Every Little Thing

What Did People Eat 10,000 Years Ago?

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 16:33:27 -0000

After unearthing a 10-year-old bottle of maple syrup in his pantry, listener Taylor wants to know: What sorts of ancient foods do archaeologists find? Pothead and biomolecular archaeologist Julie Dunne cracks the case on ancient diets and tells us how we know what people ate thousands of years ago. Warning: the answers are NSFL (not safe for lunch).

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Jeremy’s Muscle Car: An Update

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 20:42:12 -0000

On our “I Did it For Love” episode, listener Jeremy told us about a 1968 AMX that he was buying to surprise his dad. This week, they go for their first ride.

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I Did It for Love

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 16:46:51 -0000

What have you done for love? Hear about the impulsive, expensive, inspired and illegal things our listeners did for love. Thanks to Erica, Mario, Beth, Jeremy and everyone who called in with a heart-felt tale.

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Kangaroo Pouch: A Four-Star Hotel of Horrors

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 16:29:00 -0000

Caller Sophia needs to know: What’s it like inside a kangaroo pouch? We get the inside scoop from marsupial expert Robin Beck. Plus, should Flora’s sister Ruth fear her squash? Professional pumpkineer Steve Reiners has a tip: if it smells like cat urine, beware.

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Auctioneers: Why Do They Talk Like That?

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 15:26:00 -0000

This week, an episode from the archives: Why do auctioneers talk the way they do? And what are they actually saying? Professional auctioneer Junior Staggs tells us about the psychology behind auction-speak, and gives caller Katie some tips for developing her own auctioneer chant.

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Important Message from Flora

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 22:13:34 -0000

Flora is back with some news, and a request.

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Can I Bury a Body in My Yard?

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Listener Jake wants to know if he can bury a body in his tiny, suburban backyard. Grave expert and archaeologist Hal Hassen has the scoop on how we went from burying grandpa out back to the giant park-like cemeteries we have today. Plus, local zoning officer Sonya Abt walks Jake through the red tape.

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Worms and Pelicans: Dentistry’s Rotten History

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -0000

This week, we brush off an ELT favorite on the gory history of tooth care. For most of human history, chomper maintenance has been bloody and brutal. So how'd we go from charlatans yanking teeth in a public square to the soft light and high-tech of the modern dentist's office? ELT asks retired dentist and dental historian J. Henry Clarke and historian Richard Barnett to open up and say how. Plus Chris Lyons tells us his secrets for making movie stars' teeth look terrible.

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What the Flock Is in My Chimney?

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Every evening at dusk, listener Tara watches clouds of tiny birds dive-bomb into her boyfriend’s chimney. What are these creatures, and are they going to destroy the house? Ornithologist Margaret Rubega introduces us to these notoriously mysterious birds, and to the stubborn 19th-century artist-turned-scientist who was determined to study them. Special thanks to Barbara Boyle. Thanks also to songwriter Jay Ungar for the use of Ashokan Farewell, ©1983 by Swinging Door Music.

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How Squirrels Track Their Nuts

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -0000

This week, we dug up a favorite episode on the secret life of squirrels. The average tree squirrel can bury up to 10,000 nuts every fall. How do they keep tabs on that stash? Animal behaviorist and pro squirrel watcher Mikel Maria Delgado exposes the secrets of squirrel pantry maintenance. Thanks to caller Cayra. This episode of Every Little Thing was produced by Stephanie Werner, Emily Forman, Phoebe Flanigan, Annette Heist and Flora Lichtman, with help from Nicole Pasulka and Doug Barron. Our consulting editors are Caitlin Kenney and Jorge Just. Mixed by Dara Hirsch and Enoch Kim. Scored by Dara Hirsch, Bobby Lord and Emma Munger. ELT is a Gimlet production and a Spotify original podcast.

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Symphony Secrets: Dirt from the Pit

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 15:24:00 -0000

This week, an encore of a favorite episode: What happens behind the scenes at the symphony. Does a triangle player get the same pay as a violinist? Do conductors ever fall off their podiums? Which section do the other musicians love to hate? ELT dishes symphony secrets with violinist Akiko Tarumoto and conductor Rob Kapilow. Special thanks to Nathan Cole and danke schön to caller Laszlo.

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When Astronauts Come Home

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:18:00 -0000

This week, we’re revisiting an intergalactic favorite: Preparing for a mission to space takes astronauts years, but listener Daniel wants to know — what does the other end of that journey look like? Record-holding NASA astronaut Christina Koch tells us what happens when space travelers come home.

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How Do Streets Get Named?

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Caller Jessica lives on a street with an unwieldy name, and she wants to know: Who gets to name the streets? Deirdre Mask, author of “The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power,” tells us about a project to name all the streets in rural West Virginia, and why having a street address matters.

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ELT Presents: Not Past It

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Hey ELT fans! There’s a new Gimlet podcast that we think you’ll love. It’s called Not Past It, and it’s the kind of deep-dive into history that we live for at ELT. This episode, Rated PG-13 for Sex and Violence looks at the birth of the PG-13 rating, and how the movie rating system came to be. It’s a story about Indiana Jones and Gremlins, and hidden Puritan agendas. Enjoy! And don’t forget to follow Not Past It on Spotify.

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Is It Weird to Be Nice to Alexa?

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0000

This week we’re hitting repeat on one of our favorite episodes: Listener Elizabeth wants to know if it’s weird to say “please” and “thank you” to her Google voice assistant. ELT talks to former Alexa insider Daren Gill (now senior director of product at Spotify), and human-robot interactions expert Leila Takayama to find out whether people are typically polite to machines.

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Do Any Animals Dance?

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 14:56:00 -0000

After trying (and failing) to start a dance party with her dogs, listener Heather wants to know: are there beasts that can boogie? Irena Schulz and Ani Patel break it down.

