In this fascinating discussion, Tom Hanks, the beloved Hollywood icon known for his award-winning performances, reveals the secrets to being adored by the public. He humorously delves into the absurd world of standing ovations, using examples from film festivals. The conversation takes a quirky turn with a study on how chimpanzees recognize each other by their butts, sparking a light-hearted debate on human versus chimp recognition skills. Join them for a blend of celebrity insights and amusing science!
Tom Hanks reveals the mixed emotions performers can feel regarding standing ovations, showcasing their paradoxical nature of flattery and discomfort.
The podcast humorously examines the concept of world fame, illustrating how establishments like JB's hot dogs validate their status through global recognition.
Deep dives
The Dynamics of Standing Ovations
Standing ovations can generate mixed feelings for performers. Tom Hanks shares his experiences at film festivals, recounting how he received an impressive 11-minute standing ovation for a Coen brothers film that ultimately performed poorly at the box office. In contrast, he describes feeling the audience's disappointment during a screening of 'The Da Vinci Code,' where two-thirds of the viewers left before the credits. He emphasizes the paradox of public applause, noting that while a prolonged ovation is flattering, it can feel exhausting and uncomfortable, leading one to wish for the moment to end.
Becoming World Famous
The concept of being 'world famous' is examined in relation to various establishments, including JB's famous footlong hot dogs in North Carolina. The podcast delves into humorous methods to verify claims of world fame, such as checking global awareness by reaching out to distant cities. An example given involves speaking to public representatives from the antipodes of the restaurant and exploring whether they have heard of the hot dogs. The discussion highlights that many establishments genuinely earn their world-famous status, challenging initial skepticism.
Chimpanzee Recognition Skills
Research on chimpanzee recognition demonstrates that they identify each other primarily through their behinds, a capability that humans lack. Dr. Mariska Kret explains an experiment wherein chimpanzees showed remarkable speed in recognizing images of fellow chimps' backsides. In contrast, the researchers found that humans do not possess the same quick recognition system, raising the absurd notion of testing human subjects for butt recognition ability. This quirky study reveals interesting insights into animal behavior while highlighting the differences between human and chimpanzee perception.
Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me! producers Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag are back with another episode of How To Do Everything. Today, the great Tom Hanks teaches us the art of being adored, and Mike and Ian help a listener who's curious about world fame. Plus, a bottoms-up approach to recognizing your family members.
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How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White.