Stuff You Should Know

Dive into the fascinating world of diving bells, an invention dating back over 2,400 years that has played a crucial role in underwater exploration. Discover how Aristotle and Da Vinci contributed to this technology, along with its risky side effects, like the bends. Unravel the historical evolution of diving bells from the Renaissance, and hear about their use in building the Brooklyn Bridge. The discussion also touches on a gripping survival story of a diver and includes a humorous take on the film 'Sharknado,' blending education with entertainment.

Imagine discovering the government thinks you're dead! This podcast dives into the chaos that ensues when bureaucratic errors lead to wrongful death declarations. Hear about the complex legacy of Social Security numbers and the notorious Death Master File, which can falsely label living individuals as deceased. Through engaging stories, including a man's 17-year quest to reclaim his identity, the hosts highlight the absurdities of red tape and the vital need for accurate records. It's a wild ride through the intersection of life, death, and government mishaps!

The allure of the number 23 is explored with humor and curiosity. It pops up frequently in pop culture, particularly in a film featuring Jim Carrey, sparking discussions about numerology's absurdities. The number's historical significance is examined, notably its ties to sports legends like Michael Jordan. Listeners are treated to fascinating coincidences and patterns across culture. Insights into cognitive psychology reveal why certain numbers captivate our imagination, highlighting our tendency to assign meaning where none may exist.

Dive into the extraordinary life of Michael Dillon, a pioneering figure in transgender history. Discover his journey as one of the first to undergo female-to-male gender confirmation surgery and navigate the challenges he faced at Oxford. The podcast highlights his influential role in transgender healthcare alongside Laura Dillon, shedding light on the societal stigma of their time. Explore Dillon's spiritual quest in Buddhism and the need for acceptance, emphasizing the importance of recognition for trans pioneers. Plus, an adventurous listener shares his solo rowing journey across the Pacific!

Discover the fascinating history of zero, tracing its trajectory from ancient Sumer to India’s Aryabhata. Learn about its role as a crucial placeholder and the cultural challenges it faced. Explore zero's surprising properties in mathematics, including the paradoxes of multiplication and division. Delve into its introduction to the Western world through Fibonacci and the Maya's independent development. Enjoy amusing anecdotes and cultural insights that highlight zero's transformative power in our understanding of numbers.

Human zoos were troubling spectacles that showcased people from distant cultures, allowing society to gawk and objectify them. The tragic story of Ota Benga highlights the exploitation and racism endured by individuals in these exhibitions. The discussion navigates the shift from ethnographic displays to modern cultural representations, scrutinizing the moral implications of such portrayals. Additionally, it contrasts cultural practices of the Igorot people with their exploitation during events like the 1904 World's Fair, revealing a legacy of colonial attitudes that persist today.

Fear of public speaking, often labeled glossophobia, is one of the most common anxieties, even surpassing death! The podcast offers insights into its symptoms and effective strategies for conquering this fear. Listeners hear personal anecdotes about challenges faced during public speaking, and discover the power of preparation and improvisation. Tips like exposure therapy and practice emerge as key remedies, revealing that the best way to tackle this fear is to embrace opportunities to speak. Tune in for a confidence boost!

Delve into the intriguing world of birth order and its potential impact on personality. Discover how firstborns often take charge, while middle children master diplomacy, and youngest siblings find a unique niche. The discussion dives into scientific studies versus popular beliefs, examining how family dynamics and parental attention can shape individual traits. Personal anecdotes add humor and depth, exploring themes like sibling relationships and even the fraternal birth order effect. Prepare for some enlightening insights and a few laughs along the way!

Explore the fascinating history of marijuana, from its 8,500-year use for medicine to its tumultuous legal battles in America. Discover how cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, alleviating conditions like nausea in cancer patients. The podcast dives into the evolution of marijuana's legality and potency, shedding light on shifting public perceptions. You'll also learn about changing consumption trends, from traditional joints to modern edibles, and the implications for health compared to tobacco. It's a journey through culture, science, and progress.

Dive into the fascinating world of the Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel that reshaped the American landscape. Discover its historical significance and how it transformed the Colorado River into Lake Mead. Learn about the intricate design of spillways that manage water flow and prevent flooding. Uncover the dam's impact on agriculture and urban development, particularly in Las Vegas and Tucson. Enjoy amusing anecdotes from listeners that bring a personal touch to this colossal project.