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Stuff You Should Know

Latest episodes

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Nov 29, 2023 • 15min

Short Stuff: The Zipper Merge

When you switch lanes on the highway after noticing that the lane you’re in is ending up ahead, you are literally ruining the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 28, 2023 • 49min

Plate Tectonics Are What Makes Earth Inhabitable

It’s time to get jazzed about Earth science again. It’s only been 60 or so years since we’ve known the continents move around and we’re still figuring out exactly how they do. But one thing is for sure, that super-slow movement is super important.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 25, 2023 • 48min

Selects: NYC Water: An Engineering Marvel

Getting the rain and melted snow from upstate NY into the taps of every NYC resident and business is one of the great feats of engineering. Does it taste great and make perfect bagels and pizza crust? Sources say yes! Learn all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 23, 2023 • 51min

The Wreck of the Costa Concordia

It’s astounding that with the exceptional navigational equipment aboard a cruise ship can run aground in the 21st century, and 32 passengers and crew can lose their lives within a thousand feet of land. Such is the power of incompetence and cowardice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 22, 2023 • 12min

Short Stuff: Magnetic Pole Switcheroo

This podcast explores the phenomenon of magnetic pole switching on Earth, discussing the constant changes in the magnetic field, the unpredictable movement of the poles, and the profound effects of past pole reversals. It also delves into the implications of polarity reversals on technology and potential economic consequences.
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Nov 21, 2023 • 48min

Legs! Legs! Legs! (The Periodic Table)

If you’ve ever wanted to listen to two totally untrained, non-chemists who are fully unqualified to explain how the periodic table works nervously explain how the periodic table works, then this episode is for you. Chemistry majors, be warned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 18, 2023 • 42min

Selects: E.T.: Is It Really the Worst Video Game of All Time?

If you play video games you probably have an easy answer to worst game of all time: ET. But it turns out there are no easy answers, especially when you’re talking about a game so terrible it’s blamed for bringing the entire video game industry with it. Find out more in this classic episode.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 16, 2023 • 47min

Diners: The Most American Establishment?

Diners may just be the most American establishment there is. They were born in the USA, thanks to European immigrants, and they only exist in the USA, unless it's a kitschy homage. So break open that 12-page menu and order up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 15, 2023 • 12min

Short Stuff: Liberty Bell

The story of the Liberty Bell is far more confusing than we imagined.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 14, 2023 • 50min

The Tragic Death of Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood was Hollywood royalty who tragically drowned after a long night of partying with her husband, Robert Wagner, and actor Christopher Walken. Over the last 40 plus years, stories have changed and the investigation has moved from closed to open. Listen in to learn this tragic story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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