
Every Little Thing
Why do news anchors all sound the same? Do wolves really howl at the moon? How did Elvis imitators take over Las Vegas wedding chapels? On ELT, you call with a question, we find you an answer. Our helpline is open 24-7. Call 833-RING-ELT or send an audio message to elt@gimletmedia.com.Subscribe to Every Little Thing PLUS by clicking here and access all episodes of Every Little Thing ad-free.
Latest episodes

Oct 11, 2022 • 1min
Goodbye
Spotify has ended our show. Thank you to everyone who listened, who left messages, who agreed to be interviewed, who shared their stories and their time. We loved making Every Little Thing with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 11, 2022 • 22min
Cracking A Mysterious Fortune
Has ELT ever been stumped? Producer Phoebe Flanigan tells us about the one that (almost) got away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 11, 2022 • 26min
Sewer Secrets: Flushed But Not Forgotten
Caller Janice accidentally flushed a favorite earring down the toilet and she wants to know where it ended up. Sewer experts Ted Gogol and Bruce Todd take us on a journey down the pipes, and historian Andrew Wallace Hadrill digs up a tale about the ancient jewelry that shared a similar fate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 3, 2022 • 21min
When Did Pants Become a Thing?
This week we’re pulling on an old favorite, one leg at a time: When did pants become a thing? Clothing researcher Ulrike “Rike” Beck and historian Adrienne Mayor unravel how this relatively recent invention turned the clothing world upside down. With special guest Emily Spivack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 26, 2022 • 27min
Why Do We Baby Talk?
Listener Ben couldn’t stand baby talk — until he had a baby of his own. Now he can’t stop talking in a cutesy wootsy voice. Why did he go googoo for his baby, and is this something people do all over the world? Baby talk researcher Cody Moser breaks it down, and ecologist Mirjam Knörnschild tells us about another animal that talks to its young in a special widdle way.An earlier version of this episode misidentified one of the languages spoken. We've corrected the error. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 19, 2022 • 20min
Why Goldfish Swam Into Our Living Rooms
This week, we’re diving into a favorite episode. Caller Liana wants to know: How did goldfish come to dominate our fish bowls and pet stores? Pet historian Kasey Grier goes deep into the history of America’s favorite finned pet. Plus, goldfish freak Dave Mandley introduces us to the fanciest fish money can buy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 2022 • 26min
Should You Pass on Grass? From ‘How to Save a Planet’
Today’s episode comes from our friends at How to Save a Planet. They’re answering a question lots of ELT listeners have asked: What’s the deal with lawns? HTSAP’s Daniel Ackerman talks to lawn expert Peter Groffman, who shares some surprising findings from his 20 years studying lawns. Plus, some tips for creating a climate-friendly yard. To hear more climate-change stories that inspire, check out How to Save a Planet on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 5, 2022 • 26min
Why Does Bad News Make Me Smile?
Caller Clay has a problem: when she hears bad news, she can’t help but smile. What’s causing Clay’s chagrined grin, and can she learn to tame it? Social psychologist Oriana Aragon tells us why Clay’s face might not mesh with her feelings, and professional smile-stifler Jacques Bailly spells out how he keeps a straight face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 29, 2022 • 26min
Chameleons: Kings of Camouflage … or Not?
Caller Christy needs to know if she’s lying to her kid. She’s been reading a children’s book about chameleons to her daughter, and she’s wondering if it’s accurate. Chameleon expert Russell Ligon gives us the real story on chameleons and color change. Plus, biologist and head of Skype a Scientist Sarah McAnulty tips us off about nature’s top doyens of disguise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 22, 2022 • 3min
Should I Scrap My Sponge?
A listener wants to know: is it time to expunge the sponge? We soak up some food science knowledge from experts Ian Shaw, Kathryn Boor and Renée Goodrich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices