Every Little Thing

Caller Kelli has an issue: whenever she daydreams about her crush, she sneezes. Kelli wants to know why her steamy thoughts trigger projectile snots, and whether other people fanta-sneeze. We dig around for answers with ear, nose and throat surgeon Mahmood Bhutta and neuroscientist and daydreaming expert Chantel Prat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We asked you for stories about your most extreme animal run-ins, and we got a flock of them. From a tangled antlers conundrum, to a toothy underwater panic, and a life-altering encounter with jellyfish, your animal stories made us laugh, sweat and want to stay on the boat. Thanks to Cory, Sara, Geoff and everyone who called in with a wild animal tale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re revisiting caller Sadera’s burning question: When there’s a wildfire, how do we figure out what caused it? Fire investigator Paul Steensland tells ELT what he searches for in the burnt landscape, and the clues that can lead him to the cause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, a tangled tale from the archives. Kate, a “hair is life” kind of person, asks about the invention that keeps her hair out of her face. Hair stylist and archaeologist Janet Stephens takes us into the history of hair care, and scrunchie queen Rommy Revson tells the story of an invention that changed up-do’s forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Urban evolutionary biologist and rat expert Jason Munshi-South takes us into the subways and sewer systems of NYC to meet the creatures who live there. Animal behavioral scientist Jennifer Verdolin explores the underground underdog, prairie dogs, discussing their habitat, social dynamics, and challenges they face. Encounter the unsettling conditions of the subway tunnels, including rats in sinks and moving walls. Learn about animals' specific chirps and the importance of conservation for endangered species.

This week, we’re revisiting a favorite episode. Caller Elle wants to know: how did we decide that pink is for girls and blue is for boys? Textiles and clothing historian Jo Paoletti and cultural historian of medicine, gender and the body Hanne Blank tell us how pink and blue got gender-coded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn about the reasons why pigeons thrive in cities and the fascinating relationship between pigeons and humans. Urban wildlife researcher investigates the lives of city pigeons and analyzes their DNA. Explore the historical connection between pigeons and humans, including their use in long-distance communication and navigation abilities. Plus, a listener shares their Vegas vow renewal experience.

Caller Sarah had a question about the ghosts of birth control past. Lawyer-turned-historian Elizabeth Koester tells us a haunting tale about the Canadian woman who was arrested for talking about contraception and the man who wanted to see her put on trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We asked you to share your most cherished voicemails, and you flooded the ELT hotline with hilarious and heartfelt messages. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories. And if you have a voicemail you can’t delete, it’s not too late to call and tell us about it. Call 833-RING-ELT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Westminster Kennel Club dog show is approaching and we dug up one of our favorite episodes to celebrate. Terriers have won Best in Show at Westminster 48 times. Dachshunds? Never. Listener Yona wants to know why terriers triumph and dachshunds never get their due. Dog show judge Laurie Williams and dachshund-diehard Kim McCalmont take us behind the scenes of the dog show world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices