Do You Work Here?

Dream job? We're with a LEGO Master Model Builder! Sep 19, 2024

Hey everybody! It's our show's finale and we're talking about a job that Mike wishes he knew about earlier: master builder at LEGOLAND. Do you ever wonder how they build those cityscapes or dinosaurs? Or what kind of test you have to take to get such a fun gig? They go through millions of bricks and we're taking a tour of the workshop! Thanks for listening over all these weeks!

Statues with bad ankles ... in earthquake country Sep 12, 2024

It's a museum day for us! We're headed to the Getty Center to talk to a team that tries to protect some of the priceless art from earthquake damage. Did you know that piece from antiquity in front of you might actually be on rollers? And some of them have ankle problems. We'll also dust off some really old books and talk about how the Middle Ages get a pretty bad rap.

Meet Carson the Surf Dog (and his coach) Sep 05, 2024

Have you ever seen a surfing dog? Hanging ten with their paws? One of the top dogs out there is named Carson and we're going to meet up with him and Jill Nakano -- a surf dog instructor. We'll learn how all this started for these two champs, about how to get a pup on a board and about surf dog competitions. Get your Instagram pictures!

Flowers from Mexico, Ecuador and Hawaii ... in Downtown LA Aug 29, 2024

Join us for a trip to an LA original this week: the Original Los Angeles Flower Market downtown. If you can grow it -- and if it smells good -- this is where you'll find it. Florists come from all over town and go through millions of stems a year. Did you know flowers are like fashion? What do you think is "trendy" right now? We'll meet the man in charge and a second-generation vendor.

Lions, tigers and a cockatoo ... we're at the teaching zoo! Aug 22, 2024

Our little show is back for a final five episodes and today we're heading out to The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College. It's where students go to get degrees in animal care by getting hands on experience with all sorts of things with hooves, claws and feathers. We'll meet a pretty chatty bird -- he can introduce himself -- and get up close with some big cats!

For more info about the school, head here: https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current-students/teaching-zoo/home

It's time to shave down some horse teeth. Also, house cows! Jun 27, 2024

We're headed to a ranch today to meet up with Dr. Katie Nenn. She's a large animal veterinarian and runs NENN Equine. This started as an episode on animal dentistry (horse mouthwash is a thing that exists) but Dr. Nenn tells us about all sorts of animals that you wouldn't expect to find in Southern California. Look for the team from NENN on TV soon, they're working on a new show.

"The Bug Lady" and her hundreds of butterflies Jun 20, 2024

Dress like a flower! We're taking a trip to the Natural History Museum of LA County today so we can check out the "Butterfly Pavilion." It's something that happens over a few months and it's a chance to learn about all sorts of butterflies. Why do we need them? Are they really that delicate? And how does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly? We're back with a previous guest from the old "I've Got Questions" podcast -- spread your wings and enjoy!

Giant blocks of ice and a man with a chainsaw... Jun 13, 2024

Have you ever been to a party or a wedding that had an ice sculpture? Was it some sort of dolphin? Maybe a swan? What about a giraffe or an astronaut? On this episode, we're headed to LA Ice Art to meet Rex Covington. He's been carving ice since the 1980's and he's one of the best around. We'll hear about some of the biggest pieces he's done and about how he forms that ice from a 300lb block into a work of art.

For more on Rex and his sculptures: https://laiceart.com/

When a goth kid brings their "normal" friend... Jun 06, 2024

Get ready to get weird! We're headed to the "Oddities and Curiosities Expo" this week to take a walk on the darker side. We'll see booths with taxidermy, boxes full of creepy dolls, paintings of clowns, quack medical devices, soap named after serial killers, and funeral... collectibles? The expo is a traveling show that goes across the US and Australia. It started small but now draws more than 15,000 people each weekend. Take a look: odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com

Pretzels? Fruit plate? Caviar? We're eating airplane food! May 30, 2024

Time to head to LAX ... but not to catch a flight. We're paying a visit to LSG Sky Chefs, one of the largest companies that provides catering to airlines. It's a huge operation that runs 24/7 and cooks up 15,000 meals each day. How is all that food prepared? How fresh is it? What are they eating up there in First Class? We'll take a look at how menus have changed over time and do a full tour from the kitchen right out to the tarmac.

