Adam Ruins Everything

Ep 47: Rachel Weil on Femicom and the Value of Preserving Classic 'Girl' Video Games Mar 08, 2018

Do you remember all of those video games that were made for girls back in the 90s? Well they're not being archived the same way that stereotypical boy games are being preserved. They don't have value in the gaming community and many of these games are being forgotten even though they were just as creative and innovative for the industry. Our guest Rachel Weil is trying to change that by preserving these 'girl' games by going around the world and collecting these games and talking to the people who made them. She is a software developer for Microsoft and the founder of the Femicom Museum, a hybrid physical/digital museum and archive dedicated to the preservation and reimagination of femininity, girlhood, and the aesthetics of cute within twentieth-century video games, computing, and electronic toys. Rachel did not appear on the Adam Ruins Everything TV show but her work reminded us of the themes we explored in our Adam Ruins Summer Fun episode. And since we're in the off-season of the TV show, we'll be inviting more guests onto the podcast whose work relates to themes we explored on the TV show or who are doing fascinating work or research that's worth discussing anyway. On the podcast Adam and Rachel had a lively discussion about gender expectations, the negative effects of marketing towards girls and boys, their favorite classic games and even their favorite savory breakfasts. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org

Ep 46: Dr. Azra Raza on Mouse Model Misconceptions & Other Ways We Can Improve Cancer Research Feb 22, 2018

When we think of conducting science experiments on subjects, we immediately think of mice models. But today's guest, Dr. Azra Raza, who appeared on Adam Ruins Science, says there's a more effective way. On the TV show Dr. Raza discussed how the mouse model scientists use for their research is actually ineffective; even though a medicine might work well on a rodent, the results don't translate as well as we thought to humans - especially when it comes to cancer research which is what Dr. Raza studies. Even though humans and mice share over 90 percent of their DNA with one another, our bodies still differ in numerous ways; we metabolize food and medicine differently and humans are significantly bigger than mice in size. This wastes money from the limited amount of funding that already exists and encourages clinical trials that ultimately go nowhere. On the podcast, Dr. Raza proposes a different research method that she has used herself, to much success. Dr. Raza is a Professor of Medicine and Director of the MDS Center at Columbia University in New York. Previously she conducted her research at Rush University, Chicago, Illinois in 1992, where she was the Charles Arthur Weaver Professor in Oncology and Director, Division of Myeloid Diseases. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 45: Dr. Kathryn Hall on the Surprising Power of Placebos Feb 09, 2018

Placebos are commonly dismissed as "fake" treatments that have no real power on you or your body. But scientists are realizing more and more that placebos are more powerful than we realized. New research shows that while placebos may not cure diseases, they can reduce symptoms of our ailments like irritable bowel syndrome and even Parkinson's disease, and in the process actually make us feel better. Even traditional medicine takes advantage of the placebo effect, which could mean the placebo effect could play a significant role in treating diseases. On this episode we talk to Dr. Kathryn Hall, who appeared on Adam Ruins Spa Day, about how placebos can have such powerful effects on our brains and how placebos are changing the way we conduct science and treat patients. Kathryn is a molecular biologist and Director of Placebo Genetics at Harvard Medical School's Program in Placebo Studies. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 44: Dr. Daniel Jolley on Why Conspiracy Theories Are Harmful Jan 24, 2018

What once seemed like a fringe movement, conspiracy theories appear more pervasive than ever. Our guest Dr. Daniel Jolley points out, conspiracy theories have been around for centuries; social media, however, has given them a wider platform and megaphone. Believing in such theories can seem like harmless speculation. But if enough people accept ideas like the faking of the moon landing or 9/11 being a government inside job, they'll feel they have no agency. This can lead to very dangerous effects like lower voter turnout and less civic engagement at large. Daniel, who appeared on Adam Ruins Conspiracy Theories, explains why people believe in conspiracy theories in the first place, how people can believe in two contradictory conspiracy theories, and how we can combat these theories to create a healthier democracy. He studies conspiracy theories at Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 43: Professor Teresa Ghilarducci on the Future of 401(k)s Jan 10, 2018

