NO SUCH THING

This week, we take a deep dive into the frustrating conundrum of the kids menu. Why would a restaurant show me they’re capable of making a delicious and adorably small offering of chicken nuggets, only to restrict it to those fortunate to be 12 years old or younger? Are these restrictions an economic necessity, a moralizing judgment, or something else? We speak with a few industry insiders to learn the history of the kids menu and put these limits to the test.  Our guest this week is Kate Lindsay, longtime sufferer at the hands of Big Kids Menu, host of Slate’s internet culture podcast ICYMI and writer of the newsletter Embedded. Thank you to our restaurant industry expert Lori Rakoczy from Technomic, and our anonymous movie theater server.  If you liked this episode, check out Ep. 11: Can you cure picky eating? (w/ Search Engine) Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286‬ For more, subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Franchise fatigue is taking over Hollywood, especially with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The discussion dives into the roots of franchise storytelling, critiquing the decline of originality as profit-driven decisions dominate. Nostalgia for earlier cinema clashes with the current trend of convoluted narratives alienating casual viewers. Key insights into how creativity is stifled and the industry's need for fresh narratives emerge. A look at the challenges facing filmmakers highlights the struggle between audience expectations and innovative storytelling in a saturated market.

Today’s episode was inspired by Susan Dominus’ new book “The Family Dynamic.” The book profiles six families with multiple successful siblings and analyzes the factors that have contributed to their success.  Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and bonus content: www.nosuchthing.show  Have a question you want us to tackle? Email us: mannynoahdevan@gmail.com Or leave a voicemail: ‪(860) 325-0286See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Barry Bogin, an anthropologist focusing on human growth, joins the discussion alongside other guests to explore a fascinating statistic: just 17% of 7-foot American men end up in the NBA. They delve into the rarity of extreme height and its effects on opportunities, societal perceptions, and even dating. The conversation takes an intriguing turn towards promoting universal healthcare, emphasizing its benefits for overall development. Expect insightful anecdotes and compelling links between health, genetics, and athletic success.

Listeners share their burning questions, prompting lively discussions on invitation etiquette and the ever-complex plus one dilemma. Personal tales emerge, reflecting on the emotional impact of inclusion and exclusion at social gatherings. Crushes, especially those involving age gaps, spark candid conversations about workplace dynamics. The hosts also tackle the delicate art of coupon usage during meals and the joys of navigating friendships amidst wedding planning chaos. Plus, they dish out amusing advice on handling family quirks, adding a light-hearted touch throughout.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Caroline Hudson, a Chicago-based facial plastic surgeon and co-author of the Analysis and Assessment of Facial Aging, dives into why people historically appeared older. She explores various factors influencing perceptions of aging, from cultural shifts to lifestyle changes. The conversation touches on the artistry of plastic surgery, the science of facial aging, and the essential role of skincare. Dr. Hudson emphasizes the evolving societal views on beauty and age, revealing how these perceptions impact both mental and physical health.

Zach Mack, a journalist and podcaster known for his NPR series Alternate Realities, delves into the murky waters of conspiracy theories. He candidly shares his attempts to persuade his father to abandon his conspiratorial beliefs, highlighting the emotional complexities of familial conversations. The discussion ranges from humorous reflections on Pizzagate to the serious societal implications of misinformation. With insights on the psychological factors behind belief and the challenges of changing minds, Zach emphasizes the necessity of empathy and understanding in these dialogues.

The podcast dives into the controversial pullout method, arguing it’s not the public health villain it's made out to be. Listeners hear personal anecdotes about sex education's inadequacies. The conversation also touches on societal taboos, misconceptions, and the importance of effective communication in relationships. Plus, it explores the hesitancy around male birth control and the trust issues it generates. The hosts offer insights on navigating sexual responsibility while encouraging better education on contraceptive choices.

Most people have experienced the creepy feeling of getting ads that feel a little bit too targeted, for products they haven’t ever searched for but have maybe talked about IRL. With Amazon announcing a rollback on privacy protections, and the Trump administration ramping up mass surveillance as a scare tactic, it might be time to take stock of what privacy even means anymore. With some help from Andrew Couts, senior editor of security and investigations at WIRED, we get a clear-eyed view of how voice-assisted tech actually works, and why you should care.    For more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show, and if you have an argument you want us to settle, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode is about RFK Jr., a man who has a completely baffling political trajectory. How does a guy go from “champion of the environment” to joining the most anti-environment administration ever? Thanks to our guest, Derek Beres, that pipeline becomes much clearer, as RFK Jr’s worldview has a lot of overlap with science that is at best, shoddy, and at worst, straight up disinformation. For more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show, and if you have an argument you want us to settle, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com. Original music for this episode produced by Zeno PittarelliSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.