

Dear Hank & John
Complexly
Hosts John and Hank Green (authors and YouTubers) offer both humorous and heartfelt advice about life’s big and small questions. They bring their personal passions to each episode by sharing the week’s news from Mars (the planet) and AFC Wimbledon (the fourth-tier English football club).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 41min
424: Heaven Grades on a Curve
The hosts dive into whimsical questions like whether the sun appears bigger on Mercury or Venus. They tackle the impact of AI on careers, pondering which fields will remain secure from automation. A light-hearted exploration of gemstones leads to chaotic jokes about Bessie the pig. They blend humor with deeper themes, discussing childhood mortality and self-care, while sharing excitement over AFC Wimbledon's unexpected success. The conversation balances playful banter with intriguing insights about football, Mars discoveries, and listener dilemmas.

11 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 44min
423: Everything Old Is New Again
Curious about nerdfighters and whimsical nostalgia? This lively discussion dives into the quirks of home decor and what makes a house truly feel like home. The hosts share delightful anecdotes about their past, including humorous insights from a recent book tour. Get ready for a playful exploration of Martian water and how lunar surfaces change over time. Plus, tips on transforming memories into art and the comical side of tea sponsorships add to the fun. Join for laughs and unexpected revelations!

13 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 48min
422: We Got Another Brother (w/ Travis McElroy!)
Travis McElroy, a renowned podcaster and comedian known for his work on My Brother, My Brother and Me, joins the Greens for a delightful mix of humor and curiosity. They ponder whether the current pope has devoured more hot dogs than his predecessors and engage in whimsical bets about space exploration. Philosophical musings on God and the universe intertwine with funny tales about feedback on creative work. The trio also navigates quirky science discussions before exploring the zany journey of a $5.3 million Mars meteorite.

19 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 49min
421: Sonic’s Butt Game
Curious about whether it's easier to push or pull? Delight in the humorous debate on this and the quirks of aphantasia. The hosts share stories about childhood diagnoses while playfully exploring family-friendly comedians. Ever wondered if dinosaurs could evolve again? They ponder on the future of vertebrates in a changing world, comparing potential new species like raccoons. With engaging anecdotes about unusual sponsorships and meal delivery services, you'll be entertained from start to finish!

5 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 41min
420: The Plant Episode
What if John had to choose between being a corn or pea plant? The duo dives into the potential of plants producing oxygen on Mars and debates the scientific definition of a 'weed.' They chuckle over the quirks of plant pigmentation, especially the allure of purple leaves. A hilarious anecdote reveals the plight of a friend watering a fake plant for seven months, raising ethical dilemmas. All this and more blend science with humor, making for a lighthearted yet thought-provoking conversation!

Aug 13, 2025 • 44min
419: A Soup of Letters
Explore the whimsical world of superheroes and public image, as the hosts tackle the ethics of power with a humorous twist. Discover the science of sunscreen laid out amid amusing tales of sunlit pets. Dive into the comedic anxieties of dining alone and leaving the table without a fuss. The discussion also tackles the NFT craze, balancing values against profit, and even delves into the safety of metal wheelchairs during thunderstorms. All this, topped with a light-hearted look at productivity apps and existential musings on humanity!

Aug 6, 2025 • 45min
418: Fifty-Three, That’s It For Me
Dive into the quirks of aging as the hosts reflect on youth experiences and the evolutionary tales of tongues! They hilariously criticize the decline of wine culture and the rise of bespoke iced teas. Expect oddities like ant weddings and a whimsical narrative on a writer’s invite. Plus, hear about humanity's strength as a superorganism and the struggles in wildlife conservation careers. All this, while keeping their discussions light and humor-filled—perfect for igniting your dreams and aspirations!

4 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 37min
417: You’ll Be Okay in the Medium Run
The hosts tackle a variety of quirky questions, like the challenges of proving academic integrity in thesis work and the oddities of men's colons. They dive into humor surrounding sainthood and cat care, featuring a lovable cat named Gummy Bear. A spirited discussion on why novels often outshine short stories reveals their belief that literature can be both enjoyable and profound. They also reflect on their investment in a fan-owned football club, combining their love for the sport with philosophical musings about humanity's role in nurturing the planet.

16 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 42min
416: The Free Will Episode
Dive into a whimsical exploration of why fish leap from water and the mysteries of viruses during quarantine. Discover the bizarre world of sponsorships, from therapists to wooden crucifixes. Enjoy a lighthearted debate on whether windless places exist and analyze how temperature alters the flavor of Diet Dr. Pepper. The brothers also tackle personal responsibility through the amusing metaphor of 'not my circus, not my monkeys.' With plenty of humor and insights, there’s something fascinating in every twist and turn.

Jul 9, 2025 • 46min
415: Bombarded by Space Frogs
Curious about biking to the airport or how Earth avoids being bombarded by space frogs? The hosts humorously ponder the anatomy of animal bums—specifically fish—and share their beef consumption rituals. They tackle societal norms with whimsy, blending discussions of community and defiance. Plus, there's a light-hearted narrative about fee-free banking intertwined with solar energy effects on our planet. Join the fun as they explore personal growth, creativity, and the joyful absurdity of life!