Stuff You Should Know - iHeartRadio

What Will Farming 4.0 Look Like? Feb 23, 2021

The human population is expected to increase by a couple billion people in the next 30 years and those who are paying attention are wondering exactly how we’ll feed all those extra mouths. Will going high tech or getting back to nature save us?

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Introducing: Black Cowboys Feb 22, 2021

Hey, SYSK fans! We think you might like this new iHeart original podcast, Black Cowboys. Check out the trailer to see for yourself!

About Black Cowboys: Zaron Burnett’s dad didn’t want slavery to be his son’s only image of Black people in American history. So every night, he filled Zaron’s dreams with these incredible stories of Black cowboys. Despite what Hollywood taught us, one-in-four cowboys were Black. Their stories tell a bigger, braver, more honest history of America.

Listen and subscribe to the Black Cowboys podcast on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!

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SYSK Selects: How Chili Peppers Work Feb 20, 2021

Born and raised in South America, chilis were the earliest crop domesticated in the continent and among the first items brought back to Europe by Columbus. Today people are really, really into them. Find out all about 'em in this classic episode.

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How Blue Holes Work Feb 18, 2021

Geologists and biologists have recently realized that the planet’s oceans and coasts are littered with a unique type of ecosystem called blue holes, submerged sinkholes that were once dry caves. They are turning out to be weird and amazing places.

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Short Stuff: Freedom House Ambulance Services Feb 17, 2021

As part of Black History Month, we wanted to share the little known story of the Freedom House Ambulance Service. Listen in to learn all about this seminal group of EMTs.

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The Disappearance of Lars Mittank Feb 16, 2021

In 2014, a young German man walked into an airport in Bulgaria with a flight booked, then suddenly ran out leaving all his posessions behind, never to be heard from again. This is the story of Lars Mittank.

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SYSK Selects: Why Are So Many Disembodied Feet Washing Ashore In British Columbia? Feb 13, 2021

Between 2007 and 2016, 17 disembodied feet - still wearing shoes - have washed ashore between Washington and British Columbia. What's behind the sudden influx of Vancouver's mystery feet? Find out in this classic episode.

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How Housing Discrimination Works Feb 11, 2021

Owning a home in the US is a way to pass wealth down from one generation to the next and lift families into a comfortable life down the road. But there have been barriers to buying homes that Black Americans have faced from the time of slavery to today.

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Short Stuff: How California Got Its Name Feb 10, 2021

California is a pretty cool name. And the story about where it came from is even cooler.

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Sacagawea: Impressive Teen Feb 09, 2021

Sacagawea was only 16 when she joined the Corps of Discovery. That is one seriously impressive teenager.

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SYSK Selects: Earwax: Live With It Feb 06, 2021

Despite tons of people using cotton swabs each day to clean the earwax from their ears, cerumen (as earwax is clinically known) is actually quite beneficial to the health of your ears - and even kind of ingenious as your body's defense goes. Learn more in this classic episode.

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The NAACP Feb 04, 2021

The NAACP has long been one of the most robust and effective non-profits in the USA. And while it has faded a bit from its glory days, it still remains a vital cog in the battle for equality.

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Short Stuff: Balloonfest Feb 03, 2021

In 1986 Cleveland released more than a million helium balloons at once! It didn’t go at all according to plan!

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How Groundhog Day Works Feb 02, 2021

You know Groundhog Day – the holiday on February 2 when you wake up and have to go through the same day over and over again. It turns out the holiday has deep roots in a pagan past, and has survived in a surprisingly similar form.

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SYSK Selects: Maggots: Good For Healing Wounds, Turns Out Jan 30, 2021

Cultures around the world over the years have been inspired by, then repulsed, then inspired by maggots' ability to heal persistent wounds. We are in an inspired-by phase right now. Learn more in this classic episode.

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How Hydropower Works Jan 28, 2021

Humans have been stealing energy from flowing water for at least two thousand years. It wasn’t until the advent of electricity that things really got cookin’. All we need to do now is to work out the harmful environmental impacts of this green energy.

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Short Stuff: Vantablack Jan 27, 2021

How black is vantablack? About as black as you could imagine.

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The KKK: Loathsome Cosplay Rednecks Jan 26, 2021

The history of the KKK is rooted in hatred and racism, and it still is today. Learn all about these loathsome rednecks today.

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SYSK Selects: How Blimps Work Jan 23, 2021

After newsreels captured the Hindenburg erupting in fire in 1937, the promising development of airship aviation was cut short. Today companies and militaries are taking another look at blimps and the unique qualities that may revive them. Learn all about it in this classic episode.

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Finding the Fenn Treasure Jan 21, 2021

In 2010 an eccentric art dealer hid a treasure chest with $2 million in valuables somewhere in the Rocky Mountains and published a poem with clues on where to find it. Hence began the most famous treasure hunt in modern times.

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Short Stuff: Necco Jan 20, 2021

If you think Necco Wafers are the most disgusting candy on the planet, you are not alone. But it turns out there’s a rich history behind those chalky discs that make them fascinating, if horrible.

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What does a tire company know about food? Jan 19, 2021

The Michelin Guide is an institution. But why does the famous tire manufacturer even put this restaurant guide out? Listen in to find out.

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SYSK Selects: What Was the Deal With the Hatfields and McCoys? Jan 16, 2021

It was America's most famous family feud, but the history of the Hatfields vs the McCoys is fraught with bias and inaccuracies. Dig into a disagreement in 19th-century Appalachia that became a very big deal around the world, in this classic episode.

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The Science of Cute Jan 14, 2021

If you took our advice and looked up baby beavers a few episodes back, you probably found them sooooo cute you couldn’t stand it. Or you just wanted to eat them up, which is weird if you think about it. Friend, prepare for the science on that!

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Short Stuff: Silverfish Jan 13, 2021

Should you be afraid of these creepy little creatures you find in your basement? Only one way to find out.

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Hell! Hell! Hell! Jan 12, 2021

What is Hell? It's complicated and depends on which religion you're talking about. We dive into this fiery mess and do our best to explain it.

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SYSK Selects: How Skateboarding Works Jan 09, 2021

Skateboarding started out as something bored surfers did when the waves weren't breaking, but after a few improvements to the design, it took off like a rocket to become its own cultural phenomenon. Come gleam the cube with Josh and Chuck as you ollie over this classic episode.

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The Wright Brothers Jan 07, 2021

Orville and Wilbur Wright were not trained professionals, but they were rigorous experimenters who ended up changing the world.

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Short Stuff: Is It Theater or Theatre? Jan 06, 2021

Have you ever noticed sometimes theaters – we mean, theatres – oh, forget it – places where you see movies or plays – are sometimes spelled two different ways? You can thank Noah Webster, author of the first American dictionary, for that.

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Space Weather - What's That?! Jan 05, 2021

Did you know space has weather? It’s true! In our solar system, tons – literal tons – of highly charged gas and magnetized particles spew from the surface constantly, causing all sorts of weird stuff here on Earth. So far, nothing too bad has happened.

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SYSK Selects: How Auto-Tune Works Jan 02, 2021

What began as a challenge to an oil engineer to make a terrible singer into a pitch-perfect one, Auto-Tune has become a ubiquitous (and, to many, obnoxious) part of the musical soundscape. Learn more in this classic episode.

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La Dame de Fer (Eiffel Tower) Dec 31, 2020

The Eiffel Tower is one of the top destinations on Planet Earth. It turns out to be a pretty cool feat of engineering as well.

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Short Stuff: Ig-pay Atin-lay (Sorry) Dec 30, 2020

Turns out we have little kids from the 19th century, the Three Stooges, and an odd musical composer named Arthur Fields to thank for pig latin.

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Theremins: World's First Electronic Music Dec 29, 2020

In 1919 a brilliant Russian scientist accidentally stumbled onto the first electronic musical instrument in history – the theremin – which you play not by strings, keys, or even percussion, but by moving your hand in the air around it. Prepare to science!

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SYSK Selects: Sugar: It Powers the Earth Dec 26, 2020

Since sugar spread from Polynesia a few thousand years ago, the world has been crazy for it. Insanely high prices, wars and even slavery couldn't undo world's need for a sugar fix. Today that fix is responsible for the obesity epidemic facing the West. Learn all about it in this classic episode.

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The SYSK 2020 Holly Jolly Extravaganza! Dec 24, 2020

It's here again! Our annual ad-free holiday spectacular. So pour up a hot toddy, throw a log on the fire and listen with the whole family!

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Short Stuff: Chinese Food on Christmas Dec 23, 2020

What started out as a tradition among Jewish people on the Lower East Side at the turn of the last century has become a full-blown American holiday custom.

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How Buffets Work Dec 22, 2020

Buffets are every kid’s dream – until they grow up enough to realize how gross communal spreads of food shared with strangers actually are. Then the dream is dashed, for most of us at least. Learn about the golden age of buffets and more right here!

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SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978 Dec 19, 2020

Long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas allowed the Star Wars Holiday Special to be made. What happened on the night of November 17, 1978 can never be fully explained, but we make our best effort in our annual special edition of SYSK. May the force be with us all.

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Aspirin: The Wonder Drug Dec 17, 2020

Humans have been using a form of aspirin for pain relief since at least the Sumerians. But in recent years we’ve come to learn the wonder drug is indeed awe-inspiring, from preventing heart attacks to possibly protecting humans from cancer.

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Short Stuff: Modern Funerals Dec 16, 2020

The way we deal with our dead has changed a lot over the past 50 years. Learn all about it in 12-15 minutes right here.

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Joseph Merrick, aka "The Elephant Man" Dec 15, 2020

Joseph Merrick was known as The Elephant Man because of his suffering from what we now know was Proteus Synrome. Learn all about this brave man in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: What is a hangover, really? Dec 12, 2020

After a night of heavy boozing, many partygoers find themselves the victim of a hangover. But what exactly is a hangover, and what causes it? Join Chuck and Josh as they break down the science behind hangovers -- and how to avoid them, in this classic episode.

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The Taliesin Massacre Dec 10, 2020

Everyone knows who Frank Lloyd Wright is, but did you know there was a grisly massacre at his home in 1914?

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Short Stuff: Cramming Dec 09, 2020

Cramming is no way to study. Learn why in today's short stuff.

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How Class Action Lawsuits Work Dec 08, 2020

Class action lawsuits seem a little odd – a bunch of people get together for a sue-fest against somebody – but in the legal world they’re a practical way of handing huge wrongs. And! They keep justice just in their way. Learn all about them today.

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SYSK Selects: How Chaos Theory Changed the Universe Dec 05, 2020

Since the age of Descartes, science has put all of its eggs in the basket of determinism, the idea that with accurate enough measurements any aspect of the universe could be predicted. But the universe, it turns out, is not so tidy. Explore the final frontier with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.

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John Lennon and the FBI Dec 03, 2020

Did you know that Richard Nixon had a FBI case file open on Beatle John Lennon? Well he did! Why? Listen in to find out.

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Short Stuff: Pimento Cheese! Dec 02, 2020

Pimento cheese was originally nothing like it is now: It was mass produced, it was made from cream cheese and it was conceived in New York. Today it’s something much better, thanks to the South!

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Cabbage Patch Kids: Must-Have Toy of the Century Dec 01, 2020

Surprisingly, Cabbage Patch Kids have turned up on SYSK almost as much as the Nazis or Seinfeld. It’s finally time to dive all the way into CPKs, from their controversial origins to the Christmas craze of ‘83 to their alter egos, Garbage Pail Kids.

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SYSK Selects: How Tea Works Nov 28, 2020

Legend has it that tea was discovered by a curious Chinese emperor after leaves blew into his boiled water. Now tea is the second only to water in popularity worldwide. And despite the varieties of tea, they all come from a single species of plant. Learn all about it in this classic episode.

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Gobble Gobble: Turkeys! Nov 26, 2020

Turkeys are a very interesting bird as it turns out. Which may be why many people are leaving it off their Thanksgiving table this year. Learn all about them right now!

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Short Stuff: How Eyes In a Painting Follow You Nov 25, 2020

Ever noticed how eyes in a painting sometimes follow you around the room? It’s weird! But it’s also fully explainable and Josh and Chuck do just that here.

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Patty Hearst: Brainwashed or Bandit? Nov 24, 2020

Patty Hearst was a young heiress living a quiet life studying art history at college when one Monday evening her home was invaded, she was kidnapped, and her life took a totally unforeseen turn that she would have trouble explaining for years to come.

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SYSK Selects: Whatever happened to acid rain? Nov 21, 2020

Along with the hole in the ozone layer, acid rain was one of the first international environmental threats. It's fallen to the wayside in the face of climate change, but we have yet to lick it. Join Chuck and Josh as they revive the 80s drumbeat in this classic episode.

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The Great War of the Worlds Panic Myth Nov 19, 2020

On Halloween 1938 young radio star Orson Welles scared the pants off of America with a fictional news bulletin claiming Martians had landed and were destroying the country. People across the nation ran wild with panic in the streets – or did they?

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Short Stuff: Squirrel Nuts Nov 18, 2020

We know squirrels hide nuts. But it's actually more complex a system than you think.

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How Pain Works Nov 17, 2020

In recent decades we’ve come to understand that there’s a lot more to pain than: touch hot stove/feel burning hand. Pain is a far more sophisticated experience and, unfortunately, a system that can often go haywire, with terrible effects.

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SYSK Selects: Who Gets to Name Continents? Nov 14, 2020

America is named after Amerigo Vespucci, right? Maybe not. And who named Australia? Find out the unusually uncertain origins of the continents and other interesting stuff in this classic episode.

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How Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Works Nov 12, 2020

For almost a century, Macy’s department store has kicked off the holidays in America with a grand parade. And when you march thousands of clowns, lip synching celebrities, bands, and giant balloons through New York things get remarkable.

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Short Stuff: Plastic Pink Flamingos Nov 11, 2020

Plastic flamingos started out as innocent yard art, transformed into folk art, and have become a (kind of mean) symbol of high campiness. There’s a lot to this particular plastic yard art.

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The Bay of Pigs Disaster Nov 10, 2020

The Bay of Pigs is one of the blackest of eyes on American foreign policy. Learn all about this dark spot of American history today.

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SYSK Selects: Geysers: Nature's Innuendo Nov 08, 2020

The spectacular eruptions of steam and water we call geysers are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg, the result of thousands of years of specific natural conditions and physical processes. Learn the Stuff You Should Know about geysers in this classic episode.

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All the Gold In Fort Knox: Meh Nov 05, 2020

When Fort Knox was built in the 1930s to house America’s gold supply, it was billed as an impenetrable, impregnable, don’t-even-think-of-trying vault. But as the world has moved further away from gold, the stockpile’s lost a bit of its luster.

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Short Stuff: Fruit Flies, Why? Nov 04, 2020

Have you ever wondered why we do so much scientific testing on fruit flies? Turns out they make better models for humans than you’d think.

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The Amazing Roberto Clemente Nov 03, 2020

Roberto Clemente was what’s called a “complete” baseball player – he could hit, run and, man could he throw, so it’s no surprise he was made a Hall of Famer. But he was also a humanitarian, a civil rights icon, and a fiercely proud son of Puerto Rico.

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SYSK Selects: How Ghosts Work Oct 31, 2020

According to a 2009 poll, more Americans believe in ghosts than don't. But what are ghosts exactly? If they do exist, what are they made of and why are they hanging around? In this classic episode airing for Halloween, Josh and Chuck explore both sides of the divide between belief and skepticism on the topic of ghosts and look at some pretty cool explanations for hauntings.

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SYSK’s Scare Your Pants Off (and Back On) Halloween Spooktacular Oct 29, 2020

It’s that time of year again! So turn down the lights, pull the sheets over your eyes and prepare to be thrilled and frightened with two great Halloween stories from Philip K. Dick and M.R. James.

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Short Stuff: Poe Toaster Oct 28, 2020

For at least sixty years a mysterious person (or persons) showed up at Edgar Allen Poe’s grave to toast the master on his birthday. No one ever found out who this legendary figure was.

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A History of Nursing Homes Oct 27, 2020

In America, we've treated our senior citizens in very different ways over the years. Tune in to hear about how we've tackled compassionate care.

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Chuck Bryant On The Why I’m Voting Podcast Oct 25, 2020

Hey, SYSK listeners! We wanted to make sure you heard Chuck on iHeartRadio’s Why I’m Voting podcast. Check it out and don’t forget to vote on November 3rd!

If you want to change, preserve, or build a better America, there’s one easy way to make your voice heard: Vote. This year, iHeartRadio is teaming up with over 20 incredible celebrities (plus a handful of our most popular podcasters) to get the country excited to go vote, broadcasting the personal, emotional and heartfelt stories behind why showing up to the ballot box means so much-- not just as individuals, but for our entire nation.

Thank you to our partners AXE, Knorr® & Seventh Generation

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SYSK Selects: How Book Banning Works Oct 24, 2020

If you want to control the masses, control what they read. After all, books are seeds that germinate new points of view. As a result, the struggle against banning books is contentious and continual. Learn more about banning books in this classic episode.

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Beavers: Tail Slapping Fun Oct 22, 2020

Beavers are in fact, very busy. They're builders and solid family members, husbands and wives. Learn all about N America's largest rodent today.

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Short Stuff: Haunted Real Estate Oct 21, 2020

Do you have to disclose the notion that your house may be haunted upon sale? Listen in to find out.

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10 Voter Suppression Methods Oct 20, 2020

Voter suppression in the USA is as old as voting itself. Listen in to hear about 10 ways we stifle the vote.

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SYSK Selects: How Sushi Works Oct 17, 2020

Sushi grew out of a way to ferment fish a couple thousand years ago and in the late 20th century began to take the world by storm. What began as traditional, rigid food has come to evolve with new delicious innovations being added to the original canon. Learn all about it in this classic episode.

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Porcupines: Little Stabby Cutie Pies Oct 15, 2020

We love animals. A lot. Especially underrated ones like the darling porcupine. Listen in today to learn all about these stabby little boogers.

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Short Stuff: What is Latinx anyway? Oct 14, 2020

We love to keep up with the current terminology for groups of people. Learn about the origin of Latinx today.

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Wind Tunnels: More Important Than You Realize Oct 13, 2020

Without wind tunnels we may not have airplanes right now. Early aviationists built them to puzzle out how to get and stay airborne. But wind tunnels are used for so much more than flight – from microchips to wind turbines. Enjoy this breezy episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Bigfoot Works Oct 10, 2020

For centuries North American tribes have told stories of a hairy wild giant in the wilderness, and once Europeans arrived they claimed to see it, too. Chuck and Josh examine the claims of believers and the rebuttals of skeptics in this evenhanded episode from the SYSK archives.

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Printing press? Big deal! Oct 08, 2020

Was the printing press a big deal? You bet it was. One of the biggest. Learn all about the early history of printing today.

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Short Stuff: Lying in State Oct 07, 2020

After RBG passed away she had the honor of lying in state. Who decides this? Listen and you'll know.

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What's the deal with swing states? Oct 06, 2020

Swing states are all the rage once again this election season, but the makeup has changed a bit. Learn all about what makes a swing state a swing state right now.

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SYSK Selects: How the Electoral College Works Oct 03, 2020

When you vote in an American presidential election, you're not voting for your candidate - you're voting for a group of people you hope will in turn vote for your candidate. Listen in to learn more about the strange process for electing the president, in this classic episode.

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Fallout Shelters: Probably Useless (Let’s Never Find Out) Oct 01, 2020

The advent of nuclear weapons and the Cold War kicked off a craze in the US for building rec rooms with foot-thick reinforced walls and outfitted with survival rations and board games. Would they work? Probably not.

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Short Stuff: That's A Head Scratcher Sep 30, 2020

It’s actually really strange that scratching your head is a widely understood sign that you’re puzzling over something. No one’s exactly sure why we do that, so interesting theories abound!

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Conjugal Visits: Not exactly what you think Sep 29, 2020

After reaching their peak, conjugal prison visits are all but gone in the U.S. Learn all about these frisky visits in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Rabies Works Sep 26, 2020

Rabies may have gotten a lot of attention in the U.S. in the 70s and 80s, but it's still an issue in developing countries. Learn all about this nasty virus in this classic episode. And stay away from raccoons and bats.

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At Long Last: Hawaiian Overthrow Episode Sep 24, 2020

By longstanding listener request, we look at how Hawaii was basically stolen by the United States in the 19th century. Rather than reverse this bit of geopolitical fraud, the US ended up making Hawaii a state instead.

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Short Stuff: Petticoat Rulers Sep 23, 2020

Petticoat rulers were women who ran the show long before anyone thought they could. We’re talking mayors and entire city councils comprised of women in the Old West. What happened since then? Listen to find out.

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How Sweepstakes Work Sep 22, 2020

Sweepstakes were invented as marketing tools to drum up interest for a product or sales. But winning them can be fun and as they’ve proliferated an entire subculture of people who enter hundreds of them a day. Enter the fascinating world of sweepstakes today!

