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
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.
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? (w/ Panic World)
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.
14 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 54min
What happened to Kanye West?
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.
Sep 24, 2025 • 40min
Why are modern statues so bad?
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.
Sep 17, 2025 • 46min
Do you need therapy?
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.
