logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2020
49m 43s

A Terrible Covid Christmas Special

Wnyc Studios
About this episode
This year was the worst. And as our staff tried to figure out what to do for our last episode of 2020, co-host Latif Nasser thought, what if we stare straight into the darkness … and make a damn Christmas special about it. Latif begins with a story about Santa, and a back-room deal he made with the Trump administration to jump to the front of the vaccine lin ... Show More
Up next
Feb 27
Black Box
In this episode, first aired in 2014, we examine three very different kinds of black boxes—spaces where we know what’s going in, we know what’s coming out, but can’t see what happens in-between. From the darkest parts of metamorphosis to a sixty-year-old secret among magicians, a ... Show More
1h 5m
Feb 20
Gray's Donation
Before he was even born, Sarah and Ross Gray knew that their son Thomas wouldn’t live long. But as they let go of him, they made a decision that reverberated through a world that they never bothered to think about. Years later, after a couple of awkward phone calls, they go on a ... Show More
27m 20s
Feb 13
Time is Honey
In the early 2000s, Sunil Nakrani felt stuck. Back then, websites crashed all the time. When Sunil noticed this, he decided he was going to fix the internet. But after nearly a year of studying the architecture of the web, he was no closer to an answer. In desperation, Sunil sent ... Show More
38m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2023
The Real Santa Claus
St Nicholas was a Greek bishop, known for his generosity. But he didn’t have a beard, and he didn’t drive a sleigh - so how did he morph into the Santa Claus the world knows and loves? The supposed date of his death - 3rd December, 343 - may have a lot to do with it… Then there’s ... Show More
12m 23s
Dec 2020
Let’s Nerd Out on Christmas
Transcribed highlights of the show can be found in our episode summaries. Believe it or not, Christmas is this week. Yup, even in a year that felt like it was always winter and that there could not ever be Christmas. And we need a little Christmas, right this very minute. Candles ... Show More
51m 56s
Dec 2022
Santaphilia: Sexual Attraction to Santa
<p>How long have people been hoping for Santa to hurry down their chimneys for?</p><br><p>Whether it’s because he’s a bear, a dom or the ultimate daddy - in this episode we’re discussing attraction to Santa and Father Christmas.</p><br><p>Listen as Kate takes us through Santa’s m ... Show More
22m 39s
Dec 2022
The Dark & Strange History Of Santa Claus
A few weeks ago we were working in the studio, getting in the Christmas spirit, and one of us brought up the fact that it’s weird we have this tradition about a big jolly fat guy who sneaks into our homes and wants kids to sit on his lap. We started wondering where the story of S ... Show More
14m 37s
Dec 2022
Christmas with Charles Dickens
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Emily Bell and Mike Wozniak to find out what Christmas was like with Charles Dickens. We take a walk through the many Christmases of the renowned Victorian author. From elephants walking on ice to the family Christmas punch recipe, we take a closer loo ... Show More
1 h
Dec 2017
Rudolph castrated: what you didn’t hear this year
Reindeer castration, plants get chatty and more quirky science revealed in this Christmas special of CrowdScience where we will also be hearing from the people that make this series possible. That’s you – our listeners. CrowdScience has been on air for just over a year which mean ... Show More
30m 55s
Dec 2021
CrowdScience Christmas bonanza
<p>Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens – CrowdScience has covered a lot this year. And what better way to see out 2021 than to look back at a few of our (and your!) favourite things? Great questions are right at the top of the team’s list – especially with the way that for ... Show More
31m 43s
Dec 2023
Christmas with Charles Dickens (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Emily Bell and Mike Wozniak to find out what Christmas was like with Charles Dickens.We take a walk through the many Christmases of the renowned Victorian author. From elephants walking on ice to the family Christmas punch recipe, we take a closer look ... Show More
28m 40s
Dec 2023
Secret Santa: Jeannie Colon and James Gordon
On this episode, we’re sharing stories about Santa. Normally, we don’t air stories that reveal that Santa isn’t real, however, we decided to break that tradition for a special episode. So, if any kids might listen, be warned. Host: Suzanne Rust Storytellers: Jeannie Colon James G ... Show More
19m 54s
Dec 2021
A Very Belter Christmas - An Unofficial Christmas Tale in the Universe of The Expanse
For the past few years, The Expanse has been a big part of our Christmas season. It's been like the giant present sitting under our tree each and every December, waiting for us to unwrap it, brightening our winters. When we were planning our coverage of this final season, we kept ... Show More
21m 38s