NO SUCH THING

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.

The discussion dives into the unsettling transformation of Kanye West from beloved icon to polarizing figure. Hosts reflect on their deep-rooted fandom and the turning point marked by Kim Kardashian's robbery. They dissect controversies surrounding his political statements and antisemitic rhetoric, questioning the implications of celebrity behavior. The new documentary, 'In Whose Name?', offers a mixed portrayal of Kanye's mental health, with critiques on its omissions and filmmaker biases. Ultimately, they ponder how Kanye's decline mirrors broader societal issues.

Join sculptor John Belardo, an art educator and chief technician at Lehman College, as he tackles the cringeworthy state of modern public statues. He explores why iconic figures like Ronaldo and Dwyane Wade end up with less-than-flattering likenesses. Belardo delves into the evolution of portrait sculpture, the impact of photography on expectations, and the technical challenges of sculpting, emphasizing that rising standards may be outpacing sculptors' training. He also analyzes specific failures, shedding light on the sculptural process and its complexities.

Lilly Kaplan, a seasoned therapist and author of the Reality Test newsletter, sheds light on the often confusing world of therapy. She discusses the critical signs that indicate whether you might need therapy and how to assess if it's working for you. The conversation delves into the evolving perceptions of therapy, especially regarding masculinity, and tackles misconceptions that can deter people from seeking help. Lilly emphasizes the importance of finding the right therapist and clarifies the differences between therapy and life coaching.

Why do some people seem to suffer the ills of foodborne illness at an alarming frequency, while others cruise through rare steaks unimpeded? In this episode, we bravely (or foolishly) ask: does food poisoning actually exist? This week, we talk to food safety experts to find out what food poisoning actually is, where it comes from, and what  you can do to avoid it. Also discussed: Did your family have a dedicated bowl to vomit in? Will leftover rice kill you? And do you have to wash your chicken?  Our guests this week are Dr. Ben Chapman, Extension Food Safety Specialist at North Carolina State University, and food safety lawyer Bill Marler.   Check out Ben’s podcast Food Safety Talk. 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 and follow us on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the world of weather apps and discover why they may be letting us down. The hosts ponder if Trump's DOGE cuts are a factor and why 'feels like' temperatures should be the default. They break down what the percentage of precipitation really means and tackle the frustrations with unexpected weather events. Plus, get insights into Spotify's shuffle feature and how algorithms shape your music experience. It's a fascinating journey through tech, weather, and music that might leave you rethinking your daily apps!

The hosts dive into the heated debate on the *right* way to load a dishwasher, revealing how it can affect relationships. They tackle a bizarre conspiracy about litter boxes in schools, dissecting the impact of misinformation. A moving discussion on navigating funeral processions merges with lighthearted tales of platonic friendships between men and women. Plus, they engage with listener feedback and share laughs over the quirks of everyday life. Tune in for a delightful blend of humor, insight, and interaction!

Tatum Hunter, a tech reporter for The Washington Post specializing in AI companionship, joins the discussion on whether dating an AI chatbot counts as cheating. The conversation dives into emotional fidelity and the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. They explore the humor and complexity of interactions with AI, sharing their own amusing experiences on a date with a chatbot. The dialogue challenges traditional notions of intimacy, revealing surprising emotional connections and shedding light on the implications for trust and fidelity in the digital age.

In this discussion, Stefan Turkheimer, the VP of Public Policy at RAINN, sheds light on the complex, often violent world of online pedophile hunters. He and reporter Aric Toler delve into the morality of vigilante justice, examining its implications for both survivors and alleged offenders. They highlight the sensationalism of modern hunting videos, contrasting them with traditional media approaches. Most importantly, Turkheimer advocates for a trauma-informed perspective on justice and discusses how the current system can better support survivors.

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.