BrainStuff

Copyright: 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia

Latest Episodes:

BrainStuff Classics: Do Carrots Really Help Your Eyesight? Sep 02, 2023

Show notes

Conventional wisdom says that eating carrots will give you better vision, but how true is that? Learn where the idea came from in this classic episode of BrainStuff.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Do Beached Whales Explode Sometimes? Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

It's best to give deceased beached whales a respectful amount of space because they can explode. Learn how it works in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/beached-whales-explode.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was Humpty Dumpty Always an Egg? Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

The nursery rhyme about Humpty Dumpty (and his wall, and his fall) is omnipresent. But who (or what) was this guy, really? Learn about the weird history of this verse in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/humpty-dumpty.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Do Peregrine Falcons Work? Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

These birds of prey are one of the fastest animals in the world -- engineers study them to make airplanes more aerodynamic. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/peregrine-falcons-are-one-fastest-animals-alive.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BrainStuff Classics: Are Any Superstitions Universal? Aug 20, 2023

Show notes

Do you knock on wood or avoid particular numbers? People around the world adhere to superstitions to attempt to change their luck -- and some of those superstitions are remarkably similar. Learn more in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/superstitions-universal-across-cultures.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Dogs’ Noses Wet? Aug 19, 2023

Show notes

Dogs’ noses are often wet, but why? And does a dry nose mean your pup is sick? Learn what science has to say about dogs’ noses in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/why-do-dogs-have-wet-noses.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Does Yoga Make People Emotional? Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

If you've ever found yourself swept up in a wave of sadness or anger during, say, Pigeon Pose, you're not alone. Learn more about what we know and don't know about yoga's effects on emotions in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/yoga/yoga-makes-people-super-emotional-why.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Microwave Popcorn Dangerous? Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

There used to be safety concerns about some compounds used to flavor popcorn (diacetyl) and to grease-proof microwaveable bags (PFCs). They're mostly not used anymore, but making your own popcorn might still be safer. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/popcorn-lung.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Are Sharks Born? Aug 16, 2023

Show notes

Sharks can be hatched from eggs, born live, or hatched in the womb and then born live -- if their siblings don't eat them first. Learn about shark reproduction and birth in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/fish/sharks/shark-pup.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Do We Say 'Close, But No Cigar'? Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

When we mean that someone has not quite succeeded, what do cigars have to do with it? Learn the carnival roots of this idiom in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/close-but-no-cigar.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.