BrainStuff

Latest Episodes:

BrainStuff Classics: Should We Retest Licensed Drivers Periodically? Aug 23, 2025

Show notes

Although some driving skills can deteriorate with age, experienced drivers tend to be the safest drivers. To an extent. Learn when and how experts think drivers should be retested in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/auto-safety-testing/should-licensed-drivers-be-tested-periodically.htm

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How Did President Jimmy Carter Work? Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

As a U.S. President, Jimmy Carter championed education and renewable energy as keystones of a healthy nation. Outside of office, he helped other nations grow democracy, built afforadable housing with his own hands, nearly eradicated guinea worm disease -- and still found time to teach Sunday school. Learn about Jimmy and Roselynn Carter in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/jimmy-carter.htm

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Why Are Truffles So Expensive? Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Truffles are fungi that grow underground, are almost exclusively foraged, and taste best extremely fresh. Learn about truffle biology, truffle flavoring, and truffle crime in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/truffles.htm

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How Do Alligator Snapping Turtles Work? Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

This positively prehistoric-looking freshwater turtle is the largest in North America -- and it catches fish by wiggling a worm-like lure. Learn more about alligator snappers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/alligator-snapping-turtle.htm

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Did Victorians Really Have a Language of Flowers? Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In floriography, flowers and other plants are associated with meanings or sentiments (like physical emoji) -- but could you really send a message with a bouquet? Learn about the fad of floriography in Victorian England in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/floriography.htm

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How Did the Cowboy Gallop into American History? Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Cowboy culture didn't start in the Wild West. Learn about the Spanish, Indigenous, and Black history of cowboys in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/cowboys.htm

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How Does Skin Tan and Burn? Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

When our skin deepens in color after sun exposure, it's trying to protect us from damage. Learn how it works -- plus why you should help it out with sunscreen, and why some people burn instead -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/sun-care/sunscreen.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Opossums Awesome? Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

They eat trash and they look a little freaky, but the North American opossum is a smart, clean, disease-fighting, and all-around fascinating creature. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/opossums-so-darn-ugly-theyre-adorable.htm

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BrainStuff Classics: What Happens to Donated Blood? Jul 26, 2025

Show notes

After you donate blood, it goes through a complex system of testing, processing, and storage before it can be delivered to patients who need it. Learn how the system works in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

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6 Historical Words That Don't Mean What You Think Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Originally, Hedonists believed in moderation and Luddites were just looking to protect their job security. Learn about these and other words that've changed their meaning in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/10-historical-words-that-dont-mean-what-you-think.htm

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