Apple Mint, Wasabi Arugula and Limequats May 16, 2024

Come shopping with us at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market so we can get some plants at Logan's Gardens! Logan Williams and his father have one of the only black-owned nurseries in Los Angeles and they sell things you probably haven't heard of before. We'll do some tomato talk, explore leafy greens that have a kick and take you through their mint varieties -- berries and cream, anyone? Apple? They have 80 of them! You can find Logan's Gardens Wednesdays and Saturdays in Santa Monica and at the Hollywood Farmer's Market on Sundays.

Back in time! To the Renaissance Faire! May 09, 2024

Put on your costume and grab a turkey leg because it's time for the Ren Faire! We're headed out to Irwindale for the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire. We'll watch some jousting, check out the shops, learn about glass blowing and fencing -- and maybe have a cup or two of mead.

If you're catching this episode when it posts, find tickets for the final two weekends here: https://renfair.com/socal/

Fixing a Fabergé egg ... and a Godzilla head Mar 07, 2024

You break it, you buy it? On this episode, Mike visits Fine Art Restoration to put some things back together. The owner, Henri Laborde, works with everyone from moving companies to museums and some of the pieces he repairs are worth thousands of dollars. Others are just sentimental. This is our last episode for this round, so send us ideas: doyouworkhere@knxnews.com. Thanks!

A robot grew me some spinach Feb 29, 2024

Were the greens at your grocery store grown by a robot? If it says "Plenty" on the packaging, then yes! We take a visit to an indoor vertical farm in Compton. We'll be surrounded by big mechanical arms, grow lights, and towers full of spinach, kale, arugula and lettuce. These plants never touch human hands ... just robo-fingers.

Light the fuse! It's time for fireworks! Feb 22, 2024

Safety first, but we're going to blow some stuff up! For this week's episode, we're with the operators of a professional fireworks show in Manhattan Beach. We'll learn that most designers start with the soundtrack or finale first and then work backwards. And we'll hear about how most fireworks are named after flowers. No radio reporters were harmed in the taping of this podcast.

From showers to flowers... Feb 15, 2024

Reduce, reuse, recycle - even when it comes to water! We're learning about water treatment today with LA Sanitation, by taking millions of gallons of dirty water and making it clean. How good are the filters they use? How do they actually get all that gross stuff out? And what do they do with the water after? Hold your nose and let's get a closer look!

Antique vaults and half a million books Feb 08, 2024

Have you ever been to the Last Bookstore? Even if you haven't, you might have seen it in someone's Instagram pictures. We're headed to a downtown LA landmark today to learn about what it takes to run California's largest new and used bookstore. Let's go treasure hunting through the shelves and then head up the stairs -- meet you in the book tunnel!

Keeping it classic with Thrifty Ice Cream Feb 01, 2024

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! It's time to learn about Mike's favorite ice cream brand with a trip to the Thrifty factory! It's been sold for decades and has become a favorite - especially around Southern California. We'll talk about what goes into making those classic flavors and about the unique shape to the Thrifty scoop. Do you want a single? Or a double?

Clippers to Lakers. It's Crypto Change-O! Jan 25, 2024

It's time to go to a basketball game! Actually, two basketball games. We're at Crypto.com Arena for a double header. Ignacio Guerra takes us through all the work that goes into switching courts, baskets, chairs, and banners -- in just a couple hours. And the ice for hockey? Look under the mat.

Let's make lunch ... for some sea otters! Jan 18, 2024

Put on your gloves and grab some clams because we're taking a trip to the The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach to prepare food for the sea otters! They get restaurant quality meals each day and there's a whole team of people helping out. Cuteness overload? Yep! But otters can also be pretty feisty. Also, did you know they have pockets?

Do you want to drive the Wienermobile? Jan 11, 2024

We're back for another round of jobs and for our first episode, we're hitting the hot dog highways with two drivers of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile! What's it like to drive a giant hot dog? How do you even get a job like this? We'll ask Angus Ann and Allie Dog -- it's an opportunity to relish!

Happy Holidays with the USPS! Dec 19, 2023

We've got more new episodes coming in a few weeks, but for the holidays, Mike is stopping by the big USPS processing center in Los Angeles for a look at how many gifts we're sending to our friends and family this time of year. We'll meet Daniel Hirai, George Banks and Mark Robinson to take a tour of a building that's the size of twenty-nine football fields.

15 billion miles from home -- and still going! Nov 09, 2023

We're going to space! Well, actually, we're going to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena to check in with the Voyager team.

It's been forty-six years since Voyager 1 and 2 launched and we're still in contact! We'll talk with Linda Spilker and Suzanne Dodd, who can take us from the 70's and 80's right up to today. What have the Voyager probes seen? What have they heard? These two spacecraft are the most distant human-made objects from Earth.

