Every Little Thing

Latest Episodes:

Goodbye Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

Spotify has ended our show. Thank you to everyone who listened, who left messages, who agreed to be interviewed, who shared their stories and their time. We loved making Every Little Thing with you.

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Cracking A Mysterious Fortune Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

Has ELT ever been stumped? Producer Phoebe Flanigan tells us about the one that (almost) got away.

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Sewer Secrets: Flushed But Not Forgotten Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

Caller Janice accidentally flushed a favorite earring down the toilet and she wants to know where it ended up. Sewer experts Ted Gogol and Bruce Todd take us on a journey down the pipes, and historian Andrew Wallace Hadrill digs up a tale about the ancient jewelry that shared a similar fate.

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When Did Pants Become a Thing? Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

This week we’re pulling on an old favorite, one leg at a time: When did pants become a thing? Clothing researcher Ulrike “Rike” Beck and historian Adrienne Mayor unravel how this relatively recent invention turned the clothing world upside down. With special guest Emily Spivack.

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Why Do We Baby Talk? Sep 26, 2022

Show notes

Listener Ben couldn’t stand baby talk — until he had a baby of his own. Now he can’t stop talking in a cutesy wootsy voice. Why did he go googoo for his baby, and is this something people do all over the world? Baby talk researcher Cody Moser breaks it down, and ecologist Mirjam Knörnschild tells us about another animal that talks to its young in a special widdle way.

An earlier version of this episode misidentified one of the languages spoken. We've corrected the error.

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Why Goldfish Swam Into Our Living Rooms Sep 19, 2022

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This week, we’re diving into a favorite episode. Caller Liana wants to know: How did goldfish come to dominate our fish bowls and pet stores? Pet historian Kasey Grier goes deep into the history of America’s favorite finned pet. Plus, goldfish freak Dave Mandley introduces us to the fanciest fish money can buy.

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Should You Pass on Grass? From ‘How to Save a Planet’ Sep 12, 2022

Show notes

Today’s episode comes from our friends at How to Save a Planet. They’re answering a question lots of ELT listeners have asked: What’s the deal with lawns? HTSAP’s Daniel Ackerman talks to lawn expert Peter Groffman, who shares some surprising findings from his 20 years studying lawns. Plus, some tips for creating a climate-friendly yard. To hear more climate-change stories that inspire, check out How to Save a Planet on Spotify.

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Why Does Bad News Make Me Smile? Sep 05, 2022

Show notes

Caller Clay has a problem: when she hears bad news, she can’t help but smile. What’s causing Clay’s chagrined grin, and can she learn to tame it? Social psychologist Oriana Aragon tells us why Clay’s face might not mesh with her feelings, and professional smile-stifler Jacques Bailly spells out how he keeps a straight face.

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Chameleons: Kings of Camouflage … or Not? Aug 29, 2022

Show notes

Caller Christy needs to know if she’s lying to her kid. She’s been reading a children’s book about chameleons to her daughter, and she’s wondering if it’s accurate. Chameleon expert Russell Ligon gives us the real story on chameleons and color change. Plus, biologist and head of Skype a Scientist Sarah McAnulty tips us off about nature’s top doyens of disguise.

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Should I Scrap My Sponge? Aug 22, 2022

Show notes

A listener wants to know: is it time to expunge the sponge? We soak up some food science knowledge from experts Ian Shaw, Kathryn Boor and Renée Goodrich.

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