HTDE: Haircuts in Space, Tutus, and the Nasal Ranger
Sep 4, 2024
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Discover the quirky world of personal care in space, from cutting hair in zero gravity to cleaning tutus with vodka! The hosts explore amusing challenges astronauts face, blending humor with the realities of life aboard the ISS. Dive into the hilarious science of odors, featuring the nasal ranger and the comical calibration using a litter box. With playful anecdotes and engaging conversations, this episode offers a lighthearted look at cleanliness, scents, and the unique experiences of those in orbit.
The podcast showcases innovative solutions for personal care in space, highlighting astronauts' use of vacuum shears for haircuts to maintain hygiene.
A unique technique using vodka for cleaning ballet tutus illustrates how creative practices can evolve within specialized fields like costume maintenance.
Deep dives
Exploration of Podcasting Growth
The podcast reflects on the evolution of podcasting and the importance of allowing creators to explore new avenues. The hosts, who initially felt tied to a singular format, recognized that branching out into a new show could foster creativity and growth. They introduced a new series, 'How to Do Everything,' which will now be integrated with their existing content, showcasing a desire for collaboration and innovation in their podcasting journey. The return of this podcast symbolizes the flexibility of content creators to adapt and refresh their offerings, creating excitement for their audience.
Creative Solutions for Tutu Care
A unique technique for cleaning ballet tutus involves using vodka, as shared by costume production supervisor Eddie Grundy. Rather than washing them, spraying tutus with vodka kills bacteria without leaving behind a smell, a practice rooted in Russian theater traditions. This unconventional yet effective method demonstrates how innovative solutions can arise within specialized fields. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining costumes while preserving their integrity for performances.
Space Challenges and Haircuts
Astronauts face unique challenges regarding personal grooming during extended missions, like cutting hair in space. Utilizing electrical shears connected to a vacuum system, they manage to cut hair without creating a messy situation, showcasing the ingenuity required in such an environment. Additionally, astronauts have developed a system for handling dirty laundry since there's no laundry facility available, leading to a unique practice of incinerating their used clothes upon return to Earth. These insights highlight the adaptive strategies astronauts employ to maintain hygiene and comfort during their missions.
Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me! producers Mike and Ian are back with their podcast How To Do Everything. On their first episode: how to cut your hair in space, how to clean your tutu, and how to tell if you smell.
You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.
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How To Do Everything is produced by Heena Srivastava. Engineering by Patrick Murray.