This episode is our season finale, but let Mike know what you want him to get a closer look at next season: doyouworkhere@knxnews.com

Twelve feet up... with a face full of bees... Nov 02, 2023

We're busy as bees this week! Well, we're as busy as beekeepers... because we're going to do some "urban beekeeping" with a company called Best Bees.

We'll put on our gloves and a bee suit for protection and get up close with some hives... in a place you wouldn't expect.

Carrie Diaz is our beekeeper. More about Best Bees at BestBees.com.

I put a pasta maker inside a Ferrari... Oct 26, 2023

Time to go to the car shop! But we're not here for an oil change. This week, we're talking car restorations and EV conversions. Have you ever seen an old Mercedes with a new engine and heated seats? What about an electric Porsche or Volkswagen Beetle?

Ralph Biase is the CEO of Titan Car Restoration, he also hosts Geared Up on Motor Trend and can pretty much do whatever you can dream up!

We'll also check out a very rare truck...with a secret compartment for your fishing poles.

Crystal bowls, Tibetan chimes and an ocean drum Oct 19, 2023

It's bath time! But not that kind of bath. We're taking a sound bath.

This week, Mike joins Yogis on the Move, a company that brings classes into workplaces and apartment communities. We'll meditate and hear about the benefits of getting washed with sound waves and vibrations.

Bring your mat, and hang out on the floor!
Suze Q is our instructor. You can find her on Instagram at @Suzeqrocks.

We'll also learn a little about Yoga for first-timers with Jessica Kang, the founder of Yogis on the Move.

There's no tar at the Tar Pits... Oct 12, 2023

This week we're digging up some fossils! But we don't have to go far, because one of the most active dig sites out there is actually right in the middle of Los Angeles!

We're talking about the La Brea Tar Pits, where a surprising amount of specimens from the Ice Age have been discovered over the last hundred years.

We're joined by Laura Tewksbury, Sean Campbell and Stevie Morley, who all work at the Tar Pits, part of the Natural History Museums of LA County.

No bones about it, this is a fun one!

Valet Parker for Cargo Ships Oct 05, 2023

Have you ever watched those big container ships come in? They squeeze under a bridge and then line up perfectly with the dock...with just feet to spare! How do they do that?!

Captain John Mayer, a harbor pilot with the Los Angeles Pilot Service, takes Mike for a ride to show him how it's done.

See more of Mike's adventure here: https://www.audacy.com/knxnews/news/local/meet-the-valet-who-parks-cargo-ships-at-the-port-of-l-a

Have you ever cuddled a cow? Sep 28, 2023

Mike visits The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita for some animal therapy.

We hear from Ellie Laks who founded the organization in 1999 to rescue and rehabilitate animals...all kinds of them! Today, The Gentle Barn welcomes visitors to cuddle up with animals big (like, really big) and small.

There’s a lion on the plane… Sep 28, 2023

In our first episode, Mike takes a trip to LAX...and visits baggage and cargo with United Airlines.

Do you know what else is under your plane seats besides your bags? And where your suitcase actually goes once you check it? We'll learn about some wild things that commercial airlines have shipped and track a bag as it moves underground.

Lisa House-Odums works in cargo and Mike Del Nigro trains the new ramp services employees.

Coming Soon: Do You Work Here? Sep 21, 2023

As promised...we've got something new next week!

Mike is back after spending the last couple months at different jobs. Have you ever found a fossil? Do you know where your checked bag disappears to at the airport? We'll even put on a beekeeper suit!

Look for the first two episodes next Thursday.

What's it like to see Earth from space? Jul 27, 2023

For our finale episode Mike gets perspective from a guest who's been somewhere that most of us will never get to go: space!
Commander Chris Hadfield is a retired astronaut who flew two Space Shuttle missions and also served as commander of the International Space Station.

Do you spend $2 bills? Jul 20, 2023

They're just like any other bill! Yet, they feel like a novelty. What makes them feel so special?

Mike learns more about the curious currency from John Bennardo, who made a documentary on the $2 bill, and Heather McCabe who completed a project called, "Two Buckaroo," where she documented the reaction to spending them.

You can check out John's film at 2dollarbillmovie.com

What was it like to fly Concorde? Jul 13, 2023

Remember Concorde? The supersonic passenger airliner from Air France and British Airways that flew twice the speed of sound? Its been retired nearly twenty years now, but there hasn't been anything like it since.