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Cheese: Why Do We Worship Rotten Milk? A NSFW History

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0000

This week, we’re re-heating one of our ooey-gooey all-time favorite eps: We re-trace the delicious and X-rated history of... cheese, with cheese biochemist and historian Paul Kindstedt. Plus, tips on how to make the most of the dairy aisle from processed cheese expert Lloyd Metzger. And a cicada killer update from cicada killer wasp biologist Chuck Holliday. Thanks to callers Kurt and Judy.

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The Horrible Sound that Haunts Reality TV

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:52:00 -0000

We’re revisiting one of our favorite eps this week, to find out who put the tension in reality TV. ELT tracks down the man behind the nail-biting sound you can’t unhear. Plus, a listener’s backyard horror story turns into an intervention, with cicada killer wasp expert Chuck Holliday. Thanks to callers Caitlin and Stephanie.

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What It’s Like To Live in the White House

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:57:00 -0000

What’s life really like in the White House? How does the president get snacks? Who walks the first dogs? What happens when the first family fights? Kate Andersen Brower, reporter and author of The Residence, takes us behind-the-scenes. Thanks to callers Lauren, Rachel, Iris, Zach and everyone who sent in a question.

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Why Is This Goose Out to Get Me?

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:32:00 -0000

Listener Corey needs to know if a goose named Dave is targeting him. Goose expert Tony Fox tells us why Dave’s feathers may have gotten ruffled, and offers his advice for dealing with unhappy geese. Special thanks to Casey Williamson, Steve Davis, and Dan Potoczak.

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Why Is This Toy Talking?

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Listener Megan wants to know who writes the bizzaro lyrics for her son’s talking toys. Talking humans Jay Elkinton and Patrick Feaster tell us all about these earworm emitters — from modern plastic jabber-jaws to the nightmare-inducing doll who started it all. Special thanks to Toby Phillips.

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Sand: What's It Really Made Of?

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 16:08:31 -0000

We’ve dug up one of our favorite episodes this week: Caller Hank wants to know where the sand on his central California beach came from. Beach buff Kiki Patsch gives us the surprising scoop on how beaches are born. Special thanks to Gary Griggs.

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Why Is the Ocean Glowing?

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 13:40:10 -0000

While Flora is away, we're shining a light on some of our favorite episodes. Listener Erik saw a mysterious glow in the water during a trip to the beach, and he wants to know more. ELT talks to the “Jacques Cousteau of glow,” a scientist who has spent decades deep diving for answers. Guest: biologist and ocean researcher Edie Widder. Thanks to Eelke Dekker for the seagull and ocean sounds we used in this episode. Thanks also to Steven Haddock, Michael Latz, Matt Davis, Vincent Pieribone, and Severine Martini.

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Hummingbirds: Magical Fairies or Vicious Little Drones?

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:40:32 -0000

Caller Makaila needs to know about the hummingbirds that frequent her father’s feeders. Hummingbird expert Alejandro Rico-Guevara fills us in on their feeding, flying, and fighting feats.

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Is My Cat Trying to Murder Me?

Mon, 31 May 2021 13:35:03 -0000

While Flora’s out, we’re revisiting an old favorite — caller Megan’s cat has zero empathy and tries to trip her on the stairs. Could he be a psychopath? Jon Ronson, author of The Psychopath Test, and cat psychologist Eva Waiblinger help Megan assess if she's got a killer just a whisker's length away.

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Ever Felt Someone’s Pain… In Your Butt?

Mon, 24 May 2021 14:56:56 -0000

While Flora's out on parental leave, we're unswaddling some of her favorite babies. Favorite podcast babies. Like this one: Caller Lisa wants to know why her butt hurts whenever she sees someone else get injured. Neuroscientist Stuart Derbyshire shares the cold hard truth about whether some people really can feel your pain. Thanks to queen of Chapped Cheeks Lisa, and to researchers Natalie Bowling, Melita Giummarra, Helena Hartmann, Marina López-Solà, Bridget Rubenking, Jamie Ward, Scott Vrana, and Jamil Zaki.

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Memory Game: Did This Meal Really Happen?

Mon, 10 May 2021 15:48:00 -0000

Caller Liz has a cherished childhood memory about a special meal with her great-grandmother. But she isn’t sure it really happened. How can she tell? Memory researcher Charan Ranganath, director of the Dynamic Memory Lab, fills in the blanks about the memory in question.

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When a Million Ants Come Marching In

Mon, 03 May 2021 16:18:18 -0000

Listener Gĩtaũ has a serious problem: every so often his home in rural Kenya is invaded by an army of ants. They coat the floors, climb the walls, and rain down on Gĩtaũ and his family while they sleep. Gĩtaũ wants to know: Why are these ants torturing us? Entomologists Dino Martins and Piotr Naskrecki have ant-swers. Special thanks to Caswell Munyai, Caspar Schöning, and Daniel Kronauer.

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A Message From Flora

Mon, 03 May 2021 15:46:55 -0000

Flora has a 6- to 9-pound piece of news to drop! She’ll be out on parental leave for a little while. Meet the hosts who’ll be filling in while she’s away.

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Dog Show Drama: Is There an Anti-Dachshund Conspiracy?

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:51:18 -0000

Terriers have won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show 48 times. Dachshunds? Never. Listener Yona wants to know why terriers triumph but dachshunds don’t get their due. Dog show judge Laurie Williams and dachshund-diehard Kim McCalmont take us behind the scenes of the dog show world.

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Chasing Ghosts: Searching For Endangered Animals

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:20:57 -0000

Listener Diksha wants to know: when an animal species is endangered, how do we know when it’s really gone? Professional frog counter and disease ecologist Jamie Voyles has answers.

