Lateral with Tom Scott 138: A confusing refreshment
May 30, 2025
Jarvis Johnson and Jordan Adika, renowned hosts of the Sad Boys podcast, team up with Mary Spender, a talented singer-songwriter and music YouTuber. They tackle quirky questions about pop culture, historical mishaps, and the funny side of navigational errors—like Jim Bridger's 620-mile blunder. The trio dives into the absurdities of childhood toys, marketing quirks tied to Olympic promotions, and the struggle of New Year's resolutions. Expect laughter, insightful anecdotes, and a cosmic twist connecting the stars to our most ridiculous moments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lego and Medical Imaging Insight
- Lego considered adding barium sulfate so swallowed bricks would show up on X-rays.
- The plan was dropped as it made bricks more brittle, so Legos remain undetectable on X-rays.
Star Arcturus and World's Fair Lights
- The 1933 Chicago World's Fair lights were triggered by light from star Arcturus.
- The star's light took 40 years to reach Earth, matching time since first fair in 1893, symbolizing continuity.
McDonald's Olympic Promotion Flaw
- McDonald's 'When the US Wins, You Win' cost more due to Soviet bloc boycott.
- Fewer competitors led to more US gold medals, increasing prize redemptions beyond expectations.