Three former British Airways pilots, Andy Mills, Richard Westray, and Mike Bannister, tell us what it was like to fly the thing!

Have you seen Bigfoot? Jun 29, 2023

Why are there so many stories about creature, places, and things we can't prove are real?
Colin Dickey, cultural historian and author of "The Unidentified: Mythical Monsters, Alien Encounters, and Our Obsession with the Unexplained," explains our fascination with the unexplainable.

What time is it? Jun 22, 2023

What is time? Why do we have it? How come we're so bad at comprehending how it passes? Does time fly? If you're bored, does it slow down?

Sean Carroll at Johns Hopkins University, author of "The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Space, Time, and Motion," spends some time answering Mikes big questions.

And what about boredom and downtime? James Danckert, author of "Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom," and Dr. Sandi Mann, author of "The Upside of Downtime," explain the two.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 12 Jun 15, 2023

This week, we've got some listener questions!

How are flyovers at big events timed so perfectly? Captain Kyle Cassady, a B-2 Pilot at Whiteman AFB, tells Mike how they pull it off.
We heard elephants are afraid of mice... Is that true? Patrick Wolff at Oakland Zoo answers.
And we talk with Hillary Clinton, Jennifer Coolidge and Cher! No. We talk to Rosemary Watson who is a singer, emcee and impressionist. How do people learn to do other people's voices?

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Are you part Neanderthal? Jun 08, 2023

Time to go back in time! You know that insult when we call someone "a Neanderthal" …does that really work? Were they actually dumb, or do they deserve some credit?

Anthropology professor and Neanderthal expert, Fred Smith, tells us just how close of cousins we are to them.

We're also going to travel into the future...with a company that's working on bringing a Wooly Mammoth (among other things) back from extinction. Ben Lamm, is co-founder and CEO of Colossal and, Dr. Andrew Pask, is a Professor in the School of BioSciences at the University of Melbourne, explain just how that could work.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Can we explain consciousness? May 25, 2023

Time to expand our minds a bit and tackle a big one. And it probably comes as no surprise that it's incredibly hard to describe "being you."

Sue Blackmore, writer, lecturer and Professor at the University of Plymouth and
Anil Seth, Professor at the University of Sussex and author of "Being You: A New Science of Consciousness," explain what there is to know about consciousness.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 11 May 18, 2023

How can we get a feel for what colorblind people see? Marie Difolco with Colour Blind Awareness in the UK gives Mike an idea of the colorblind experience.

And, how do you gauge a "chance of rain" in the weather report? Alex Tardy, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in San Diego, explains what's known as one of meteorology's most misunderstood terms.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Do you know about the vault in Delaware? May 11, 2023

Lots of people collect stuff. Some people collect really rare and expensive stuff. Where do you put it? Behind a giant heavy door!

And, what treasures are on the other side of it?

This week Mike Cummings, the General Manager for the Collectors Vault, takes Mike inside their vault which is...somewhere in Delaware.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Do you have good taste? May 04, 2023

So many flavors to choose from but how do we taste them exactly?

Mike finds out how our taste buds work from Dr. Zara Patel. Professor of Otolaryngology at Stanford Health.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 10 Apr 27, 2023

Can you get a "second wind"? Is it real?
Dr. William Roberts with the University of Minnesota Medical School and The American College of Sports Medicine along with Dr. Cara Hall from Keck Medicine at USC explain the "second wind" phenomenon.
Why are some English word spellings so weird? Why is there a "k" in knife?! A "b" in doubt?! Our favorite linguistics professor, Jaye Padgett at UC Santa Cruz, is back to answer.

And, why do we get gray hair?
We find out from Dr. Sandy Johnson, board certified dermatologist at Johnson Dermatology in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

How deep is the ocean? Apr 13, 2023

Do you ever wonder just how far down it goes and what it's like down there? Mike does!

This episode, we get answers from Charlotte Seid, Museum Scientist & Collection Manager at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How does memory work? Apr 06, 2023

Why is it that we can remember the lyrics to a song we haven't heard in years but not what we had for breakfast yesterday?

Mike learns all about how we remember and recall from Dr. David Spiegel at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 9 Mar 30, 2023

This week we have three listener questions!

What's the story of the red, white, and blue barbershop pole? Peter Geiger, editor of the Farmer's Almanac, shares its history.

Why does scratching an itch feel so good? Dr. Marie Jhin, Board Certified Dermatologist in the Bay Area, gives Mike answers.

And, why do we refer to ships as "she"? We'll learn from historian, Guy Nasuti, at the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How busy are bees? Mar 23, 2023

What's all the buzz about?

