Stuff You Should Know

Dive into the often-taboo topic of body odor and uncover personal anecdotes that reveal societal norms around scents. Explore the biological science behind your unique odor and how it can influence attraction and behavior. Discover quirky cultural practices surrounding body odor from around the world. Laughter ensues as the hosts journey through the history of deodorants and personal hygiene, along with humorous insights on natural remedies and the psychology of scent. From amusing anecdotes to serious discussions, this exploration of bodily scents is both enlightening and entertaining!

Discover the fascinating life of Laurens Hammond, the inventor behind the iconic Hammond organ. His groundbreaking innovations transformed music, particularly rock and roll, despite lacking formal musical training. Learn about the unique design features of the organ and its revolutionary impact on sound technology. The podcast also touches on the clever marketing tactics used to promote the organ, including a dramatic blind listening test that changed the music industry forever. Explore how Hammond's legacy continues to resonate in music today.

Discover the cultural phenomenon of the evil eye, steeped in history and superstition. From ancient Mesopotamia to modern protective rituals, the discussion uncovers how jealousy manifests as misfortune across different societies. Engaging tales highlight unique practices, like using olive oil for predictions and the playful comparison of ancient idols to E.T. Plus, learn about quirky customs surrounding events like baby showers that may invite bad luck. Embrace a lighthearted exploration of warding off negativity with rituals and symbols!

Henry Ford’s audacious dream of building a Midwestern town in the Amazon faced spectacular challenges. Mismanagement, cultural clashes, and environmental missteps marked the downfall of Fordlandia. Workers resisted underpayment despite promises of a better life. Their pride clashed with American corporate practices, resulting in health issues and dissatisfaction. The town, initially a failure, found new life through gypsum mining. A lively discussion about potential actors for a movie about Ford adds a fun twist to this incredible tale of ambition gone awry.

Dive into the fascinating world of toy testing, where fun meets safety! Discover how toys are rigorously tested to ensure they’re both enjoyable and safe for kids. Explore the evolution of toy safety regulations and the quirky, nostalgic dangers of past toys. Hear stories about infamous toys that led to injuries and how modern standards protect children. Plus, learn how toy influencers shape play experiences today. It's a blend of safety, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia!

Dive into the fascinating world of plant migration and discover how flora adapts to climate change. Learn about ferns' impressive spore-spreading abilities and the surprising speed of their movement. Explore the impact of rising temperatures on tree species' habitats and the ecological challenges posed by invasive species. The discussion also touches on innovative strategies for ecosystem conservation and the delicate balance of nature's resilience against environmental shifts.

Dive into the wonders of Saturn's rings, which are surprisingly youthful but on borrowed time! Discover how the Cassini mission reshaped our understanding of these celestial marvels and their dynamic structure. Unravel the mysteries of their composition, mass, and potential origins, like the remnants of icy comets or shattered moons. Plus, learn about the fascinating atmospheric interactions at play. Don’t miss your chance to appreciate these beautiful rings before they fade away!

Dive into the whimsical world of the Farmer's Almanac, where history and humor collide. Discover how it transformed from a simple weather guide into a cultural staple filled with nostalgia. Explore the legacy of figures like Benjamin Franklin and Robert Bailey Thomas, who crafted almanacs that blended advice with storytelling. Enjoy lighter moments about composting toilets and family camping trips while navigating the playful rivalry with the Old Farmer's Almanac. It's a delightful journey through time, tradition, and quirky life lessons!

Dive into the intriguing world of music sampling, where creativity meets controversy. Discover how early innovators like DJ Kool Herc shaped the landscape and the legal battles that followed. Learn about the ethical dilemmas artists face regarding ownership and compensation. Explore perspectives from legends, like Jimmy Page, on the complexities of using samples. Unpack landmark cases and the impact of corporate greed on musicians, all while tracing sampling's evolution from the 1970s to today's electronic hits.

Dive into the gripping tale of the Franklin Expedition, where all 129 crew members vanished in the Arctic's icy grip. Discover Lady Jane Franklin's passionate push for the mission amidst societal challenges and the ill-fated journey's harrowing realities. The narrative unfolds with the crew trapped in ice, facing diminishing supplies, and the eventual fateful decisions made for survival. Explore controversial findings about cannibalism and the importance of Inuit knowledge in unraveling this historical mystery, revealing the true cost of exploration.