Brian Resnick, a former editor at Vox, delves into the surprising effectiveness of placebos, even when patients know they're receiving sugar pills. He discusses how this challenges traditional medical views, sparking debates on ethical implications. The conversation highlights open-label placebos, revealing that transparency can enhance healing. Resnick also explores the role of patient-doctor trust and the power of expectations in health outcomes. With a mix of humor and insight, they question if placebos should become a staple in modern medicine.

Researchers who create and study tech like ChatGPT don't understand how it works. The episode explores the rise of AI in chess and Go, the mysterious nature of chat GPT AI, the impressive abilities of GPT-4, and the unpredictability of AI systems.

NatGeo's Brian Resnick and The Atlantic's Charlie Warzel discuss the viral sensation of 'The Dress' and how it shaped online perception. They explore the evolution of virality on social media and the changing landscape of internet culture. The podcast also touches on the dynamics of news dissemination and the impact of social media on news trends.