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Can the shape of your skull or the look of your face say something deeper about you? Like – if you're a good parent? Or if you're smart? Or if you're more likely to be a criminal? Well – the answer is no, absolutely not. But in the past, some scientists used the pseudosciences of phrenology, which studied the skull, and physiognomy, which studied the face, to try to prove that how you look says something about who you are on the inside. Again, it's junk science. But something peculiar is happening: it seems like there's been more interest lately in some of the ideas behind phrenology and physiognomy. From "witch skulls and angel skulls," to the skull geometry of transvestigations, to the question of whether AI can detect gay faces – it seems like more and more, people want to categorize each other with just a look at their heads. Brittany is joined by Yale professor of philosophy Lily Hu and Rolling Stone culture writer Miles Klee to understand the appeal and the consequences of fake skull and face science coming back around in the culture. Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content. Join NPR+ today.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Maria Godoy, NPR's senior science and health editor, and Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News senior reporter, tackle the alarming resurgence of measles due to anti-vaccine rhetoric. They discuss the devastating consequences of vaccine hesitancy, illustrated by a recent outbreak in Texas. The duo delves into the influence of misinformation, examining parental fears linked to autism and alternative medicine. Their insights highlight the urgent need for accurate information to safeguard public health and combat the growing anti-vaccine sentiment.

The discussion kicks off with quirky recession indicators like lipstick sales that hint at economic shifts. The hosts analyze how consumer behavior trends indicate growing caution as people opt for affordable products. They delve into the impact of tariffs on American buying habits, especially in fast fashion. The conversation also touches on America's reliance on international supply chains and the fading of domestic manufacturing. Finally, a fun quiz reveals insights into American preferences for books versus television while engaging listeners in the cultural conversation.

Andrea Long Chu, a Pulitzer-winning critic and author of 'Authority', dives into the depths of art and criticism. She reflects on art as a 'fossil record' of desire, challenging traditional notions of authority in criticism. The conversation touches on the intersections of identity and commerce using Yellowstone as a lens, while also questioning the current state and purpose of criticism. Andrea advocates for a shift towards a more inclusive and collaborative approach in critiquing art, highlighting the need for diverse voices in the discourse.

Andrea Love, a biomedical scientist dedicated to debunking health misinformation, joins the conversation with Derek Beres to explore the rise of crunchy conservatism. They discuss how once-liberal health movements have shifted to embrace conspiracy theories and pseudoscience. The dialogue reveals the dangers of unqualified wellness influencers and the implications of diminished FDA oversight. With a focus on the intersection of health anxieties and conservative ideologies, they highlight how disinformation can lead to serious public health consequences.

Explore how baby names reveal family history and reflect current politics in America. Discover the naming trends among Generation Alpha, contrasting red and blue state favorites like Oakleigh and Santino. Delve into the societal implications of names, including the evolving identity and the renaming of landmarks. Enjoy a lively trivia challenge on current events and a fun quiz on the Forbes billionaire list, all while discussing the quirky side of extreme wealth and its impact on today's culture.

Wailin Wong, a savvy reporter from NPR's "The Indicator," dives into the evolving world of fashion and economic policy. She discusses how rising tariffs on imports are reshaping the fast fashion landscape and disproportionately impacting women due to biased pricing. The conversation also covers the growing trend of secondhand shopping as consumers seek sustainable alternatives, while addressing the challenges small businesses face. Wong raises thought-provoking questions about the future of fashion consumption amid these economic shifts.

Tara Isabella Burton, an insightful author and cultural commentator, teams up with Rebecca Jennings, a features writer for New York Magazine, to dive into the fascinating world of manifestation. They discuss the surge of this belief system post-2020 and its prevalence on social media platforms like TikTok. The conversation touches on how manifestation blurs the lines between personal identity and societal expectations, and raises important questions about individualism versus empathy in today's digital age. Is manifesting making us less aware of our humanity?

Rachel Wolfe, an economics reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into why American women are increasingly skeptical about marriage. She reveals that only 34% of single women are seeking romance compared to 54% of single men. Alongside Minda Honey, author of "The Heartbreak Years," they unpack the impact of personal ambitions and shifting dating norms on women’s views. They explore how cultural and political divides are reshaping relationship expectations and highlight the growing independence of women in today’s dynamic social landscape.

Jamie Hood, author of the groundbreaking book *Trauma Plot*, challenges conventional narratives around sexual violence. She argues for new language surrounding trauma, emphasizing empowerment and accountability in stories. The conversation critiques the romanticization of pain, advocating for diverse storytelling that reflects individual strength without trauma. Jamie explores how trauma impacts identity and self-worth, while pushing for narratives that move beyond traditional formats. It's a powerful discussion about reclaiming voices and redefining experiences.