Stuff You Should Know

Latest Episodes:

The Cancer Episode Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Cancer is a terrible word in any language for at least two reasons: It’s incredibly difficult to get rid of once it grows in the body, and there’s a very good chance that you or someone close to you will be diagnosed with it. But hope is growing.

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Short Stuff: Leisure Suits Sep 16, 2026

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You know the leisure suit, perhaps the tackiest suit to ever be invented. It was so huge in the 70s and spread as wide the lapels of the shirts worn with them. Then, as fast as they hit the scene they disappeared in shame.

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How Boredom Works Sep 15, 2026

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Are there benefits to boredom? Or is it all negative? Why do we get bored? What can we do to break free from boredom? The answers to those questions and more are coming your way today.

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Selects: Wasps: Not as cute as bees Sep 12, 2026

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Wasps have a bad rap. Because their sting really hurts and they don't make honey like their cousins. But they are super cool and you shouldn't kill them. Listen to this classic episode and learn!

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The Odyssey Episode Sep 10, 2026

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Why does the story of The Odyssey endure this many years after it was first spoken? Listen in to find out.

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Short Stuff: Flappers Sep 09, 2026

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In the 1920s, a certain set of women wanted to loosen up and have a good time. Today, we get into it with the flappers.

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Nickelodeon:The Best of Slimes Sep 08, 2026

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Today we tell the story of the kids TV network that changed it all, Nickelodeon.

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Selects: Blacksmiths? You got that right! Sep 05, 2026

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Blacksmiths? You got that right. Learn all about this age old occupation in this classic episode.

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Social Identity Theory: Your Group Rules, Others Drool Sep 03, 2026

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In the 80s, a pair of psychologists theorized why being part of a group can change people’s thoughts and feelings, both about themselves and other people. It sounds dry, but SIT explains everything from how people justify genocide to football rivalries.

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Short Stuff: Hisashi Ouchi Sep 02, 2026

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Japanese nuclear worker Hisashi Ouchi is often called on the internet “the world’s most radioactive man.” That’s not exactly true, but it gets the point across about how severe the fatal dose of radiation he received was.

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