Stuff You Should Know

Latest Episodes:

How We’re Learning to Talk to Animals Aug 15, 2023

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If we could talk with the animals, grunt and squeak and squawk with the animals, what would we say? We’d better start thinking of something good because researchers are learning to speak sperm whale, prairie dog, and a bunch of other species' languages.

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Selects: How Magnets Work Aug 12, 2023

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You can stick them to the fridge or use them to transpose sound to tape, whatever they are used for magnets are surprisingly interesting. And knowing just exactly how and why magnets work will make you more interesting, which is why you should listen to this classic episode of SYSK.

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Xenobiotics Aug 10, 2023

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Science is just realizing the extent of the tiny pollutants that have entered ecosystems across Earth and inside all humans. We call them xenobiotics – substances foreign to our bodies – and what effects they have on us we’re only starting to learn.

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Short Stuff: History of English Aug 09, 2023

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Who spoke English first and what was it like? Nothing like it is today. Listen in to learn all about it.

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Dear Diary... Aug 08, 2023

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Diaries have been around for a long time. There are many famous ones, and tens of millions that will never see the light of day. Learn about the history and benefits of journaling today.

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Selects: Rainbows: Delighting humanity since forever Aug 05, 2023

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Rainbows seem to defy nature, but they're really pretty simple when it comes down to it. Turns out it's just light reacting to water droplets in the air. But they sure do look cool. Learn all about how rainbows are formed in this classic episode.

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The Last Meal Ritual Aug 03, 2023

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The last meal of the executed is a longstanding tradition. Listen in today to learn about the dark history and modern practice of this culinary curiosity.

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Short Stuff: NATO Alphabet Aug 02, 2023

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Alpha, Bravo, Charlie. This is the NATO alphabet. But where did it come from?

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BPD: The Worst Disorder or Not a Disorder at All? Aug 01, 2023

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Borderline Personality Disorder has been described as emotional “third degree burns over ninety percent of your body.” It’s as close to a curse as a personality disorder can be: deep fear of being abandoned creates behaviors that end up driving people off.

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Selects: What's the deal with Stradivarius violins? Jul 29, 2023

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The Strad violin is noted for its tonal qualities and superior craftsmanship. And for its price tag. There are many theories why the Strad sounds so great, from the wood to the lacquer, to the simple fact that Antonio Stradivari was really good at what he did. Rosin up your bow and take a listen to this classic episode.

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