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SYSK Selects: How White-collar Crime Works Sep 19, 2020

White-collar crime often involves fraud and other nonviolent acts. For most people, the term "white-collar crime" conjures up images of CEOs conniving their way to fortune. But what is it, really? Listen in as Josh and Chuck break down the facts in this classic episode.

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How Election Polling Works and Doesn't Work Sep 17, 2020

Election polling had a pretty good rep until 2016. But it turns out they weren't far off even then. It's really the media driving the narrative. Learn all about how election polling works today.

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Short Stuff: Black Cowboys Sep 16, 2020

Most people don't realize that around a quarter of the cowboys found in the Old West during the golden age cattle driving were African American. Let's meet some of them, shall we?

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Origami: Folding Goodness Sep 15, 2020

Origami is an amazing art that consists of making folds in paper to create something beautiful. Learn all about it today.

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SYSK Selects: How Porta-Potties Work Sep 12, 2020

Despite our lengthy history of evacuating our bowels and bladders, it wasn’t until the relatively recent 1940s that we began to construct portable, self-contained toilets to accept our waste. Dive into the world of porta-potties in this classic episode.

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Wetlands! Wetlands! Wetlands! Sep 10, 2020

It’s time to get jazzed up for some Earth science of the waterlogged variety. Join Chuck and Josh as they tour some of the most interesting ecosystems on the planet and learn why we need to stop destroying them post haste.

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Short Stuff: Streisand Effect Sep 09, 2020

What does Barbra Streisand have to do with the internet? Listen and learn!

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Frances Perkins: Influential and Unknown Sep 08, 2020

Frances Perkins was an incredibly influential American yet is virtually unknown. What did she do? A lot! For instance, Social Security was her brainchild. And that's just the tip of the old iceberg.

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SYSK Selects: How Police Chases Work Sep 05, 2020

Entire TV shows are dedicated to them and Americans love to watch a live one, but police chases aren't as routine as they seem. While police assert chases are important tools, critics say cops engage in chases too often and too easily. Learn all about the what, how, and why in this classic episode.

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The Disturbing Disappearance of Tara Calico Sep 03, 2020

When Tara Calico mysteriously vanished in 1988, suspected to be the victim of foul play, her case may have gotten lost with the countless other missing person cases in the US, were it not for the discovery of an alarming Polaroid photo in a parking lot 1500 miles away.

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Short Stuff: More Phrase Origins Sep 02, 2020

We're back with another handful of phrase origins.

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How the Escape from Alcatraz Worked Sep 01, 2020

In 1962, three ordinary criminals transcended into folk heroes when they crawled out of their cells in Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary took to the water in a homemade raft and were never heard from again. Could they have possibly survived?

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SYSK Selects: Polyamory: When two just won't do Aug 29, 2020

In this classic episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck dive into the world of polyamory. Turns out polyamorists aren't aren't weirdos and deviants, they're just regular folks looking for love from more than one person. Learn all you ever needed to know about this unique, but not so modern arrangement.

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Blacksmiths? You got that right! Aug 27, 2020

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

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Short Stuff: Carrots and Your Eyes Aug 26, 2020

Join Chuck and Josh as they learn that one of the great childhood truths – that carrots help you see better in the dark was totally made up!

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How Sneezing Works Aug 25, 2020

Unless you have an arcane disorder from a lesion on a very specific spot on our medulla, the chances are you sneeze. Turns out most animals do it, even lizards! Learn the whys and hows of this most interesting involuntary reflex.

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SYSK Selects: How Panic Attacks Work Aug 22, 2020

Almost three percent of Americans suffer from a debilitating disorder that causes them to suffer intense fear seemingly without reason and science hasn’t yet figured out what causes it. Join Josh and Chuck in this classic episode as they get to the bottom of panic attacks.

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1-800-PODCAST Aug 20, 2020

Chuck and Josh dive into the wacky world of 800 and 900 phone numbers.

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Short Stuff: The Great American Coin Shortage of 2020 Aug 19, 2020

In addition to all the lousy things that’s come out of the Coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. is also experiencing a coin shortage thanks to a stalled-out economic system that normally circulates coins.

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How Anti-Dieting Works Aug 18, 2020

There’s a movement afoot that says we should all stop thinking about our weight and just enjoy food. No, it doesn’t help you lose weight…No, it’s not a diet…No, - just listen to the episode, okay?

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SYSK Selects: How The Human Microbiome Project Works Aug 15, 2020

If it was possible to take a full scan of all of the DNA of every cell in and on your body the results would be startling: Only 1 percent would be human. The other 99 percent comprises all of the bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes you literally cannot live without. Learn more in this classic episode.

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Olympic Torches: Remember Those? Aug 13, 2020

Back in the pre-pandemic days we had a sporting event called The Olympic Games. And at those games there was an opening ceremony that featured the lighting of a cauldron from a torch. Let's chat about that, eh?

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Short Stuff: The Return of Bill Gates! Aug 12, 2020

Our old pal Bill Gates is back for a very special short stuff where we talk all about Covid vaccines and therapeutics.

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Pirate Radio: Mavericks on the High Seas Aug 11, 2020

Pirate radio started out in England as a way to sidestep the regulations of Big Radio. While outlawed, it still exists today in the UK and America. Learn all about it today.

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SYSK Selects: How The Moonwalk Works Aug 08, 2020

When Michael Jackson debuted the moonwalk in 1983 the world was enrapt. The dance goes back farther, to the 1930s, and pops up again in the 50s, before reappearing via mimes and West Coast poppers in the 70s. Follow the circuitous route of an iconic move in this classic episode.

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How Miniature Golf Works Aug 06, 2020

Playing miniature golf is a very fun thing to do and, you’re about to find, learning about its origin and history is very fun as well. Join Josh and Chuck as they tee off on the mini golf story!

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Short Stuff: Jigsaw Puzzles Aug 05, 2020

Who doesn't love a good puzzle? Tune in to learn a few facts and figures about jigsaw puzzles right now.

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Wasps: Not as cute as bees Aug 04, 2020

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 and learn!

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SYSK Selects: How the Rosetta Stone Works Aug 01, 2020

Sometimes providence smiles on historians. Thus is the case with the Rosetta stone, an ancient Egyptian tablet that served as the key for unlocking hieroglyphics, lost to time for a millennia. In this classic episode, learn about the international intrigue, rivalry to translate it and the luck that led to the founding of Egyptology.

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How Soap Works Jul 30, 2020

Soap is a miraculous substance – and mysterious too: we have no idea how humans first figured out to make it. We lived with soap for millennia before we thought to use it to wash ourselves with it, but once we did a love affair with cleanliness was born.

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Short Stuff: Habsburg Jaw Jul 29, 2020

The Habsburg Jaw is the result of inbreeding. But what is it? Click play and learn!

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How Hurricanes Work Jul 28, 2020

Hurricanes are perhaps the most destructive force of nature we have to deal with here on Earth. When a mind-boggling number of factors all fall into place just right, the outcome can be an enormous system of storms that is as awesome as it is powerful.

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SYSK Selects: How Lobbying Works Jul 25, 2020

Lobbying is an entrenched part of American politics and one that many people think is breaking government. But petitioning the government is protected in the Constitution. How can this system be fixed? join Josh and Chuck as they explore the topic in this classic episode.

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Mobile Phones Jul 23, 2020

Today we deep dive on mobile phones, wonders of the modern world!

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Short Stuff: The Death of Billy the Kid Jul 22, 2020

Sure, together Young Guns and Young Guns II form an exhaustive biography of Billy the Kid’s life. But did you know they also contain misleading information? Billy the Kid may not have lived to 100 under an alias after all!

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How We Almost Got Rid of Polio Jul 21, 2020

For more than half of the 20th century parents in the industrialized world were freaked out by an unseen waster of youth, the poliovirus. It spread easily and could paralyze children for life or even kill them. Its effects were so horrible that humanity set about ridding if from the Earth.

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SYSK Selects: How a Flea Circus Works Jul 18, 2020

If you've ever seen a flea circus, then count yourself among the few. It's a dying art, but back in the day they thrilled and delighted young and old alike. Learn all about the tiny big tops in this classic episode.

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Robber Barons! Jul 16, 2020

The robber barons were not a group of evil super villains. OR WERE THEY? Learn all about these titans of industry from the Gilded Age in today's episode.

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Short Stuff: Centralia Coal Fire Jul 15, 2020

An old coal mine in Pennsylvania caught fire one day in the 60s and it’s been burning ever since. What’s crazy is this happens all the time.

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Flagpole Sitting: A Real Fad Jul 14, 2020

The 1920s were just absolutely nuts. People got into weird fads really intensely and one of the strangest of all was flagpole sitting. It’s just what it sounds like – sitting on top of a flagpole for as long as you can. One man sat above them all.

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SYSK Selects: How Landfills Work Jul 11, 2020

Well-planned landfills have only recently come into widespread use. Recently, waste managers have found that they work a little too well and now the landfill is being reinvented.

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Essential Oils: Nature's Cure? Jul 09, 2020

Essential oils are from plants and they can help the human body in a lot of ways. There are also many false medical claims. Learn all the ins and outs today.

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Short Stuff: The @ Symbol Jul 08, 2020

You know the at symbol? This thing: @? There’s a name for it, just not in English. We just call it the at symbol. But other countries – stand back!

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What was the KGB? Jul 07, 2020

The KGB was the notorious strong arm of the Kremlin. Run afoul and you died. Learn all about them today.

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SYSK Selects: All We Know About Guessing Jul 04, 2020

Guessing is a weird thing. For millennia, it could have meant the difference between life and death. Now it's not as vital, but we still do it every day, whether behind the wheel of a car, or judging what another person might be feeling. In this classic episode, learn everything we know about the brain and how it manages this odd, very human act.

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Oh Yes, How Soil Works Jul 02, 2020

There is maybe nothing that sounds more boring than hearing two people talk about soil, but friend, prepare to be amazed at the details of what makes this amazing substance the life blood of Earth itself!

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Short Stuff: The Science of Funny Words Jul 01, 2020

Why are some words funnier than others? Well, one man has sought to figure that out. We'll tell you all about him and his project in today's episode.

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Bruxism: Grinding Your Teeth Is the Pits Jun 30, 2020

Researchers have noticed that as incidence of anger increases so too has teeth grinding, known clinically as bruxism. That’s a problem because when people grind their teeth, especially when they’re sleeping, they can wear them down to nubs.

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SYSK Selects: Juggling: What the Heck Jun 27, 2020

There is a lot – A LOT – to juggling and Chuck and Josh go over the lion’s share of it in this classic episode. Delve into the deep history, physics, how-tos and different types of juggling in this surprisingly sweeping look at a putatively innocuous pastime.

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Matcha: That Ain't Just Tea Jun 25, 2020

Matcha is something else, healthy and delicious and all the rage. Learn all about this trendy beverage today.

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Short Stuff: Nouns of assemblage... assemble! Jun 24, 2020

A gaggle of geese. A murder of crows. Nouns of assemblage are awesome and we talk about them for about 12 minutes in today's Short Stuff installment.

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How Ultrasound Works Jun 23, 2020

Sure you know all about ultrasound. You can see pictures of little babies right there cozy in the womb just by waving a magic plastic stick over the mom’s tummy. And magic is basically right. Believe us.

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SYSK Selects: Research tips from SYSK Jun 20, 2020

People often ask us how we do our research. We're not going to disclose all of our secrets, but we'll give you some tips on how to root out the bad studies from the good ones. Learn all about shady studies and reporting in this classic episode!

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The Manhattan Grid Jun 18, 2020

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Short Stuff: Haint Blue Jun 17, 2020

Haint Blue is a kind of robin's egg color that you might commonly find on porches of the low country of the Southeastern United States. But what does it have to do with ghouls and ghosts? Listen and learn!

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The War on Fat: The Seven Countries Study Jun 16, 2020

The Seven Countries Study was a fairly impressive, long-term study on the effects of fat in our diet, among other things. But it was very flawed and launched the misguided "War on fat." Learn all about today, then make up your own mind.

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SYSK Selects: How Flamethrowers Work Jun 13, 2020

Who first decided that it would be a great idea to shoot flame at other people from a distance? Josh and Chuck talk about the (very) early origins, history and technology of the flamethrower in this classic episode.

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Can You Eat A Tapeworm To Lose Weight? Jun 11, 2020

There’s a persistent insistence that you can ingest a tapeworm and as the parasite hijacks a lot of the calories you eat, the pounds will fall right off. In theory this could be true, but it’s also extremely dangerous. And has anyone ever really done it?

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Short Stuff: Foie Gras Jun 10, 2020

Foie gras means “fatty liver” in French, which makes sense because it’s made from the overripe livers of force-fed ducks and geese.

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How Project Star Gate Worked Jun 09, 2020

In yet another testament to how amazingly great the 70s were, in 1975 the US started a program that tried to harness the powers of clairvoyance to remotely spy on the Soviet Union. Since clairvoyance doesn’t seem to exist, it wasn’t super successful.

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SYSK Selects: How The Black Panther Party Worked Jun 06, 2020

The Black Panther Party was a complex political movement that was unfairly painted as a militant group who hated white people. Far from it, they were actually men and women trying to affect change in their community. Their history is one of the more interesting American stories, from the early stages of policing the police to their community service efforts to their inevitable fall. Learn all about the Black Panther Party in this classic episode.

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The Massacre at Tiananmen Square Jun 04, 2020

Tank Man. An indelible image burned in our brains. But what led to this extraordinary event? Chuck and Josh walk you through the days and weeks leading up to the massacre at Tiananmen Square, which is more of a cautionary tale than we realized.

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Short Stuff: Disappearing Dirty Dancing Lake Jun 03, 2020

The lake from one of the all-time great movies (search your feelings, you’ll find that it’s true) is turning into a dried up mudhole. Turns out it has some unusual features.

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Heroin: The Drug Jun 02, 2020

We've covered a lot of drugs in our history, and today we tackle heroin, one of the most dangerous of all.

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SYSK Selects: How Jackhammers Work May 30, 2020

It’s likely that without the invention of the pneumatic jackhammer, the Industrial Revolution wouldn’t have hummed along quite so smoothly. Certainly a lot more trains would go around mountains than through them. Learn about this essential tool in this classic episode.

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How Narcolepsy Works May 28, 2020

Narcolepsy is one of those amazing rare disorders that everyone thinks they understand – people just fall asleep at random times, even in the middle of doing something. But there’s a lot more to it and – even better – we actually may be able to explain it.

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Short Stuff: Lawn Darts May 27, 2020

There was a time when kids had to look out for flying darts that could pierce their skulls when they played in the backyard.

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Hummingbirds: Ornery Helicopters of the Animal Kingdom May 26, 2020

If you didn’t already know how amazing hummingbirds are, prepare to learn. Not only do they count among their numbers the smallest bird species, they are also lightning fast and have the endurance of a marathoner and a telethoner put together.

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SYSK Selects: How The Enlightenment Works May 23, 2020

The Enlightenment stands as the moment the West withdrew from superstition and found its faith in reason. Did it shift too far? In this classic episode, learn about this massive shift in thinking which we are still sorting through and coming to understand today.

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Josh Clark's Speech from Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020 May 22, 2020

Hi listeners, in case you haven't heard already, iHeartRadio just released a brand new podcast called Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020, where we collected speeches from notable folks all over and asked them to give their best advice, thoughts and words of wisdom to graduating seniors.

In this episode of Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020, Josh Clark, co-host of the Stuff You Should Know podcast, divulges secrets to graduates that their parents and teachers may have neglected to tell them.

If you'd like to hear the other speeches, including ones from John Legend, Bill & Melinda Gates, Tim Cook, Katie Couric, Ryan Seacrest, Abby Wambach, and more, just search "Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020" in your podcasting app of choice!

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How Bras Work May 21, 2020

Bras are loved and hated, sometimes at the same time. But as difficult and restrictive as they can be, they rescued women from a much cruel contraption: corsets. The question remains, though, do women need bras at all?

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Short Stuff: Mary Had A Little Lamb May 20, 2020

Did you know the little nursery rhyme is controversial? It’s true: Two towns in New England can barely stand to see one another on the map (kind of).

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How Spiritualism Works May 19, 2020

Something spooky was born on the American frontier in the mid-19th century: the idea that people’s personalities survive death and that some gifted individuals can communicate with them. It developed into a religion that some still practice today.

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Chuck Bryant's Speech from Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020 May 18, 2020

Hi listeners, in case you haven't heard already, iHeartRadio just released a brand new podcast called Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020, where we collected speeches from notable folks all over and asked them to give their best advice, thoughts and words of wisdom to graduating seniors.

In this episode, our very own Chuck Bryant reminds graduates to not let this season define them, reminding them the world believes in their ability to craft a better future for themselves.

If you'd like to hear the other speeches, including ones from John Legend, Bill & Melinda Gates, Tim Cook, Katie Couric, Ryan Seacrest, Abby Wambach, and more, just search "Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020" in your podcasting app of choice!

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SYSK Selects: How Fire Works May 16, 2020

Creating fire was possibly the most important human discovery, but it's easy to take for granted. But. Josh and Chuck get to the bottom of the chemistry of fire in their quest to explain everything in the universe, in this classic episode.

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How Peanut Butter Works May 14, 2020

No food is more all-American than peanut butter – 80 percent of homes in the country have a jar of it in the pantry right now. And while the rest of the world might find peanut butter peculiar, maybe even gross, the rest of the world is wrong.

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Short Stuff: Charley Horse May 13, 2020

You know those terrible leg cramps that come out of nowhere? They may be named after a drunken baseball pitcher.

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How Herd Immunity Works May 12, 2020

Herd immunity is an epidemiological concept that if enough people are inoculated against a disease the rest of us won’t get it. It’s been useful in holding back diseases like polio and measles, but we have vaccines for them. We don’t have one for Covid-19.

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SYSK Selects: How Caving Works May 09, 2020

Entrances to the underworld have been places of wonder for eons, and humans have ventured into caves to sleep, hunt, create art and explore. Thanks to the hobby of caving, that tradition continues today. Get all this plus Chuck discussing his caving experience, in this classic episode.

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Zippers: Humans’ Greatest Invention? No, But Still Good May 07, 2020

The zipper may be the most unsung invention we humans have ever come up with. Prior to zippers, everyone walked around like idiots with nothing but buttons to hold their clothes together. The zipper changed all that. The zipper changed everything.

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Short Stuff: Gibtown: Sideshow Central May 06, 2020

There was a glorious time in American history when circus sideshow performers lived together in a small town in Florida. Learn about the fascinating history of Gibtown today!

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I'm Spartacus! May 05, 2020

Spartacus was a real dude. He led a slave revolt, and was pretty successful to boot. I'm Spartacus. You're Spartacus. We are all Spartacus.

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SYSK Selects: How do dogs perceive time? May 02, 2020

A dog that knows exactly when its owners will arrive home every day seems to have a human perception of time, but in fact, they perceive time very differently than we do. Find out more about how dogs view time in this classic episode.

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Agatha Christie: Queen of the Murder Mystery Apr 30, 2020

Agatha Christie was a great writer of murder mystery novels and is probably the best selling author of all time. Listen in today to learn her story.

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Short Stuff: Mullets: 'Nuff Said Apr 29, 2020

Business in the front, you know the rest. Listen in as we discuss the lifestyle choice that is the mullet.

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How Existential Risks Work Apr 28, 2020

An existential risk is a special kind of threat that are different from other types of risks in that if one of them ever befalls us, it would spell the permanent end of humanity. It just so happens we seem to be headed for just such a kind of catastrophe.

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SYSK Selects: How the U.S. Postal Service Works Apr 25, 2020

Back when this episode aired, the USPS was teetering on the edge of going under and there were a lot of plans on the table to save it. With the USPS again at risk now for different reasons, join Chuck and Josh as they explore the history and future of the postal service in this classic episode.

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How the Voyager Golden Records Work Apr 23, 2020

As part of a super 70s push to get Earth to a seat at the table of the Galactic Federation (in case there is, in fact, such a thing), astronomer Carl Sagan oversaw an ambitious project to launch a compilation of Earth’s greatest hits into deep space.

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Short Stuff: The NY Times Crossword Apr 22, 2020

Today Chuck and Josh take a shallow dive in the warm pool that is the NY Times Crossword Puzzle.

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The Soul Train Episode Apr 21, 2020

Today, Chuck and Josh dive into the funky, cool world of the classic TV show, Sooooooooul Train.

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SYSK Selects: How Labor Unions Work Apr 18, 2020

Yes, it's true: Unions have a shady mob-related past and were originally championed by anarchists. Born from medieval trade guilds, these organizations also helped grow the American economy, and not only protected but established workers' rights.

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How Wastewater Treatment Works Apr 16, 2020

All that gross stuff we humans put in the water that gets flushed down the sewers has to be taken back out before that water is reintroduced to the environment. That’s the ideal, and it’s essential to staving off the imbalance people bring to the planet.

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Short Stuff: Turning Down the Radio When You're Lost Apr 15, 2020

It’s a typical human reaction: When you’re driving and you realize that you’re lost, you turn down the radio. On its face it makes no sense – or does it? (It does.)