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Skewed Smells: A Weird COVID Mystery

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 15:12:50 -0000

Caller Leña had COVID-19 last October and temporarily lost her sense of smell. As it started to come back, she noticed something strange — fruity things smelled like burnt hair and condoms. Where are Leña’s mystery smells coming from? Rhinologist Simon Gane fills us in on COVID-related smell loss.

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Embarrassing Little Tales: The Finalists

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:25:00 -0000

We asked you to share your fail tales, and you delivered. Now we need your help picking a winner. Thanks to Erica, Dallas, Ryan, Mary, Nasja, David, Samantha, and everyone who called to share their worst moments.

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Space Trash: Is It Coming For Us?

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 16:41:00 -0000

The Earth is surrounded by a halo of trash — defunct satellites, discarded fuel tanks, one of Elon Musk’s Teslas. Listener Ryan wants to know: Does any of it ever fall down to Earth? ELT talks trash with Lottie Williams, the only person known to have been hit by falling space debris, and Ted Muelhaupt, director of the Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Study at The Aerospace Corporation.

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Vodka, Spit, and Coke: How to Spring-Clean Like an Adult

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 16:29:56 -0000

It’s spring-cleaning time! To help get you in the mood, we’re dusting off an episode from our archive. Cleaning expert Jolie Kerr tells us when it’s OK to use your own saliva as a cleaning agent, and addresses some listener “cleanspiracies” like: Will vodka clean my clothes? For more cleaning tips, check out Jolie’s podcast Ask a Clean Person.

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A Nasal-Gazing Mystery Solved

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:10:00 -0000

Listener Paige heard a rumor: we only breathe through one nostril. Can it be true? ELT gets an answer from someone in the nose — rhinologist Simon Gane. Plus, Science Vs. host Wendy Zukerman joins Flora for an important wombat-butt update.

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How Did Dogs Land in Our Laps?

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 16:47:00 -0000

Listener Malik wants to know how wolves became pugs, poodles, and chihuahuas. Zooarchaeologist Angela Perri digs up the answers. Special thanks to Michael Worboys.

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Hollywood Punches: How to Make a Knockout Sound

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 14:54:00 -0000

Listener Charlotte has been rewatching “The Sopranos” and the punches keep hitting her ear. Why do Hollywood wallops sound so punched up? Foley artist and Emmy Award-winning sound editor Joanna Fang shares her punch recipe. Plus, do real-life investigators actually connect the dots with red string and thumbtacks? Retired FBI agent Jerri Williams solves the evidence-board mystery.

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Scrabble’s Scramble to the Top

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:53:00 -0000

Listener Malenia wants to know how her favorite word game came to be. It turns out it took a while for Scrabble to score big. Stefan Fatsis, author of Word Freak, fills in the blanks. Plus, can you beat Flora's most embarrassing story?

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How Old is Winnie-the-Pooh?

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:08:22 -0000

We’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes this week. A few years ago, listener Annie asked ELT to settle a longstanding family debate: exactly how old is Winnie-the-Pooh? To hunt down an answer, we consult with professional age-guesser Ben Ramey, bear biologist Rae Wynn-Grant, and Sarah Shea, a professor who has studied this question.

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How Potatoes Took Over the World

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:14:00 -0000

Listener Taylor was making a medieval stew when she noticed a prominent ingredient was missing from the recipe: potatoes. Potato biologist Maria Scurrah and journalist Charles Mann explain the potato’s twisting route to stewpot domination. Special thanks to Graham Thiele, Bruce Owen, Alan Covey, and Gary Urton.

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Why Does the Wind Make Me Angry?

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:59:00 -0000

Listener Christina gets ruffled by a stiff breeze and wants to know if she’s alone in her wind rage. Atmospheric science historian Vladimir Jankovic introduces Christina to her people, and iconic couples therapist Esther Perel, host of “How’s Work” and “Where Should We Begin,” helps Christina rethink her relationship with the wind.

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Essential Workers 8 Months Later

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 16:46:00 -0000

How are essential workers doing now? We check in with some of the essential workers we talked to back in April and hear what it’s been like to teach, fly on planes, ship packages, and drive a truck during a pandemic. Thanks to Rob, Justin, Tamasha, Lucy, Jacob, Kaleb, Ian, and Dawn.

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How To Be Less Clumsy

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 17:01:00 -0000

Listener Gab is clumsy — white sweaters, stemmed wine glasses, and sharp edges are off the table. Can Gab learn to be less clumsy? Professional steady hand Bryan Berg and kinesiologist Priscila Tamplain share tips for foiling fumbles. Special thanks to Carl Gabbard and Michael Wade.

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The Dirt on Houseplants

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 17:12:00 -0000

Attention all you #hortihotties, this week caller Esther asks about houseplants: When did we start keeping them, and has there ever been another houseplant heyday? Guests Catherine Horwood, author of Potted History, and Charlotte Salter-Townshend of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin sift through the facts and expose the shady side of houseplant history.

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Crashing Your Most Memorable Meals

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:07:00 -0000

This week, some comfort food. For a lot of us, the holidays won’t be the same this year. Instead of arguing around the table with our extended families, we’ll be stuck at home with a single-serving of mashed potatoes, face-timing the people we love. So we invited ourselves to your place. We asked you to tell us about a meal you can't forget. And you delivered. Your stories made us laugh, cry and get very hungry. Thanks to callers Margaret, Janae, Brandon, Johnny, Jameson, and Oz, and all of you who left us a message.

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WTF Happened to My Pumpkins?

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:21:41 -0000

Flora’s sister Ruth claims last year’s jack-o’-lantern seeds sprouted... a litter of decorative gourds. ELT gets to the bottom of this pumper stumper. Plus, a spooky Face ID mystery, and a peek under the husk of corn mazes. Guests: professor of horticulture and pumpkin expert Steve Reiners; farmer and corn maze designer Angie Treinen.

