
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
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
Latest episodes

Jul 13, 2023 • 3min
Weirdest Thing LIVE! on August 24th
That's right, we're doing our first live show since 2019! It'll be on Thursday, August 24th at Caveat in New York City.Grab tickets here: https://caveat.nyc/events/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-8-24-2023--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 Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn--Follow our team on TwitterRachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltmanProduced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddyPopular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSciTheme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Check out Weirdest Thing on YouTube: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeekYouTube
If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
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Jul 5, 2023 • 1h 5min
George Washington: Swamp Ghost Hunter, Cockroach Chocolate, Science Scams
Producer Jess Boddy talks about the science in Dark Souls' swamps, Rachel explains cockroaches giving sexy gifts, and Amanda dishes on scientific scammers.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 Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn--Follow our team on TwitterRachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltmanProduced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddyPopular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSciTheme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Check out Weirdest Thing on YouTube: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeekYouTube
If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/WEIRDEST and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 21, 2023 • 1h
The Sleepiest Epidemic, Really Deep Holes, Goddess of Dirty Dishes
PopSci intern Jack Izzo talks about the deepest hole EVER. Plus, Rachel explains contagious sleepiness throughout history, and Sara Kiley divulges the captivating story of the woman who invented the dishwasher.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 Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn--Follow our team on TwitterRachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltmanProduced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddyPopular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSciTheme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Check out Weirdest Thing on YouTube: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeekYouTube
If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Thanks to our Sponsors:
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Jun 7, 2023 • 1h 9min
Ancient Enemies to Lovers, Landscape of Fear, Hoax of the Century
Ali Hazelwood joins the show to divulge the scientific hoax of the century, Rachel shows how wolves create a landscape of fear, and Sandra talks about Puebloans carrying logs with their heads—and maybe falling in love.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 Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn--Follow our team on TwitterRachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltmanProduced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddyPopular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSciTheme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Check out Weirdest Thing on YouTube: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeekYouTube
If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Thanks to our sponsors!
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/WEIRDEST and get on your way to being your best self.
Right now, get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to https://Babbel.com/WEIRDEST Babbel—Language for life.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 24, 2023 • 1h 1min
A Horse in the Toilet?!, Creepy Clowns, Superpowered Bug Pee
Melissa Dunphy joins the show to explain why she found a horse in the toilet. Meanwhile, Rachel talks super-powered bug pee, and Chelsey gets into the science of fearing clowns.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 Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn--Follow our team on TwitterRachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltmanProduced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddyPopular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSciTheme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Check out Weirdest Thing on YouTube: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeekYouTube
If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Thanks to our sponsors!
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/WEIRDEST and get on your way to being your best self.
Right now, get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to https://Babbel.com/WEIRDEST Babbel—Language for life.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 10, 2023 • 1h 4min
Worm Time in Whale City, Neanderthal Funk, Old-Timey Sauna Science
Defector's Sabrina Imbler joins the show this week to talk about whale falls! Plus, Rachel talks about how a bunch of dudes sat in saunas for science, and Sara Kiley explains why Neanderthals probably stunk at smelling their own funk.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 Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn--Follow our team on TwitterRachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltmanProduced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddyPopular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSciTheme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Check out Weirdest Thing on YouTube: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeekYouTube
If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/WEIRDEST and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 26, 2023 • 52min
Science of Elden Ring, Walmart Entomology, Architectural %&@*-Measuring Contest
Rachel explores Walmart for new insect species, Jess divulges the science behind Elden Ring's corpse wax, and John talks about NYC architects hiding spires in buildings to one-up each other.

Apr 12, 2023 • 1h 8min
Eating Bog Butter, Disappearing Eels, Urinal Splashback Science
This week, Rachel gets into delicious, delectable butter made in a bog, Ryan F. Mandelbaum explains that we know almost nothing about eels, and Purbita describes the details of pee splashback at the urinal.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 Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn--Follow our team on TwitterRachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltmanProduced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddyPopular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSciTheme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Check out Weirdest Thing on YouTube: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeekYouTube
If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 29, 2023 • 51min
Brain Death Cocktails, Fur Seal Crimes, Fish Driving Cars
This week, Rachel talks about fish getting behind the wheel, Sara Kiley unravels the story of rodent DNA and a secret fur seal trade, and Sandra explains how cocaine might be the key to organ transplants.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 Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn--Follow our team on TwitterRachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltmanProduced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddyPopular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSciTheme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Check out Weirdest Thing on YouTube: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeekYouTube
If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 15, 2023 • 1h 2min
Lubed Up Chocolate, Ovaries Before Brovaries, Birds on the Moon
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 --Follow our team on TwitterRachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltmanProduced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddyPopular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSciTheme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: bit.ly/WeirdestThingILearnedThisWeek
--Thanks to our sponsors! Check out https://HelloFresh.com/weirdest60 and use code weirdest60 for 60% off plus free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices