SciShow Tangents

Dylan Marron, a talented writer and podcaster, joins the discussion to explore the captivating world of psychics. They kick off with intriguing distinctions between stage performers and genuine practitioners. The talk dives into cold reading techniques and the historical roots of the term 'psychic'. Marron and the hosts also tackle the eerie phenomena of seances, debunking their validity with clever insights. A fun quiz tests their knowledge on scientific predictions, making the exploration dangerously entertaining. Get ready for a spooky intellectual adventure!

Join writer and storyteller Brennan Lee Mulligan as he takes a thrilling plunge into the eerie world of caves. Discover what defines a cave and the fascinating processes behind their formation. Delve into dangerous caves like Optymistychna and learn about extraordinary underground finds, including giant selenite crystals. Explore cave ecology with blind olm salamanders and find out why these dark spaces are perfect for aging your favorite cheese. Brennan also shares insights on his upcoming projects and performances!

Join legendary YouTuber and roller coaster expert Tom Scott as he dives into the exhilarating world of coasters! Discover the fascinating history, from ancient Russian ice slides to modern engineering marvels. Tom shares wild trivia about record-speed rides and the science behind the notorious 'stomach drop' sensation. Learn how roller coasters can even dislodge kidney stones and the surprising safety stats. Buckle up for an informative and thrilling adventure that guarantees a fun ride!

The hosts share hilarious anecdotes about their unique passion for Muppets, revealing the joys of vulnerability in science communication. They explore ancient seeds, including a 2000-year-old date palm, while classifying seeds and their quirky structures. The importance of small creatures in seed dispersal is highlighted alongside amusing ideas for protecting acorns, including using animal urine. The discussion on seed germination includes a funny tale of a tomato plant sprouting from human waste, blending laughter with insightful facts about nature.

Jaida Elcock, a marine biologist nearing the completion of her PhD focused on basking sharks, shares her insights on predator dynamics. They delve into the thrills of tagging sharks and the recovery of great whites while emphasizing the importance of predators in ecosystems. The conversations cover quirky eating habits of marine animals and the unique partnerships between moray eels and groupers. Lighthearted discussions reveal the complexities of predation and unexpected dietary choices, all spiced with humor and engaging anecdotes!

In this delightful compilation, musician Stefan Chin and SciShow Tangents editorial assistant Deboki Chakravarti whip up a smorgasbord of fun topics. They delve into the fascinating world of eggs, revealing the quirky behaviors of octopuses and the surprising complexity in the animal kingdom. The duo also explores the sweet science of sugar and its impact on health, alongside engaging discussions about milk, salt, and yeast. With humor and trivia sprinkled throughout, it’s a charming blend of science and banter that will satisfy your curiosity!

From our episode on Sweat, here's Ceri's brilliant rendition of "Why Do We Sweat?" This song is a parody of Rusted Root's "Send Me On My Way."Lyrics: Ceri RileyMusic: Joseph "Tuna" Metesh Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explore the quirky and sometimes painful world of bug bites, from those caused by insect mouths to those from their, let's say, less conventional body parts! Engage in a lively debate about what really constitutes a bug bite and hear personal anecdotes that range from comical to cringe-worthy. Discover the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, ranking the agony of various insect stings. Along the way, enjoy humorous insights into bizarre insect behaviors and the effectiveness of oatmeal baths as a remedy for itchy encounters!

Dive into the sizzling world of sweat! Discover if humans truly are the sweatiest species and learn about the unique sweating mechanisms of animals like polar bears and horses. Explore the hidden ecosystem that blooms between two people holding hands for the first time. Enjoy lighthearted discussions on the science behind sweating, the cultural perceptions of perspiration, and even how plants sweat. Get ready for some fun quizzes and surprising tales about our body's responses to heat!

Discover the world of cicadas, the vibrant insects that emerge every 17 years for a summer party! Learn about their quirky life cycles, from neon wing veins to their unique diets. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about eating bugs and a whimsical poem celebrating these creatures. Dive into the fascinating connection between cicada sounds and The Beatles, while exploring their ecological role. The podcast wraps up with fun trivia and entertaining insights into cicadas' impact on local ecosystems.