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What Sparked That Wildfire?

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 14:42:31 -0000

Caller Sadera has a burning question: When there’s a wildfire, how do we figure out what caused it? Fire investigator Paul Steensland tells ELT what he searches for in the burnt landscape, and the clues that can lead him to the cause.

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Why Do We Cry?

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:19:01 -0000

Listener Lily called in about a crying shame: She thinks she cries too much. ELT investigates why we cry, and whether wet cheeks were once très chic. Ad Vingerhoets, crying researcher and clinical psychologist, and Tom Lutz, author of Crying: The Natural and Cultural History of Tears, talk through tears.

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Is Your Pet a Righty or a Lefty?

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:06:28 -0000

Caller Juanita wants to know if her cats are southpaws. ELT calls in animal behavior researcher Deborah Wells and neuroscientist Sebastian Ocklenburg for an answer. Plus, why would slugs ditch the shell? Biologist Robert Cowie fills us in.

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Frozen Food: How Long Is Too Long?

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 14:20:00 -0000

After their dad served 4-year-old fish for dinner one night, listener Max wants to know how long you can safely keep food in the freezer. Food safety expert Haley Oliver serves up the juicy details. Plus, can tiny eyes see things we can’t? Spider expert Sebastian Echeverri takes us behind some of the most impressive peepers in the animal kingdom. Thanks to listener Miles. In the original version of this episode, we made an error about the types of light jumping spiders can see. All jumping spiders that have been studied are able to see UV and green light. Some species, including Oregon’s paradise jumping spider, can see red as well. We apologize for the error and have corrected it in this version of the show.

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Cards: Solving a Shuffle Kerfuffle

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:34:00 -0000

Listeners Marmie and Ryan have a quarantine quibble: How many times should you shuffle a deck of playing cards? Marmie says three, while Ryan says four or more. The couple place their bets and go all-in with applied mathematician Steven Strogatz and a full house of card-world VIPs.

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Why Is the Ocean Glowing?

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 13:56:00 -0000

Listener Erik saw a mysterious glow in the water during a trip to the beach, and he wants to know more. ELT talks to the “Jacques Cousteau of glow,” a scientist who has spent decades deep diving for answers. Guest: biologist and ocean researcher Edie Widder. Thanks to Eelke Dekker for the seagull and ocean sounds we used in this episode. Thanks also to Steven Haddock, Michael Latz, Matt Davis, Vincent Pieribone, and Severine Martini.

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Sand: What’s It Really Made Of?

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:33:00 -0000

Caller Hank wants to know where the sand on his central California beach came from. ELT gets the surprising scoop on how beaches are born. Guest: Kiki Patsch, California State University Channel Islands. Special thanks to Gary Griggs.

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F*ck Yeah: Can Cursing Make You Stronger?

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 14:06:00 -0000

Flora is out this week force feeding her niblings flamingo facts, so we’re rerunning one of our favorite episodes. Does swearing make you more powerful? Plus, we talk to someone who turns the “mother f*ckers” into “manhole covers” for the TV versions of movies. Guests: Cognitive scientist Ben Bergen, author of What the F***; Gwen Whittle, supervising sound editor at Skywalker Sound. Thanks to caller Mark for the monkey flippin’ question, and to Mark’s dad Steve.

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Stamps: Tiny Squares Full Of Secrets

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 14:36:00 -0000

Flora is hosting the Chapped Cheeks Book Club this week, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes: How do U.S. postage stamps come to be? ELT explores the secret world of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, the group that decides what gets stuck on America’s envelopes. Guests: Bill Gicker, manager of stamp development at USPS; Jessica, ex-CSAC member; Kam Mak, artist and stamp illustrator. Thanks to caller Elizabeth. “Mr. Stampman” performed by Bobby Lord, Matthew Boll, MR Daniel, and Julia Kaplan. Mail your stamp idea to: Stamp Development / Attn: Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee / 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300 / Washington, DC 20260-3501. Remember: One idea per letter!

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Fruit Flies: Seriously, Where Do They Come From?

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 15:26:20 -0000

Flora is away this week, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes — about a summer visitor no one wants. Caller Jeremy has a problem: fruit flies have moved into his apartment, and he needs to know how they got there. ELT finds out where Jeremy’s freeloading flatmates came from. Guests: Biologist Marcus Stensmyr, Lund University. Chemical ecologist Kevin Cloonan, Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada. Thanks to Jeremy and all the listeners who shared their gnat knowledge.

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Behind the Pompoms: Cheerleading’s Checkered Past

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 14:43:01 -0000

Flora is away this week at a flamingo fanciers convention, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite shows — a two-part, deep dive into cheerleading. It’s not all smiles and ponytails. Guests: Cheerleading researcher and professor at the University of Alabama Natalie Adams; Barbara Hazlewood; Sharita Richardson, cheerleading researcher, instructional coach at North Carolina A&T State University, and founder of Black Girls Cheer. Thanks to caller Jessica for the question. Special thanks to Vonciel Baker, one of the original seven Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and to Dee Brock, former manager of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

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Is a Sense of Direction a Thing?

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 15:26:00 -0000

Listener Amy gets lost a lot. She wants to know if some people are naturally better at finding their way, and whether there’s hope for her. An expert locates some answers. Plus, how the best navigators in the world get around. Guests: navigation and orientation researcher Giuseppe Iaria; former London cab driver David Styles. Thanks to caller Amy.

