

No Dumb Questions
Destin Sandlin and Matt Whitman
A science guy from the deep south (Destin) and a humanities guy from the wild west (Matt Whitman) discuss deep questions with varying levels of maturity.
Episodes
Mentioned books

33 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 59min
217 - When Was Peak Comedy?
Dive into a lively discussion on the evolution of sitcoms, from nostalgic favorites like The Cosby Show to groundbreaking shows like The Office. Explore the impact of laugh tracks and how modern viewing habits differ from the past. The hosts examine cultural shifts in comedy, debating whether it has become meaner or just looser. They also highlight the importance of sharing comedy with families, recommending classics like Hot Fuzz and modern gems like Bluey. Join them in reflecting on comedy and the value of real conversations in today's fragmented media landscape.

14 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 21min
216 - How to Music
In this engaging discussion, Jeff Foote, a pastor and musician known as Rooktown, explores the creative process behind his music and podcast compositions. He shares insights on using digital tools like Cakewalk and Logic Pro for production. Jeff illustrates how music can be seen as numbers and patterns, explaining the significance of intervals and chords in shaping melodies. The conversation touches on the musical genius of composers like Bach and Beethoven, as well as modern artists who twist harmonic rules, showcasing music's emotional power and storytelling.

11 snips
Nov 1, 2025 • 53min
215 - Blueprint to Break Basketball's Scoring Record
What if basketball teams collaborated to break scoring records? The hosts explore the wild potential of a high-scoring game, referencing the legendary 1983 triple-overtime showdown. They dive into a historic college blowout and discuss how three-pointers revolutionized shot selection. A unique blueprint emerges for orchestrating a game that could see mind-boggling scores like 300-300, raising questions of ethics in sports. In a playful twist, they consider staging this spectacle for charity, merging competition with fun!

16 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 1min
214 - Who Saved the Most Lives?
In a thought-provoking discussion, the hosts explore the question of who might have saved the most lives in history. They dive into the impact of sanitation and engineering, highlighting ancient sewer systems and modern toilets. Fascinating stories emerge about heroic figures like Stanislav Petrov, whose decisions averted nuclear disaster. The conversation also touches on the role of agriculture, vaccines, and antibiotics in public health. Finally, they ponder the potential future risks and benefits of AI in saving lives.

39 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 18min
213 - Behold: Pompeii!
The hosts dive into the fascinating history of Pompeii, exploring its tragic eruption in 79 AD and the human stories behind it. They reflect on the legacy of figures like Pompey and cultural artifacts such as mosaics and brothel menus that shed light on Roman daily life. An emotional discussion about the plaster casts of victims highlights the impact of the eruption. They also share personal visits, comparing experiences at Pompeii and Herculaneum, and offer practical travel tips for future visitors to this hauntingly preserved site.

52 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 19min
212 - Should Alabama Ban the Infinite Scroll?
The hosts dive into the debate over banning infinite scroll, questioning its psychological effects on users. They explore how these endless feeds manipulate dopamine through Skinner box concepts. Personal strategies to limit scrolling are shared, aiming to reclaim focus. A discussion on policy tradeoffs pits government regulation against personal freedom, raising concerns about overreach. Lastly, they weigh alternatives like age restrictions and healthier platforms to combat the pervasive nature of scrolling.

24 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 1h 8min
211 - Matt's Childhood Hero Signed His _______
The conversation sparks with the ethics of paying to meet celebrities, blending humor and sincerity. Nostalgia flows as the hosts reminisce about live concerts, particularly their fondness for Reliant K and the comedic genius of Weird Al Yankovic. Personal anecdotes about meeting heroes add a light-hearted tension between admiration and humility. They share the whimsical mechanics of the accordion, reflecting on a heartfelt family heirloom. The dynamic is playful as they challenge each other musically, all while uncovering unexpected insights from an escape room experience.

17 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 28min
210 - What Is Nuclear Radiation?
Enjoy a whimsical road trip story that leads to humorous speculations about futuristic tech. Dive into the intricate logistics of transporting nuclear materials and the challenges of securing funding for educational projects. Get insights from a nuclear power plant visit, highlighting safety protocols and ionization. Explore the complexities of nuclear fuel rods and misconceptions surrounding nuclear power. The hosts blend humor with serious insights, making the intricate world of nuclear energy both accessible and entertaining.

54 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 22min
209 - First Day Teaching College
Dive into the whimsical world of first-time college teaching where nostalgia meets awkwardness! From pop culture references to the humor of grappling with advanced engineering concepts, the hosts share their hilarious classroom anecdotes. They discuss the complexities of collision mechanics and the fascinating behaviors of metals like copper and gold. The conversation also takes a turn to explore the evolution of content creation and the challenges of staying authentic in a digital age. Don't miss their lighthearted musings on book endorsements and the intricacies of teaching!

31 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
208 - Sneaking Photos of Other People
Join an entertaining discussion on the evolution of dating slang, with a humorous twist on terms like 'Riz.' Reflect on the dynamics of dating shows and the fine line between humor and sensitivity. Explore the differences between in-person and online ministry, and how technology shapes these experiences. Delve into nostalgic photography stories and the impact of conglomerates on youth culture. Finally, ponder the ethics of candid photography in today's social media landscape, balancing spontaneity with privacy.