As humans, our inclination is to live in the present - not save 40 years down the line - which makes saving money for retirement hard. In the 90s many companies began offering 401(k) programs, a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer which lets workers save and invest a piece of their paycheck before taxes. It seemed like the perfect solution to our retirement woes. But 401(k)s aren't the full proof saving plan we once thought. Even judiciously setting aside money in a 401(k) might not be enough to maintain one's lifestyle into retirement. There are also so many outside factors that can still diminish one's savings, including unexpected healthcare costs, recessions, or lost jobs. So how do we set ourselves up for a secure financial future? Our guest Professor Teresa Ghilarducci, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Future, is going to tell us how we entered into this financial mess and how we can get out of it. She suggests we do the best we can to save through 401(k)s, live within our means, start planning our financial future as young as we can, delay collecting social security as much as we can, and vote for representatives who can help reform this system. Teresa is a labor economist and nationally-recognized expert in retirement security. She's also a professor of economics at The New School for Social Research. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 42: Professor Ellen Dunham-Jones on Retrofitting Suburbia Dec 28, 2017

While they may sport perfectly manicured lawns and beautiful white picket fences, suburbs are not the idyllic neighborhoods we think they are. They make us more sedentary, sometimes less safe, and they can even perpetuate segregation. But instead of leaving the suburbs we can actually address these issues and improve our suburbs through redevelopment and retrofitting neighborhoods to make them greener, healthier, safer and more affordable. Our guest Ellen Dunham-Jones, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Suburbs, tells us all about it. She has spent her career studying how suburbs can adapt to these 21st century challenges. Ellen is a leading authority on suburban redevelopment and is the Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at Georgia Tech. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.

Ep. 41: Heather Jarvis on the Unsustainability of Student Loans Dec 13, 2017

Student loans are an absolute necessity for many students in today's economy, but they're also among the worst forms of debt you can have, burdening students and sometimes permanently crippling their financial lives. Our guest Heather Jarvis, who appeared on Adam Ruins College, is going to tell us how we got here and give us practical tips on navigating the world of student loans. Heather is an attorney and student loan expert. She has practiced public interest law for more than a dozen years and has contributed to student debt relief policy for the House Education Committee and others in Congress. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 40: Dr. Arjun Srinivasan on Antibiotic Resistance Nov 29, 2017

Is the antibiotic resistance apocalypse approaching? This week's guest, Dr. Arjun Srinivasan, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Hospital, says yes.

Ep 39: Jessica Huseman on Why Filing Taxes Is Unnecessarily Difficult Nov 15, 2017

We all know how filing taxes is a pain. Every April Americans dig through receipts, meet with accountants, claim their expenses, and pray they're not audited.

Ep. 38: Professor Brian Nosek On Science's Reproducibility Crisis and Opportunity Nov 01, 2017

We've seen it time and time again. A journal publishes a seemingly significant scientific study which gains traction in the press only to be subsequently deemed irreproducible.

Ep 37: Professor Stephan Lewandowsky on the Backfire Effect Oct 18, 2017

On Adam Ruins Everything, we're all about using persuasive, rational arguments to bring awareness to a topic and hopefully change some minds along the way.

Ep 36: Nikole Hannah-Jones on the Rippling Effects of Redlining and Segregation Oct 04, 2017

Many people have an idyllic view of the suburbs. You can have a lawn! Access to good schools! Safety! But much of that American dream has been historically reserved for white people.

Ep 35: Professor Natasha Dow Schüll On How Casinos & Slot Machines Are Designed to Facilitate Gambling Addiction Sep 20, 2017

When it comes to gambling, there's a perception people get addicted because there's always that glimmer of hope they can hit the big jackpot. But according to our podcast guest, Natasha Dow Schüll, many gamblers, and more specifically many slot machi

See You Soon Sep 13, 2017

We'll be back next week with a brand new Adam Ruins Everything podcast episode. Thanks for tuning in!

Ep 34: Dr. Joann Elmore and Dr. Janie Lee on Why Mammogram Screenings are More Complex Than We Imagined Aug 30, 2017

For decades women have been told that they should start getting yearly mammograms at age 35. We think of it as a no-brainer, and mammograms do save lives. But their effects are much more complicated than we originally anticipated.

