BrainStuff
iHeartPodcasts
Whether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore -- and explain -- the everyday science in the world around us.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 27, 2020 • 5min
BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Resolutions So Easy to Break?
Most of us break our New Years resolutions — and researchers have found a few reasons why. Learn how to build a better resolution in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 26, 2020 • 5min
BrainStuff Classics: What Tech Will Replace the Smartphone?
Although it's an integral part of many people's lives today, the smartphone is bound to be replaced by the next big thing. We explore what (and when) that might be in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 25, 2020 • 6min
When Did Christmas Become an American Holiday?
When the Puritans began colonizing North America, they did not bring Christmas traditions with them. Learn why celebrating was not widespread and sometimes even illegal in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 24, 2020 • 6min
How Does Santa's Sleigh Work?
Santa Claus is known for getting gifts to every child in the world on Christmas Eve, but how could such a quick, efficient sleigh work? With all due respect to the reindeer, we propose an antimatter engine in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 23, 2020 • 4min
Why Is There a Pooping Figure in Catalonian Nativity Sets?
In a traditional Nativity scene in Catalonia, you're likely to find a figure of 'el caganer' -- a person squatting with a pile of poop. Learn how this sometimes cheeky tradition may have gotten started in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 22, 2020 • 7min
How Do Obelisks Work?
In many cities, the most ancient monuments are obelisks taken from Egypt. Learn more about why and how these architectural masterpieces were constructed (and moved) in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 21, 2020 • 8min
What Was the Biggest Nuclear Weapon Ever Built?
The Soviet Union's Tsar Bomba, tested in 1961, was thousands of times more powerful than even the large nuclear weapons of its time. Learn more about this bomb and why such large designs were abandoned in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 20, 2020 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: What Was the Christmas Truce?
During one Christmas in WWI, enemy soldiers called an unofficial ceasefire and even shared holiday treats with each other. Learn the story behind this small miracle from the Great War in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 19, 2020 • 4min
BrainStuff Classics: Can Bats Jam Each Other's Sonar?
Bats use sonar to find food in the dark -- but they've got a lot of competition from other bats. Learn about echolocation and how bats go on the offensive in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 18, 2020 • 4min
What Is the Great Conjunction?
Once every 20 years, Saturn and Jupiter appear very close together in the sky from Earth's point of view, but this year they're closer than they've been in 800 years. Learn more about this astonomical event in today's episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