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Bidets: Now More Than Ever Apr 14, 2020

We all know the benefits of bidets. But with toilet paper in short supply, they're more important than ever before.

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SYSK Selects: How Dissociative Identity Disorder Works Apr 11, 2020

Dissociative Identity Disorder was known as multiple personality disorder until a case of mass hysteria brought on by the movie-mad public and unscrupulous psychiatrists led to a stigma over the term. Now psychiatry has gotten serious about the condition. Learn more in this classic episode.

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Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, Feminist Physician Apr 09, 2020

Becoming the first licensed woman physician in America was tough, convincing male surgeons to wash their hands between patients was even tougher. Today Josh and Chuck pay tribute to a genuine pioneer in medicine and society.

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Short Stuff: AAirpass Apr 08, 2020

In the go-go 80s and 90s, American Airlines offered the AAirpass, a lifetime pass for unlimited first class travel. It was an amazing deal, but AA didn’t predict just how much some travelers would use it. They played with fire, they got burned.

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The Legends of Lost Nazi Gold Apr 07, 2020

As if being murdering SOBs weren’t enough, the Nazis were also thieving rats. During WWII, they stole billons in gold from countries they overran and moved it to Germany. But at the end of the war, only part of it was recovered. Where’s the rest?

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SYSK Selects: How the Deep Web Works Apr 04, 2020

Perhaps you didn’t realize that when you search the web you’re only skimming the surface. In fact, the types of web pages that turn up in your search engine results represent only a mere fraction of the total web. Immerse yourself in the Deep web and its dark corners in this classic episode.

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Student Loans: UGH! Apr 02, 2020

Student loans can be pretty complicated. Luckily Chuck and Josh are here to wade through the financial muck for you.

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Short Stuff: 666 Apr 01, 2020

Today, Chuck and Josh dive into that scary number...666.

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How Dog Training Works Mar 31, 2020

Chuck and Josh explore the age-old question: Should you train your dog by treating it like a living, feeling being or should you beat them up and break their spirit?

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SYSK Selects: Can Nuclear Fusion Reactors Save The World? Mar 28, 2020

The world’s energy consumption is ruining the planet but for decades physicists have been working on what could solve the world’s energy and climate change woes for centuries to come – nuclear fusion. Learn about building stars on Earth in this classic episode.

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How COVID-19 Works Mar 26, 2020

We’re in the middle of an odd, tense time and Josh and Chuck are here to explain what’s going on and how to stay safe.

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Short Stuff: Dagen H Mar 25, 2020

One day in 1967, Sweden changed what side of the road its citizens drive on. It went surprisingly well, considering.

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Could A Robot Tax Win the War on Poverty? Mar 24, 2020

An old idea – giving every resident of a country a set amount of money every month with no strings attached – became a hot item in Silicon Valley and on the 2020 campaign trail. Could it alleviate the impending job loss coming from automation?

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SYSK Selects: Virus Talk with Josh and Chuck Mar 21, 2020

Viruses are big jerks that invade regular cells and hold them hostage, making you sick while they're doing it. Learn everything you ever needed to know about viruses, including how the common cold works, in this classic episode.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: How Jim Henson Worked Mar 20, 2020

We’ve already recorded an episode on The Muppets, but Jim Henson was such a neat guy we delved into him even further. Learn all about the man behind the Muppets who was so much more than just a master puppeteer in this episode.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: SYSK Live: How Bars Work Mar 20, 2020

Join Josh and Chuck live from Vancouver as they dive in to the ins and outs of one of the oldest businesses in the world – the bar! Learn about the history of bars, cocktails and the good people who put them together in new and amazing ways.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: How Grass Works? Yes, How Grass Works Mar 20, 2020

There’s nothing more boring than watching grass grow, which is why Josh and Chuck aren’t asking you to do that. Instead, you can learn about all sorts of neat things about grass - like how American became obsessed with perfect lawns - in this episode.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: How Terraforming Will Work Mar 20, 2020

A lot of great thinkers are warning that if humans are to survive as a species we are going to have to find another planet to live on. Terraforming, or engineering a planet to maintain all of the ingredients to sustain life, seems to be the answer.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: How Rogue Waves Work Mar 20, 2020

Rogue waves come out of nowhere and tower as much as 100 feet over hapless ships they encounter, breaking across the boat and frequently breaking the boat and its inhabitants. Investigate the mystery of rouge waves in this episode.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: Was there a real King Arthur? Mar 20, 2020

The legend of King Arthur is very old and very established. By the time the king who saved Britain and united it was first written about, his story was already hundreds of years old. And while many of the details of his life and adventures, from the Lady of the Lake to Merlin the Magician, seem fictional some archaeologists believe that Arthur -- and much of his life -- was real.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: The Amazing History of Soda Mar 20, 2020

The soda we get instantly mixed at a fast-food joint owes a lot to a rich history going back to the Roman baths, that features drugs, diseases and explosions. Learn all about soda and soda fountains in this surprisingly interesting episode.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: How Rodney Dangerfield Worked, Live From LA Mar 20, 2020

Other comedians cry on the inside, but Rodney Dangerfield built his entire act around his sad life. Get to know this legendary comic who was nearing 50 when he got his break.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: How Pinball Works Mar 20, 2020

Pinball was actually illegal until the 1970s in NY and other cities, hidden in the backs of pornography shops. The game was finally legalized, thanks to a Babe Ruth-style shot by the best player in the world. Learn all about it with Josh and Chuck.

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SYSK Distraction Playlist: Sugar: It Powers the Earth Mar 20, 2020

Since sugar spread from Polynesia a few thousand years ago, the world has been crazy for it. Insanely high prices, wars and even slavery couldn't undo world's need for a sugar fix. Today that fix is responsible for the obesity epidemic facing the West.

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What was the Falkland Islands War all about anyway? Mar 19, 2020

The battle between Britain and Argentina over the rocky, cold Falkland Islands is one of the weirder wars in history. Learn all about it today!

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Short Stuff: The Pledge of Allegiance Mar 18, 2020

The American Pledge of Allegiance is much more interesting than you might think. Give us 12 minutes and we'll fill you in.

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Chopsticks > Forks Mar 17, 2020

Today Chuck and Josh sit and converse on the simple, elegant chopstick.

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SYSK Selects: How Monopoly Works Mar 14, 2020

Since more than 1 billion people have played it, you’re probably familiar with the board game Monopoly, but we bet you don’t know its secret origins as a left-wing socialist teaching tool. Join Josh and Chuck as they chase it down in this classic episode.

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How Ice Climbing Works Mar 12, 2020

A few decades ago, some people who liked to climb mountains decided they wanted to make it even harder and ice climbing was born. If you think rock climbing is difficult, put on your base layer and join Josh and Chuck on the glacier.

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Short Stuff: Teresita Basa Mar 11, 2020

In the annals of American justice there is a 1977 case where the police were tipped off to the identity of a murderer by a woman who said she was possessed by the victim.

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How Coyotes Work Mar 10, 2020

The coyote truly is wily. Even after a century-long attempt to drive them to extinction, this close relative of domesticated dogs not only hung onto survival, but actually doubled its range and expanded its population. Coyotes are here to stay.

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SYSK Selects: How Gold Works Mar 07, 2020

As of early 2013, only 161,00 metric tons of gold had been mined in the entire history of the world. Considering about 85 percent of it is recycled, there's a decent chance your jewelry may once have been part of an Incan headdress or Mycenaean face mask. Dive in to gold in this classic episode.

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Mardi Gras! One month late Mar 05, 2020

In true SYSK fashion, Josh and Chuck are late to the game. But never fear, they will still detail Mardi Gras in all its colorful glory.

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Short Stuff: Exclamation Points! Mar 04, 2020

We all use them! But did we always? NO!! Learn all about everyone's favorite punctuation mark today!

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How Morphic Fields Work? Mar 03, 2020

Biologist and science historian Rupert Sheldrake is known as a heretic of science, mostly for his deeply strange ideas about what connects all living things. But his pokes at science help keep the field from growing dogmatic and for that we salute him.

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SYSK Selects: Your limb is torn off - now what? Feb 29, 2020

Were you to be the unfortunate victim of a limb removal of any sort, you could take hope. Here in the 21st century, doctors have gotten pretty handy at reattaching arms and legs, replacing thumbs with toes, rebuilding breasts, all to great success thanks to microsurgery techniques.

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Sammy Davis Jr: National Treasure Feb 27, 2020

Today Josh and Chuck sit down and detail the complicated life of the late, great Sammy Davis Jr.

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Short Stuff: Hawaiian Night Marchers Feb 26, 2020

Get ready for some Hawaiian folklore, people. Today we discuss the Night Marchers.

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What's the deal with indigo? Feb 25, 2020

Indigo is a color with a rich past. Learn all about it today.

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SYSK Selects: How Cult Deprogramming Works Feb 22, 2020

The fear of cults in the 1970s drove Americans to look the other way on kidnappings, abuse and torture of cult members by deprogrammers – but did it even work? Find out in this classic episode.

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Birthmarks: Probably Not the Mark of the Devil Feb 20, 2020

It’s a pretty safe assumption that people have been born with birthmarks since humanity began, and between then and now we’ve come up with some wacky, even dangerous, explanations for them – even a few that survive still today.

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Short Stuff: Mexican Jumping Beans Feb 19, 2020

Mexican jumping beans are a real thing and they really do move around. It’s not magic, it’s nature!

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The Unsolved Indiana Dunes Disappearances Feb 18, 2020

In July 1966, three women out for a day at the beach waded into the water of Lake Michigan, got onto a boat and were never heard from again. To this day, not a trace of them has ever turned up and theories of what became of them abound.

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SYSK Selects: A Podcast on Zoot Suits? Yes Feb 15, 2020

Few riots can be attributed to passing fashions, but zoot suits are top among them. After originating among the Harlem Renaissance crowd, the zoot suit came to symbolize political defiance. Find out why it's still illegal to wear a zoot suit in L.A. in this classic episode.

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911 Is Not a Joke Feb 13, 2020

Josh and Chuck delve into the world of 911 in today's episode.

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Short Stuff: Body Under The Bed Feb 12, 2020

A couple unknowingly spending the night above a dead body stuffed under their bed is a longstanding urban legend. And a true one.

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Optogenetics: Controlling Your Genes with Light Feb 11, 2020

What if a genetic brain disease could be turned off simply by flashing a light in your eyes? What if your depression could be cured that way? Sounds amazingly wonderful, true, but what if your behavior could be controlled that way too?

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SYSK Selects: How Bonsai Works Feb 08, 2020

For thousands of years people have been taking normal trees and forcing them into miniature. Learn all about the history and art of this strangely engrossing pastime in this classic episode.

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Why are Pentecostals growing so rapidly? Feb 06, 2020

Pentecostals are seemingly taking over the world. Or at least they're making up a larger section of Christianity than every before. Why? We'll dig in on that in today's episode.

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Short Stuff: The Iowa Caucus Feb 05, 2020

The Iowa Caucus is super important. But not really. Find out why.

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How AI Facial Recognition Works Feb 04, 2020

With the development of increasingly smart artificial intelligence and lots more cameras spread around than ever before, we have reached a critical point in the US and other countries where governments can easily track everyone, everywhere, all the time.

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SYSK Selects: How Maglev Trains Work Feb 01, 2020

Thanks to the amazing properties of magnets, clever engineers have figured out how to make entire trains levitate above their tracks, letting them move frictionlessly and allowing them to reach incredible speeds. Learn about how maglev trains work and what's taking so long for us to get aboard in this classic episode.

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Who were the Buffalo Soldiers? Jan 30, 2020

Josh and Chuck dive into history today to tell the story of the Buffalo Soldiers.

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Short Stuff: The O.K. Corral Jan 29, 2020

Listen in as we detail, in short, the legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral.

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Amazing Animal Stories! Jan 28, 2020

Regular animal stories are wonderful enough, but when animals lead amazing lives the stories become almost unbearably wonderful. You’ve been warned!

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SYSK Selects: How the Scientific Method Works Jan 25, 2020

It evolved over centuries to become the gold standard for conducting scientific inquiry. Yet many people - including some scientists - don't fully understand it. Learn about the basis of how we explore our world in this classic episode.

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Barefoot Running: The Best Podcast Episode in History Jan 23, 2020

What is barefoot running? I think you know. But we'll detail all of the ins and outs. Listen and learn!

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Short Stuff: Byford Dolphin Incident Jan 22, 2020

In 1983, what may be the worst diving catastrophe in the history of deep sea oil exploration took place when a pressurized chamber was opened, instantly killing four divers inside.

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Why Postal Employees Go Postal Jan 21, 2020

1993 was known as the peak of a disturbing trend in America: post office shootings, carried out by postal workers. A stunned country looked for answers and turned up a toxic workplace that seemed to be driving some workers past their breaking point.

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SYSK Selects: How the Placebo Effect Works Jan 18, 2020

For centuries, doctors have prescribed drugs they knew weren't real – but that still somehow worked. It wasn't until the 1980s that the placebo effect was studied. Learn all about how an inert substance can have a genuine impact on a patient's recovery, in this classic episode.

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The Tulsa 'Race Riots' Jan 16, 2020

In reality, the Tulsa "race riots" of 1921 was more like a massacre. Yet it was almost lost to history until 1997, and still not widely known outside of Oklahoma until HBO's The Watchmen put it on the cultural map. Learn all about this dark chapter in American history today.

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Short Stuff: The Mona Lisa Jan 15, 2020

The Mona Lisa is a captivating work of art. But why? We'll try and figure it out in today's short stuff.

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Transdermal Implants: Body Art or Nightmare Fuel? Jan 14, 2020

Transdermal implants are just one in a number of procedures under the banner of extreme body modification. We don't like to yuk yums, so we'll offer a fairly straightforward look at this niche art form.

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SYSK Selects: Jellyfish - Even Cooler Than Octopi? Jan 11, 2020

Jellyfish are among the most adaptable, competitive organisms on the planet. They can grow back into their juvenile stage when resources are scarce, reproduce in massive groups and kill an adult human, among lots of other neat stuff. Learn all about em in this classic episode!

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The Disappearance of Flight MH370, Part II Jan 09, 2020

In the absence of an official explanation of why flight MH 370 disappeared in 2014, conjecture and conspiracy theories have filled the vacuum.

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Short Stuff: Corduroy Jan 08, 2020

Learn 12 minutes worth of stuff about corduroy today!

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The Disappearance of Flight MH370, Part I Jan 07, 2020

In 2014, a Boeing 777 airliner disappeared. Despite two full years of searching an area of ocean covering more than 120,000 square kilometers, it has never been found. It is the only unexplained missing vessel in modern aviation history.

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SYSK Selects: Will Computers Replace Doctors? Jan 04, 2020

With savvy and health-conscious people taking control of their wellbeing through apps and sites, technology is meeting the desire for individuals' responsibility for their health. But is the day coming soon when doctors will be obsolete, replaced by computers that read our health-related data to treat us? We explore these questions and more in this classic episode.

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How Safecracking Works Jan 02, 2020

Burglars have come up with a whole range of ways to get into a safe. There’s lock manipulation – methodically testing the dial to coax the combination from it – and if that fails you can always blow it open with nitroglycerin. Both count as safecracking.

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Short Stuff: Why Does Time Speed Up As You Age? Jan 01, 2020

It’s not just you – time really does seem to pass faster for people as we age. But exactly why remains a mystery, though some of the theories for why life passes by so quickly are make a lot of sense.

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Are broken arrows a problem? Dec 31, 2019

Are broken arrows are a problem? After all, they are incidents and accidents involving nuclear warheads. Like, sometimes they go missing. But it hasn't happened much since the 50s and 60s. OR HAS IT? Learn all about them today.

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SYSK Selects: How Wine Fraud Works Dec 28, 2019

Wine fraud may be a case of rich con artists tricking wealthy people into parting with money, but it's still a crime. Learn all about this weird, widespread practice in this classic episode.

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SYSK Live: Andre the Giant Dec 26, 2019

Andre the Giant was a giant both figuratively and literally. Sure he was a wrestler, but more than that he was a human being who left a great legacy behind. Even if you're not a wrestling fan, you can appreciate his story. Join us for this very special live edition of the story of Andre the Giant.

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Short Stuff: The Santa Claus Association Dec 25, 2019

If a con man manages to make needy Christmas wishes come true is he still a con man? (Also, Merry Christmas!)

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The SYSK Holiday Spectacular Dec 24, 2019

It's an annual treat, folks. Our holiday special is back and better than ever, and as always, brought to you ad-free. It's the least we can do.

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SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978 Dec 21, 2019

Long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas allowed the Star Wars Holiday Special to be made. What happened on the night of November 17, 1978 can never be fully explained, but we make our best effort in a very special edition of SYSK. May the force be with us all.

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Cave Diving: Totally Nuts Dec 19, 2019

There are extreme sports and then there is cave diving, the most extreme activity a person can engage in without leaving Earth. Cave divers stay underwater swimming miles into – that’s right – caves, where no human has ever been before. It’s pretty cool.

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Short Stuff: Obituaries Dec 18, 2019

Learn everything we know about obituaries in 12 minutes!

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MC Escher and His Trippy Art Dec 17, 2019

We love us some MC Escher. Turns out his story is pretty fascinating too. Tune in today.

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SYSK Selects: How Currency Works Dec 14, 2019

Even if you entirely eschew the concept of money, we'll bet you'd be hard pressed not to trade in some form of currency. Learn how everything from cows to cacao beans to tiny shells from Maldives have served as currency at some time or another.

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How Anorexia and Bulimia Work Dec 12, 2019

Anorexia and bulimia - those twin eating disorders that seem so common and maybe even just a phase for a teenage girl – are actually the deadliest mental illnesses in America. Cultivating an eating disorder can create issues that can last a lifetime.

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Short Stuff: Whisky or Bourbon? Dec 11, 2019

What's the difference between whisky and bourbon? We'll tell you if you care to listen.

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Gin Dec 10, 2019

If there's one thing we've learned about Chuck over the years it's that he loves his gin. And he loves it even more now that understands it. Pour yourself a martini and cozy up to the gin-cast.

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SYSK Selects: How Amnesia Works Dec 07, 2019

Those movies where someone gets hit on the head and can't remember who they are anymore? They're actually not too far off from the reality of amnesia. Learn everything about this bizarre and life-robbing condition with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.

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What's a gap year anyway? Dec 05, 2019

Chuck thought a gap year was post college. Turns out, it's a post high school year off from academics, where you travel the world, help others, and find yourself. Should you do it? We say "yes!" If you can afford it that is.

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Short Stuff: Macadamia Nuts Dec 04, 2019

Macadamia nuts aren't nuts! They're seeds! And they are delicious. And good for you in the right amount. Learn all about them today.

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Did Climate Cause the Collapse of the Maya? Dec 03, 2019

After millennia of development, the Maya culture suddenly collapsed at its peak. Why is one of the biggest mysteries of history. One theory says catastrophic climate change was the cause. And it may have happened to other cultures too.

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SYSK Selects: Fractals - Whoa Nov 30, 2019

In the 1980s, IBM mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot gazed for the first time upon his famous fractal. What resulted was a revolution in math and geometry and our understanding of the infinite, not to mention how we see Star Trek II. Get blown away by fractals in this classic episode.

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How Conversion Therapy Doesn't Work Nov 28, 2019

Conversion therapy is a misguided attempt by religious zealots to convert people from gay to straight. News flash - it doesn't work. Learn all about this abhorrent practice today.

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Short Stuff: Niagara Falls Dewatered Nov 27, 2019

In 1969, the Army Corps of Engineers turned off one of the main waterfalls at Niagara Falls to see what could be done to preserve it. They found two corpses, one carcass and lots of pennies.

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How Carbon-14 Dating Works Nov 26, 2019

Some of the carbon dioxide in your body is radioactive! Don’t worry, it won’t harm you (not sure why we used an exclamation point there). Instead, it might someday be detected by future archaeologists to determine how long ago you walked the Earth.

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SYSK Selects: Have all the good ideas already been discovered? Nov 23, 2019

It's no secret that human beings have an obsession with innovation -- but has our species already found every good idea? As Josh and Chuck break down the continuing search for the next great idea, they touch on everything from hand tools to cancer cures.

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What Makes a Must-Have Christmas Toy? Nov 21, 2019

Ever since Cabbage Patch Kids came along in 1983, there’s been an annual holiday frenzy around one particular toy – the must-have Christmas toy of the year. But what makes a toy a must-have toy? Josh and Chuck investigate (and kick off the holidays).

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Short Stuff: Backyard Burials Nov 20, 2019

Time was that you’d bury a deceased relative in your yard; now it’s just weird. But it’s still legal – and if you want to do it, here’s how!

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The Murder Mystery of Ötzi the Iceman Nov 19, 2019

About 5,300 years ago a Copper Age shepherd was murdered. He just happened to die in a place where his body was so well preserved that gave researchers an actual shot at determining the course of his final day on Earth.