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How Squirrels Track Their Nuts

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 17:02:00 -0000

The average tree squirrel can bury up to 10,000 nuts every fall. How do they keep tabs on that stash? Guest: animal behaviorist and pro squirrel watcher Mikel Maria Delgado exposes the secrets of squirrel pantry maintenance. Thanks to caller Cayra.

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When Astronauts Come Home

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:32:00 -0000

This weekend, SpaceX and NASA successfully launched the first crewed spacecraft from U.S. soil in almost a decade. Preparing for a mission to space takes astronauts years, but listener Daniel wants to know — what does the other end of that journey look like? What happens when space travelers come home? Guest: record-holding NASA astronaut Christina Koch.

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Old Life, This One’s For You

Mon, 18 May 2020 21:18:00 -0000

We’re celebrating the little things you miss from life before quarantine. Those small joys you can’t stop thinking about, in the midst of such big sadness. Thanks to listeners Ron, Sophia, Karen, Hayden, Priyanka, Melissa, Kim, Kai, Will, and everyone who called in to share, shout, and sob into the void.

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Dream Your Way to a Better You

Mon, 11 May 2020 15:39:00 -0000

Listener Natalie had a dreamy question: can you change something in your waking life by dreaming about it? ELT talked to a lucid dream expert to find out if we can optimize our snooze time. Guest: Daniel Erlacher, sports scientist at the University of Bern, Switzerland. Thanks to Natalie for the call.

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Inside the Jigsaw Puzzle Factory

Mon, 04 May 2020 15:27:00 -0000

In the time of “puzzle and chill,” listener Myco needs to know: how are jigsaw puzzles made? Plus, why are clouds of terrifying black birds gathering in listener Amanda’s neighborhood every evening? ELT puts the pieces together. Guests: Thomas Kaeppeler, President of Ravensburger North America, Inc.; bird expert Judith Bailey. Thanks to callers Myco and Amanda.

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Black Holes: Free Your Mind

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 15:08:00 -0000

Are black holes really holes? In honor of 420, ELT takes a trip to black hole country. Thanks to caller Kyle. Guest: Clifford Johnson, professor of physics at the University of Southern California. Happy 420, dudes.

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How Did Prehistoric Parents Feed The Kids?

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:17:00 -0000

If a baby couldn’t nurse, what did prehistoric parents do before baby bottles? Julie Dunne, a biomolecular archaeologist and pot lady, analyzed some adorable ancient artifacts to answer the question. Plus, a big day for niblings. Thanks to callers Kate and Michael. Guest: Pot lady Julie Dunne.

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Essential Workers Call In

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 15:24:00 -0000

Fear, pride, relief, anger — what’s it like for the people out working so the rest of us can stay inside? Listeners who deliver packages and stock shelves tell us how their lives have changed. Thanks to Jacob, Megan, Ian, Lucy, Tamasha, Justin, Kaleb, Jane, Dawn, Rob, and everyone else who called in. And a gigantic thank you to everyone risking their own health to keep the rest of us safe.

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Is It Weird to Be Nice to Alexa?

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:49:00 -0000

Listener Elizabeth always says “please” and “thank you” to her Google voice assistant, and her husband says she’s weird. ELT talks to former Alexa insider Daren Gill and expert in human-robot interactions Leila Takayama to find out just how weird Elizabeth is. Plus, we right a #noboe wrong. Thanks to caller Elizabeth. Guests: Daren Gill, director of product at Spotify; human-robot interaction researcher Leila Takayama; oboe player Marcus Phillips.

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Symphony Secrets: Dirt from the Pit

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 15:33:00 -0000

Does an orchestra’s triangle player get the same pay as a violinist? Do conductors ever fall off their podiums? Which section do the other musicians love to hate? ELT dishes symphony secrets from two orchestra insiders. Guests: violinist Akiko Tarumoto and conductor Rob Kapilow. Special thanks to Nathan Cole and danke schön to caller Laszlo. Correction: This episode has been updated to replace the #noboe music with oboe music. Additional thanks to Marcus Phillips for helping us right this wrong.

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Anesthesia and a Mysterious Chili Cheese Fry Craving

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 16:37:00 -0000

A troubling image of a flamingo family has the flam world in a frenzy. ELT’s resident flamingo expert tells us what’s really happening in that viral pic. Plus, listener Paul goes in for an appendectomy, and wakes up with a bizarre craving. What happened when he went under the knife? Guests: Flamingo expert Felicity Arengo and anesthetist Kate Leslie. Thanks to caller Paul.

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How Police Sketch Artists Read Your Mind

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 15:45:00 -0000

A police sketch artist reveals how she turns your fuzzy memory into a sharp drawing. Sketch artist Kelly Lawson from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation walks us through the process. Thanks to Gary Wells, Gil Zamora, and caller Lex.

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Meet the Scrunchie Queen

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 16:22:00 -0000

Kate, a “hair is life” kind of person, asks about the invention that keeps her hair out of her face. Guests: Hair stylist and hair archaeologist Janet Stephens; Scrunchie queen Rommy Revson. Thanks to caller Kate.

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Drugs on Screen: A Prop Master Tells All

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 15:54:00 -0000

Listener Emily is dying to know: what are actors actually using when they do drugs on screen? A prop czar takes ELT behind the scenes. Plus, a tribute to percussionist Emil Richards. Guest: prop master Lynda Reiss. Thanks to caller Emily.

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America’s Next Top Word

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 16:00:00 -0000

We asked you, the ELT family, to share your favorite underutilized words -- words that you love and want other listeners to love too. And you delivered. Now, with your help, we want to get one of those words into the dictionary. A professional word nerd tells us which of your submissions have the best chance of making it into the big book. Guest: former Merriam-Webster Dictionary editor Kory Stamper. Thanks to everyone who called in with a word.