Mike learns all things bees from biologist and author of "Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees," Thor Hanson.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Why do orchestras need a conductor? Mar 16, 2023

Ever been to the symphony? The conductor is an iconic image...but what are they actually doing up there with that baton?

Mike gets answers from conductor, Linhan Cui, a 2022/23 Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

When did we start wearing glasses? Mar 09, 2023

Many of us rely on them, but when did we first get them? What did we do before glasses?

Dr. Ivan Schwab, Emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology at UC Davis, and
Dr Neil Handley, Museum Curator at the College of Optometrists in London, give Mike some clarity.

We also take a little detour. Your nose is in front of your face. Why can't you see it?

Philip Kellman, Professor of Psychology at UCLA, knows the answer.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What's it like to ride on a blimp? Mar 02, 2023

Up, up and away! This week Mike goes for a ride on the Goodyear Blimp to learn all about how they operate and then some.

Quick Questions Vol. 8 Feb 16, 2023

Do fish drink water?
Mike gets answers from science writer, Ada McVean.

And, what's the deal with quicksand?
Mike digs in with Maya Wei-Haas, science writer at National Geographic.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What's it like to climb Mount Everest? Feb 09, 2023

Few can say they've made it up to 29 thousand feet.

Mike found two of them... Adrian Ballinger who runs Alpenglow Expeditions and Tim Medvetz, Founder & President of The Heroes Project, answer questions all about Everest.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Why do people hate pigeons? Feb 02, 2023

Pigeons have a bad rap. What's up with that?

Mike gets a lesson about the misunderstood bird from Andrea Jones with Audubon California and Melissa Hill at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What if we didn't have a moon? Jan 26, 2023

It waxes. It wanes. But what else does the moon do? And, what would Earth be like without it?

Mike gets answers from Paul Hayne, Assistant Professor in Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 7 Jan 19, 2023

This round of questions has a theme: soap and water.

Mike talks hydration with Dr. Tamara Hew Butler, Professor of Exercise and Sport science at Wayne State University.

And soap with Birnur Aral, Executive Director of the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What's your favorite color? Jan 12, 2023

This week, pigments pique Mike's interest!

Adam Rogers, senior tech correspondent at Insider and author of "Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern," answers questions about how we perceive colors.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

New year, new habits? Jan 05, 2023

You've made your 2023 resolutions, but will you keep them?

Mike learns about how we form habits and why we often fail to stick with them from Stanford's BJ Fogg, author of the bestselling book, "Tiny Habits."

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Holiday Special: How do they make See’s Candies? Dec 22, 2022

It's almost impossible to avoid or resist chocolates and sweets over the holidays. How are they made? What is chocolate exactly? And, is white chocolate really chocolate?

Mike gets the scoop on sweets from the CEO of See's Candies, Pat Egan.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Do you like roller coasters? Dec 15, 2022

Let's catch a thrill!

How are rollercoasters designed? Is the front or back more thrilling? Is there a sweet spot in terms of age for enjoying them?

"Thrill Engineer," Brendan Walker, answers Mike's rollercoaster questions.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 6 Dec 08, 2022

Is cracking your knuckles bad for you? We find out from Dr. Robert Klapper, co-director of the Joint Replacement Program at Cedars Sinai.

What's the story with the popularity of the Hawaiian shirt? Mike get answers from Dale Hope, author of "The Aloha Shirt: Spirit Of The Islands."

And, why do we call it a pair of pants when it's only one pant? Returning guest, Jaye Padgett Professor of Linguistics at UC Santa Cruz, clears it up for us.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

A martini ... shaken or stirred? Dec 01, 2022

How do you like your martini?

Dry? Dirty? Shaken? Stirred? What is vermouth, anyway?
Mike learns all things about the classic cocktail from Andrea Scuto, General Manager for Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood's oldest restaurant known for their martinis.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What's it like to be a commercial pilot? Nov 17, 2022

Holiday travel season is upon us!

We learned about what it's like to be a flight attendant on our first-ever episode and now on our fortieth, we hear from commercial pilots. What's a day in the life like for those navigating the friendly skies?

Mike gets answers from Captain Laura Einsetler and co-pilot, Morgan Smith.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Are vegetables fake? Nov 10, 2022

A TikTok video declaring "vegetables don't exist" inspired Mike to call up Plant Biologist and Science Communicator, Dr. Molly Edwards, to find out more.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly? Nov 03, 2022

What makes metamorphosis so magical?