Ep 33: Anne Curzan Talks Grammar and the Flexibility of Language Aug 16, 2017

Professor Anne Curzan, who is this week's podcast guest, says it's normal to notice dialectical differences between different communities but we shouldn't shame people for talking as they do.

Ep 32: Kevin Hall Gives Us the Skinny - Losing Weight and Keeping it Off is Hard Aug 02, 2017

It's rare to hear about a researcher from the National Institute of Health collaborating with a reality TV show. But that's exactly what Dr. Kevin Hall, a clinical researcher at the NIH, did after watching episodes of The Biggest Loser.

Ep 31: Courtney Jung on the History of Formula Feeding and Why It Gets a Bad Rap Jul 19, 2017

Ep 30: Jackie Stevens Exposes the Bizarre World of Immigrations Courts and Detention Centers Jul 05, 2017

Immigration is such a hot topic these days, but it's rare we actually get into the logistics of how the system works (or doesn't).

Ep 29: Pete Hammond Pulls Back the Curtain on Awards Shows Jun 21, 2017

On Adam Ruins Hollywood, Pete Hammond explained how behind every award show is a whole lot of campaigning.

Ep 28: Jean Twenge and Adam Discuss Their Differences on Generational Differences Jun 07, 2017

Ep 27: Hayley Marie Norman Gets Existential After her TV Death May 24, 2017

On season one of the Adam Ruins Everything TV show, Hayley Marie Norman played Adam's foil and budding love interest until she faced her untimely TV death in the season finale. But on this week's podcast, Hayley is back!

EP 26: Dr. Josh Sharfstein on the Dangers of Supplements and Why Health Regulation is Important May 10, 2017

Dr. Josh Sharfstein has been working for decades to keep Americans safe - he's the guy who took Four Loko off the market and ensured transparency at the FDA. He also appeared on Adam Ruins Shopping Malls.

Ep 25: Bud Hammes on Why Talking About Death Is Life-Changing Apr 26, 2017

Death is one of the hardest things to talk about, but our guest today encourages us to get real about the end.

Ep 24: Roy Samaan on Why Airbnb is Bad for Housing Markets Apr 12, 2017

As our country is mired in a nation-wide housing crisis right now, we decided to dive into one of the many causes of this crisis: short-term housing.

Ep 23: Susan Crawford On Investing in Internet Infrastructure Mar 29, 2017

Today's Adam Ruins Everything podcast guest is the go-to person when it comes to internet infrastructure: Susan Crawford.

Ep 22: Why Fast Fashion Fails Us Mar 15, 2017

If you wear clothes, you're going to love this Adam Ruins Everything podcast.

Ep 21: Jan MacKell Collins On How Prostitution Built The Wild West Mar 01, 2017

So much of what we've seen on TV and in film about the Wild West depicts the rugged cowboy who is always ready for a showdown. But the Wild West was much more nuanced than that.

Ep 20: Doug Massey Gives Us the Facts on Immigration Feb 15, 2017

From the push to build a border wall to the recent executive order temporarily banning immigrants from Muslim-majority countries, there are so many emotions associated with the current immigration policy proposals. But what are the real facts regarding immigration history in this country? And what are immigrants' actual impacts on our society? Today we try to answer those questions with our guest Professor . Doug is a Sociology Professor who appeared on His research focuses on international migration, race and housing, discrimination, education, urban poverty, and Latin America, especially Mexico. On the episode, Doug and Adam discuss the net migration flow of immigrants coming into United States from Mexico, the United States' reliance on migrant labor, and what reasonable immigration policy looks like.

Ep 19: Rachel Bloom On Why Awards Shows and Red Carpets Aren't As Glamorous As You Think Feb 01, 2017

On Adam Ruins Hollywood, Adam shattered the facade of awards shows, red carpets, and reality TV.

Ep 18: Game Designer Jonathan Blow Unpacks 'The Witness' Jan 18, 2017

On the Adam Ruins Everything podcast, Adam typically brings experts who appeared on the TV show to further expand on the arguments they make on the show. But during the off-season of the TV show, we thought we'd try something new.