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SYSK Selects: How Salt Works Nov 16, 2019

A Roman senator once said, "Mankind can live without gold, but not without salt." Right he was. The human body needs salt so much we have developed a taste for it specifically. But too much salt can be toxic. Learn about salt's role in human history and how we get it from the Earth in this classic episode.

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NYC Water: An Engineering Marvel Nov 14, 2019

Getting the rain and melted snow from upstate NY into the taps of every NYC resident and business is one of the great feats of engineering. Does it taste great and make perfect bagels and pizza crust? Sources say yes!

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Short Stuff: The Conch Republic Nov 13, 2019

Back in 1982, Key West seceded from the United States. Don’t believe us? It’s true! Just listen to the episode, will you?

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Augmented Reality: Coming Soon? Nov 12, 2019

Augmented reality adds a digital layer over the real world and soon it will revolutionize how we live. Ultra-tailored information will be everywhere we look, creating a richer, more personalized experience in everything from surgery to walking down the street.

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SYSK Selects: Can you Treat Mental Illness with Psychedelics? Nov 09, 2019

Hallucinogenic drugs are currently illegal, but they were once commonly used in psychological treatment. In this classic episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the rise and fall of psychedelics in treating mood disorders -- and why they're starting to gain favor again.

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Cockney Rhyming Slang: Beautiful Gibberish Nov 07, 2019

What is Cockney Rhyming Slang? It's complicated and its origins are unclear. Learn everything we know about it today.

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How Ironman Triathlons Work Nov 06, 2019

Sure, you could train for months to finish a marathon, but why not make things interesting? Ironman triathlons add a 2.4-mile swim and a 112-mile bike race before the marathon leg. It’s as grueling as it sounds.

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Short Stuff: The History of Paternity Testing Nov 06, 2019

Paternity testing. It wasn't science for many years, yet they still tried to do it. Learn all about it in 12 minutes.

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SYSK Selects: Halitosis - Worst Smell Ever? Nov 02, 2019

Occasional bad breath is one thing, halitosis is another. Or is it? From its odd origins as a marketing ploy to modern weight loss diets that can induce this embarrassing condition, you can learn all about bad breath in this classic episode.

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SYSK’s Scare Your Socks Off Halloween Spooktacular 2019 Oct 31, 2019

Josh and Chuck chose a truly unsettling story by one of the greatest science fiction authors of all time – Philip K Dick. Join the boys as they read “The Hanging Stranger,” complete with scary sound effects by the Extraordinary Jeri!

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Short Stuff: Our Shortie Halloween Spooktacular Oct 30, 2019

Join us today as we read three short horror selections from Ambrose Bierce.

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Where Did Trick-Or-Treating Come From? Oct 29, 2019

We aren’t exactly sure who invented trick-or-treating – kids who realized they could extort adults for candy, or adults who bought off kids in exchange for laying off pranks? The bigger question is: Will trick-or-treating survive the 21st century?

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SYSK Selects: How Haunted House Attractions Work Oct 26, 2019

Ever since the Egyptians, humans have been evolving toward haunted house attractions. The level of sophistication in the scares and gore effects continues to rise over time, but the purpose remains the same: to scare the pants off you.

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How Historic Districts Work Oct 24, 2019

A fascinating thing about Americans is that we can disagree on anything. Such is the case with historic districts – areas of historic importance protected by local laws. Seems innocuous, but are they also to blame for the affordable housing crisis?

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Short Stuff: The Toxic Death of Gloria Ramirez Oct 23, 2019

In 1994 the body of a woman who died in a California ER somehow became toxic and sickened 24 people. To this day, no one is sure what happened.

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What's the deal with subpoenas? Oct 22, 2019

Subpoenas are all the rage. But what do they even mean if someone can just ignore it? Learn this and a lot more in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: The 'Satanic Panic' of the 1980s Oct 19, 2019

In the late 1980s, the United States experienced a "Satanic Panic," leading parents to fear for the safety of their children. But were there any real examples of Satanic ritual abuse? Find out this and more in this classic episode.

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How Project Blue Book Worked, Pt II Oct 17, 2019

A rash of UFO sightings kicks off a new spike in America’s UFO fever and new headaches for the Air Force, which continues to reluctantly investigate. After becoming a laughingstock for its limp explanations, the Air Force looks for an exit from the UFO biz.

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Short Stuff: The Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Oct 16, 2019

Ambrose Bierce was a journalist and writer of short stories. He also disappeared rather mysteriously. Listen in and learn of the various theories on what happened to him.

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How Project Blue Book Worked, Pt I Oct 15, 2019

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SYSK Selects: How Black Boxes Work Oct 12, 2019

Black boxes are designed to be the only survivor of plane crashes so they can live to tell the tale of what went wrong to prevent future accidents. Sit in with Josh and Chuck and learn about how these grim devices are made, how they're tested and the tales they've told, in this classic episode.

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The Ins and Outs of Beekeeping Oct 10, 2019

Who wants fresh honey? We do! Learn all about the ancient art of beekeeping today.

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Short Stuff: The Devil's Den Oct 09, 2019

The Devil's Den is the sight of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Is it haunted? Nope. But still creepy.

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How Environmental Psychology Works Oct 08, 2019

In the 60s, psychology expanded from exploring inside the mind to exploring the inside of buildings. Environmental psychology looks at how our spaces affect us – from how a busy mall can create a panic attack to how looking at nature can speed recovery from surgery.

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SYSK Selects: How Pez Works Oct 05, 2019

PEZ began in Vienna as a mint meant to help people quit smoking. But once American kids got ahold of it, the candy took off and a symbol of childhood - and healthy secondary market among collectors - was born. Explore Pez history and culture with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.

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What were the Freedom Schools? Oct 03, 2019

Freedom Schools were set up in Mississippi in the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, with the aim of giving young black school children agency and a future. They remain one of the more inspiring and progressive programs in American History, yet so few know about them. We're hoping to change that.

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Short Stuff: Fish n' Chips Oct 02, 2019

How did these two wonderful strangers meet up and become best friends? The answers lie within today's short stuff.

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Guardian Angels: Behind the Red Beret Oct 01, 2019

If you grew up in the 1980s, then you know who the Guardian Angels are. If you don't then you're in for quite a story. Listen in!

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SYSK Selects: What Happened at Kent State? Sep 28, 2019

On May 4, 1970, four days of anti-war protests at Kent State University in Ohio culminated in the unthinkable when Ohio guardsmen opened fire on protesters, killing four students. How could this tragedy take place? Learn more in this classic episode.

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What are paraphilias? Sep 26, 2019

Josh and Chuck dive into the world of paraphilias so you can get the skinny in 45 minutes or less.

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Short Stuff: Dare Stones Sep 25, 2019

What happened to the Lost Colonists who disappeared from Roanoke Island in the 1580s remains a mystery to this day. But it’s possible a carved stone a man vacationing in North Carolina found in the 1930s may have solved it – if the stone isn’t a hoax.

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We Are Running Out of Sand and That Actually Matters Sep 24, 2019

Sand, we’re beginning to realize, is a non-renewable resource - and we are consuming it at a voracious pace. We use it in every construction project around the world and to create new land. And we’re wrecking the ecosystems we mine sand from.

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SYSK Selects: Could You Live Without a Refrigerator? Sep 21, 2019

Do you know that hulking refrigerator in your kitchen emits CO2 thanks to the electricity it uses each year? It's a comparatively small amount, in truth, but enough that some people have foresworn their fridge and adopted a life without one. See how they do it in this classic episode.

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How the US Interstate System Works Sep 19, 2019

Wait! This is actually a good episode! It turns out that America’s 48,000 miles of superhighways – possibly the largest civil works project in the history of humanity – may have also ruined what made America a cool place.

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Short Stuff: Scurvy Sep 18, 2019

Scurvy seems like a terrible way to go: Your gums swell so you can’t eat, your teeth fall out and your brain and/or heart hemorrhages. Fortunately, all you need is an orange to cure you. Or some – blech – broccoli.

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The Skinny on Lyme Disease Sep 17, 2019

If you live in the Northeastern U.S. then you may know someone who has had Lyme disease. But it's spreading all over the country and parts of the world. Learn all about this tick-borne disease today.

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SYSK Selects: How Wills Work Sep 14, 2019

Whether it's oral, scrawled in blood or signed on a deathbed everyone should have a will. But how do they actually work? Join Chuck and Josh as they explain that "of sound mind" thing in this classic episode.

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Special Effects: A Short History Sep 12, 2019

Special effects have been around since the first movies. In fact, the techniques the earliest filmmakers created are still around today, we just use computers to do them faster and cheaper. Put on your beret and get ready for SYSK film class.

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Short Stuff: Papasan Chairs Sep 11, 2019

Oh, the papasan. What a chair! But where did it come from? And what does the name mean? The answers lie within.

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How Government Shutdowns Work Sep 10, 2019

Every year Congress decides how the federal government will spend money. Simple enough, but in practice politics tend to mess it up. Sometimes it gets so messy the budget doesn’t get passed and parts of the government shut down. Then the hurting begins.

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SYSK Selects: How Ouija Boards Work Sep 07, 2019

Although most people who've used Ouija boards don't think they're communicating with the beyond, there is something mysterious about how it works. Learn the ins and outs of the popular parlor game that sprang directly from the 19th-century spiritualism movement in this classic episode.

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What's the deal with MSG? Sep 05, 2019

MSG got a bad rap in the 70s and 80s. But what is it exactly and how bad is it for you? The answers to those questions lie within.

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Short Stuff: Barbed Wire Sep 04, 2019

Barbed wire changed the Western US as much as the railroad and the six-shooter. Before barbed wire arrived, the West was free and open; after, the West became concentrated in the hands of a few big ranchers. No wonder it was called “devil’s rope.”

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Ed Gein: The Serial Killer's Serial Killer Sep 03, 2019

Any movie featuring a deranged killer who’s perversely devoted to his mother and makes things out of human skin has a real-life person named Ed Gein to thank for inspiration. He was Buffalo Bill, Norman Bates, and Leatherface all rolled into one.

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SYSK Selects: How Icebergs Work Aug 31, 2019

Icebergs: floating chunks of ice. True, but whoa there. Scientists are learning that there's a lot more to icebergs. Appropriately enough, we've only come to understand the tip of the iceberg and recent research shows there's plenty more to uncover.

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The Rubik's Cube Episode Aug 29, 2019

Rubik's Cubes. Ronald Reagan. Jerry Falwell. Just Say No. One of these things was awesome. Take a guess and hop on board the 80s train.

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Short Stuff: Dead Bodies and Airline Codes Aug 28, 2019

Did you know there are airline codes for pilots and flight attendants? And some of them have to do with dead bodies on board? Learn all about it today!

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A Brief Overview of Punk Rock Aug 27, 2019

Punk rock really needs about 10 episodes to do it justice, but we'll try and tackle anyway. Learn all about this movement right now.

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SYSK Selects: How Sleepwalking Works Aug 24, 2019

Sleep behaviors are pretty fascinating. Some people snore, some grind their teeth -- and some take a little stroll, or perhaps a drive. In this classic episode, Josh and Chuck investigate how sleepwalking, or somnambulism, works.

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How Ventriloquism Works Aug 22, 2019

Ventriloquism – where a skilled performer “throws” their voice, making it seem like a dummy on their knee is talking – has taken a long, circuitous road from early prophets, to witches, then finally to the stage. Get to the bottom of this uncanny trick.

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Short Stuff: Horseshoe Crab Blood Aug 21, 2019

Perhaps the most expensive liquid on the planet is the blue blood that comes from horseshoe crabs. Researchers realized that horseshoe crab blood could indicate the presence of pathogens and the massive, ongoing horseshoe crab harvest began.

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Nuclear Semiotics: How to Talk to Future Humans Aug 20, 2019

The nuclear waste we produce will be dangerous for a very long time. We’ve figured out how to safely store it in the earth until it’s no longer a biohazard. Now we just have to figure out how to warn humans 10,000 years in the future to stay away from it.

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SYSK Selects: Are We in a Cyberwar? Aug 17, 2019

There's a secret war going on around us, and it's happening on a daily basis. The Air Force has a unit specifically designed to carry out and defend against cyberwar. Go deep into this alarming type of war in this classic episode.

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How Peyote Works Aug 15, 2019

Josh and Chuck have tackled a lot of drugs on the show, but peyote has loomed like a bad Jim Morrison poem. Learn all about this plant today.

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Short Stuff: Petrichor Aug 14, 2019

You know that amazing smell when it rains? Kind of clean, kind of earthy, one of a kind? It turns out that a miracle of nature produces it.

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Solar Power: The Future or What? Aug 13, 2019

We’ve been promised solar energy for a while now – where is it? Turns out, it’s been quietly and steadily growing across the world. And with a few breakthroughs, we just may be able to say goodbye to fossil fuels. Learn about sun-based energy in this episode.

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SYSK Selects: What Is a Shotgun House? Aug 10, 2019

Shotgun houses are iconic pieces of American architecture: they're long, narrow, and filled with artistic flourishes. But where did they come from? Join Chuck and Josh and explore the mysterious origins of shotgun houses.

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Iran-Contra Affair: Shady in the 80s, Part 2 Aug 08, 2019

As the operation expands it also begins to unravel. Word starts to leak out of the illegal stuff the Reagan administration was up to, Congress and the press investigate and people start to point fingers. Spoiler alert – they all got off scot free.

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Short Stuff: Time Zones Aug 07, 2019

Time zones are a pain. Let's get rid of them! Can we? Sure!

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Iran-Contra Affair: Shady in the 80s, Part 1 Aug 06, 2019

When Ronald Reagan was president, America got involved in some deeply shady stuff, not the least of which was the Iran-Contra scandal – a convoluted operation that managed to combine an illegal covert war in Nicaragua with secretly selling arms to Iran.

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SYSK Selects: How the Black Death Worked Aug 03, 2019

The Black Death was gruesome: Symptoms included tumors, purple splotches, fevers and vomiting. But how did this disease manage to spread from the Gobi desert and kill approximately one-third of the population of 14th-century Europe? Find out in this classic episode.

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What Were the BONE WARS? Aug 01, 2019

A pair of old timey fossil hunters had a rootin’ tootin’ rivalry that spilled from academic journals into the American Wild West - where fossils were dynamited and employees turned double agent. Learn about the two-fisted origins of American paleontology.

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Short Stuff: The Man Who Didn’t Eat for a Year Jul 31, 2019

In 1965, a 456-pound man walked into a hospital in Scotland and asked for help with a fast. That was the last day he ate for more than a year. Learn about the medical marvel that was Angus Barbieri.

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Will Deepfakes Ruin the World? Jul 30, 2019

Very recently, thanks to a new type of AI, it’s gotten much easier to create convincingly realistic videos of people saying and doing things they’ve never said or done. Will fake videos undermine our shared sense of reality and lead to the death of truth?

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SYSK Selects: How Human Cannonballs Work Jul 27, 2019

There's no question that human cannonballs are daredevils. They pack themselves into the confines of huge cannons, which shoot them into the air. But how does it work? Join Josh and Chuck to learn more about the bizarre performances of human cannonballs.

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How Eyewitness Testimony Works(?) Jul 25, 2019

Few things are more compelling than a witness pointing out a defendant in the courtroom as the perpetrator. But few things are also more unreliable than eyewitness testimony. Our memories can be pretty terrible, which matters when you’re facing death row.

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Short Stuff: Aristides de Sousa Mendes Jul 24, 2019

This week we highlight another little known historical hero. In this case, a Portuguese diplomat who rescued people from Nazi Germany, at his own peril. Dig in and spread the word of Aristides de Sousa Mendes.

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MOVE: Or When the Philly Police Dropped a Bomb on a Residential Neighborhood Jul 23, 2019

Believe it or not, in 1985 the Philadelphia Police Department dropped a bomb from a helicopter onto a residential building in an African-American neighborhood. The fact that this story isn't more widely known says it all. Listen and learn about MOVE today.

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SYSK Selects: How Crack Works Jul 20, 2019

Back in the mid-1980s a new and extremely potent drug hit the scene: crack cocaine. In short order, America was in the grip of both a sweeping addiction and a state of hysteria over use of the drug and the social consequences of crack, like crack babies. Let's take a look back at the receding wave of the crack epidemic and its lasting legacy on America in this classic episode.

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Sand Dunes: They Are What You Think They Are Jul 18, 2019

Sand dunes are exactly what you think they are. But still pretty interesting. Learn all about them right now!

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Short Stuff: Yellow Rain Jul 17, 2019

After the Vietnam War, the Hmong people told the world a toxic weapon was being used on them. Thus began a mystery that still remains today, which might have been solved when it was chalked up to bee poop.

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How Going to the Moon Works Jul 16, 2019

Fifty years ago, the first humans stepped onto the moon. After going back a few more times, humanity lost its taste for moon travel. But it’s being revived again. NASA is planning to send humans back to the moon by 2024 and build a moon base by 2028.

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SYSK Selects: Duels - A Guide to Throwing Down the Gauntlet Jul 13, 2019

Pretty much everything you know about duels is true - it's a challenge to violence to defend honor. But did you know the U.S. Navy used to publish detailed guidelines in its midshipmen's handbook? Learn all there is to know about dueling in this classic episode.

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How Sloths Work Jul 11, 2019

Everyone knows sloths are super slow, but do you know they’re slow because their bodies produce an astoundingly small amount of energy? And did you know that might be an adaptation that protects them from predators? Sloths are awesome and we prove it.

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Short Stuff: The Coconut Cult Jul 10, 2019

Why we love short stuff - because we can tell stories like this one. A man goes to an island to start a commune of sorts that subsists entirely on coconuts. It didn't go well.

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Cleopatra: Ms. Understood Jul 09, 2019

One of the great misunderstood figures in history was the last pharaoh of Egypt. Cleopatra’s story is almost always told along with the men in her life, and from the view of the Romans who were threatened by her. Unsurprisingly, there was lot more to her.

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SYSK Selects: What Makes us Yawn? Jul 06, 2019

What is it that makes us suddenly draw in a deep breath through a wide-open mouth? The beautiful thing about yawning is that researchers really don't know. Whether the answer is physical, mental or even contagious there is pretty much no chance you won't yawn during this classic episode.

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How the Fairness Doctrine Worked Jul 04, 2019

Back in the day, broadcasters were bound by law to provide contrasting opinions on political matters. Why? Because of the Fairness Doctrine. What happened to it? Listen in and find out.

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Short Stuff: Mitsuye Endo Jul 03, 2019

In today's short stuff, we look at another amazing woman who has all but been ignored by history. The story of Mitsuye Endo.

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Is photographic memory a real thing? Jul 02, 2019

Photographic memory is the stuff of movies and TV, but is it real? Sort of. But not really. But kind of. It's a little bit a matter of semantics. Listen in and this will all make sense.

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SYSK Selects: What Makes a One-hit Wonder? Jun 29, 2019

The term "one-hit wonder" gets thrown around a lot, and - yes - you probably are using it correctly, but Chuck Bryant went to the trouble to really define what makes a one-hit wonder in the article this classic episode is based on. Join him and Josh as they get to the bottom of this disparaging term.

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What is the Civil Air Patrol? Jun 27, 2019

The Civil Air Patrol is a civilian group of pilots and plane enthusiasts who do a lot of things, namely help out in search and rescue missions. But their history is a bit more colorful. Listen in today!

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Short Stuff: Prison Food Jun 26, 2019

Prison food is kind of a joke, like airplane food. But there are real consequences involved. Let's get into it in today's short stuff.

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Planned Obsolescence: Engine of the Consumer Economy Jun 25, 2019

If you’ve ever heard an old timer gripe that things aren’t built like they used to be, that old timer was right! Learn about the nefarious, possibly mythical, mechanism that’s responsible for the cruddy products and waste our consumer society is based on.

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SYSK Selects: How the Donner Party Worked Jun 22, 2019

Did they or didn't they? There is plenty of written evidence that the ill-fated Donner Party resorted to cannibalism - except there are no bones. Learn the details of one of the worst disasters of the early West in this classic episode of Stuff You Should Know.

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What happened to the Neanderthals? Jun 20, 2019

As recently as 40,000 years ago we lived among humans from an entirely different species – Neanderthals. About the same time our species showed up, Neanderthals suddenly vanished. Just what happened to the other guys? Did our ancestors do something … bad?

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Short Stuff: Emperor Norton Jun 19, 2019

After a San Francisco real estate mogul went bankrupt, he reinvented himself as the Emperor of the United States – and became the city’s most celebrated resident.

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How the Hygiene Hypothesis Works Jun 18, 2019

In the early 90s, a new study that found that kids who are exposed to more germs early in life are less likely to develop allergies later. With the West in the grip of a full-blown immunity crisis (still going on today), this was an interesting thought.

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SYSK Selects: What's the Deal with Crop Circles? Jun 15, 2019

For a while in the 1980s, people were fascinated and confused about what exactly crop circles were. Now we know that they aren't signs left from aliens, but art made by humans. Learn all about these stunning, large form art installations in today's episode.

