BrainStuff

Patients with Foreign Accent Syndrome seem to develop a whole new accent overnight. Learn how it can happen in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/neurological-conditions/foreign-accent-syndrome.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the Cold War, a programmer in the USSR created Tetris as a fun break for his coworkers. Learn how it became one of the best-selling video games of all time in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tetris.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our galaxy isn't a flat disk -- it's warped like melted vinyl record. Learn how researchers discovered this and why they think it happened in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans tend to max out at a couple minutes of breath holding, but some air-breathing reptiles and even mammals have evolved to spend extreme lengths of time underwater. Learn how long (and how they manage it) in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/what-animal-can-hold-its-breath-longest.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 1880s, an unlikely collaboration between land-hungry capitalists and social progressives ended in the sale of over 60 percent of Native American lands to non-Native people and corporations. Learn how it happened in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/dawes-act.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the art of making safe and delicious hummingbird food using a simple sugar-water mix. Learn how to keep your feeders clean for a healthy birdwatching experience. Uncover the fascinating migration patterns and endurance of ruby-throated hummingbirds. Plus, find out about new advancements in oral health and mental health support. Perfect for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!

In Ghana, funerals are spectacularly vibrant with fantasy coffins that reflect the deceased's life, from chili peppers to taxis. These artistic creations highlight a unique cultural tradition where personalized designs celebrate individual stories. Carpenter Seth Kenny Quay has been a pivotal figure in popularizing this craft, merging artistry with deep cultural significance. Funerals also embody communal support, emphasizing how friends and family come together to honor their loved ones while bearing financial responsibility.

Explore the groundbreaking contributions of Frances Perkins, America's first female cabinet member. She was instrumental in establishing Social Security and enhancing workers' rights during the Great Depression. Delve into her advocacy efforts and legislative triumphs that shaped the modern welfare system. Discover how her legacy continues to influence social reform discussions today.

In the 1990s, POGs became a playground sensation with their collectible paperboard discs. The podcast explores their origins in the traditional Japanese game Menko and the cultural impact they had on childhood play. It traces the meteoric rise of POGs from a simple game to a global phenomenon, highlighting the factors behind their decline, such as school bans and market saturation. The nostalgia surrounding POGs is revisited, reflecting on how this quirky trend still resonates with '90s pop culture today.

Dive into the fascinating world of public speaking anxiety, where up to 70% of Americans face the fear of addressing an audience. Discover the roots of this fear, shaped by personal experiences and societal pressures. Learn about glossophobia, the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, and effective coping strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy. Understand that audiences are often supportive and hear encouraging anecdotes that promote resilience and growth in presentation skills. Conquer your speaking fears and regain your confidence!