Stuff You Should Know

Prepare for laughs as the hosts delve into outrageous acts of spite throughout history. Discover nuns sacrificing themselves to thwart Viking raiders, and Saddam Hussein’s bizarre mural of George H.W. Bush. Explore the rivalry that sparked the iconic Ford vs. Ferrari race and hear about a couple's stubborn refusal to leave their home. From holiday displays that become cultural symbols to artists rebelling with unpronounceable symbols, the discussion reveals the humor and unexpected consequences of spiteful behavior.

Dive into the fascinating world of Guinness beer and its unique widget technology. Discover how this innovative device simulates the draft experience right in your can. Learn about the science of nitrogen versus carbon dioxide, and how it creates that signature creamy texture. Hear anecdotes about the widget's origins and its inventor, Michael Ash, and understand why enjoying Guinness in a pub adds to the experience. This inventive approach has revolutionized the way we enjoy beer at home!

Gullibility is more complex than it seems. Is it innate or learned? The hosts explore psychological research, revealing how upbringing and social factors shape our susceptibility to deception. They dive into the intriguing ties between trust, personality, and emotional influences on gullibility. With anecdotes about online scams and workplace phishing, they highlight the role of skepticism in today's world. Plus, they share heartfelt moments about trust in relationships and nostalgic memories that resonate with listeners.

The podcast dives deep into the explosive eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, weaving personal stories of bravery amidst chaos. It humorously contrasts butter preferences with geological discussions, setting a unique tone. Eyewitness accounts illustrate the eruption's devastating aftermath, including deadly lahars and transformative environmental changes. Cultural significance and indigenous folklore around the volcano enrich the narrative, while modern healthcare innovations are touched upon, showcasing a blend of history, science, and human resilience.

Discover the charm of automats, those nostalgic self-service restaurants that once thrived in New York. Learn about their fascinating history and the comfort they provided to busy urban dwellers. Dive into the cultural significance they held for immigrants and their role in promoting inclusivity. Reflect on how changing dining preferences led to their decline and the rise of fast food. Along the way, enjoy anecdotes that illustrate the unique experience of pulling a meal from a glass case!

Dive into the fascinating history of bread, with a spotlight on the revolutionary invention of sliced bread! Discover how this modern convenience emerged less than 100 years ago, transforming meal prep and giving birth to the sandwich. Explore Otto Frederick Rohwetter's inspiring journey from jeweler to culinary innovator. Uncover the cultural shifts brought on by this simple slice, including its surprising impact during World War II and how it changed baking forever.

Explore the vibrant history of High Times Magazine, a beacon of cannabis culture. Discover its evolution from an underground publication to a mainstream symbol of legalization. Delve into the magazine's humorous tone and its role in American pop culture. Hear about the cultural revolution it sparked, notably through hip-hop's influence in the 90s. Learn about the challenges it faced in leadership and finance, all while recounting memorable anecdotes from its early days and advocacy for cannabis rights.

Explore the fascinating reality of Foreign Accent Syndrome, a rare condition where individuals wake up speaking with a different accent after brain trauma. Delve into the cultural and emotional challenges faced by those affected, along with humorous anecdotes and notable historical cases. The discussion highlights the complex relationship between language, identity, and the psychological factors at play. Discover intriguing insights about diagnosis and the distinction between neurogenic and psychogenic forms of this unique phenomenon.

Every spring, around 40 brave souls face the brutal challenges of the Barkley Marathons in Tennessee, a race famous for its nearly impossible completion rate. The conversation dives into the quirky origins of this ultra-marathon, tracing its roots to local history and endurance feats. Participants share their mental and physical strategies, detailing navigation nightmares and the emotional weight of quitting. Listeners also hear about historic milestones, like the first female finisher, and the tight-knit community that emerges from shared struggles.

Discover the intriguing evolution of the term 'bourgeoisie' and its shifting meanings across different cultures and time periods. From its neutral roots to a term of disdain in Marxist contexts, this discussion highlights how language reflects societal attitudes. Explore the playful transformation of 'bourgeois' into a critique of pretentious behavior, complete with a nod to the disco hit 'Bougie Bougie.' The podcast also dives into the distinctions between 'new money' and 'old money,' revealing how wealth influences social dynamics today.