Mike gets answers from Lisa Gonzalez with the Natural History Museum of LA County and Scott Black, Executive Director of the Xerces Society.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Trick or Treat? Oct 27, 2022

Boo!

Where do our common Halloween traditions and customs come from?

Mike gets answers from Dr. Bruce Forbes, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Morningside University, and Lesley Bannatyne, Halloween author.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 5 Oct 20, 2022

How does dry cleaning work? Mike learns from Jodhaira Rodriguez at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

And, why do we roll our eyes? Mike gets answers from Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, Professor at the University of Ottawa.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What's it like to live on (in?) Antarctica? Oct 13, 2022

Brrr.

Mike gets answers from Erin Heard, Station Manager at McMurdo Station, the US' largest research center on Antarctica.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Why do we lie? Oct 06, 2022

Have you lied today? Was it a big lie or a "white" lie? Why do we deceive? And, is honesty always the best policy?

Mike gets to some truths about lying from Tim Levine, author of the book "Duped" and Chair of Communication Studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Dr. Kim Serota, lecturer of Management and Marketing at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan who's given a Ted X talk on why we lie.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How did the Egyptians make a mummy? Sep 29, 2022

In the buffet of museum choices, we tend to go right for the mummies. What is their universal appeal? And, how have they stayed so well preserved for centuries?

This week, Mike unravels the process of mummification with The American Research Center in Egypt's Executive Director, Dr. Louise Bertini.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 4 Sep 22, 2022

Who comes up with those random national holidays?
Mike finds out from Holly McGuire, Editor in Chief at Chase’s Calendar of Events, and Marlo Anderson, Founder of National Day Calendar.com.

How long should you keep a toothbrush? And, how dirty are they?
Mike gets answers from Kimberly Harms, D.D.S., The Dental Mediator.
How do navigation apps work? Are they watching you? And, how do they calculate your ETA?
Mike puts questions to Mike Wuerthele at Apple Insider.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Are introverts actually shy? Sep 15, 2022

Are you an introvert, an extrovert, or something in between?

Do these terms mean what we think they do?

Mike gets answers from author, speaker, and extrovert, Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Should you feed a Venus flytrap? Sep 08, 2022

The term "carnivorous plant" seems almost like an oxymoron. What makes them so different from other plants? Should you feed them? And, why did the Venus flytraps we bought as kids never survive?

Mike chomps down on answers from Josh Brown with Predatory Plants in Half Moon Bay and Shawn Lyons at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How do delivery robots work? Sep 01, 2022

Companies like Amazon are deploying robots to satiate our desire for instant gratification. But is that a good thing?

Do they have drivers or do they drive themselves? What do robots mean for the future of delivery?

Mike gets answers from Alastair Westgarth, CEO of Starship Technologies, and Organizational Psychologist, Dr. Gena Cox.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Is yawning contagious? Aug 25, 2022

When you see someone yawn, do you yawn too? What's up with that?

Mike learns all about yawns from Andrew Gallup, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Are we going to run out of sand? Aug 18, 2022

We might not realize it but sand is in just about everything! And, it's becoming scarcer. Where is all the sand going? What could we replace it with? And, how do the sands by the beach and the sands in the desert differ?

Mike digs for answers with Vince Beiser, independent journalist and author of "The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How It Transformed Civilization."

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 3 Aug 11, 2022

How is horsepower measured? And, where does its name derive from? Mike puts questions to K.C Colwell, executive editor at Car and Driver.

What are hiccups? And, what's the best way to get rid of them? Mike gets answers from Dr. Thomas Yadegar at Cedars Sinai Tarzana Medical Center.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Why do we cry? Aug 04, 2022

We do it when we're sad and, even when we're happy. But why do we cry?

Mike gets answers from Ad Vingerhoets at Tilburg University in The Netherlands.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Can an elevator fall down the shaft? Jul 28, 2022

Modern wonder or box containing your worst nightmares? This week we explore everything that could go wrong in an elevator and why it doesn't. What would happen in an earthquake? Can you climb out the top like in Die Hard? Is there enough air when you're stuck? And, why do most elevators skip the 13th floor?

Mike gets some relief from Chris Smith, Vice President at Otis Elevator, and psychologist, Stuart Vyse.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Christmas (in July) Questions Jul 21, 2022

We're halfway to the "most wonderful time of the year." Where did common Christmas customs like lights, trees, and mistletoe come from? And, how has the representation of Santa changed over time?

