Mike Trapp, comedian and writer, joins Hank Green on Dear Hank & John to discuss the most versatile food, the circularity of towns, the concept of surprise, and more fascinating topics. They also explore the convenience of Hello Fresh, upcoming projects, and their experience playing a tabletop game together. Join them for a fun and informative conversation!
Surprises bring joy and excitement by creating anticipation and relieving decision-making pressure.
The appeal of surprises lies in someone else's curation, which allows us to trust their judgment.
The act of opening surprises triggers pleasure neurotransmitters and adds novelty and uniqueness.
Deep dives
The Joy of Surprises
People are drawn to surprises because they bring an element of joy and excitement. Opening a mysterious box or bag creates a sense of anticipation and curiosity, allowing us to experience the joy of discovery. Surprises offer a break from decision-making and allow someone else to curate and choose for us, relieving the pressure of making choices. The element of surprise also adds value and novelty to the experience, making it more enjoyable and memorable.
Curation and Decision-Making
The appeal of surprises lies in the curation by someone else. Whether it's a surprise outfit or a curated mystery box, having someone with better expertise or taste choose for us can be comforting and relieve the burden of decision-making. It allows us to trust in their judgment and enjoy the experience of receiving something we may not have chosen for ourselves.
The Joy of Discovery
The act of opening a surprise and finding out what's inside brings its own joy. The element of mystery and the excitement of not knowing what to expect adds to the overall experience. This process of discovery triggers neurotransmitters associated with pleasure, making it a delightful and enjoyable moment. The novelty and uniqueness of the surprise contribute to its appeal, creating a memorable and satisfying experience.
The Versatility of Soy and the Rise of Alternative Dairy Products
Soy, being an extremely versatile food, is used in a variety of industrial products and can be prepared in various ways, such as miso glaze, soy milk, and even soy flour. The podcast discusses the increasing popularity of alternative dairy products, which are derived from sources like fungus, cashews, and even cauliflower. The hosts explore the evolution of these substitutes and the potential future of using fungus to create a wide range of food products.
Circular Town Borders in Georgia and the Significance Behind Them
The podcast delves into the existence of multiple towns in Georgia and South Carolina with circular borders. The hosts suggest that these circular borders are a result of small towns being geographically isolated, leading to their distinct boundaries being centered around specific landmarks like crossroads, churches, or areas of commerce. They also hypothesize that these circular towns often have field trips or plaques commemorating their centralized points. The discussion also touches upon the possibility of hidden codes or secrets within these towns with circular borders.
Why do we have Eastern and Pacific time zones? What would happen if I blended a smoothie for a year? What's the most versatile food? Why are some towns completely circular? Why do we get in the shower instead of under it? Why do people like surprise boxes? Hank Green and Mike Trapp have answers! And you can catch more of both of them on Dimension 20's Mentopolis, now on Dropout.tv!
