

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
Popular Science
At Popular Science, we report and write dozens of science and tech stories every week. And while a lot of the fun facts we stumble across make it into our articles, there are lots of other weird facts that we just keep around the office. So we figured, why not share those with you? Welcome to The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week.For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4 Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 8, 2025 • 46min
Drunk Monkeys, Heroic Rats, Forehead Teeth
Carly York, an animal physiologist and author of *The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog*, takes center stage to unveil remarkable stories about heroic rats. Discover how African giant pouched rats are trained to detect landmines and even screen for tuberculosis, greatly aiding healthcare in Africa. Also, delve into the intriguing concept of drunk monkeys, learning about their affinity for fermented fruits, and explore the bizarre adaptations of ratfish and their unique mating teeth. It's a wild ride through the animal kingdom!

Sep 24, 2025 • 55min
Skateboard Archeology, Dire Wolf Bones, The Great Fear
Annalee Newitz, an author and science writer, dives into the fascinating world of historical gossip, revealing how rumors spread during the 18th century like a contagious disease. She discusses a study linking this rumor mill to political action during France's Great Fear. Additionally, the hosts explore the excavation of a 1978 skate park, shedding light on contemporary archaeology, and share insights on how dire wolf fossils can inform modern animal care practices. Tune in for a blend of history and science!

9 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
Airborne Butt Cam, Snake Panic, Oops! All Cloacas
Sarah Gailey, author of 'Spread Me', joins the hosts to explore the whimsical world of animal behavior. They discuss a scientist’s adorable monocle study on chameleons, revealing their unique visual adaptations. Listeners enjoy a hilarious recounting of the Missouri snake panic, where misunderstandings led to chaos. The accidental butt cam incident showcases the unexpected utility of unusual scientific methods. Tune in for a delightful blend of humor and fascinating insights!

Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 2min
Thank Your Local Horse, OG Canners, Busting Bird Gender Norms
Nathan H. Lents, a biology professor and author of *The Sexual Evolution*, joins to discuss the intriguing behaviors of birds, including why some are especially vocal during mating. The conversation also covers the unexpected role of horses in creating snake antivenom and the history of canning, tracing its origins back to the military needs during Napoleon's time. Lents critiques scientific biases in studying female animal behavior, urging a reevaluation of how we understand agency in both birds and humans.

6 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 56min
Medical Butt Chugging, Ancient Ice Cream Pyramids, "The Thing" but Midwestern
Mary Roach, author of 'Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy', dives into surprising medical insights, like how humans can breathe through their butts—yes, really! She also shares her fascinating exploration of the deadly origins of ice cream, including historical food safety issues. Meanwhile, the hosts uncover a mysterious goo from the RV Blue Heron, leading to a suspenseful investigation into new microbial life forms. Packed with quirky facts, this conversation is a delicious mix of science, humor, and the bizarre!

6 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 6min
Bette Midler and the Salamander, How Marathon Swimmers Pee, D+D is Good for Your Brain
Ryan Mandelbaum, a physics writer and author of 'Wild NYC', dives into the urban wilderness of New York City, focusing on the fascinating life of salamanders. The conversation also explores the unexpected complexities of marathon swimmers and their need to relieve themselves mid-race. Additionally, Rachel discusses the therapeutic benefits of Dungeons & Dragons and its surprising positive effects on mental health. It's a lighthearted journey through nature, swimming, and gaming that entertains while educating!

Jul 16, 2025 • 50min
The Bone Collector, Threads of God, Cloacal Chamber
Scientific illustrator and Twitch streamer Liz Clayton Fuller (ipaintbirbs) joins the show once more to talk all things cloaca -- and why some birds lack them. Plus, Jess hops behind the mic to talk about the world's rarest pasta, and Rachel dives into carnivorous caterpillars that sound like WWE wrestlers.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
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Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
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Jul 2, 2025 • 56min
A New Green, THIS IS MY EVEREST, Chickens Influencing Cats
Actor and creator of the Brat Apple Dance, Kelley Heyer, joins the show! The squad talks about a BRAND NEW green color, cheating at climbing Mt. Everest, and a sneaky trick to make cats less allergenic.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Thanks to our sponsors!
Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365 -day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 18, 2025 • 49min
Horny Bugs, Women are Stronger Than Men, Evil Monkey Backpack Trends
Casey Johnston joins the show this week to talk about how women are truly and actually stronger than men (all of which she details in her new book!). Plus, Laura talks about promiscuous fruit flies, and Rachel talks about capuchin monkey's version of a Labubu.
Get Casey's book here! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/casey-johnston/a-physical-education/9781538773253/
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
Link to Balint's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/sciants_streams
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Go to https://LIQUIDIV.COM and get 20% off your first order with code WEIRDEST at checkout.
Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and365 -day returns.
Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/WEIRDEST to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 4, 2025 • 52min
Masochistic Trees, Lean Mean Sex Machines, Ancient Doodles
Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian joins the show to talk about horny eels. Plus, Sara Kiley explains the tree that loves getting struck by lightning, and Rachel goes into detail about kids passing notes in ancient times.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
Link to Balint's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/sciants_streams
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Thanks to our Sponsors!
Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://www.Zocdoc.com/WEIRDEST to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices