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. Like that.
Get tickets for our upcoming LIVE SHOW right here! https://caveat. ... Show More
Aug 13
Medical Butt Chugging, Ancient Ice Cream Pyramids, "The Thing" but Midwestern
Mary Roach RETURNS to Weirdest Thing to share her new book, Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy! From this phenomenal new read, she discusses a section on breathing through your butt, a thing not only turtles can do, but also apparently humans. Plus, Rachel talks about t ... Show More
56m 1s
Jul 30
Bette Midler and the Salamander, How Marathon Swimmers Pee, D+D is Good for Your Brain
The wonderful Ryan Mandelbaum is BACK to discuss their latest animalian interest: salamanders in New York City! Laura also explains how peeing while swimming a marathon is shockingly complicated, and Rachel gets into why Dungeons and Dragons is therapeutic for your noggin. Go che ... Show More
1h 5m
Jul 16
The Bone Collector, Threads of God, Cloacal Chamber
Scientific illustrator and Twitch streamer Liz Clayton Fuller (ipaintbirbs) joins the show once more to talk all things cloaca -- and why some birds lack them. Plus, Jess hops behind the mic to talk about the world's rarest pasta, and Rachel dives into carnivorous caterpillars th ... Show More
49m 46s
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 ... Show More
45m 47s
Aug 2024
Bonus: Fun Fact or Fake Factoid?! A Chemistry and Trivia Showdown
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 quir ... Show More
28m 6s
Mar 2025
PRETTY CURIOUS | Oscars 2025, the Censure of Rep. Al Green, and the Decreasing Butterfly Population
Queens, we have so much to catch up on! This week on Pretty Curious, JVN and senior producer Chris are going all in on current events, the Oscars, and debriefing from last week’s Getting Curious on being your authentic self at work - MUCH vulnerability. Buckle up, babes—this epis ... Show More
39m 56s
Aug 22
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
Jan 2025
PRETTY CURIOUS | 5 Haircare Hacks You Need To Know For The New Year
New year, new realizations! We are so back to kick off 2025 with a deep dive into joy reclamation, breaking free from negative feedback loops, and embracing joy without guilt. Plus! JVN spills the tea on the look they’re wearing to their first ever Golden Globes gig (Christian S ... Show More
39m 8s
Jul 23
What to Read on the Beach This Summer
Scientific American has been reading, reviewing and recommending books for more than 100 years. These days Brianne Kane, our resident reader, is in charge of organizing our book recommendation lists to help science-minded people find the perfect read, including novels. She joins ... Show More
10m 31s
Jul 23
What to Read on the Beach This Summer
Scientific American has been reading, reviewing and recommending books for more than 100 years. These days Brianne Kane, our resident reader, is in charge of organizing our book recommendation lists to help science-minded people find the perfect read, including novels. She joins ... Show More
10m 31s