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Caveman Confidential

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 15:50:00 -0000

Did cavemen really carry clubs? Live in caves? Wear leopard-print one-shouldered dresses? Paleoanthropologists Melanie Chang and Genevieve von Petzinger help bust our biggest cavemen myths — and tell us what our ancestors were really like. Special thanks to caller Lauren, and to historian Matthew Goodrum.

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Travel Secrets: Airplane Seats, Cheap Gas, Dirty Toilets

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0000

We’re clearing out our inbox and answering some of your burning follow-up questions for our last episode of 2019. Guests: Captain Nick Anderson, retired Virgin-Atlantic airline pilot, Airline Pilot Guy Show; microbiologist Jenny Hayden, Cedar Crest College; Jason Torchinsky, senior editor at Jalopnik. Thanks to callers Mattie, Toku, Piper, Aviv, Meghan, Anna, Liz, Kathi and Carl.

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Can You Learn to Taste Better?

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 16:39:00 -0000

Caller Shannon is at a loss for words when it comes to describing her favorite vegetable -- corn. ELT enlists a professional food describer to help expand Shannon’s tasting vocabulary. Guest: sensory evaluator Gail Vance Civille of Sensory Spectrum. Special thanks to Shannon for venturing outside of her palate’s comfort zone.

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Ever Felt Someone’s Pain… In Your Butt?

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 16:53:52 -0000

Caller Lisa wants to know why her butt hurts whenever she sees someone else get injured. ELT finds out whether some people really can feel your pain. Guest: pain researcher Stuart Derbyshire. Thanks to queen of Chapped Cheeks Lisa, and to researchers Natalie Bowling, Melita Giummarra, Helena Hartmann, Marina López-Solà, Bridget Rubenking, Jamie Ward, Scott Vrana, and Jamil Zaki. May your cheeks be ever free — hashtag booboobottom.

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Ants: Tiny Brains, Full Hearts

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:03:00 -0000

Wendy Zukerman, host of Science Vs, has a burning question: Do ants help each other out? ELT goes down the anthole to find the antswer. Guests: ant researchers Erik Frank at Université de Lausanne and Christina Kwapich at Arizona State University.

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Twinspiracies: The Truth About Twinspeak and More

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 16:40:35 -0000

Do twins communicate in the womb? Can they read each other’s minds? ELT tackles listeners’ twin questions and investigates some burning twin-spiracies. Guest: Nancy Segal, psychology professor at California State University, Fullerton, and author of Twin Mythconceptions. Thanks to twins Kelly and Kristina, Reply All’s Phia Bennin, and everyone who called with twin questions.

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Sinkholes: How Scared Should I Be? Plus, Amy Sedaris

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 19:07:00 -0000

ELT tackles some animal, vegetable, mineral mysteries with special guest Amy Sedaris. Plus, caller Maria is troubled by a hole in front of her condo — will she be swallowed by the earth? And the scoop on spinach tooth. Guests: Comedian and rabbit expert Amy Sedaris; Jim Correll, plant pathologist, University of Arkansas; geologist and sinkhole expert David Wilshaw. Thanks to callers Anthony, Eddie and Maria.

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Spiders: How Many Can There Be?

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 14:00:00 -0000

A mass spider invasion at his office left accountant Steven with a burning question: How many can there be? ELT does some spider number-crunching, and meets the man who discovered one of the largest spider gatherings on record. Guests: Freddie Gowin, retired park ranger, Lake Tawakoni State Park, Texas; Linda Rayor, arachnologist at Cornell University. Thanks to caller Steven.

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Grand Theft Water Lily

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 13:56:27 -0000

Why would a garden-gloved thief lift a water lily from a botanical garden in London? ELT gets to the root of a rare plant heist.

Guests: Carlos Magdalena, botanical horticulturist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, and author of The Plant Messiah. Nick Johnson, horticultural manager of Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Grand Cayman. Thanks to caller Carl.

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Nail Polish Naming: Who Does That?

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 16:01:00 -0000

How do nail polish colors get their names? ELT digs into this FAQ, and finds out how painting our nails became a thing. Plus, an update on Jeremy’s reported fruit fly infestation.

Guests: Fashion historian Suzanne Shapiro, author of Nails: The Story of the Modern Manicure; Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, co-founder and Brand Ambassador of OPI Products Inc., and author of I’m Not Really a Waitress; chemical ecologist Kevin Cloonan, Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Thanks to caller Olivia and all the callers who shared their gnat knowledge.

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Alien Invasion: How Little Green Men Took Over

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 14:44:00 -0000

Images of little green aliens are everywhere: Area 51, bongs, your ‘90s chain wallet. But why did we start depicting extraterrestrials that way? ELT uncovers the moment that beamed little green aliens into our homes (and hearts).

Guests: sociologist of science Pierre Lagrange; Kentucky resident Bill Thomas; literature professor Roger Luckhurst.

Special thanks to caller Willie. Thanks also to Sarah Scoles and Geraldine Sutton Stith.

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Limbo: The Haunting Backstory of Getting Low

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:56:00 -0000

Where did the limbo first get off the ground? This week, ELT reveals how it went from funerals in the Caribbean to shag-carpeted basements across American suburbia.

Guests: Performer, choreographer, and documentarian Sonja Dumas; and Shane Vogel, professor of English and Theater at Indiana University.

Special thanks to listener Aurelia. Thanks also to Kieron Sargeant and Ray Funk.

To hear the songs featured in this episode, head over to our Spotify playlist at elt.show/limbo.

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Putting a Phantom Tune to Rest

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:36:00 -0000

Caller Austin had a fragment of a song stuck in his head, and he needed our assistance. ELT listeners help him name that tune and put this mystery to rest.

Guests: Singer and songwriter Sondre Lerche.

Thanks to Dave Heilman and all the listeners who tried to help Austin.

