

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

15 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 50min
430: A Yawn Across Time
Can you swim in lava? Spoiler: it’s a no due to its density! One listener wonders about a single, long white hair – the guys dive into the quirks of hair growth. Ever thought about what stars would look like at warp speed? They tackle that too. Plus, they discuss gravity's role in digestion and the contagious nature of yawns through time. Lastly, they ponder the societal shifts in opinion and share thoughts on our AI fears. It's a quirky blend of science, advice, and oddball questions!

18 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 36min
429: The Mouse Layer
Curious about why ants don’t drown in the rain? The hosts delve into the intriguing world of ant behavior and flooding. They ponder why cars attract bees and discuss how to balance a teaching career with personal life. Ever wondered why your feet feel fine in water but your shoulders don’t? A child's question sparks a fascinating exploration of nerve sensitivity. Plus, thoughtful advice on reassuring kids about religion and navigating awkward social encounters. Don’t miss the latest updates on AFC Wimbledon and an interstellar comet too!

10 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 44min
428: Hard Pivot to Balls
Can another species evolve to mimic humans? The hosts ponder this intriguing question while exploring quirky roadside attractions. They also reminisce about pre-smartphone mornings and discuss kid-friendly alternatives to swearing. Curious about colorful vegetables? They explain the mystery behind purple baby carrots. Plus, there's heartfelt advice about coping with childhood's end. Lastly, listen for updates on quirky Mars exploration concepts and the surprising success of AFC Wimbledon!

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!


