NO SUCH THING
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
Jan 28, 2026 • 51min
Can humans be cloned?
Hank T. Greely, a Stanford law professor who studies bioethics and law in biosciences, and Chelsey Weber-Smith, podcaster who digs into hoaxes and moral panics. They trace celebrity clone conspiracies, unpack alleged whistleblower claims, and explain how cloning actually works. Short, curious, and skeptical takes on why these stories spread and what science really says.
Jan 21, 2026 • 44min
Presenting Mind Games | The Guru’s Guru
Nancy Salzman, a former nurse and NLP practitioner, offers a compelling look into her journey from the medical field to mastering neuro-linguistic programming. She shares her innovative use of NLP in hypnobirthing and its impact on emotional control. Nancy also candidly discusses her past with NXIVM, balancing the technique's benefits against its controversial legacy. Listeners will discover how NLP can reshape behavior and even help manage emotions in extreme circumstances, unveiling both the promise and the pitfalls of this powerful method.
12 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 47min
Should politicians be funny? (with Mike Birbiglia)
Explore the intriguing role of humor in politics, starting with Gavin Newsom's sharp parodies of Donald Trump. Discover whether humor helps politicians connect with the public or if it feels forced. Hear expert insights from humor historian Mark Rolfe, who traces political satire's roots and highlights famous politicians who’ve successfully wielded wit. Comedian Mike Birbiglia shares the challenges of crafting political jokes and critiques specific examples. Tune in for a lively discussion on how laughter can either bridge gaps or reinforce biases.
Dec 31, 2025 • 53min
NST Picks: The best of 2025 (and our best arguments)
As 2025 wraps up, the hosts dive into their favorite music, movies, and TV shows of the year. Among the highlights, Manny shares a unique music moment from a video game, while Noah celebrates an intimate film depiction. The absurdity of the animated series by Tim Robinson catches attention, and the emotional depth of Helen Harper and Spies is discussed. They also reflect on memorable podcast moments, like the dating AI chatbot and an engaging debate on eating food off the floor, revealing how these chats have impacted their lives.
23 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 39min
Do horses actually hate running? (Remastered)
What if horses don't actually love running? The hosts dive into this provocative question, debating whether our perceptions are skewed by media and human narratives. They bring in expert Wren Hurst, who sheds light on her journey from traditional training to understanding horses' emotional needs. Her insights reveal a difference between joyful runs and those driven by fear. A visit to a rescue showcases horses’ calmer behaviors, challenging our assumptions about their love for speed. Prepare for a rethinking of what it means to truly connect with these majestic animals.
10 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 38min
Does religion make you happier?
Join Dr. Harold G. Koenig, a renowned psychiatrist from Duke University, who has extensively studied the intersection of faith and health. He shares fascinating insights on how religious participation correlates with improved mental and physical well-being. The discussion digs into whether community ties or belief are the driving forces behind this happiness. Dr. Koenig also addresses the darker side of religion and its decline, along with Rabbi Jason Klein highlighting the importance of rituals in fostering life's appreciation.
8 snips
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.