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How to Get Rid of an Earworm

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:30:00 -0000

An earworm expert explains how to unstick that song that’s stuck in your head, and why it got lodged there in the first place. Plus, your earwormholes — the songs that transport you through time and space.

To hear the songs featured in this episode, head over to our Spotify playlist.

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Fruit Flies: Seriously, Where Do They Come From?

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 12:41:00 -0000

Caller Jeremy has a problem: fruit flies have swarmed his apartment, and he needs to know where they came from. ELT finds out how Jeremy’s red-eyed roommates landed in his life. Plus, please help caller Austin name that tune.

Guest: Biologist Marcus Stensmyr, Lund University. Thanks to callers Jeremy and Austin.

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Don't Underestimate the Flamingo

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 14:21:00 -0000

While they may look like dainty, dorky birds, flamingos deserve respect. Flora brings the flamingo facts, and launches ELT’s campaign to bring a flamingo mascot to professional sports.

Guests: Comedian Prashanth Venkataramanujam; Producer Katherine Wells; Mascot maker Jennifer Smith of Avant Garb; Renbert Mortimer, creator of the University of the Bahamas mascot.

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TSA Treasure Chest: What Happens To Your Confiscated Stuff?

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 14:23:00 -0000

Every year the TSA confiscates millions of pounds of pocket knives, sunscreen and snow globes from airport travelers. Where does it all go? ELT investigates. Plus, tips for sneaking your weed onboard from a former TSA agent.

Guests: Ex-TSA “Taylor”; TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein; surplus agents for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Patrick Knight and Mike Starr; press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services Troy Thompson. Thanks to caller Kimberly.

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Public Toilets: To Sit or To Hover?

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 14:36:00 -0000

ELT answers an age-old question: When you have to use a public toilet, should you sit on the seat? A team of microbiologists weigh in. Plus, the rise, fall, and re-rise of cargo shorts.

Guests: Microbiologist Jack Gilbert; comedian Prashanth Venkataramanujam; cargo pantsologist Joe Hancock; Wall Street Journal reporter Nicole Hong.

Special thanks to caller Jenny and the biology experts we surveyed: Jason Tetro, William Schaffner, Chuck Gerba, Rob Dunn, Jenny Hayden, Steffanie Strathdee, Liz Scott, Kimberly Page, and Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello.

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Baseball and Organ Music: How’d That Happen?

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 14:31:00 -0000

When did organ music and baseball become an item? ELT talks to some pro organ players to find out how organs and ballparks got together. Plus, meet Nancy Faust — the legendary organist who brought trolling to modern baseball music.

Guests: Steven Ball, organist and Director of Sacred Music at The Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in St. Louis, Missouri; Josh Kantor, organist for the Boston Red Sox; Nancy Faust, retired organist for the Chicago White Sox

Thanks to caller Robert. Thanks also to Judy Scott.

You can see a photo of Nancy's donkeys on twitter and instagram.

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What Lurks Under Our Cities?

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:56:00 -0000

ELT goes underground to meet the creatures living in our subways and sewer systems. Plus, the 411 on another underground underdog: prairie dogs.

Guests: Urban evolutionary biologist and rat expert Jason Munshi-South; animal behavioral scientist Jennifer Verdolin.

Thanks to caller Jessica, and to all the listeners who demanded prairie dog facts.

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Tooth Worms and Tooth Pullers: Dentistry’s Rotten History

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 14:25:00 -0000

For most of human history, tooth care has been pretty bare bones. How did we go from charlatans pulling teeth in a public square, to the modern dentist’s office? ELT exposes the roots of tooth care. Plus, meet the technician who makes movie stars’ teeth look terrible.

Guests: Dental historian and retired dentist J. Henry Clarke; historian Richard Barnett. Thanks to callers Amanda and Tess for the questions.

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F-ck Yeah: Can Cursing Make You Stronger?

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:25:00 -0000

Does swearing make you more powerful? Caller Mark’s dad thinks a well-timed “word of power” is the key to efficient yardwork. ELT asks a swearing expert about that theory. Plus, we talk to someone who turns the “mother f*ckers” into “manhole covers” for the TV versions of movies.

Guests: Cognitive scientist Ben Bergen, author of What the F***; Gwen Whittle, supervising sound editor at Skywalker Sound.

Thanks to caller Mark for the monkey flippin’ question, and to Mark’s dad Steve.

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Pink for Girls, Blue for Boys — Why?

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:02:00 -0000

Through the 1800s, babies in the U.S. were dressed in gender neutral clothing — you couldn’t tell the girls from the boys based on their outfits. So why did parents start color-coding their kids in pink and blue? Plus, ELT’s long quest to get a sports team to have a flamingo as their mascot is finally over… or is it?

Guests: textiles and clothing historian Jo Paoletti; cultural historian of medicine, gender, and the body Hanne Blank; and Kuba Krzyzostaniak, Director of Fan Engagement for Forward Madison FC.

Thanks to caller Elle Ve and Paige — and to scholars Elizabeth Sweet, Katherine Parkin, and Valerie Steele.

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Cockpit Confessions: The Truth About Airplane Mode (and More)

Mon, 20 May 2019 14:24:00 -0000

When you fly do you really need to put your phone in airplane mode? Should you fear the tray table? What’s happening in the cockpit while you’re fighting over the armrest? Two airline pilots answer your burning air travel questions.

Guests: Pilot Sandy Williams of Skydive Deland; Pilot Nick Anderson of the Airline Pilot Guy podcast.

Thanks to everyone who called in with their airplane questions.

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Buried Treasure: How to Make the Most of Your Booty

Mon, 06 May 2019 15:17:00 -0000

If you found millions of dollars worth of buried treasure, what would you do next? Take it to the bank? Sell it on eBay? Call 60 Minutes? ELT unearths the tale of the largest buried treasure ever found in North America. Plus, practical tips for dealing with newfound millions, and a nationwide treasure hunt, ELT-style.

