
Erin McCarthy
VP/Editor-in-Chief of MentalFloss.com and author of "Mental Floss: The Curious Compendium of Wonderful Words". Guest on the show to discuss the backstories of everyday expressions.
Best podcasts with Erin McCarthy
Ranked by the Snipd community

43 snips
Jun 21, 2025 • 48min
Surprising Backstories of Everyday Expressions & The Benefits of Connecting With Your Future Self - SYSK Choice
In this engaging discussion, Erin McCarthy, VP/Editor-in-Chief of MentalFloss.com, uncovers the quirky origins of everyday expressions, revealing how phrases like 'cut to the chase' came to be. She shares why certain words are disliked yet commonly used. Hal Hershfield, a professor at UCLA, emphasizes the importance of connecting with your future self to make better decisions today. He explores how envisioning our future identities can influence personal growth and financial planning. The interplay of language and self-identity makes for a thought-provoking conversation!

Nov 11, 2025 • 46min
What Did Teddy Roosevelt Do to Dr. Seuss?!
In a lively discussion, Erin McCarthy, editor-in-chief of Mental Floss, explores the eccentricities of Theodore Roosevelt. They dive into how TR’s unusual eating habits, like drinking coffee from a giant mug, fueled his legendary productivity. Erin shares amusing tales, including how a dead seal ignited Roosevelt's passion for nature, and recounts a hilarious mix-up between a young Dr. Seuss and TR. From family dynamics to the infamous bear hunt, this conversation paints a vivid picture of a larger-than-life president.