Mike gets answers from Dr. Bruce David Forbes, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Morningside University and author of "Christmas: A Candid History," about our Christmas traditions.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Where are all the aliens? Jul 14, 2022

For sake of argument, let's just say aliens do exist... then, that begs the question, where are they? Why can you never find an alien when you need one?

Mike gets explanations and theories from Jim Al-Khalili, author and professor of theoretical physics at the University of Surrey, on both sides of the argument of whether or not aliens exist and if they do, where they might be hiding.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 2 Jul 07, 2022

Why are CVS receipts so long? Deidre Popovich, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Texas Tech, gives us the answer.

Why do we wear neckties? FIDM Museum Curator, Kevin Jones, provides history and context.

And more idioms, where do those common phrases come from? Jaye Padgett, Professor of Linguistics at UC Santa Cruz, is back to demystify a few of them.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How do some animals change color? Jun 30, 2022

The ability to slip out of a crowd undetected is the dream of many a person trying to escape a party early. Chameleons practically invented the Irish exit! How and why do certain species change their colors?

Mike gets answers from Daniel Flynn, Senior Marketing Manager at the Oakland Zoo, and Senior Aquarist, Alex Lawlor, at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Can you trust a gut feeling? Jun 23, 2022

Intuition looks and means something different to everybody. How can intuition be explained? Are gut feelings really in your gut? And, how do you know when to trust those feelings?

Mike gets answers from Professor Joel Pearson at the University of New South Wales and relationship coach and love expert, Joey Garcia.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Why do they wash birds with Dawn dish soap? Jun 16, 2022

Ducklings are the unofficial mascot of Dawn brand dish soap. How did Dawn become synonymous with bird rescue? Why is it so effective? And, what's it like to be in the business of saving birds?

Mike gets answers from JD Bergeron and Kylie Clatterbuck at the International Bird Rescue.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How did our drinking habits evolve? Jun 09, 2022

We drink to relax, we drink to celebrate, and we drink to drown our sorrows...There's no end to the excuses we can find to drink. What's behind these intoxicating rituals?

How long have we been going to bars? Why do we drink what we drink? And, is there a way to cure a hangover?

Mike gets answers from Adam Rogers, author of "Proof: The Science of Booze," and Dr. Nicole J. Van Groningen, Internal Medicine physician at Cedars-Sinai.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Quick Questions Vol. 1 Jun 02, 2022

Jetlag. What is it? How can you lessen its effects? Dr. Vernon Williams, Director of the Center for Sports Neurology & Pain Medicine at Cedars-Sinai's Kerlan-Jobe Institute, and Captain Laura Einsetler explain.

10,000 steps a day. Where did that number come from? Do we really need that many? Dr. Thomas Hirai, director at the bariatric and metabolic health center at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose, and Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, settle the score on steps.

Idioms. Where do common phrases like "nose to the grindstone" and "hold your horses" come from? Jaye Padgett, Linguistics Professor at UC Santa Cruz, traces their histories.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Did the T. Rex have feathers? May 26, 2022

Chances are, as an adult, you haven't been asked to name your favorite dinosaur. What are our common misunderstandings about dinosaurs? Why do we think they all lived at the same time? And, how did the T. Rex become a fan favorite?
Mike puts questions to paleontologists at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Dr. Luis Chiappe, SVP of Research and Collections, and Dr. Nathan Smith, Associate Curator of the Dinosaur Institute.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How does the internet work? May 19, 2022

Its replaced the library, the encyclopedia, broadcast and cable television, and the shopping mall. But, few of us know how the darn thing works. How does the internet stay running? What does its infrastructure look like? And, where does our information on the "cloud" go?

Mike gets answers from Jill Duffy, writer and editor at PCMag.com, and Paul Brodsky, telecoms analyst with Telegeography.

See the map of the undersea cables at submarinecablemap.com

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What's it like to drive a trash truck? May 12, 2022

Who doesn't hate taking out the trash? Imagine doing it 900 times a day.

What's a day in the life like behind the wheel of a trash truck doing what may be the city's most thankless task?

Mike gets answers from solid waste truck operators, Prentice Bass and Kyle Johnson, and Thanos Gauthier, Public Works Superintendent for the City of Pasadena.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Why do we dream? May 05, 2022

Whether we can remember them or not, we all have dreams. How active are our brains when we sleep? Are our dreams telling us something? And, what explains recurring dreams?

Mike gets answers from psychologist and author who specializes in dreams, Ian Wallace, and psychotherapist, Dr. Leslie Ellis.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Are you a cat person or a dog person? Apr 28, 2022

When it comes to four-legged companions, our world has been divided into two camps - you either love dogs or fancy cats. Why do we prefer one furry friend over another?

