauliflower & pomegranate salad and a mimosa mocktail
Nick and Angela are joined by broadcasting icon Ruby Wax.
Ruby Wax is an actress, comedian, writer, television personality and mental health campaigner. Her life in show business began at the Royal Shakespeare Company and from there the lures of TV beckoned. Ruby presented sho ... Show More
33m 57s