Exploring the Concept of Leaning and CIA Spy Training

It's an idea that pops up on Reddit from time to time: that Americans have a unique propensity lean on things. Walls. Chairs. Anything to keep from holding up our own body weight. In fact, some posit that leaning is so uniquely American, the CIA has to train spies not to do it.

Is this baloney? Where did the idea that only Americans lean come from?

Credits: This episode was produced by Ben Brock Johnson. Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski. It was hosted by Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson.