Stuff You Should Know

Diving into the mysterious realm of ESP, the hosts explore its various categories like telepathy and clairvoyance. They unpack early scientific studies, highlighting J.B. Rhine’s experiments with Zener cards and the issues that plagued their credibility. The discussion shifts to modern tests, including random number generators, and the controversial Ganzfeld protocol for telepathy. Skepticism abounds as they dissect the need for extraordinary evidence and the debate surrounding reproducibility in parapsychology, contrasting genuine research with stage psychic tricks.

Dive into the world of VH1, the mellow counterpart to MTV, and discover its strategic launch to attract an older audience. Hear about the rise of iconic VJs and standout programs like Pop-Up Video and Storytellers that shaped its personality. Delve into the reality TV revolution with hits such as Flavor of Love, and the channel’s influence on Black-focused content. The conversation also explores the ethical concerns surrounding shows like Celebrity Rehab and VH1's evolution post-scandal, all while maintaining a playful tone.

Discover the eerie tradition of corpse walking in Hunan, China, where Taoist priests would reanimate corpses to guide them home for burial. Uncover the origins of this spooky practice dating back to the Qing dynasty and its decline under Mao. Learn about the nighttime processions filled with superstitions, black cats providing static electricity, and eyewitness accounts of the chilling scenes. Explore the clever ways the priests staged the act to create the illusion of walking corpses, blending history with an uncanny touch.

Dive into a nostalgic journey as two Gen X'ers reminisce about MTV's groundbreaking influence on music and pop culture. Discover the origins of music videos, the visionary minds behind MTV's creation, and its iconic launch with "Video Killed the Radio Star." Explore the impact of the I Want My MTV campaign and how it changed celebrity culture. From Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" breaking racial barriers to the rise of reality TV, this trip down memory lane showcases MTV's monumental role in shaping the entertainment landscape.

Bob Nastanovich, a musician from Pavement and Silver Jews, dives into the nostalgic world of Schoolhouse Rock. He shares insights on how Pavement contributed a cover for the 1990s tribute album. The discussion highlights the origin and cultural significance of the iconic series, revealing behind-the-scenes stories like the collaborative songwriting process and the challenges of reimagining classic tunes. Nastanovich reflects on the unique recording experience and what Schoolhouse Rock means to fans, making for a delightful exploration of this beloved program.

Explore the comforting world of hospice care, a concept designed to allow dying patients to find peace with loved ones. Discover its origins in the 1960s and influential figures like Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and Cicely Saunders. Learn how modern hospice care in the U.S. emerged and the vital role Medicare plays today. Delve into the various levels of care provided and the myths that deter patients. Hear inspiring stories that show how hospice can improve quality of life—and even extend it—while addressing the shortcomings and challenges of the system.

Explore the chilling origins of the urban legend about calls coming from inside the house. Delve into a grisly 1950 murder case that may have inspired this terrifying trope. The hosts discuss how technology, from landlines to cell phones, has changed the fear factor. They share personal horror stories that resonate with childhood fears and compare this legend to other campfire tales. Hear how the story influenced iconic horror films, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

Dive into nostalgia as the hosts reminisce about the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons from 1970 to 1995. They explore the sacred rituals that defined weekend mornings for kids and the evolution of cartoons into marketing powerhouses, selling toys and sugary cereals. The impact of advertising on young viewers is dissected, alongside the regulatory responses from the FTC. Personal anecdotes, trivia about final airings, and a listener's hilarious cockroach story add layers of entertainment to this trip down memory lane.

Dive into the surprising world of mail-order marriages—a topic rich with nuance and history. Discover how early American matchmaking shaped perceptions, and the complex reality of the international marriage brokerage industry. Learn about the evolution from personal ads to modern online platforms, and the importance of safety measures like video chat. Explore the tricky intersections of immigration law, vulnerability, and even LGBTQ marriages, highlighting that these unions can be both exploitative and transformative.

Travel back to the early 1900s and explore the enigmatic sleepy sickness, a pandemic that left patients in a deep, semi-aware state. Discover the peculiar symptoms, including hypersomnolence and catatonia, and the exploration of the illness by Dr. Constantin von Economo. Learn about the chilling connection between the outbreak and long-term Parkinsonism, as well as Oliver Sacks' groundbreaking work on revival treatments. Delve into the mysterious disappearance of the disease and current theories regarding its origins!