Ep 17: Dale Jamieson Tells Us Why 'Going Green' Won't Stop Global Warming (And Why He Still Has Hope for Our Planet) Jan 04, 2017

Professor Dale Jamieson debunks the myth that 'going green' will stop global warming.

Ep 16: The Failure of the War on Drugs Dec 21, 2016

Just say no...to the War on Drugs! On this week's Adam Ruins Everything, we talk to Sheriff John Urquhart who appeared on the Drugs episode of the TV show.

Ep 15: Ethan Zuckerman On Why the Internet is a Less Creative Place Dec 07, 2016

On this week's podcast, Adam talks to Ethan Zuckerman from the MIT Media Lab.

Ep 14: Voting Rights and Criminal Justice Reform with Daryl Atkinson Nov 23, 2016

On this week's podcast Adam talks to Daryl Atkinson, who appeared on not one but two episodes of Adam Ruins Everything the TV show - Adam Ruins Voting and Adam Ruins Prison! Daryl is a Staff Attorney for the Southern Coalition for Social Justice.

Ep 13: Trophy Hunting with Rosie Cooney Nov 11, 2016

On this week's podcast, Adam and guest Rosie Cooney discuss how trophy hunting can actually preserve wild species. It sounds insane and paradoxical, but countries that actually manage trophy hunting well can save species like rhinos from extinction....

Ep 12: Solving Homelessness with Rudy Salinas and Dorothy Edwards Oct 26, 2016

Rudy Salinas and Dorothy Edwards work for Housing Works LA, an organization which creates accessible housing and service options by actually giving people homes and ensuring they can stay in those homes.

Ep 11: Bad Forensic Science with Chris Fabricant Oct 12, 2016

Chris Fabricant is Director of Strategic Litigation at the Innocence Project. Adam and Chris discuss outdated forensic techniques such as bite mark analysis, why DNA analysis works, and Chris' bizarre deposition with bite mark "expert" Michael West.

Ep 10: Parking with Donald "Shoup Dogg" Shoup Sep 28, 2016

If you have any questions about parking, Donald Shoup will definitely know the answer. The Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA's Department of Urban Planning is the author of The High Cost of Free Parking and studies how parking...

Ep 9: Matrimony Myths with Stephanie Coontz Sep 15, 2016

You've seen it from rom-coms to Hallmark cards - our society is obsessed with everyone finding their soulmate. But did you know the idea of 'the one' is a relatively new concept in our culture? In fact, marriage and love were completely separate entities

Ep 8: Hydration and Hyponatremia with Tamara Hew-Butler Aug 31, 2016

Professor Tamara Hew-Butler, who appears on the Adam Ruins Football episode of the TV show, explains why too much water while exercising can actually be dangerous.

Ep 7: Elections and Voting Rights with Ed Ayers Aug 17, 2016

Adam is joined by historian Ed Ayers to talk about our forefathers' democratic vision for the United States, the historical implications of our current election, and misconceptions about the discipline of history.

Ep 6: The Malleability of Memory with Elizabeth Loftus Aug 03, 2016

Professor Elizabeth Loftus joins Adam to discuss collective memory, repressed memory, and even some of Adam's own memories.

Ep 5: Science Journalism with John Bohannon Jul 20, 2016

Science journalist John Bohannon is a contributing correspondent for Science magazine and has a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Oxford University. John discusses his fake chocolate study, his latest expose on Sci-Hub, and much more.

Ep 4: Security and Big Data with Bruce Schneier Jul 06, 2016

Bruce is a brilliant cryptographer and security expert. He and Adam talk about current problems facing the TSA, gun control, and how data and security intersect.

Ep 3: Mass Extinction and Video Game Music with Emily Axford Jun 22, 2016

Emily Axford of Adam Ruins Everything Talks Mass Extinction and Video Game Music.

Ep 2: Death Acceptance with Caitlin Doughty Jun 08, 2016

Adam talks to Caitlin Doughty, a death acceptance advocate, and the founder of the non-profit funeral home, Undertaking L.A. The two discuss the bizarre world of funeral conventions, body compositing, and get deep about the afterlife.

Ep 1: Municipal Transit with Seleta Reynolds May 24, 2016

Adam is joined by Seleta Reynolds to talk about municipal transit and reducing our reliance on cars.

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