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How Area 51 Works Jun 13, 2019

The secret military base Area 51 is inextricably linked to every secret, shady project the US government is rumored to be involved in – from reverse-engineering alien technology to coordinating a one-world government. The truth is much more mundane.

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Short Stuff: Smoke Signals Jun 12, 2019

Were smoke signals real or a Hollywood invention? Turns out, they were indeed a thing and invented by the Chinese, even.

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What's the gig economy? Jun 11, 2019

The gig economy is not new, but it's bigger than ever. Is that a good thing? We'll discuss that today!

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SYSK Selects: How Capgras Syndrome Works Jun 08, 2019

There is an extremely rare condition where the sufferer is convinced that everyone around him is an impostor posing as their friends and family. Learn about the neurology behind this strange and sad mental disorder in this episode.

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What is perfect pitch? Jun 06, 2019

Perfect pitch, or absolute pitch, is when you can sing a note with no reference from other notes, perfectly on key. Is it an asset? Chuck says yes. Learn all about this musical rarity today.

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Short Stuff: Robert Johnson and the Devil Jun 05, 2019

Did the legendary blues singer really sell his soul to the devil in exchange for amazing musical skills? Probably not! But there’s still an interesting story there and it features the Coen Brothers.

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How Barcodes Work Jun 04, 2019

Barcodes are everywhere. Those little lines and numbers that make up one of the most recognizable barcodes, the UPC, was designed to make going to the grocery a lot less miserable. It ended up becoming the central symbol of the global economy.

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SYSK Selects: How TV Ratings Work Jun 01, 2019

Ever wonder why some great shows go off the air after a season or less? Blame it on the Nielsen company, which has for more than 60 years been the almost exclusive decider of what goes and what stays on TV.

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The Tylenol Murders, Part II May 30, 2019

The panic that began in Chicago spreads and begins to change the world. The investigation into the murders turns up leads and suspects, but still no one has ever been charged with the murders. It remains unsolved to this day.

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Short Stuff: Look-Alike Old Couples May 29, 2019

You know how some older married couples (sorry, senior adult married couples) start to look alike over time? That’s a really weird phenomenon if you think about it. So science has looked into it and they think they kind of have it figured out.

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The Tylenol Murders, Part I May 28, 2019

On one terrible day in Chicago in 1982, seven people died suddenly and mysteriously. In just a matter of hours, it becomes clear, someone has poisoned bottles of Extra-Strength Tylenol, one of the most trusted and widely-used products in America.

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SYSK Selects: How Acne Works May 25, 2019

Over the course of our lives, 80 percent of us will experience acne. Ultimately, acne comes down to one thing, a blockage in the sebaceous gland. Learn what makes a blackhead black, and everything else about zits, in this pus-filled episode of SYSK.

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What was Tin Pan Alley? May 23, 2019

Tin Pan Alley was an area of New York around the beginning of the 20th Century that served as ground zero for the earliest iterations of the music publishing industry. Learn all about this unique place and time right now.

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Short Stuff: James Polk, Disinterred May 22, 2019

Did you know that former president James Polk had his final resting place moved twice? It's true! And almost a third time even. Let's go listen to some short stuff.

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How Crystals Work May 21, 2019

In a new age shop or on display at the Smithsonian, there are varying interpretations of what crystals can be used for. But at their base, they are a thumb in the eye to entropy, a perfectly ordered piece of matter.

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SYSK Selects: How Dying Works May 18, 2019

Chuck and Josh have covered just about every aspect of death except dying itself. Here, they fulfill the death suite of podcasts with an in-depth look at just how people die, what happens to the body during the dying process and how people accept death -- and what they regret not having done while they lived.

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10ish Cases of Really Bad Luck May 16, 2019

Some guys have all the luck, some guys have all the pain. So said Rod Stewart. And if this list is any indication, “guys” is gender neutral. Listen to this episode as Chuck and Josh cover some instances of amazingly bad fortune, most of it true!

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Short Stuff: Honorary Degrees May 15, 2019

Honorary degrees are not real degrees. They are marketing opportunities for universities. They make us mad, but we want one. Learn all about them in the next 12-15 minutes.

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How Trampolines Work May 14, 2019

The world’s loved trampolines since they were invented by a pair of acrobats in Iowa in the 30s – so much so, trampolining is now an Olympic event. What people don’t love about trampolines is their propensity to cause paralysis, brain injuries and death.

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SYSK Selects: How Lie Detectors Work May 11, 2019

Instead of actually detecting lies, polygraph machines sense physiological variations, ostensibly brought on by guilt. The results are subject to interpretation, and therefore controversial. Join Josh and Chuck as they investigate the polygraph.

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Do Dietary Supplements Work? May 09, 2019

The world takes $40 billion of dietary supplements – from vitamin A to yohimbe bark – every year. Yet, the jury is still out on whether most of them work. In America, the FDA isn’t allowed to approve supplements, and no one can say what is in your pills.

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Short Stuff: Nicknames May 08, 2019

What's in a nickname? Sometimes they make sense, sometimes they don't. Let's get our shorty on and find out the deal.

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Remembering Live Aid May 07, 2019

Live Aid was a revolutionary concert event in two countries in 1985 that spanned the world via satellite. The brainchild of musician Bob Geldof, it really did help change the world in many ways, but its direct impact on Ethiopian famine relief remains in question. Listen and learn today!

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SYSK Selects: How Does a Diving Bell Work? May 04, 2019

About 2,400 years ago Aristotle mentions the use of diving bells, apparatuses that convey divers to the bottom of the sea -- or at least below the surface of the water -- and allows them to breathe -- at least until the air runs out. Learn about the physics of this clever and ancient invention and how it's been used to sabotage enemy boats and build the Brooklyn Bridge.

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What Happens When the Government Thinks You're Dead? May 02, 2019

It’s bad enough when the government knows you’re alive – there are taxes to pay, laws to be followed, all sorts of boring and unpleasant things. But each year, thousands of Americans find out life is far, far worse when the government thinks you are dead.

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Short Stuff: The Number 23 May 01, 2019

There are people out there who believe that there’s something special about the number 23. Exactly what? Who knows. Exactly why? Because it pops up a lot. But does it? Who knows.

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Michael Dillon: Trans Pioneer Apr 30, 2019

Michael Dillon was a lot of things - author, doctor, and most importantly, trans pioneer. Learn all about his story in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Zero Works Apr 27, 2019

Few numbers have as storied a past as zero. Even fewer have had as great an impact on our ability to understand our universe. Yet zero is a relatively recent arrival in math. Find out all about this surprisingly fascinating number with Chuck and Josh.

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What Were Human Zoos? Apr 25, 2019

One of the off-putting byproducts of 19th century European colonialism were human zoos, living dioramas of people from far-away places made to be gawked at. Listen in to what the deeper meaning of humans zoos held people on both sides of the glass.

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Short Stuff: Fear of Public Speaking Apr 24, 2019

Speaking in public is frequently cited as people’s number one fear, even more fearful than death. Most people go through life avoiding public speaking, but it turns out that only makes things worse. The best medicine? Public speaking.

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Is birth order important? Apr 23, 2019

There have been a lot of studies over the years regarding birth order. Some conclude that it's a big deal, while others more or less discount its importance. Learn all about it today.

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SYSK Selects: How Marijuana Works Apr 20, 2019

For millennia people used marijuana for fun and medicine. Not until the 20th century that was it vilified, unfairly say many. Weed has done lots of good things, from alleviating cancer symptoms to unlocking secrets of the brain. Learn all about pot here.

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How the Hoover Dam Works, Part II Apr 18, 2019

And now for something completely different. Just kidding – tune in to hear the thrilling conclusion of America’s most amazing public works project in the 20th century.

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Short Stuff: Emu Wars Apr 17, 2019

Did Australians really wage war on a group of emus? YES. Learn all about it in today's short stuff.

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How the Hoover Dam Works, Part I Apr 16, 2019

It’s one of America’s biggest accomplishments in the 20th century, a slab of concrete holding back one of the country’s most finicky rivers, providing water and electricity to a swath of majors cities that otherwise couldn’t exist.

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SYSK Selects: How Yo-Yos Work Apr 13, 2019

You may have played with a yo-yo before -- perhaps you've even walked the dog -- but do you know about the physics behind what makes a yo-yo sleep and wake up? Learn all about inertia, angular momentum and the history of the yo-yo in this episode of SYSK.

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How the Electric Chair Works Apr 11, 2019

The electric chair is an all-American invention. It spread almost nowhere else in the world as a capital punishment but worked overtime in the States. Despite the terrible sights and sounds an electrocution produces, it was created out of humaneness.

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Short Stuff: Lake Peigneur Apr 10, 2019

In 1980 something catastrophic happened to the quiet town of New Iberia, Louisiana. Their wide, shallow lake grew much deeper after it underwent an apocalyptic transformation.

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How Free Range Parenting Works Apr 09, 2019

Free range parenting is all about giving your child the freedom to play and explore life on their own. Are there benefits? Sure. Do some people hate the concept? Yes! Listen and learn right here.

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SYSK Selects: How Pollen Works Apr 06, 2019

For about 375 million years, plants have been using pollen (aka plant sperm) to propagate their species. And the technique has stuck around because it works. Join Chuck and Josh for a cozy look at the ins and outs of plant reproduction.

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Were Nazis Drug-Fueled Crankheads? Apr 04, 2019

Nazis were bad people. And it turns out a lot of them were high as kites on speed. Was this a recipe for disaster? Yes it was.

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Short Stuff: Unspent Campaign Money Apr 03, 2019

Have you ever wondered what happens to all those campaign donations when a political campaign goes belly up? Or, even worse, is in debt! Wonder no more!

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How Rape Kits Work Apr 02, 2019

Rape kits are simple forensic evidence collection kits used when someone is sexually assaulted. But the story is deeper than this. Learn all about rape kits, the sad backlog problem, and what you can do to help, in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Immigration Works Mar 30, 2019

Immigration systems regulate the flow of foreign immigrants into any given country. But why is immigration such a controversial topic, especially in the United States? In this episode, Josh and Chuck delve into the details and debate behind immigration.

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Etch A Sketch! Mar 28, 2019

The Etch A Sketch is yet another classic toy that Josh and Chuck love and respect. Learn all about this Hall of Fame entry today.

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Short Stuff: When Elvis Met Nixon Mar 27, 2019

Elvis really did meet with Richard Nixon. Because Elvis wanted to help fight the drug trade. True story. Hear about it in today's short stuff.

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How Druids Worked Mar 26, 2019

Anyone who likes Led Zeppelin, plays Dungeons & Dragons, or worships the rising sun at Stonehenge on the vernal equinox can tell you druids are cool. But archaeologists will tell you we can’t even be certain druids existed. Buckle in for a history mystery!

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SYSK Selects: How Sign Language Works Mar 23, 2019

It wasn't until the was developed and despite its co-existence alongside English, a user would be hard-pressed to sign with a British person. Find out about the independent evolution of sign language in the U.S. and how intuitively sensible it is.

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How Disgust Works Mar 21, 2019

Disgust is an odd thing. It makes sense that we would feel a sense of revulsion at the thought of putting rotten meat in our mouths – that’s pure evolution. But why would we feel the same emotion at the thought of weird sex or from hearing a racist rant?

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Short Stuff: The Sandman Mar 20, 2019

Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream! But who is the sandman? We'll tell you in today's edition of short stuff.

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Desert Survival: Josh and Chuck Save Your Tookus Mar 19, 2019

The chances are pretty low that you’ll find yourself lost in the desert, but on the off chance you do you’ll thank yourself that you listened to this episode, where we guide you to safety.

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SYSK Selects: Was Atlantis A Real Place? Mar 16, 2019

While the search for Atlantis has been pushed to the fringes since the 19th century, archaeologists have quietly pursued cities that may have inspired Plato to fabricate the mythical city. It looks like a team in Greece has found it.

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The Great Stink: The Stench So Bad They Gave It A Name Mar 14, 2019

In the summer of 1858, a heatwave dried up the Thames River to a trickle in London. As centuries’ worth of human waste, animal carcasses and other nasty things cooked in the sun, a stench arose that was so horrific it got its own name: The Great Stink.

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Short Stuff: Bedbugs Mar 13, 2019

We eradicated bedbugs so thoroughly in the 50s that generations who came later suspected they weren’t anymore real than jackalopes and snipes. But since we banned DDT, the pesticide that kills bedbugs best, they’re back again. And they’re terrible.

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The Case of Sacco and Vanzetti Mar 12, 2019

The trial of Sacco and Vanzetti, two anarchists accused of murder, was one of the first "crimes of the century." But did they do it? To this day there is speculation that they did not. Learn all about this famous case in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Wildfires Work Mar 09, 2019

Wildfires consume an annual average of 5 million acres in the US. But what causes wildfires? How do they become so powerful? More importantly, how do we fight them? Join Josh and Chuck as they take you to the frontlines of the fight against wildfires.

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How Dyslexia Works Mar 07, 2019

For a learning disability that everyone seems to know about, dyslexia is maybe the most commonly misunderstood and controversial cognitive difficulty there is. Some people think it’s a gift, some people think it doesn’t even exist.

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Short Stuff: Wigs in English Court Mar 06, 2019

What's the deal with the wigs in the English court system? Learn all about it in today's short stuff.

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What's the deal with ASMR? Mar 05, 2019

ASMR is soothing to some, maddening to others. Learn all about these whisper tones in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: How the Panama Canal Works Mar 02, 2019

It's on more than one list of the Seven Wonders of the World and for good reason - the Panama Canal is one of the great feats of engineering ever undertaken. First conceived of in the 1580s and finally completed in 1914, the canal has a fascinating history (including a stint where it was considered U.S. soil). Learn all about it on this episode.

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Tuskegee Airmen: American Heroes Feb 28, 2019

The Tuskegee Airmen braved racism and brutally tough training in order to secure their spot in American history as the first African-American military pilots. Listen in today to the story of their determination and heroism.

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Short Stuff: Black Loyalists Feb 27, 2019

The Black Loyalists were a group of Colonial slaves who fought for their freedom alongside the British. Learn all about this nearly forgotten group in today's Short Stuff.

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The Science of Break-Ups Feb 26, 2019

Breaking up is hard to do. Your brain might even think you're getting over a cocaine addiction. Learn all about the science behind break-ups today!

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SYSK Selects: How Lewis and Clark Worked Feb 23, 2019

They may be the most famous explorers in U.S. history, but there are plenty of interesting details to the Lewis and Clark expedition that history has allowed to fade. Learn about the origin and the aftermath of America's first early push Westward in this episode.

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How Galaxies Work Feb 21, 2019

In the universe things tend to cluster. This means there’s a coherent structure to the universe and learning about clusters of stars – galaxies - helps us figure out what that structure is. Join Chuck and Josh on an amazing space voyage!

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Short Stuff: Turbulence Feb 20, 2019

If you’ve ever had a bumpy airplane ride, you know it’s nothing fun. But have you ever noticed that the pilots sometimes tell you ahead of time to buckle in? How do they know turbulence is ahead? Are they some kind of fortune teller? How can anyone see wind?

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Yeti: The Asian Bigfoot Feb 19, 2019

We've covered Nessie and Bigfoot, so why not tackle the Yeti? Listen in today and Josh and Chuck cover what used to be known as the Abominable Snowman.

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SYSK Selects: Interpol: World Police Feb 16, 2019

Interpol is an international police agency that helps other law-enforcement agencies track criminals who operate across national borders -- but how does it work, exactly? Join the guys as they delve into the world of global law enforcement.

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Elephants: The Best Animals? Feb 14, 2019

Elephants are pretty much the best. Why? Josh and Chuck will let you know in great detail in today's episode.

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Short Stuff: War of Jenkins' Ear Feb 13, 2019

In the 18th century, Spain and England fought each other in the colonies of Georgia and Florida, a war kicked off by an English sea captain who was mad his ear had been perhaps unfairly lopped off.

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Could There Be A Loch Ness Monster? Feb 12, 2019

People have believed something strange lives in Loch Ness for at least 3500 years. Thousands of people have sighted the Loch Ness Monster and dozens of expeditions have been launched. But does the fact that nothing’s been found mean it’s not real?

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SYSK Selects: How Coral Reefs Work Feb 09, 2019

Coral reefs are the largest organic structures on Earth, yet they're created through a symbiotic relationship between creatures about 3 millimeters long. Learn more about the the world's coral reefs (and how to protect them) in this episode.

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The True Story of BlacKkKlansman Feb 07, 2019

In 2018, director Spike Lee brought the story of Ron Stallworth to the big screen to great effect. Today, Josh and Chuck discuss the true story behind the Oscar nominated film.

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Short Stuff: Ellen Richards Feb 06, 2019

Who is Ellen Richards? One of the most unsung scientists of all time, that's who. Her contribution? Bringing real science into the household and forcing the world to take "home-ec" seriously. We celebrate her today on Short Stuff.

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The Insidious Abuse of Stalking Feb 05, 2019

Stalking has only recently been recognized for what it is – a profound form of psychological abuse where the victim’s life is “infected” by the stalker, as one survivor put it. Stalking can go on for years, and in some cases may be the prelude to murder.

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SYSK Selects: Saunas: More Interesting Than You Think! Feb 02, 2019

Although they seem pretty mundane, saunas are surprisingly fascinating inventions. Josh and Chuck break out all sorts of sweaty, sauna-related trivia, from the Finnish affinity for saunas to sauna etiquette, in this episode.

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How Central Park Works Jan 31, 2019

Central Park in Manhattan was America’s first landscaped public park, built at a time when New Yorkers’ only option for getting some fresh air was hanging around cemeteries. Get all the info about this beautiful icon and how it’s served as a landscape for class struggles over three centuries.

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Short Stuff: Johnny Appleseed Jan 30, 2019

Johnny Appleseed was real! And he was about as amazing as the legend paints him. He really did plant apple trees all over America and if the feds hadn’t chopped them down during Prohibition, they’d still be around. Learn what we mean in this episode.

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How Ping Pong Works Jan 29, 2019

While Asia is well-known for being cuckoo for Ping Pong, the game was actually invented by bored British Victorian aristocrats. Go back and forth about Ping Pong’s place in the world with Chuck and Josh.

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SYSK Selects: Bioluminescence: A Bright and Shiny Fish Jan 26, 2019

Science has a handle on fireflies and glowworms, but most bioluminescent animals live in the ocean and are tough to study. Today, researchers are still figuring out why some animals produce light. Dive with Josh and Chuck into this illuminating topic.

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The Legend of Betsy Ross Jan 24, 2019

Betsy Ross is an American icon to many, the seamstress who sewed the first U.S. flag because of a personal commission from George Washington. But is it true? Sort of. Learn all about this fascinating story today.

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Short Stuff: Thread Count Jan 23, 2019

Is thread count all it's cracked up to be? Listen in and find out in today's edition of Short Stuff!

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SYSK Live: The Kellogg Brothers’ Wacky World of Health Jan 22, 2019

There’s no way you haven’t had one of their breakfast cereals, but we bet you don’t know the story behind the two brothers who brought the world corn flakes. Buckle in for a lot of talk about poop, religion and masturbation, live from Sydney, Australia.

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SYSK Selects: How Lobotomies Work Jan 19, 2019

Lobotomies -- brain surgeries to relieve psychiatric problems -- are rarely performed today, but they were once fairly common. Tune in to learn more about the controversial history and practice of lobotomies.

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The July 20th Plot to Assassinate Hitler Jan 17, 2019

A lot of people in Hitler's inner circle wanted him dead toward the end of the war. But he proved impossible to kill from within. Listen in today as Josh and Chuck dig into the infamous July 20th plot to blow up Der Führer.

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Short Stuff: Olestra Jan 16, 2019

In the 90s a fat free miracle food came out that promised we could eat all we wanted and not gain weight. But there was a caveat: it could also make your bowels unpleasantly loose.

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How Airbags Work Jan 15, 2019

It turns out that the inflatable bag of air that shoots out of your steering wheel or dashboard is the result of a controlled explosion of solid fuel, just like in a rocket – aimed for your face.

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SYSK Selects: How Schizophrenia Works Jan 12, 2019

Up to 24 million people worldwide have schizophrenia. Despite the vast amounts of research, the disorder remains mysterious. In this episode, Josh and Chuck delve into the nature of schizophrenia, from the history of the disorder to the latest research.

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The Great Finger in the Wendy’s Chili Caper Jan 10, 2019

In 2005 a woman named Anna Alaya discovered a length of human finger – nail and all – in her Wendy’s chili. Her cries of disgust would set off a media firestorm, a criminal investigation and a prison sentence for her and her husband.

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Short Stuff: How Often Do You Need To Change Your Oil? Jan 09, 2019

First things, first: Take that oil change reminder sticker off your windshield and throw it away forever and never look back!

