Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

Dive into the mysterious world of auras—intangible energies perceived from people and objects. Explore historical roots, from ancient beliefs to modern New Age interpretations. Discover Kirlian photography's striking images and how they challenge spiritual claims. Skepticism remains regarding reproducibility and the role of genetics in suggestibility. Hear about fascinating individual perceptions, including synesthesia and the faint bioluminescence humans emit. Can science and personal experiences coexist in the realm of auras?

Discover the hidden costs of fast fashion and cosmetics in this insightful discussion. The hosts explore the environmental impact, from pollution to wildlife extinction. Learn how modern makeup practices evolved alongside film and photography, and the significant size of the cosmetic industry. They delve into ethical debates around animal testing and highlight the toxic waste linked to cosmetics. The conversation also emphasizes the urgent need for sustainability in the fashion industry, challenging consumers to make more responsible choices.

Explore the hidden, dark realities of the fashion industry. Discover how a few corporations dominate profits. Uncover the staggering scale of global apparel markets worth trillions. Delve into alarming issues like modern slavery in supply chains and the exploitation of vulnerable workers. Learn about legislative loopholes that allow abuse to persist and the emotional costs behind cheap garments. Finally, reflect on consumer responsibility and the impact of fashion on identity and politics.

Discover the contested meaning of 'Antifa' and its historical roots in 1930s Germany. Explore how naming shapes movements and the implications of anti-fascism. Learn about Antifa's ties to leftist groups and its media resurgence after the Charlottesville rally. The hosts discuss varied tactics from peaceful protests to allegations of violence, and debunk conspiracy theories surrounding centralized control. Finally, they consider the legal ramifications of labeling Antifa and the broader context of extremist violence in the US.

The Kursk submarine, a colossal nuclear-powered vessel, met its tragic fate in a catastrophic peacetime accident that shocked the world. Delve into the mysterious circumstances surrounding its sinking, exploring theories of collision and friendly-fire incidents. Learn about the Kursk's impressive design and operational capabilities, alongside its crew's challenges. From official narratives of a torpedo mishap to whispers of secret technology, this discussion dissects the evidence and diplomatic curiosities that followed, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

The hosts dive into the origins of the Elf on the Shelf and its rise as a holiday staple, sparking debates about commercialization and tradition. They explore how the elf’s mechanics promote surveillance normalization, raising concerns among parents and experts. Discussions include children’s reactions, the economic impact of Christmas, and the pressures on parents to maintain the tradition. Critics argue the elf conditions kids to accept constant observation, making it a fascinating blend of innocence and potential consequences.

Delve into the intricacies of gasoline pricing, exploring how factors like taxes, market demand, and geopolitical influences shape costs at the pump. Discover the environmental toll of gasoline, with emissions estimates that provide startling insights into its true cost. The hosts illuminate the hidden profits from in-store sales at gas stations and the impact of military logistical expenses on taxpayers. Finally, they discuss the challenges facing electric vehicle adoption and how financial motivations drive shifts in energy practices.

The discussion on weather modification raises eyebrows as hosts explore its growing relevance amid climate anxiety. They break down cloud seeding basics and the limitations of predicting outcomes. Contrails are debunked against chemtrail myths, while the ethical implications of weaponized weather, like Operation Popeye, surface. Solar geoengineering and stratospheric aerosol injection emerge as controversial topics with potential risks. The team debates viable alternatives, stressing the need for emissions reduction alongside caution in new interventions.

In this engaging discussion, Rob Reiner, a legendary director and activist, dives deep into the investigation of JFK's assassination. He recalls watching the tragic event unfold in high school and discusses the pivotal role of early comedians in provoking public skepticism. Rob reveals surprising connections between Oswald and intelligence programs, challenges the lone-gunman narrative, and highlights ongoing discrepancies in the official accounts. He emphasizes the urgency of uncovering the truth today to restore trust in democracy.

This week, the hosts dive into the intriguing idea that our gut microbiome might have the ability to predict the future. They share quirky anecdotes about déjà vu and personal hunches, while exploring controversial scientific studies on consciousness and anticipatory brain activity. The conversation takes a humorous turn with a flat Earth challenge from a CEO, followed by a hilarious debate over the shape of the Earth (quesadilla-shaped, anyone?). Finally, they tackle the unsettling implications of U.S. border social media vetting, raising important privacy concerns.