

NO SUCH THING
iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope
No Such Thing is a show where three best friends and journalists settle their dumb arguments — and yours — by actually doing the research.
Hosts Manny Fidel, Noah Friedman, and Devan Joseph, start each episode with an argument using just their gut feelings. Then they go out into the world, investigate, talk to experts, and conduct some experiments. Finally, the guys bring their findings back to the group to see if they can change minds, enlighten each other, and move past their emotional truths. New episodes come out 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.
Hosts Manny Fidel, Noah Friedman, and Devan Joseph, start each episode with an argument using just their gut feelings. Then they go out into the world, investigate, talk to experts, and conduct some experiments. Finally, the guys bring their findings back to the group to see if they can change minds, enlighten each other, and move past their emotional truths. New episodes come out 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

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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 42min
Was that actually food poisoning?
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.

6 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 44min
Are the weather apps getting worse?
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!

8 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 42min
NST Mailbag: The RIGHT way to load a dishwasher (& more)
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!

Aug 20, 2025 • 53min
Is dating an AI chatbot cheating?
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.

Aug 13, 2025 • 48min
Inside the violent world of online pedophile hunters
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.

Aug 6, 2025 • 33min
Why can’t adults order from the kids menu?
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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 32min
Why we're sick of franchise movies
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.

Jul 1, 2025 • 41min
Are siblings more influential than parents?
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.

Jun 17, 2025 • 32min
7-footers & the case for universal healthcare
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.