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How the Spanish Flu Worked Jan 08, 2019

The Spanish Flu killed anywhere from 20-100 million or more people over 1918/1919. All of this played out with World War I in the foreground, one big reason why the flu spread so far, so fast. Learn all about this devastating pandemic in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Munchausen Syndrome Works Jan 05, 2019

Why would someone fake an illness? Here's an even better question: Why would someone repeatedly make themselves sick? Join Josh and Chuck as they separate the facts from fiction and give you the scoop on Munchausen syndrome.

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What was the Tunguska event? Jan 03, 2019

In 1908, the most powerful meteoroid explosion in recorded history happened over a remote area of Siberia. But the weird thing is there was no impact crater and no asteroid to be found – so was it an asteroid? (Yes.)

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Short Stuff: Khipu Jan 02, 2019

Listen in to learn all about the fascinating "language" of the Incan khipu knotted ropes.

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Rockettes: Still Kicking After All These Years Jan 01, 2019

Tune in today to learn all about the legendary NYC Rockettes, who actually got their start in Missouri.

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SYSK Selects: How Fossils Work Dec 29, 2018

A fossil is a piece of once-living organic material that has undergone a transition from an organic state to an inorganic state. But what exactly is fossilization? Listen in as Josh and Chuck break down the process of fossilization.

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Dr. Seuss: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Dec 27, 2018

The Seuss is loose in this episode about legendary children's book author Ted Geisel. The funny thing is, he didn't ever want children of his own, and his past work was a bit problematic.

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Short Stuff: The Brain-Bladder Connection Dec 26, 2018

How much do you know about the brain-bladder connection? In about 15 minutes, it'll be a lot more.

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SYSK Live Christmas Spectacular! Dec 25, 2018

This year, Josh and Chuck go live for their annual Christmas Spectacular. Recorded from the Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, pour up some eggnog, light a fire and enjoy this live show with the whole family.

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SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978 Dec 22, 2018

Long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas allowed the Star Wars Holiday Special to be made. What happened on the night of November 17, 1978 can never be fully explained, but we make our best effort in a very special edition of SYSK. May the force be with us all.

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E.T.: Is It Really the Worst Video Game of All Time? Dec 20, 2018

If you play video games you probably have an easy answer to worst game of all time: ET. But it turns out there are no easy answers, especially when you’re talking about a game so terrible it’s blamed for bringing the entire video game industry with it.

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Short Stuff: Unique Snowflakes Dec 19, 2018

Amazingly, it turns out that every snowflake truly is unique. Math backs it up.

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Geodesic Domes: The Wave of the Future That Wasn't Dec 18, 2018

Sometimes a good idea doesn’t pan out in real life. Take Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome: It requires less energy to heat and cool, it’s cheap, and it’s durable enough to withstand a hurricane – but it’s also godawful ugly and that was its undoing.

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SYSK Selects: How Igloos Work Dec 15, 2018

Igloos were traditionally used by Inuit Indians as temporary shelter while on hunting and fishing trips. In this episode, Josh and Chuck look at the design of igloos, from their impressive heat-catching properties to their ingenious construction.

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Are good samaritan laws effective? Dec 13, 2018

Good samaritan laws have been around for many years, helping to provide legal protections for people who try to help other people. But do they work? Decide for yourself today!

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Short Stuff: Laughing Buddha Dec 12, 2018

Did you know that the friendly, smiling Buddha we all know from bars and restaurants isn't really Buddha?

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How Ayahuasca Works Dec 11, 2018

One day in the Amazon Basin, a shaman put together a plant containing DMT with a vine that allows the body to absorb DMT. The combination, a foul-tasting, wildly hallucinogenic brew called ayahuasca, has changed cultures throughout the Americas.

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SYSK Selects: That Dang-old Goat Fell Over Dec 08, 2018

Due to a condition known as Thomsen's disease, the muscles of fainting goats tense up whenever the animal is startled. In this episode, Josh and Chuck break down the science behind this bizarre condition.

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Was the PMRC censorship in disguise? Dec 06, 2018

The Parents Music Resource Center in the 1980s was really just censorship in disguise. But it kind of backfired. Learn all about Tipper Gore's crusade in today's episode.

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Short Stuff: Dolphin Detectors Dec 05, 2018

They don’t actually disarm mines, but navies around the world use dolphins to find and tag sea mines so humans can disarm the mines themselves. But even if it’s safe, is it ethical?

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How Search and Rescue Dogs Work Dec 04, 2018

All dogs are great, but some dogs work harder than others. Or play harder, depending on your view. Learn all about the good boys and girls who find lost people and recover bodies to bring humans peace and closure.

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SYSK Selects: Can Your Grandfather's Diet Shorten Your Life? Dec 01, 2018

Epigenetics is a fascinating field of genetics that studies how the epigenome and environmental, nutritional and social factors affect gene expression. Josh and Chuck explain how epigenetics works in this episode.

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Adidas v. Puma: A Sibling Rivalry Nov 29, 2018

Join Josh and Chuck today as they go down the sport shoe rabbit hole, detailing the strange tail of the brothers who brought Puma and Adidas to the world. Sibling rivalry, Nazis, shoes - there's a lot to unpack here.

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Short Stuff: iSmell Nov 28, 2018

Two men once had a dream - to add smell to the internet. And they almost gave it to us.

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How the Navajo Code Talkers Worked Nov 27, 2018

In WWII the US Marines devised an unbreakable code-within-a-code made from Navajo, one of the most linguistically difficult languages in the world. A handful of Navajos sent messages on the frontlines in a language they’d been forbidden to speak as school kids.

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SYSK Selects: How Black Friday Works Nov 24, 2018

On the day after Thanksgiving, Americans go kind of crazy for the deep discount sales that kick off the holiday shopping season in stores. So crazy, in fact, at least four people have lost their lives and as many as 63 others have been injured during Black Friday sales. But as profitable as Black Friday is, some retailers are thinking about discontinuing the tradition to find ways to make even more money. Learn all about this bizarre, uniquely American holiday custom in this episode.

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Fire twucks! Fire twucks! (sic) Nov 22, 2018

Who doesn't love fire engines? We certainly do. So much that we geeked out on this one in a big way. Enjoy!

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Short Stuff: Safety Pins Nov 21, 2018

Safety pins are so ubiquitous, we take them for granted. But that’s the genius of their design – they work so intuitively they might as well have come from nature. Instead, they were invented by a man who never went to the trouble of patenting them.

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Finders Keepers: Real Law Nov 20, 2018

You know that heartbreak of the schoolyard – finders keepers, losers weepers? That’s actual law in a great many grown up places. Enter the murky legal world of finding something that belongs to someone else, from buried treasure to a misplaced ring.

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SYSK Selects: How Kleptomania Works Nov 17, 2018

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss kleptomania, a disorder in which people have an overwhelming impulse to steal unnecessary items.

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Olive Oil: Mother Nature's Gift Nov 15, 2018

Olive oil is one of Mother Nature's greatest gifts to humanity. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the NUMBER ONE OIL, right here, right now.

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Short Stuff: Lemonade Nov 14, 2018

Ever wonder where lemonade came from? Let’s up the stakes a little, what about pink lemonade? Well wonder no more! Join Josh and Chuck as they (briefly) cover the history of putting lemons together with sugar and water and coming up with something great.

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Pando: Earth’s Oldest, Hugest Organism Is Trees! Nov 13, 2018

In Utah, lives a 106-acre stand of Quaking Aspen trees that are all genetically identical because they are all growing from the same massive root system. It’s Pando, the most massive, and almost certainly oldest (by far) organism on Earth.

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SYSK Selects: How Pizza Works Nov 10, 2018

Sure it's everywhere and there's a more-than-90-percent chance you eat it once a month. But we'll bet you don't know the full history of that pizza (or tomato pie) you're about to chow down on. Join Chuck and Josh as they explain it to you, bite by bite.

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Is yogurt a miracle food? Nov 08, 2018

Yogurt has been touted as a health food, but is it? Maybe. If you eat it every day. We get into the rich and creamy history of this supposed miracle food in today's episode. Take a listen!

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Short Stuff: Vomitoria Nov 07, 2018

A vomitorium was a place where ancient Romans went to make themselves throw up after gorging themselves at a sumptuous banquet. Everybody knows that. Except that’s not true at all. Learn about what vomitoria were in this episode and impress your friends.

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What were war masks? Nov 06, 2018

War masks were made for soldiers in WWI who had horrible accidents that left their faces sometimes unrecognizable. Though it may seem rudimentary today, they went a long way in restoring their dignity. Learn all about them today.

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SYSK Selects: How Grief Works Nov 03, 2018

You can probably name the five stages of grief - from denial to acceptance - they've become pretty well known since being proposed in 1969. But later researchers are finding that grief is rarely that cut and dried, and it may not be as widely experienced as we once thought. Join Josh and Chuck as they look at the sad science of grief.

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How Easy Bake Ovens Work Nov 01, 2018

Easy Bake Ovens are as iconic as a toy can get, as American as apple pie or baseball. Learn all about these light bulb cooking, working ovens that endanger children to this day.

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Short Stuff: Labor Day Oct 31, 2018

Labor Day, the day when most people in America paradoxically take off work, is actually rooted in some deeply radical and anarchistic thinking. Learn all about this most subversive of American holidays in this episode of Short Stuff.

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SYSK’s 2018 Super Spooktacular Oct 30, 2018

It’s Halloween again and Chuck and Josh want to creep you out. Listen to two great classic horror stories, dripping with Jeri’s creeptastic audio stylings. Guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.

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SYSK Selects: What's with the Winchester Mystery House? Oct 27, 2018

After her daughter and husband died, heiress Sarah Winchester became obsessed with the idea that spirits haunted her and to appease them she had to have a house continuously built for them. So she did - 24 hours a day for 38 years.

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How the Amityville Horror Worked Oct 25, 2018

In early 1975, the world was introduced to George and Kathy Lutz, a couple who had fled their home in Amityville, NY to escape a powerful, evil supernatural presence living there. And this being the 70s, the world went nuts for their story.

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Short Stuff: Exploding Manholes Oct 24, 2018

If you live in a big city in a cold climate, you should keep an eye out for 100-pound cast-iron manhole covers suddenly launching 50 feet into the air. It’s unnervingly common and we’ll tell you why.

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How Epilepsy Works Oct 23, 2018

A seizure is like an electrical overload in the brain – when it gets overwhelmed, it just shuts down and resets itself. But imagine being susceptible to these overloads, where one could come at any time with little or no warning. That is epilepsy.

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SYSK Selects: How Aphrodisiacs Work Oct 20, 2018

For thousands of years humankind has pursued the enhancement of sexual pleasure and performance through a plethora of medicines and practices -- but how many aphrodisiacs actually work?

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Waterbeds: The Sexiest Bed? Oct 18, 2018

Waterbeds came and went pretty quickly in the United States, but despite their marketing as sex beds, they were actually invented to deliver a great night's sleep. Learn all about these super 70's beds in today's episode.

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Short Stuff: Korean Fan Death Oct 17, 2018

There’s a commonly-held belief in Korea that if you fall asleep with a fan blowing on your face you may die in your sleep from it. And while this idea is found nowhere else in the world, Korean culture has come up with some interesting explanations.

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Was There A Real Robin Hood? Oct 16, 2018

Is it true that Robin Hood hung out in Sherwood Forest and stole from the rich to give to the poor? No. No, it’s not. Find out the real story in this episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Homelessness Works Oct 13, 2018

Today, millions of people around the world are homeless. In this classic episode, Josh and Chuck take a look at homelessness in the United States, discussing everything from the factors that lead to homelessness to what you can do to help alleviate the situation.

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When inventions kill! Oct 11, 2018

Few things are more ironic than an invention killing its creator. The stories behind real life cases of death-by-invention are pretty interesting too. Pull up a chair and hear about a few from Josh and Chuck.

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Short Stuff: William King Oct 10, 2018

Did you know that the United States has had one Vice-President who was sworn in on foreign soil? Well it turns out that may be the least interesting part of the story of William Rufus King.

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How Marathons Work Oct 09, 2018

You’d have to be crazy to try to run 26.2 miles in a single stretch, right? Right. But people still try it anyway. And a lot of them even survive! Find out all about the pitfalls of marathons and the obsession they can inspire in this episode.

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SYSK Selects: Is lethal injection humane? Oct 06, 2018

Since the Supreme Court's ban on capital punishment was reversed, states have sought a humane method of killing sentenced criminals. They settled on lethal injection, but is this quasi-medical means of killing as quick and painless as we think?

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Algae: Food, Fuel, What? Oct 04, 2018

Just a couple years ago, algae was touted as the green, plentiful biofuel of the future. But that didn’t pan out. Why? And is algae down for the count? Don’t bet on it. Only a fool would bet against green water.

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Short Stuff: Grandfather Clocks Oct 03, 2018

If you've ever wondered why a grandfather clock is called a grandfather clock and you have 12 minutes to spare, this is your lucky day. Listen in to the brand new Short Stuff series. It's everything you want from Josh and Chuck, and less!

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How the Concorde Worked Oct 02, 2018

The concorde was a wonderful thing, a super fast commerical airliner that got you across the pond in half the time. But it was small and cramped, noisy and a big money loser. Climb aboard and get ready for Mach 1.

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SYSK Selects: Does the five-second rule work? Sep 29, 2018

You know when you drop a piece of food and if you pick it up within five seconds it's still good to eat? Researchers have studied whether that's true or not and in doing so have inadvertently shone a light on how utterly covered our world is with bacteria and germs. Prepare to shudder in this episode of Stuff You Should Know.

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Seriously, What Is Dark Matter? Sep 27, 2018

Chuck and Josh take on astrophysics again and this time it pans out well. It turns out that there simply isn’t enough matter in the universe to account for its mass. Which is super weird. What is this missing matter? Does it even exist?

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What is colorblindness? Sep 25, 2018

Being colorblind doesn't mean you see in black and white, although in severe cases it can look a bit like that. The condition is on a spectrum ranging from dulled colors to shades of grey. Learn all about what colorblindness means in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: Was Malthus right about carrying capacity? Sep 22, 2018

Thomas Malthus concluded that humanity is bound to outgrow Earth's carrying capacity. The prediction was based on humanity's exponential growth and the linear growth of the food supply -- but was he correct? Tune in to this classic episode to find out.

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How Ranked Choice Voting Works Sep 20, 2018

In the US, winner-take-all voting has created A LOT of political polarization. But what if rather than voting for one candidate, you could rank all of them so if your first choice doesn’t win, your vote goes to your second choice? So long, polarization!

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Roundabouts: The Problem Is You Sep 18, 2018

They’re as American as Washington, DC yet most people in the US are terrified of them, hate them or both. What is it about traffic circles and roundabouts - which do nothing but safely, inexpensively and greenly direct traffic – that America can’t stand?

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SYSK Selects: How Commercial Jingles Work Sep 15, 2018

You probably can recite five right now. Commercial jingles are designed to hijack your working memory and implant a product or service and they really work. In this classic episode, learn about the history of these insidious and catchy advertising vehicles with Chuck and Josh.

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What are think tanks all about? Sep 13, 2018

Think tanks? More like stink tanks! We're kidding. Think tanks do valuable work, when they operate in a non-partisan way of course. Learn all about the history of these heady institutions today.

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SYSK Live: How Game Shows Work Sep 11, 2018

Join Josh and Chuck and a whole bunch of great people at the Gothic Theatre in Denver for this live show on game shows and their place in cultures around the world, recorded on June 28, 2018. You just come right on down, why don’t you?

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SYSK Selects: How Circumcision Works Sep 08, 2018

Circumcision is a common practice in which the foreskin of a male's penis is removed, typically as a baby. In this classic episode, Josh and Chuck take a look at the origins, practices, and arguments for and against circumcision in this episode.

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The Lava Lamp: Goes Great With Acid Sep 06, 2018

What started out as an egg timer at a London pub became a furnishing for bachelor pads before it took its rightful place as the most recognizable icon of psychedelia. The lava lamp became popular with people on LSD not once, but twice, decades apart.

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How Police Lineups Work Sep 04, 2018

Police lineups are something most people have never had any firsthand experience with. What you see on TV and in movies isn't so far off though. Learn about how these tropes work for real in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Patents Work Sep 01, 2018

What was originally designed to encourage innovation by rewarding the people who create technological advances, the U.S. patent system has become a big mess. Wade into this surprisingly interesting mire to learn how to save this important institution.

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How Elimination Diets Work Aug 30, 2018

Elimination diets are all about whittling down what you eat, then building it back up again in order to identify foods that don't work for your body. Is it safe? It can be. Learn all about this process in today's episode.

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Why There Aren't So Many Hotel Fires Anymore Aug 28, 2018

1946 was a particularly deadly year for hotel fires in the US. Fires killed hundreds of people in Chicago, Dubuque, Dallas and, in Atlanta, the worst hotel fire in American history broke out. Find out how they made staying in hotels safe.

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SYSK Selects: What's the deal with Voodoo? Aug 25, 2018

Voodoo is a religion found in parts of Africa and Haiti that's often misunderstood. In this episode, Josh and Chuck separate the faction from the fiction as they explore how Voodoo really works.

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Pterosaurs: Not Flying Dinosaurs Aug 23, 2018

Almost everything you know about pterosaurs is wrong. They weren't birds, they weren't flying dinosaurs and they weren't all pterodactyls. Which makes this a great episode for you to learn some new and amazing stuff about terrifying prehistoric beasts!

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Ballpoint pens? Heck yes, ballpoint pens! Aug 21, 2018

Get ready, folks. The ballpoint pen is far more interesting than you could ever imagine. For real. Brilliant in its simplicity. Took the world by storm. We love our ballpoint pens and you should too. Listen in today!

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SYSK Selects: How Electroconvulsive Therapy Works Aug 18, 2018

With the exception of lobotomies, no other psychological treatment has a worse reputation. But thanks to some thoughtful tweaks, ECT has lately emerged from the dark ages and toward the respectable forefront of treatment for major depression.

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Who is The Man of the Hole? Aug 16, 2018

In 2018, there's a man from a lost tribe still living deep in the jungles of Brazil who has been all alone since the mid 1990s. He's referred to as the Man of the Hole, and has had no face-to-face with modern humans. Who is he? We'll answer that question as best we can in today's episode.

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How Board Breaking Works Aug 14, 2018

If you’ve ever seen someone break a stack of boards or concrete blocks with a single karate chop you know what it means to experience awe. Board breaking is indeed cool but there’s also a lot of physics to help it along. Learn all about this secret art.

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SYSK Selects: How Traffic Works Aug 11, 2018

Whether you've been stuck in a traffic jam or forced to merge and avoid road construction, everyone's had a few bad experiences with traffic. But how does traffic actually work? In this episode, Chuck and Josh take a look at traffic waves (and bubbles).

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How Attila the Hun Worked Aug 09, 2018

If you go to the Internet you'll see a few people championed as all-time greatest conquerors - Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Atilla the Hun. Listen in today as Josh and Chuck dive into number three on this list, Atilla the Hun.

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How Search and Rescue Works Aug 07, 2018

There are thankfully about as many ways to look for someone as there are ways to get lost. And the people who dedicate themselves to saving the lives of people who are missing take their job seriously. Learn about this fascinating world in this episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Miranda Rights Work Aug 04, 2018

Back in 1966, the Supreme Court decided that suspects in criminal cases had the right to be reminded that they didn't have to talk to the fuzz if they didn't want to, as stated in the 5th amendment. Since that ruling, scores of other cases have shaped and defined the ruling that created a staple of police procedural dramas.

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How the U.S. Military Draft Works Aug 02, 2018

The U.S. military draft is far more interesting than you'd think. The process of conscription can get quite complicated, but we're here to clear it up for you. We'll also talk a bit about whether or not this could ever happen again.

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How the Pony Express Worked Jul 31, 2018

For as long a shadow as it casts across the history of the Old West, the Pony Express was a failed business venture, doomed from the start, that only lasted 18 months. But since the last rider headed out with his bag of mail, its legend has only grown.

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SYSK Selects: How the Cannonball Run Worked Jul 28, 2018

The Cannon Ball Run is a cross-country car race famously portrayed in the campy 1981 movie "Cannon Ball Run." But it isn't fictional. Tune in as Josh and Chuck take you on a wild ride through the real (and colorful) history of this infamous race.

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The Dyatlov Pass Mystery Jul 26, 2018

The incident at Dyatlov Pass is one of the more enduring wilderness mysteries of all time. Russian hikers found in various states of undress, frozen. What happened to them? Why were there weird internal injuries and no outward signs of distress? We'll delve into all the questions in today's episode.

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Recycling Update: How’s It Going? Jul 24, 2018

It’s been about a decade since Josh and Chuck last checked in on recycling and since then a lot has changed. A global commodities market dealing in recyclables has developed and recently crashed. Jump back into the fascinating world of recycling.

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SYSK Selects: How Foot Binding Worked Jul 21, 2018

Once in a while, all the necessary factors converge to produce a peculiar nationalized sexual fetish. In China, that fetish was foot binding and over a millennia three billion Chinese women's feet were brutally disfigured for men's pleasure.

