Seven-Minute Explainers

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 29: Why extreme weather is the new normal Jan 05, 2017

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Massive floods, prolonged heat waves, and destructive storms are becoming more common. Why? Here’s everything you need to know.

Ep. 28: Everything you need to know about New Year's Eve champagne Dec 29, 2016

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More than a few of us will crack open a bottle or two of champagne to help toast the New Year. Here's how to look knowledgeable rather than just tipsy.

Ep. 27: When Americans banned Christmas Dec 22, 2016

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Travel back to America's Colonial days, when our Puritan forefathers had a tumultuous relationship with Christmas.

Ep. 26: What Darth Vader sounded like on the Star Wars set Dec 15, 2016

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Take an auditory tour through the fascinating evolution of Darth Vader's unique sound.

Ep. 25: Please obey this simple rule for airplane seat reclining Dec 08, 2016

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Just because you have the right to recline doesn't mean it's always the right thing to do

Ep. 24: The curious life of urban Christmas tree sellers Dec 01, 2016

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Have you ever wondered what these holiday street retailers do about sleeping and bathroom breaks?

Ep. 23: How the Thanksgiving turkey was named after the country Turkey Nov 24, 2016

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To understand why the North American fowl is named after a Middle Eastern country is to take a bit of a head-spinning, tongue-twisting world tour of the world. Ready?

Ep. 22: A brief history of populism Nov 19, 2016

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America just ushered in a populist president. But what is the movement that Donald Trump rode to the White House? And where does it originate from on the right and the left? We explain.

Ep. 21: Stop hiding things in your sock drawer! Nov 10, 2016

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If you must keep your valuables at home, the sock drawer is the worst option.

Ep. 20: Hillary Clinton's email scandal, explained Nov 03, 2016

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Everything you need to know about the damn emails