NO SUCH THING
iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope
Join Manny, Noah, and Devan — three best friends and journalists — as they settle dumb arguments by actually doing the research.
Each week, they start with a debate or discussion. Why don’t men ask follow up questions? Should schools ban phones? Is dating an AI chatbot cheating? Then, they go out into the world, talk to experts, conduct experiments, and find the answer.
NO SUCH THING is an explainer podcast about pop culture, the internet, and whatever weird thing your group chat can’t agree on. If you’ve ever had a take so strong you had to fact-check it, this show is for you.
New episodes on Wednesdays.
For more information, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show.
And if you have any questions you’d like us to get to the bottom of, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail: (860) 325-0286.
Each week, they start with a debate or discussion. Why don’t men ask follow up questions? Should schools ban phones? Is dating an AI chatbot cheating? Then, they go out into the world, talk to experts, conduct experiments, and find the answer.
NO SUCH THING is an explainer podcast about pop culture, the internet, and whatever weird thing your group chat can’t agree on. If you’ve ever had a take so strong you had to fact-check it, this show is for you.
New episodes on Wednesdays.
For more information, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show.
And if you have any questions you’d like us to get to the bottom of, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail: (860) 325-0286.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 10, 2025 • 56min
NST Hotline: B-list wedding invites, hallway storage, and more
Listeners dive into wedding invite dilemmas with B-list discussions and RSVP tips. The hosts tackle the tricky balance of loyalty between family and spouses during conflicts. They muse over the appropriateness of hallway storage and share thoughts on hat etiquette in various settings. A Londoner's concern about drinking cow's milk as an adult sparks a fun debate about tastes. Finally, a festive gift guide wraps up with playful suggestions like board games and podcast subscriptions.
8 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 50min
Why do Tesla door handles suck? (Devan Design Week)
In this enlightening discussion, Dexter Thomas, a journalist and host of the Killswitch podcast, dives into the frustrations of modern design. He critiques Tesla's confusing door handles and their safety issues, sharing user anecdotes about unexpected struggles. The conversation also touches on the myth of the 'Steve Jobs Microwave,' with Dexter advocating for simplicity in microwave design. Additionally, the hosts explore the decline of quality in modern couches, recommending vintage options as a reliable alternative. Together, they tackle the design quirks that annoy us all.
7 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 36min
Why can’t men find anything?
Why do men struggle to find items at home? This episode explores the concept of 'male refrigerator blindness' and its roots in hunting behaviors. Experts share insights on memory and spatial awareness differences between men and women. Personal anecdotes add humor, as hosts reveal their own household blunders. A fascinating study shows women often excel in object-location memory due to experience and labeling. Tips for improvement are provided, emphasizing organization and intentionality, rounding out the discussion with a light-hearted take on finding hair in food.
4 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 52min
Could you get away with murder?
Retired homicide detective Chris McDonough shares insights from his 42 years of experience in crime-solving. He emphasizes the critical role of community policing in building trust and improving homicide clearances. The conversation takes a humorous turn as the hosts present their outlandish plans to murder each other, prompting Chris to critique their plausibility while revealing intriguing interrogation tactics. With a focus on long-term relationships and clever techniques, Chris demonstrates that old-school methods can still lead to high solvability rates.
11 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 42min
Are you doing your laundry wrong?
Patrick Richardson, known as 'The Laundry Guy' and author of Laundry Love, spills the secrets to mastering laundry. He explains why separating colors is crucial, debunks the myth of needing to wash towels separately, and shares optimal washing temperatures. Want cleaner clothes? Patrick favors front-loading machines and reveals the right amount of detergent: just two tablespoons! Plus, he discusses the pros of wool dryer balls over sheets and how to keep your favorite tees looking fresh. Say goodbye to laundry mishaps with his expert tips!
9 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 49min
How did celebrity rumors spread before social media?
This week features Ryan Broderick, journalist and host of Panic World, along with researcher Charlotte de Bakker, who specializes in gossip studies. They explore bizarre rumors like Ciara's intersex claim and the Jenkum panic of the 90s. Ryan traces how misinformation spreads through media, while Charlotte explains the psychological reasons behind celebrity slander. They also dissect the Marilyn Manson rib-removal myth and how societal fears shape such stories, revealing the intriguing dynamics of modern rumor culture.
14 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 46min
How often do you actually need to shower?
Katherine Ashenberg, author of The Dirt on Clean, and Dr. Lisa Acintillo, a board-certified dermatologist, dive into the fascinating world of showering. They explore historical bathing practices and how societal views on cleanliness have shifted. Dr. Acintillo shares insights on when to shower based on activity levels, the science behind body odor, and the ideal length for showers. The duo also discusses whether washing your legs is necessary and the benefits of using gentle cleansers, making for a delightful and educational listen.
Oct 22, 2025 • 39min
What happens to a property after a murder?
Catherine Fenollosa, a journalist known for her insights into high-profile crimes, joins Randall Bell, the 'Master of Disaster' and real estate damage expert. They explore what happens to properties after tragic events, like Nicole Brown Simpson's condo and the Pulse Nightclub. Randall shares his framework for assessing property value impacts and the emotional toll of his work, while Catherine highlights memorable cases, including the challenges of managing notorious sites. Their candid conversation dives into the intersection of tragedy and real estate.
Oct 15, 2025 • 43min
Is Taylor Swift bigger than Michael Jackson?
Chris Dalla Riva, a music-data analyst and author of Uncharted Territory, joins the discussion on comparing Taylor Swift's fame with legendary figures like Michael Jackson. They delve into how streaming impacts popularity metrics, highlighting how today's music consumption differs from the past. Chris elaborates on Swift's strategic use of multiple album versions for sales and her unique career longevity. Ultimately, while Swift's influence is undeniable, Dalla Riva concludes that Michael Jackson’s global historical impact remains unmatched.
Oct 8, 2025 • 33min
Origin Stories: Yousef Srouji on Three Promises
In this enlightening conversation, Yousef Srouji, a Palestinian filmmaker and creator of the award-winning documentary "Three Promises," shares how he unearthed his mother's home videos to portray life during the Second Intifada. He reflects on the emotional impact of viewing the footage and how it validated his childhood memories. Srouji discusses the challenges of self-learning filmmaking techniques, securing funding, and navigating distribution hurdles, all while striving to keep his film's narrative apolitical, emphasizing its human connection.