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How Attorney-Client Privilege Works Jul 19, 2018

One of the oldest protected forms of speech comes from when a lawyer speaks with their client. Over centuries, this legal privilege has been protected and defined and still stands stronger than ever. Find out why a person’s ability to speak freely to their counselor is so highly prized and protected.

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Jobs of Bygone Eras Jul 17, 2018

Join Josh and Chuck today as they take a fun look at some of the strange jobs that our ancestors did. It's a SYSK top 10, meaning there will only be eight or so.

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SYSK Selects: How Twinkies Work Jul 14, 2018

Twinkies have a reputation for being so processed that they can last for years and years, but they're not as hardy as you'd expect. Uncover the sweet story of Twinkies in this classic SYSK.

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Gerrymandering: How to Stifle Democracy Jul 12, 2018

No matter which side of the political spectrum you fall on, you should be outraged about the practice of gerrymandering. Redrawing voter district maps to ensure political dominance is about as undemocratic as it gets. Please enjoy Josh and Chuck getting unusually worked up about this abhorrent practice.

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The Disappearance of the Yuba County Five Jul 10, 2018

In 1978, five friends set out for home from a basketball game. The next day, their car was discovered in a lonely mountain road. The next spring, their bodies began to turn up. What happened that night remains a mystery to this day.

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SYSK Selects: Did Reagan's Star Wars program win the Cold War? Jul 07, 2018

Putting lasers in space to blast Soviet missiles out of the air was a very real part of Ronald Reagan's defense policy. While his "Star Wars" program was derided at home and abroad, historians are beginning to wonder if it didn't help win the Cold War after all.

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How the Stanford Prison Experiment Worked Jul 05, 2018

The infamous Stanford Prison Experiment wasn't really much of an experiment as it turns out. It was more like a poorly thought out exercise conducted by a professor who didn't dot the i's and cross the t's. Listen in as Josh and Chuck give this experiment some harsh treatment of their own.

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How Diabetes Works Jul 03, 2018

Diabetes is one of the biggest killers of people on the planet. And yet, it also seems to be tied to diet and exercise, which makes it preventable. Learn about the fascinating mechanisms that can make your body go haywire and lead to this disease.

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SYSK Selects: How Ponzi Schemes Work Jun 30, 2018

Ponzi schemes. How do they work? And who's Ponzi? Join Josh and Chuck in this classic episode to discover how an Italian immigrant created a classic con that's still fleecing investors today.

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Narwhals: Unicorns of the Sea Jun 28, 2018

Narwhals are the unicorns of the sea. They're also whales with tusks. The tusks are really long tooths. Are you confused? Let us guide you!

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Can Anarchism Work? Jun 26, 2018

Teenage punks going through a phase probably come to mind when you think of anarchists, but anarchism is a legitimate political philosophy based on the idea that governments are unnecessary and do more harm than good. Could we actually live without them?

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SYSK Selects: How Condoms Work Jun 23, 2018

The earliest depiction of a condom is found in a 15,000-year-old cave painting. Ever since humans realized sex led to children, we've been using condoms to prevent pregnancy. Join Josh and Chuck for this comprehensive tour of all things condom.

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Genghis Khan: Madman or Genius? Jun 21, 2018

Depending on who you talk to, Genghis Khan was either a sadistic madman or one of the great leaders in world history. One thing is sure, he was one of the most advanced military minds of all time.

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How The Pill Changed the World Jun 19, 2018

When the birth control pill hit the market in 1960 it landed like a social bomb. Almost overnight, women gained the ability to separate sex from pregnancy and everything from feminism to patients’ rights centered on it.

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SYSK Selects: How Bullfighting Works Jun 16, 2018

When the Visigoths ruled Spain, they introduced the idea of battling bulls at festivals. Today matadors get paid $100,000 and perform in front of 50,000 fans. But is bullfighting an antiquated, abusive relic or a cultural tradition above reproach?

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Skyscrapers: 'Scuse me while I kiss the sky Jun 14, 2018

Skyscrapers are much more than tall buildings. They're world wonders as far as we're concerned. From design to construction, these babies are beautifully simplistic in all the best ways. Listen in today!

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How Tsunamis Work Jun 12, 2018

Tsunamis are amazingly devastating natural disasters. They're miles tall and wide, travel as fast as a commercial airliner and can wipe out entire coastal towns. And if the last couple decades are any indication, they seem to be getting worse.

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SYSK Selects: How The Hum Works Jun 09, 2018

There is a mysterious droning sound often described as like a diesel engine idling that is severely impacting the quality of life of 2 percent of people in places around the world. The thing is, no one knows what's causing it - or if it actually exists.

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Frida Kahlo: Painter, Icon, Genius Jun 07, 2018

Frida Kahlo was a painter who transcended her own work to became an icon. Learn all about her fascinating and inspiring life and work in today’s episode.

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The Max Headroom Incident Jun 05, 2018

In 1987, a very strange broadcast intrusion occurred in the city of Chicago. For just a couple of minutes, the odd TV character Max Headroom appeared onscreen in the middle of an episode of Dr. Who. He spoke in garbled tones, brandished a marital aid, and was spanked on the rear with a fly swatter by a person dressed in Annie Oakley garb. If this sounds weird, it is. It's the Max Headroom Incident.

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SYSK Selects: Was there a real King Arthur? Jun 02, 2018

The legend of King Arthur is very old and very established. By the time the king who saved Britain and united it was first written about, his story was already hundreds of years old. And while many of the details of his life and adventures, from the Lady of the Lake to Merlin the Magician, seem fictional some archaeologists believe that Arthur -- and much of his life -- was real.

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Is the Pied Piper About a Real Historic Tragedy? May 31, 2018

In the German town of Hameln a tragedy that took place on a specific date in 1284 and befell specifically 130 children is commemorated every year. Aside from those two details, the event is cloaked in mystery. What about the Pied Piper fairy tale is real?

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How Drug Courts Work May 29, 2018

If you aren't in the know, you may think drug courts are set up to quickly prosecute drug users and get them into prison in short order. Turns out it's just the opposite - they're empathetic courts set up to give people a second and sometimes third chance to kick addiction. Learn all about these courts today.

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SYSK Selects: How Pinball Works May 26, 2018

Pinball was actually illegal until the 1970s in NY and other cities, hidden in the backs of pornography shops. The game was finally legalized, thanks to a Babe Ruth-style shot by the best player in the world. Learn all about it with Josh and Chuck.

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How Occam's Razor Works May 24, 2018

You know the rule that says the simplest explanation is probably the correct one? That’s called a razor and it’s meant to guide logic. But over time it’s become a broadsword used to disprove opposing arguments. Learn how to spot a faux skeptic in this episode.

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A List Of Games You Would Surely Lose to a Computer May 22, 2018

We live in a time where computers can beat the best humans in the world at chess, checkers, poker and video games. But these games are really just demonstrations of how intelligent our machines are growing. They’re growing more intelligent by the hour. With special guest, Tech Stuff's Jonathan Strickland.

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SYSK Selects: Is brain size related to intelligence? May 19, 2018

The idea that the larger the brain, the higher the intelligence is an old one, but it's pretty much utterly false. Modern investigation into how the brain works suggests there's a lot more to take into account when comparing brain biology to intellect.

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The Collar Bomb Heist May 18, 2018

The collar bomb heist is the crime caper that keeps on giving. Every time the story seemed like it was figured out, another layer appeared. Tune in today to hear Josh and Chuck detail this very odd and twisty story.

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What's a quinceañera anyway? May 15, 2018

A quinceañera is the celebration of a girl of Hispanic heritage becoming a young woman on her 15th birthday. It involves family, friends, music and a lot of great food. Join Josh and Chuck as they don their favorite pink dresses and go over this wonderful tradition.

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SYSK Selects: How Cremation Works May 12, 2018

Cremation is a burial process practiced around the world, but how exactly does it work? Josh and Chuckers take a detailed look at cremation's history, practices and controversies in this episode.

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How Drowning Works May 10, 2018

Hundreds of thousands of people drown around the world every year, and yet it can be easily prevented and is widely misunderstood – like how you can officially drown but live to tell the tale, or how you can drown but die days later.

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PT Barnum: More Complicated Than You've Heard May 08, 2018

When your life is as outsized as the World’s Greatest Showman PT Barnum it’s pretty easy to - you know - gloss over the grimmer aspects when you turn it into an uplifting musical movie. But the way to understand a person is to look at them, warts and all.

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SYSK Selects: Are there undiscovered people? May 05, 2018

In this classic episode, Josh and Chuck discuss whether there are any truly "undiscovered" groups of people left on the planet, the definition of undiscovered -- and why groups might want to avoid modern civilization.

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North Korea: What's the Deal? May 03, 2018

For almost 70 years, North Korea has been the bane of South Korea, Japan and the US or has stood as the sole defenders of the Korean homeland from the American hordes, depending on who you ask.

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Nepotism: When Hiring the Best Just Won't Do May 01, 2018

Nepotism is something that is very hard to avoid, and very hard to resist, even if you know it may be the wrong thing to do. We all love helping out families get ahead, but you're also costing someone else an opportunity when you play ball. Learn all about nepotism in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: Who killed JFK? Apr 28, 2018

For the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Josh and Chuck delve into the killing, the investigations and the conspiracy theories to get to the bottom of an enduring national question.

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Does Pyromania Actually Exist? Apr 26, 2018

A fascination with fire is part of every kid’s childhood, but it’s meant to be passing. For some people, fire becomes the central focus of life, and the urge to set a fire becomes an irresistible impulse. We think.

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Emojis: A New Language? Nah. Apr 24, 2018

Believe it or not, there's a lot more to Emojis than meets the eye. Turns out their history is pretty interesting stuff. Join Josh and Chuck today as they tell the tale of the little faces that we all love to hate.

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SYSK Selects: How Mirrors Work Apr 21, 2018

Whether using polished metal surfaces or clear glass, human beings have enjoyed admiring their reflections for centuries. In this episode, Josh and Chuck reflect on the types, mind-melting physics, superstitions and rather interesting history of mirrors.

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Two Times In the 70s When People Buried Ferraris Apr 19, 2018

Not once, but twice in the 1970s people buried amazingly valuable Ferraris, arguably the greatest sports cars ever built. One was dug up after being secretly buried; the other was put in the ground forever. These are their stories.

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The Unabomber: Misguided to say the least Apr 17, 2018

The Unabomber was one of the most notorious and longest lasting cases in the history of the FBI. Just because the manifesto reads like he was a fortune teller doesn't make his actions any less deplorable. Learn all about this fascinating case in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: What happens in the brain during an orgasm? Apr 14, 2018

In this classic episode, Chuck and Josh test the limits of their decorum as they explore the physiology of an orgasm. Learn all about this inexplicably taboo subject (including how even women who are paralyzed can experience orgasms).

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How Paramedics Work Apr 12, 2018

Paramedics are not EMTs. Or fire fighters. Or cops. But they do ride around in ambulances (and drive) to help to save lives. It's a stressful job and we're here to shine a light on this noble profession.

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Why Landmines Are The Deadliest Legacy Of War Apr 10, 2018

One of the worst legacies of war are the millions of landmines left behind. They hide for decades after a conflict is over, exploding beneath unsuspecting civilians and children. To many, removing mines and banning new ones is of paramount importance.

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SYSK Selects: Sherpas: Warm, Friendly Living Apr 07, 2018

Pop quiz: What word denotes a nation of people, a last name and an occupation? If you guessed 'Sherpa,' then congratulations: You're correct. But what exactly is a Sherpa? Tune in and learn more as Chuck and Josh explore the culture of the Sherpa people.

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Project Azorian: The CIA's Super 70s Mission To Steal A Sunken Soviet Sub Apr 05, 2018

In 1974 the CIA undertook one of its most brazen operations – secretly raising a sunken Soviet submarine lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean right under the noses of the Russian Navy. With the help of billionaire recluse Howard Hughes, obviously.

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When Words Take on New Meanings Apr 03, 2018

Historical words often morph and change to take on new meanings. Today on the podcast, Josh and Chuck sit down and talk about a handful of them, their original meanings, and how they changed over the years to reflect almost nothing about their original use.

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SYSK Selects: How Guide Dogs Work Mar 31, 2018

You know how when you see a guide dog leading a blind person to their destination and you think, "There goes a truly great dog?" It turns out you are absolutely correct. Guide dogs are about as special as dogs can get and it's through years of hard work. Learn about the ins and outs of guide dogs in this episode.

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What are false positives? Mar 29, 2018

When getting a medical diagnosis, it's important to understand the terms. Negative is good, positive is bad, false positive is great in a way, but false negative is the worst. Learn all about false positives, when your tests indicate you have a disease of some kind when you don't, and what this means in the medical community at large.

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How Meals on Wheels Works Mar 27, 2018

Meals on Wheels is one of the great charitable organizations in the world, providing much-needed nutrition for elderly people in need. It also has a pretty interesting backstory, starting in multiple places in different countries almost simultaneously. Learn all about this great group of folks in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: Subways: HUH! What are they good for? Mar 24, 2018

As ubiquitous as they've become, it's easy to overlook the marvels of engineering that are subways. Chuck and Josh go boring as they explore these systems of tubes that must circumnavigate rock, rivers, cables and more to get you where you're going.

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How the Framingham Heart Study Works Mar 22, 2018

In the 1940s, a tiny town outside Boston volunteered to be test subjects in a study that would become one of the longest and broadest in the history of medicine. Originally designed to study heart disease, it's revealed things about plenty else too: everything from evolution to selecting a spouse.

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How the New England Vampire Panics Worked Mar 20, 2018

In the 19th century, in isolated villages and godforsaken towns in rural New England, people began to suspect their deceased family members had become undead. Thus began everything we know today about killing vampires.

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SYSK Selects: How Trickle-Down Economics Works Mar 17, 2018

The concept of trickle-down economics is tied to Ronald Reagan, but the idea's been around and in use since the 20s. It's simple: Give more money to the wealthy and they can use it to rev up an economy. But is the whole thing just a scam?

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Is Vaping Really Bad For You? Mar 15, 2018

E-cigs, vapes, whatever you call them they have been touted as a safer alternative to tobacco and even a way for people to quit smoking. But recent studies have found that perhaps they’re not so harmless after all. So who’s right?

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The Huggable, Lovable Walrus Mar 13, 2018

When it comes to the animal kingdom, SYSK has covered a wide range. This week, the guys dive into the frigid waters of the Arctic to delight in everything that is the huggable, lovable walrus. From their tendency to sticking together in tough times, to the strange noises they make to attract a mating partner, the walrus is now in the running as one of Josh and Chuck's favorites.

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SYSK Selects: How Cockroaches Work Mar 10, 2018

You've seen them in your home and probably squealed in terror, but now it's time to learn all about cockroaches. From their ability to run incredibly fast to the appendage that alerts them when you're about to whack them with your shoe, cockroaches are fascinating creatures that deserve your respect.

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Why Do People Believe In Faith Healing? Mar 08, 2018

Since a 1906 revival in Los Angeles, people around the world say they’ve been cured by the Holy Spirit after preachers with the Gift of Healing laid their hands on them. Skeptics scoff, but science’s explanations are kind of vague. So what’s going on here?

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The Strange Story of Sea Monkeys Mar 06, 2018

Anyone who ever picked up a comic book as a kid probably marveled at the ads for the mysterious Sea Monkeys. In reality, they are just brine shrimp, not fantastical beings with magical powers. But the story behind the invention of the Sea Monkey is tale all its own. Listen in today.

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SYSK Selects: Is there treasure on Oak Island? Mar 03, 2018

Off Nova Scotia, the tiny spit of land called Oak Island has been host to waves of treasure hunters for more than 200 years. Some of them lost their lives in the search for a treasure reputedly buried in a deep pit. But is anything really there?

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SYSK Live: Back When Ford Pintos Were Flaming Deathtraps Mar 01, 2018

For this special live benefit episode recorded in Atlanta, Josh and Chuck go back to the 70s and look at the decidedly ungroovy course of events that led to Ford recalling its Pinto after people started burning up in them.

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Knife Throwing: Super Cool Feb 27, 2018

Sure knives can cut through a steak or slash through jungle vines, but probably the coolest thing you can do with a knife is throw it. At a person mounted to a wooden wheel. Spinning around. While you’re blindfolded. Learn all about the impalement arts in this episode.

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SYSK Selects: How the MPAA Works Feb 24, 2018

You may be surprised to learn those ubiquitous ratings, from G to NC-17, put on movies in America are actually handed down by anonymous employees of a secretive organization that serves as a lobbying firm for Hollywood's six biggest studios.

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Rosa Parks: Agent of Change Feb 22, 2018

Rosa Parks finishes out our Black History Month episodes in grand fashion. While most know her from that fateful day on the Montgomery city bus, she actually had a long life as an advocate, protestor and agent of change. Join us today as we celebrate one of America's great history makers.

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Are Feral Children Real? Feb 20, 2018

For millennia people have been amazed by legends of wild children found in the forest or jungle, sometimes raised by animals like wolves or apes. But it turns out these stories may actually be true in some cases and may actually have been children with cognitive impairments who were abandoned by their parents.

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SYSK Selects: How the Underground Railroad Worked Feb 17, 2018

As early as 1786, groups assembled to help slaves escape lives of bondage. And, as the 19th century progressed, the emergent Underground Railroad grew more sophisticated in aiding escaped slaves. But how did it work? Join Josh and Chuck to learn more.

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The Harriet Tubman Story Feb 15, 2018

Harriet Tubman is a legendary figure in history, but the details of her life are even more remarkable than what you may have learned in school. Listen in today as Josh and Chuck pay tribute to a true icon of African-American history.

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How Pompeii Worked Feb 13, 2018

What must be one of the most famous natural disasters in history took place when Mt Vesuvius buried Pompeii in 79 CE. But when the town was resurrected 1700 years later, a new chapter in its history was written.

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SYSK Selects: How Narco States Work Feb 10, 2018

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss Narco States, places where illegal drugs are traded openly with government support -- or without government interference.

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The Mystery of The Grand Canyon Newlyweds Feb 08, 2018

In 1928 Bessie and Glen Hyde attempted to navigate their way through the belly of the Grand Canyon in a homemade boat. They disappeared without a trace and their mystery endures all these years later. Listen in today to hear all about the tragic and mysterious disappearance of the Grand Canyon Newlyweds.

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What is a Mold-A-Rama? Feb 06, 2018

In the 1960s, a very cool machine debuted at the Seattle World's Fair - the Mold-A-Rama. It made real plastic toys on-demand from melted plastic pellets, to the delight of children and adults alike. They didn't last too long, but can still be found at various locations all over the United States and their retro-cool stylings are still a hit. Learn all about these cool machines today.

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SYSK Selects: How Lion Taming Works Feb 03, 2018

Bossing a lion around in front of a crowd at a circus has been an attraction for 200 years, but exactly how lion tamers get their captive wild animals to comply has evolved over time. Take a peek in the jaws of this odd profession with Josh and Chuck.

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Marijuana Vs. Alcohol: Which Is Worse For You? Feb 01, 2018

It's been the subject of teenage conversation for decades already, but now you can join Josh and Chuck as they dive into the science of how pot and booze affect your body, mind and behavior and learn which one comes out on top.

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The Manson Family Murders Part II Jan 30, 2018

Listen in today for the conclusion of the story of the Manson Family Murders.

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SYSK Selects: Prisons - Not as Fun as You'd Think Jan 27, 2018

Most people have a basic understanding of how prisons work, but it's often heavily influenced by fiction. What's it really like behind those bars? In this episode, Josh and Chuck reveal the practices, controversies and harsh realities of prison life.

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The Manson Family Murders Part I Jan 25, 2018

The '60s ended with a lot of turbulence, not the least of which was the Manson Family Murders. What made Charles Manson so alluring to his family? What makes one person kill for another? And what did The Beatles have to do with it all? Learn all this and more in this two part episode.

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How Hoarding Works Jan 23, 2018

You may be familiar with compulsive hoarding from TV, but something that’s often missing from those shows and the news is the deep and overwhelming shame that this disorder creates in its victims who are neurologically incapable of parting with their stuff.

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SYSK Selects: Lab-grown meat: Order up! Jan 20, 2018

Since Winston Churchill predicted we'd grow meat in a lab by 1981, researchers have considered doing just that. And thanks to the current work of about 30 groups, we may be only years away from mass-produced artificial meat. But will anyone eat it?

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How Hang Gliding Works Jan 18, 2018

It’s a super 70s thing, sure, but hang gliding is a thrill ride for the ages. So strap in with Josh and Chuck and learn all about the earliest method of human flight, originally created by a German man who flew over 2000 times before dying in a crash!

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How Removing Public Monuments Work Jan 16, 2018

Public monuments can be removed for a variety of reasons, from public sentiment changing, to governments being overthrown, to just being downright ugly. Learn all about this hot button topic today.

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SYSK Selects: The Wind Cries Typhoid Mary Jan 13, 2018

In the 19th century, typhoid was considered a disease of the lower classes. When an outbreak occurred in wealthy Oyster Bay, New York, a mystery was afoot. Tune in to learn how this event began an ongoing debate over public safety versus civil rights.

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What is an invasive species? Jan 11, 2018

Invasive species can mean a lot of things, from fungus to feral pigs and European starlings to kudzu vines. Basically, it's anything brought to a place, either by humans or nature, that didn't originate there. They aren't always a problem, but many times they can wreak havoc on the local ecosystem. Learn all about these invaders today.

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The Mystery of the Mary Celeste Jan 09, 2018

When the Mary Celeste was discovered floating and abandoned in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean one day in 1872, the legend of the ghost ship was born. Why did the Mary Celeste’s crew disappear? Was it pirates? Mutiny? UFOs? Well, probably not that last one.

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SYSK Selects: What Makes a One-hit Wonder? Jan 06, 2018

The term "one-hit wonder" gets thrown around a lot, and - yes - you probably are using it correctly, but Chuck Bryant went to the trouble to really define what makes a one-hit wonder in the article this episode is based on. Join him and Josh as they get to the bottom of this disparaging term.

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How Impeachment Works Jan 04, 2018

Impeachment is does not necessarily mean a president is removed from office. But it could. It's a fascinating procedure that has been crafted and shaped over the years because of a lack of detail in its initial definition. Listen in today to learn all about the weird and wacky process of impeachment.

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How Orchids Work Jan 02, 2018

Ever since Victorian orchid hunters ravaged the tropics in search of unique specimens to sell for ludicrous amounts of money, the West has been gripped by orchidelirium. Small wonder since orchids are not only beautiful, they’re among the most interesting plants on Earth.

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SYSK Selects: How Willpower Works Dec 30, 2017

You use it every day to overcome your lower self (which wants you to eat cake until your vision blurs) in pursuit of the goals of your higher self (which wants you to not develop Type-II diabetes). Yet it was only in the 1990s that researchers began to understand what makes our willpower and how it behaves.

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How the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Works, Part II Dec 28, 2017

We finish our tour of the best sights of the ancient world when we get deep into the history of a lighthouse that stood for 1200 years, an unsettling statue of Zeus, the world’s first mausoleum, and Chuck’s favorite, the Colossus of Rhodes!

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How the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Works, Part I Dec 26, 2017

Long before slide rulers and pocket protectors, civilizations across the world used their noggins to build some impressive structures. Almost all have crumbled to ruins over the millennium, but thanks to the earliest tourists, we admire them still today.

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SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978 Dec 23, 2017

Long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas allowed the Star Wars Holiday Special to be made. What happened on the night of November 17, 1978 can never be fully explained, but we make our best effort in a very special edition of SYSK. May the force be with us all.

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The 2017 SYSK Christmas Extravaganza! Dec 21, 2017

It's the most wonderful episode of the year! Join Josh and Chuck as they ride their sleigh through the debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, the Rockefeller Center tree, a boozy holiday recipe and plenty more great holiday tidings!

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Narcissism: But what about me? Dec 19, 2017

This week Josh and Chuck dive into the world of narcissism, one of the most perplexing and disturbing disorders humans can have. Learn all you ever cared to know about people who largely are centered on the self, lack empathy and don't understand what the problem is with that behavior.

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SYSK Selects: How Population Works Dec 16, 2017

Population may not seem like the most scintillating topic in the world, but Josh and Chuck beg to differ. Join them as they explore how population works, from demographics to population control, in this episode.

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How the Globe of Death Works Dec 14, 2017

The Globe of Death – el Globo de la Muerte to our Spanish-speaking friends – is perhaps the greatest of all the circus arts. It requires no smoke, no mirrors, only motorcycles, a giant sphere and fearless riders with the will to bend physics.

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The Deal With Doulas Dec 12, 2017

The word doula in Ancient Greek might mean "female servant" but it's really not a great description of the 21st century job. Doulas are birth coaches who help women get through the process of childbirth as efficiently and painlessly as possible. They aren't midwives or nurses, but they can provide an invaluable service as advocates. Learn about the deal with doulas right now!

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SYSK Selects: How much money is there in the world? Dec 09, 2017

There are few things more futile than trying to count all of the money in the world. Even many governments have no idea how much currency they have issued. But that won't stop Chuck and Josh from trying and explaining why we can't be sure how much money exists and the problems with flooding the world markets with bread.

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How Flight Attendants Work Dec 07, 2017

Flight attendants have come a long way. From having to put up with rampant sexism, to the current incarnation as your first line of defense in case of an incident, they are valued airline employees. Learn all about this cool job in today’s episode.

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How Vomit Phobia Works Dec 05, 2017

No one - no one - likes to vomit, but there are some people who would prefer to die rather than vomit, people who spend their days worrying they will vomit at any moment and become so obsessed they curtail their lives to prevent it from happening.

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SYSK Selects: How Crime Scene Cleanup Works Dec 02, 2017

Cleaning up crime scenes is a niche industry that's both lucrative and messy. In this episode, Josh and Chuck take a look at how crime-scene clean-up works.

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Cake: So Great. So, So Great Nov 30, 2017

Cake has been around for a long time, but mostly less than great forms. It took the Industrial Revolution, the advent of plentiful sugar, and some good old American know-how to come together to make the cake we know and love today.

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How Toy Testing Works Nov 28, 2017

It's every kid's dream - a job playing with toys that pays in toys. It's a real thing and has been around for a long time. Then there's the other side of the testing process, companies who ensure that toys are safe. It takes both of these testing techniques to successfully bring a toy to market these days. Dive into the ball pit with us today and learn all about toy testing.

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SYSK Selects: How Organ Donation Works Nov 25, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, tune in as Josh and Chuck take a detailed look at organ donation -- from the earliest organ transplants to the organ black market.

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What is nuclear forensics? Nov 23, 2017

Nuclear forensics is a lot of things - from UN sponsored inspections to tasks more on the down low. But either way, the job of these men and women is to root out possible nuclear weapon threats. It's a fairly unknown and thankless task, so allow us to shed a little light on this very cool and very necessary line of work.

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Bath Salts: Steer Clear Nov 21, 2017

Although much of the media-fueled hysteria over the designer drug called bath salts has been utterly unfounded, especially when it comes to driving users to eating people's faces, you'll still want to pass on them. Learn why.

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SYSK Selects: How Daylight Saving Time Works Nov 18, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, Benjamin Franklin first came up with daylight saving time in 1748, and people still practice it today. But how does it work? What are the pros and cons? Join Josh and Chuck as they turn back the clock to explore the origins of daylight saving time.

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Can movies be cursed? Nov 16, 2017

First of all, movies can't be cursed because curses aren't real. However, that can't stop Josh and Chuck from taking a look at some movies throughout history that have had a disturbing number of bad things surrounding their production and release. Dive into the world of cursed movies in this very fun episode.

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How the Flu Works Nov 14, 2017

Every year the flu virus makes the rounds, laying up young and old alike for days before moving on to another hapless victim. But flu viruses can mutate and once in awhile they turn into something much deadlier, a pandemic that can kill millions.

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SYSK Selects: How Silly Putty Works Nov 11, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, when the Japanese invaded Southeast Asia in World War II, they cut off America's rubber supply. Luckily, American can-do created a synthetic rubber and saved the War. Learn about the inventor, fluid chemistry and more in this episode of SYSK.

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What's permaculture all about? Nov 09, 2017

Permaculture is a growing trend in the world of farming and home landscaping. It's basically a design principle that emphasizes sustainability and the would-be, natural ecosystem of an area. Simple concepts like planting downhill from a pond and using gravity to feed plants to planting native plants and vegetation that work well together are hallmarks of permaculture. Learn all about this eco-friendly trend today.

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How Restaurant Health Inspections Work Nov 07, 2017

If you've ever worked in a restaurant, you know the feeling that occurs when the health inspector pays a visit. While nerve wracking, it's the best insurance patrons have that their food will be prepared and served in a proper environment. Learn all about how these inspections work, from their past history to current incarnation.

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SYSK Selects: How Exorcism Works Nov 04, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, is the idea of possession a misunderstanding of physiological and psychological conditions, or has science failed to account for unknown, legitimate factors? Learn whether exorcism and psychology are mutually exclusive in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.

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Movie Crush: Tig Notaro on Mask Nov 03, 2017

Episode two of Movie Crush is a very special one. Comedian Tig Notaro dropped in minutes after a very important, life changing phone call to chat with Chuck about the movie Mask. Have a listen!

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Movie Crush: Janet Varney on Tron Nov 03, 2017

This week Movie Crush launches with two great episodes. Up first, actress Janet Varney talks with Chuck about the movie Tron and how much it means to her.

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How Global Warming Works Nov 02, 2017

It's a confusing part of climate change when it seems winter is as cold as ever, but as global temperatures creep ever so slightly higher, a cascade of catastrophic events will almost surely follow. The ball is in humanity's court.

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SYSK's 2017 Super Spooktacular! Oct 31, 2017

In this year's super scary Halloween episode, Chuck and Josh read two great works of horror fiction: Gifts, by our very own Ed Grabianowski, and the classic The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

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SYSK Selects: How SPAM Works Oct 28, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, SPAM is a canned meat product made from pork shoulder and ham. First introduced in 1937, this iconic food has spread to stores across the world. But what exactly is it, how did it get here -- and why is its shelf life "indefinite?" Tune in to find out.

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Episode 1,000: The Simpsons Spectacular Part II Oct 26, 2017

Today concludes our two part celebration of one of the greatest TV shows of all time - The Simpsons! It also officially marks our 1,000th episode. Can you believe it? We sure can't. So join us today as we wrap up our tribute to America's favorite TV family and hit the 1,000 mark.

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Episode 999: The Simpsons Spectacular Part I Oct 24, 2017

For our 999th and 1,000th episodes, we go down the rabbit hole on a TV show that quite literally altered popular culture as we know it. The Simpsons has been around since Josh and Chuck were in grade school, and is still cranking out episodes today. Join us for two very special episodes as we pay tribute to The Simpsons, and celebrate a milestone of our own - numbers 999 and 1,000!

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SYSK Selects: The Cheesiest SYSK Episode Ever Oct 21, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, cheese is often overlooked as a one of humanity's great achievements. Making cheese is surprisingly easy: It's been accidentally created by more than one culture at different times. Tune in to learn more about cheese -- and enjoying it -- in this episode.

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How Internships Work Oct 19, 2017

The term intern comes from the medical community, but virtually every industry now uses them. From real world training to coffee fetchers, interns can be used and misused in many different ways. Dive into the world of internships with us today. And for heaven's sake - pay them!

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SYSK Live: The DB Cooper Heist Oct 17, 2017

Join Josh and Chuck live from Seattle as they (sky)dive into one of the most brazen robberies in the annals of crime and the only unsolved airline hijacking in American history.

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SYSK Selects: Is there such a thing as a truth serum? Oct 14, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, ever since people have had secrets, other people have been looking for ways to get it out of them. Law enforcement and chemistry alike have searched for a drug that can remove the ability to lie. Join Josh and Chuck as they check in to see how it's going.

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How Buildering Works Oct 12, 2017

Up until recently we had no idea buildering was a word. Or that people scaling buildings has been a thing since the turn of the 20th Century. Learn along with us, and don't try it at home.

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How the Rolling Jubilee Works Oct 10, 2017

Everyone thought it was the pits that banks were bailed out by taxpayers in 2008 while those same people weren't given any relief by the banks. So some Occupy Wall Street members did something about it.

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SYSK Selects: Did a cow start the Great Chicago Fire? Oct 07, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, Josh and Chuck find who's probably to blame for the Great Chicago Fire. The newspapers of the day reported that a cow (or perhaps its owner) was responsible for a fire that burned half of Chicago in 1871. Yet in 1997 Mrs. O'Leary and her cow were exonerated.

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How Giraffes Work Oct 05, 2017

Even though giraffes are one of the most recognizable animals on the planet, it wasn't until the 21st century that biology really set about studying them. They've found giraffes are even more amazing than they appear.

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How Police Body Cameras Work Oct 03, 2017

Cops wearing cameras is a new thing. So new that we aren't entirely sure of all the ramifications that go along with them just yet. In theory they should protect both police and citizens, but as we learned, they are no magic pill against police brutality or the death of cops on patrol. Join us as we dive into this complicated issue today.

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SYSK Selects: What was the most peaceful time in history? Sep 30, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, there is a lot of debate about whether pre-agricultural humans existed in a more harmonious state than we do today. Did we slip out of Eden when we began to build large scale societies and pay the price for technological advancement by suffering increased violence? Or is it possible that the most peaceful time in history is right now?

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How Nude Beaches Work Sep 28, 2017

Probably all beaches were nude early on, but as society developed and body shame became all the rage, people started wearing bathing suits. Some, though, liked the way it was before.

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How FOIA Works Sep 26, 2017

In the 60s, Congress worried the White House was operating too much in secret and passed the Freedom Of Information Act, opening the government to public questioning. It has been an ongoing struggle to pry those secrets loose ever since.

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SYSK Selects: Fecal Transplants: You Gonna Drink That Poop? Sep 23, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, there's an emerging field in health care called medical ecology that's concerned with understanding how the 100 trillion microbes living inside us keep us healthy. The field's first breakthrough is the fecal transplant, taking poop from a healthy person and putting it into the gut of a sick person. It's a real thing and it actually works.

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A Nostalgic Look at Crayons Sep 21, 2017

Mixing wax with pigment is something artists have been doing since DaVinci. These little implements would later go on to be called crayons and gained popularity among the elementary school set. Learn all about crayons in today's episode.

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How Frogs Work Sep 19, 2017

They survived the extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, but unfortunately frogs seem to be no match for humans and are losing species in droves. This is not good for anyone.

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SYSK Selects: How Handwriting Analysis Works Sep 16, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, one of the fields of forensic investigation, handwriting analysis is based on the principle of uniqueness - that each person writes in their own peculiar way. Learn about this interesting area of crime fighting and how it's worked to advance itself as a real science.

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How the Secret Service Works Sep 14, 2017

The U.S. Secret Service began after a mandate from President Lincoln called for a service to combat counterfeiters. Since then, they have become more well known as the agency that guards and protects the president and the first family, along with that of former presidents. Learn all about the ins and outs of the this not so secret service in today's episode.

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How Psychopaths Work Sep 12, 2017

There are people who walk among us who seem normal, maybe even more charming or intelligent than average, yet they hide disturbing and at times dangerous personalities behind what one researcher called a 'mask of sanity.'

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SYSK Selects: How Hip-hop Works Sep 09, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select, what you hear is not a test, instead it's Chuck and Josh discussing the cultural history of the Hip-Hop movement. Born out of the South Bronx, by way of Jamaica, Hip-Hop culture grew up suddenly as DJs learned to use two turntables at once. Check out this episode of Stuff You Should Know to learn about the origins and evolution of Hip-Hop.

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Are crickets the future of food? Sep 07, 2017

Crickets are part of a larger insect-based diet enjoyed in most parts of the world. Loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein, and green to boot, crickets could help solve some of the world's food problems if Europe and America get on board. Learn all about cricket farming in today's episode.

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The Baffling Case of the Body On Somerton Beach Sep 05, 2017

Since his corpse was found in 1948, wearing a nice suit in summer on an Australian beach, an unidentified man has refused to fade into obscurity, gripping the imagination of sleuths around the world.

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SYSK Selects: How Shrunken Heads Work Sep 02, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, although U.S. museum collections are rife with counterfeits, shrunken heads are far from fiction. The Shuar tribe of Ecuador has shrunken heads for centuries. Learn the methodical process of shrinking a head and how they're used in this episode.

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How Satanism Works Aug 31, 2017

Satanism may be the most misunderstood "religion" in the world. Part of that is because there are, and have been, many offshoots of Satanism, from The Church of Satan to The Satanic Temple. One thing is sure though, none of them are filled with evil humans who perform ritual blood sacrifice and worship a cloven-hoofed devil. Learn all about Satanism in today's episode.

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A Lip-Smacking Look at Barbecue Aug 29, 2017

Barbecue, or for the lazy, BBQ, is a Southern cooking tradition, but also much more than that. It's a cultural touchstone of the South where people of all classes and races can sit and break bread with one another. In today's episode, you'll learn all about BBQ's interesting origins, along with the various regional varieties that make its meat-loving fans so devoted.

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SYSK Selects: Is Stockholm Syndrome real? Aug 26, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, since a hostage standoff in Sweden took place in 1972 a peculiar and mysterious psychological phenomenon has had a name. But is Stockholm Syndrome real? And what conditions have to be present? Join Chuck and Josh as they look into this unusual condition.

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How Personality Tests Work Aug 24, 2017

For millennia, we have tried to put human personalities into neat types, an effort psychology took up early in its history in an effort to legitimize itself. But is the idea of types – which all personality inventories are based on - flawed to begin with?

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Is the Uncanny Valley Real? Aug 22, 2017

In 1970, roboticist Masahiro Mori wrote an essay that said the closer robots come to lifelike, the more they unsettle humans. His theory became the Uncanny Valley, and science has been evaluating it – and what makes something creepy - in recent years.

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SYSK Selects: How Exploitation Films Work Aug 19, 2017

In today's SYSK Select episode, we learn about exploitation films. During the 1930s-80s, the work of directors operating in the shadows of Hollywood led to explorations in sexuality and violence that mainstream cinema wouldn't touch. Join Chuck and Josh as they explore the seedy underbelly of grindhouse flicks.

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What's the deal with accents? Aug 17, 2017

Accents are truly fascinating. Put simply, they are how a person sounds when they talk. From England to America and all over the world, the way people speak in their native tongue can vary drastically. What are the influences? When do accents begin to take hold? Can you lose or gain an accent? Learn about all this and more in today's decidedly interesting episode.

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How Stuttering Works Aug 15, 2017

Despite as much as one percent of the adult population having the condition, science doesn't actually know how stuttering works. The best it's come up with so far: there seems to be an issue between the physical process of speaking and the thought process that underlies it.

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SYSK Selects: How McCarthyism Works Aug 12, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, if you're accusing someone of disloyalty or subversion without decent evidence, then you may be guilty of McCarthyism. In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore the origin of the term, starting with the infamous Communist-hunting Senator Joseph McCarthy.

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How Bioarchaeology Works Aug 10, 2017

Thanks to advancements in fields like genetics, and molecular chemistry, archaeology is undergoing a renaissance and opening up new understanding of the past.

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Do motivational speakers motivate people? Aug 08, 2017

There are all kinds of motivational speakers, from people who have overcome incredible hardships to those who hold pep-rally style events in stadiums. But do these speakers actually help anyone? Science can't prove it out, but people who take part swear by it. Learn all about the strange world of motivational speakers in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: Why do men have nipples? Aug 05, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, they're always right there, taunting you: why do you have me, they ask? Why do men have nipples? It turns out there's a good answer why and nipples on men aren't entirely useless after all. Join Chuck and Josh for this heady investigation.

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Who Committed the 1912 Villisca Ax Murders? Aug 03, 2017

In a small town in Iowa in 1912 eight people were murdered in the grisliest of ways while they slept. Local reputations were ruined when accusations flew, but could a drifting serial killer working across the Midwest have been behind it?

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How Public Broadcasting Works Aug 01, 2017

Public broadcasting works a bit differently depending on where you are in the world. American TV made the leap more toward commercial broadcasting in the early days, yet PBS and NPR still remain a vital part of our national fabric. In England and many other countries, public broadcasting is more the standard. Learn all about the interesting history of public broadcasting in today's episode.

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SYSK Selects: How Disco Works Jul 29, 2017

In today's SYSK Select episode, fly, robin, fly indeed. No musical genre has risen and burned out as quickly as disco, and historians are still trying to unravel the animosity aimed at it. Join Chuck and Josh as they dig into disco's underground roots and its sashay into the mainstream.

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A Dry Look at Toilet Paper Jul 27, 2017

Over or under? One ply or two? How about six? TP has not been around that long, but is has been embraced in a big way by the United States. Learn all about the interesting history behind this decidedly dry product.

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What is Ghost Fishing? Jul 25, 2017

It sounds cool, but ghost fishing is actually a tragic byproduct of modern fishing practices, where abandoned nylon nets can trap and kill sealife for hundreds of years.

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SYSK Selects: How the Sun Works Jul 22, 2017

In this week's SYSK Select episode, amateur astrophysicists Josh and Chuck break out the stats and attempt to explain the complex, boiling ball of gas that we call the sun.

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All We Know About Guessing Jul 20, 2017

Guessing is a weird thing. For millennia, it could have meant the difference between life and death. Now it's not as vital, but we still do it every day, whether behind the wheel of a car, or judging what another person might be feeling. From wild guesses to the educated variety, learn everything we know about the brain and how it manages this odd, very human act.

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Sunburn, Suntans and Sunscreen Jul 18, 2017

It's pretty obvious something's gone wrong when you get a sunburn, but did you know a tan means you've damaged your DNA? Dive into the three Ss of summer and learn all about how to protect yourself from the sun.

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