

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

Oct 8, 2025 • 39min
427: Ghosts to Fix the Housing Crisis
Have you ever wondered if dogs have a preferred direction for chasing their tails? Hank and John dive into this question with a lighthearted discussion on animal handedness. They also present a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek proposal to solve the housing crisis involving mean ghosts. Plus, find out why we place the dollar sign before numbers and why there’s no dramatic term for dying of thirst. Finally, they reflect on handling public notoriety and celebrate AFC Wimbledon's recent comeback!

Oct 1, 2025 • 42min
426: The Hank Green Twitter Memorial Garden
What would you name in honor of a sibling? The Green brothers contemplate the best tributes. Can a balloon ever touch the stars? They delve into the science of buoyancy and balloon behavior. Discover why sports commentary feels like trading players. Need a hangover cure? Explore the truth behind Bloody Marys. Ever wonder why wet dogs smell funky? They break down the science behind that peculiar odor. Plus, do they actually watch each other’s videos? Tune in for these quirky insights and much more!

20 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 39min
425: The Deal With Airports
The hosts dive into the story behind Hank's nickname and discuss life's big questions like why we have to die. They tackle awkward social situations, offering advice on how to address missed birthdays with friends. For those flying for the first time, they provide helpful airport navigation tips. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as they humorously personify Saturn and explore the mysteries of astronomical forces. Plus, updates on sports and philanthropy keep the discussion lively and engaging.

7 snips
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.

13 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.

20 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!

6 snips
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!