

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

Mar 5, 2025 • 53min
408: The Green Brothers Often Are Wrong
The hosts tackle the evolution of their opinions on Elon Musk with humor and insight. They share coping strategies for job loss and the complexities of adulthood, emphasizing connection and support. Biographies take center stage as they discuss the ethics of writing about influential figures alongside reflections on self-image. A lighthearted debate about Oklahoma's capital leads to musings on British politics and exciting discoveries about Mars, showcasing the intricate ties between humanity and the cosmos.

18 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 49min
407: Concepts of a Bubble
The hosts tackle quirky listener questions, like the appropriateness of covering ears and yelling. They explore the mystery of Mars' water while sharing humorous takes on U.S. state capitals. The dynamic duo delves into fan culture, dissecting the complexities of musical appreciation and identity. A lighthearted conversation about soap bubbles leads to the absurdity of selling conceptual goods. Ethical dilemmas surrounding bribery and social media engagement are discussed, blending humor and deep reflection on societal norms.

Jan 29, 2025 • 55min
406: Science Spectacular (w/ Deboki Chakravarti!)
Deboki Chakravarti, a science communicator and podcaster from Tiny Matters, joins to tackle fascinating scientific queries. She and Hank delve into the rare interactions of fire and oxygen, and discuss how unique they are in the universe. They ponder the physical changes during pregnancy while adding a light-hearted spin. Fun facts about umbilical cords reveal their lack of sensation, and a whimsical look at tailbones sparks laughter. The mix of humor and insightful science makes for an engaging conversation!

Jan 15, 2025 • 47min
405: Gettin’ Real Real
The hosts delve into how to prepare for the upcoming year, hilariously contemplating the mysteries of life insurance and winter traditions. They chat about their personal resolutions, balancing ambition and authenticity, while lightly touching on mental health. The challenge of starting new projects gets a humorous spin, and the conversation shifts to academic self-worth, the Curiosity rover’s martian adventures, and the complexities of space missions. Lastly, they celebrate AFC Wimbledon's recent success and update on their friendship dynamics.

Jan 8, 2025 • 45min
404: Die on Tuesday
Dive into a whimsical discussion about whether the 'Indianapolis Cocktail' is genuinely served in Indianapolis. The hosts offer dubious life advice while sharing entertaining college and cocktail anecdotes. Expect laughs over language mishaps and a nostalgic look at childhood conventions. They also explore the emotional struggles of historical figures like King Louis XVI alongside fun reflections on Christmas traditions. And don’t miss their excitement over Mars exploration and a victorious moment in football!

40 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 47min
403: Yeah Inflation
Ever wondered if making two cups of tea doubles your caffeine intake? Hank and John explore this and other quirky inquiries. They debate the fascinating nature of starlings flying in murmurations and share hilarious ideas for reusing parfait cups. Tune in for their light-hearted takes on morning routines, social media nuances, and even a playful discussion about hard pretzels versus Martian meteorites. With a mix of science, humor, and nostalgia, they tackle life's oddities and entertain with their unique dynamic.

20 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 47min
402: Alfred Australia
The hosts dive into whimsical discussions about their appearances and the evolution of beards. They tackle serious topics like the complexities of cancer treatment while offering light-hearted advice on managing book collections. Childhood literature sparks emotional conversations, leading to playful ideas about for-profit versus nonprofit. The mystery of Martian sulfur rocks ignites scientific curiosity, mixed with ethical reflections on exploration. Expect humor, insights, and a sprinkling of absurdity throughout!

Nov 20, 2024 • 40min
401: Goodreads Therapy
A lively discussion unfolds about the peculiar anger surfacing on Goodreads. The hosts hilariously dissect the trends of one-star reviews and the emotional rollercoaster of reading critiques. They delve into the surprising connections between oxygen levels, ponderosa pines, and seasonal changes. Personal anecdotes about illness and identity reveal deeper reflections on how experiences shape us, infused with humor and grace. Plus, get insights on initiating critical conversations in today's online culture. It's a mix of whimsy and wisdom!

16 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 42min
400: For Those Who Are Still Listening
Hank and John dive into a plethora of quirky topics, like why traditional ghost costumes use white sheets and how computers will manage dates past 9999. They humorously ponder if a peanut-allergic president would necessitate a peanut-free White House. The brothers also reflect on their writing journey about tuberculosis and explore the absurdities of digital legacies. With a comedic twist, they tackle life, death, and cat ownership, intertwining humor with thoughtful observations on relationships and the evolution of cultural narratives.

4 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 43min
399: God of Frogtok
The hosts tackle amusing questions about language, like why we say things happen 'at' night but 'during' the day. They provide quirky solutions for reheating food during power outages and debate the authenticity of AI-generated music. Cosmic humor shines through as they brainstorm playful names for future galactic collisions, while also paying tribute to Dr. Eugene Shoemaker. Additionally, they celebrate a football victory and discuss the wonders of geology, blending humor with heartfelt moments and intriguing science.