Stuff You Should Know

Discover the fascinating world of peyote, the hallucinogenic cactus revered in Native American spirituality. The hosts explore its cultural significance and the effects of its psychoactive compound, mescaline. They delve into the respectful harvesting practices and the challenges facing this unique plant. Alongside humor, the conversation touches on peyote’s impact on art and notable figures, including the influence of Carlos Castaneda. Join in for a light-hearted yet insightful journey into the history and rituals surrounding this mystical plant.

Discover the enchanting scent of petrichor that wafts through the air after rain, rooted in fascinating science! Explore the intriguing molecule geosmin, produced by bacteria, which contributes to this earthy fragrance. Learn how the smell varies between urban and rural settings and its cultural significance, especially in places like India. With a sprinkling of nostalgia and humor, this exploration highlights the beauty of nature and the unique sensory experiences we encounter with the scent of rain.

Discover the quiet rise of solar energy and its potential to phase out fossil fuels. Explore the historical journey of solar power, from its 1839 origins to modern advancements that make it a viable energy source. Learn about the financial benefits of adopting solar for homeowners, as well as the fascinating technology behind photovoltaic cells. Delve into innovative energy storage solutions that combine solar and hydroelectricity. Plus, enjoy some light-hearted discussions on the quirky side of solar energy!

Discover the intriguing world of shotgun houses, iconic and narrow architectural gems of American culture. Unravel their mysterious origins, deeply rooted in New Orleans and African-American heritage. Delve into their unique design features and the challenges of preservation post-Hurricane Katrina. Explore their social significance that fosters community bonding and cultural interaction. Finally, enjoy a nostalgic twist with stories from a legendary concert tour, connecting music, memory, and architecture.

The podcast delves into the unraveling of the Iran-Contra Affair, revealing the behind-the-scenes chaos of the Reagan administration's covert operations. As illegal arms sales to Iran emerge amidst political strife, finger-pointing ensues from Congress and the press. A gripping incident involving a downed cargo plane illustrates the depths of this scandal, while media revelations expose the arms-for-hostage deal that rocked U.S. politics. Despite the turmoil, many key players ultimately evade accountability, leaving a complicated legacy.

Time zones: a headache we all know too well! Discover how they emerged from the chaos of railway scheduling in the 19th century, thanks to a brilliant Scottish scientist. Explore the messy intricacies of global timekeeping and its effects on our daily lives. Is there a case for a single universal time? Dive into the potential benefits and challenges of ditching time zones altogether, while pondering how this might change our perception of time and culture. Could we finally say goodbye to jet lag?

Dive deep into the Iran-Contra affair, a scandal intertwining arms sales to Iran with a covert war in Nicaragua during Reagan's presidency. Discover the CIA's controversial covert operations, including the deployment of sea mines and the Boland Amendment's impact. Explore the ethical dilemmas of funding the Contras and the moral contradictions woven into U.S. foreign policy. Learn how propaganda shaped public perception, and the bold journalism that eventually exposed these shady dealings in 80s America.

Explore the terrifying grip of the Black Death, a disease that originated in the Gobi desert and decimated Europe's population. Discover the gruesome symptoms and the social upheaval it caused, leading to disillusionment with established religious beliefs. The episode dives into its ecological effects, suggesting the pandemic sparked the Little Ice Age. Misconceptions about the disease's origins and the societal responses to fear are discussed, revealing chilling realities and profound changes in labor dynamics and cultural reflections of mortality.

Dive into the wild world of 19th-century paleontology where a fierce rivalry turned fossil hunting into a dramatic spectacle. Discover how paleontologists Marsh and Cope's heated competition led to mudslinging, underhanded tactics, and even public disputes. The discussion reveals the quirky dynamics of their friendship turned feud and the cultural impact of their discoveries. From double agents to dynamited fossils, the Bone Wars highlighted the chaotic beginnings of American science—all served with a side of humor and nostalgia for childhood dinosaur dreams.

In 1965, a 456-pound man named Angus Barbieri took on the astounding challenge of fasting for more than a year. This remarkable journey reveals how he survived solely on body fat and essential supplements under medical supervision. The podcast delves into the physical and psychological effects of extreme fasting and examines the societal perceptions surrounding it. It also highlights the serious health risks associated with such drastic measures and the importance of careful reintroduction of food after such a fast.