Mike puts these questions to experts - professional dog trainer, Nate Schoemer, and cat behavior consultant, Dr. Mikel Delgado.

Check out Nate's YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/NateSchoemer

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How did bacon and eggs become a "thing"? Apr 21, 2022

Bacon and eggs are synonymous with the classic American breakfast. But, has it always been that way? When and why did bacon and eggs become a cornerstone of traditional breakfast? Is breakfast really the "most important" meal of the day? And, how has breakfast evolved over time?

Mike gets answers from Dr. Dana Ellis Hunnes of UCLA, Professor Ken Albala at University of the Pacific, and owner of Simply Fuel, Mitzi Dulan, RD.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What's the deal with sneezing? Apr 14, 2022

Achoo! Nothing signals the dawn of allergy season quite like that sensation you feel right before letting out a sneeze. While we all have our own unique sneezing style and cadence, it's almost impossible to fight the involuntary expulsion of air out our noses. Why do we sneeze? Are common myths about sneezing true? And, where do allergies come from?

Mike gets answers from Elisabeth Ference, MD at Keck Medicine of USC and Dr. Marc Meth at Century City Allergy in Los Angeles.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Do you need to wash your jeans? Apr 07, 2022

Low rise, high rise, bell bottoms, flares, boot cut, stone washed, slim-fit... whatever your preference, denim jeans are a staple of the modern wardrobe. And, despite their enduring place in fashion, how to take care of them still remains a mystery. What's the best way to keep your jeans clean? Is washing them a make or break for preserving their integrity?

Mike puts these questions to experts in the field of denim and textiles - Tony Patella of Tellason Denim and Rachel McQueen, PhD of University of Alberta.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What is déjà vu? Mar 31, 2022

Ever feel like you've been here before? We call this mysterious feeling "déjà vu," French for "already seen." What causes it? And, how can it be explained?

Mike puts these questions to Dr. Akira O'Connor of University of St Andrews' School of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

How do you get a good night's sleep? Mar 24, 2022

Catching z's isn't easy. We use white noise machines, take supplements, drink teas, and count sheep... Yet, our efforts rarely result in quality rest. Why is it so difficult to achieve a good night's sleep? And, what can we do to wake up feeling refreshed when our alarms go off?

Mike gets answers from the Director of UCLA's Sleep Disorders Center, Dr. Alon Avidan.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What happens to the losing team's merch? Mar 17, 2022

Every true sports fan dreams of the moment when their team is crowned world champs and, when that day finally comes, millions dash to buy all kinds of expensive swag to commemorate the victory. Now, there can only be one winner but, to hedge their bets, apparel makers produce "We Are The Champions" gear for BOTH teams long before a trophy is hoisted.

What happens to the losers' hats, shirts, and sweats? Is all lost in defeat?

Mike gets the answers from Good360’s Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Development Officer, Shari Rudolph, and Jamie Mottram, President of BreakingT.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

What's a "good" cup of coffee? Mar 10, 2022

For many of us, before our morning cuppa Joe, we feel ineffective and even unapproachable. What magic does coffee work on those who consider it lifeblood? And, how has the seemingly simple blend of grounds and water evolved into a delicacy?

Mike gets answers from Bobak Roshan of Demitasse Coffee, Jay Ruskie, CEO of Frinj Coffee, and Bill Ristenpart of the UC Davis Coffee Center.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Are supermarkets tricking us? Feb 24, 2022

After a trip to the supermarket, even the most disciplined shopper will come home with a couple of items that weren’t on his or her list. What is the strange force that drives us to buy on impulse? Are we being unwittingly enticed into purchasing things we don’t want or really need?

Mike puts these questions to two experts in the field - Phil Lempert, editor at SuperMarketGuru.com, and founder of 80 Twenty Nutrition and registered dietitian Christy Brissette.

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Why do people love true crime? Feb 17, 2022

Americans have an insatiable appetite for true crime. But few seem to be losing sleep after a midnight snack of terrifying true tales.

Mike seeks answers to why this genre is so widely successful from Scott Bonn, author of "Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World's Most Savage Murderers," and Erin Moriarty from "48 Hours" on CBS, who know a thing or two about why Americans can't get their fill of murders and mayhem.

Check out Erin's podcast "My Life of Crime with Erin Moriarty"

Got questions? Email Mike at ivegotquestions@audacy.com

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected