
Lateral with Tom Scott 170: Please don't!
16 snips
Jan 9, 2026 In this entertaining discussion, returning guests Annie Rauwerda, a quirky Wikipedia editor, and Charlotte Yeung, a PhD student and beauty pageant finalist, are joined by first-time panel guest Alexis Dahl, a science communicator. They delve into some eyebrow-raising topics, like the peculiar reason behind the iPhone alarm ending at 4:39 AM. Annie shares the hilarity of a test pilot wearing a gorilla mask for a prank, while Alexis explains the art of using rectangular compression bandages for bite injuries. A wild mix of facts and humor ensues!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rock Sitting Club In Darwin
- Annie Rauwerda described 'rock sitting' in Darwin where people sat on rocks for days after a hurricane.
- The group formed lasting friendships and some members married after those prolonged gatherings.
Album Designed To Look Pirated
- System of a Down's 2002 album Steal This Album deliberately mimicked a pirated CD's crudely-written cover.
- Stores labeled copies with 'please don't' to stop staff or customers mistaking it for a bootleg.
Gorilla Mask Test-Flight Prank
- Jack Willems, a Bell test pilot, sometimes flew wearing a gorilla mask, bowler hat, and cigar to make sightings unbelievable.
- He used the disguise while flying the P-59 to ensure witnesses wouldn't be believed about a propeller-less jet.