Guest: David J. McCarthy, numismatist.

Special thanks to listeners Kurt, Elizabeth, Travis, Vicki, Nikki, Kimberly, Robert, and Rachel for helping us with our treasure hunt. And thanks to listener David for the question.

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Behind the Pompoms: Cheerleading’s Checkered Past (Part 2)

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 15:40:00 -0000

Who decides what a cheerleader looks like? Or sounds like? In part two of a two-part episode, ELT digs into the complicated legacy of an American archetype.

Guests: Natalie Adams, cheerleading researcher and professor at the University of Alabama; Sharita Richardson, cheerleading researcher, instructional coach at North Carolina A&T State University, and founder of Black Girls Cheer. Thanks to caller Jessica for the question.

Special thanks to Vonciel Baker, one of the original seven Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and to Dee Brock, former manager of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

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Behind the Pompoms: Cheerleading’s Checkered Past (Part 1)

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 15:53:00 -0000

How did one style of cheerleading come to dominate in so many American schools? In part one of a two-part episode, ELT flips through the history of cheerleading and meets the man who held cheerleading in the pompom of his hand.

Guests: Cheerleading researcher and professor at the University of Alabama Natalie Adams; Barbara Hazlewood; Thanks to caller Jessica for the question.

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When Did Pants Become a Thing?

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 15:13:00 -0000

While there’s some evidence clothes go back 170,000 years, pants are a relatively recent addition to our wardrobes. Why were pants developed and who wore them first? ELT unravels the surprising story of pants. Guests: Artist and clothing researcher Ulrike “Rike” Beck; folklorist and historian Adrienne Mayor; artist and writer Emily Spivack. Thanks to caller “Elle” for the question.

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Duct Tape MacGyver: The Sticky Secrets

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 14:37:00 -0000

Can duct tape really fix every little thing? ELT tests the limits — and gets to the bottom of a duct tape story that’ll blow your socks off. Plus, your most ingenious MacGyver stories.

Guests: Daniel Munson, Senior Product Development Specialist at 3M; Gary LaRose, lodge owner and hunting guide on the Alaska Peninsula; Luke Miller, Anchorage-based pilot and guide. Thanks to callers Ian, Hunter, David, Whitney, Leanne, Stacie, Elena, Diana, Ashley, Lauren, Lucy — and to all the listeners who shared their MacGyver stories.

Got a burning question of your own? Call 833-RING-ELT.

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Forks: One Utensil’s Battle for Respect

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 15:56:00 -0000

While spoons, knives, and chopsticks have been commonplace for centuries, forks didn’t make it to most silverware drawers until the mid-1800s. What took so long? ELT investigates.

Guest: Darra Goldstein, food historian, cookbook writer, and founding editor of Gastronomica, Thanks to caller Nicole.

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Baseball and Organ Music: How’d That Happen?

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 15:37:00 -0000

When did organ music and baseball become a thing? ELT talks to some pro organ players to find out how organs and ballparks got together. Plus, meet Nancy Faust — the legendary organist who brought trolling to modern baseball music.

Thanks to caller Robert. Thanks also to Judy Scott.

You can see a photo of Nancy's donkeys on our twitter feed.

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Thrift Store Smell: What Is It? Plus, Your Cleanspiracies

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 15:55:00 -0000

ELT gets to the bottom of a familiar aroma -- thrift store smell. Why do thrift shops all smell the same? Plus, is washing your clothes better than freezing them? ELT investigates listener cleanspiracies with expert cleaner Jolie Kerr.

Guest: Jolie Kerr, writer and host of Ask a Clean Person. Thanks to callers Theresa, Rachel, Jeremiah, Nikki, Vicki, Mark, Juliana, Ben and all the listeners who called in with cleanspiracies.

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Waterphone: The Sound That Haunts Hollywood

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 16:16:00 -0000

One eerie sound has been haunting Hollywood movies — from Poltergeist to Jurassic Park to Let the Right One In — and 14 seasons of Unsolved Mysteries. ELT tracks down the source of the scary sound.

Guests: Rayme Waters, daughter of the spookiest sound in Hollywood’s inventor; percussionist Emil Richards; composer Gary Malkin.

Thanks to caller Marianna. Thanks also to Brooks Hubbert, who runs the waterphone business, and musician Lee Charlton.

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Stamps: Tiny Squares Full Of Secrets

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 15:38:00 -0000

How do U.S. postage stamps come to be? ELT explores the secret world of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, the group that decides what gets stuck on America’s envelopes. Plus, Bigfoot gets his due. Guests: Bill Gicker, manager of stamp development at USPS; Jessica, ex-CSAC member; Kam Mak, artist and stamp illustrator. Thanks to caller Elizabeth. “Mr. Stampman” performed by Bobby Lord, Matthew Boll, MR Daniel, and Julia Kaplan. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line at 833-RING-ELT. See Kam's stamp here: https://twitter.com/eltshow/status/1089959537434681344

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Auctioneers: Why Do They Talk Like That?

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 14:42:00 -0000

Why do some auctioneers talk so fast? And what are they actually saying? ELT gets the low-down on auction talk from a professional auctioneer. Plus, pro-tips for developing your auctioneer chant.

Guest: Junior Staggs, professional auctioneer.

Thanks to caller Katie.

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🛩TSA Treasure Chest : What Happens To Your Confiscated Stuff? 💸

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 16:01:00 -0000

Every year the TSA confiscates millions of pounds of pocketknives, sunscreen and snow globes from airport travelers. Where does it all go? ELT investigates. Plus, tips for sneaking your weed onboard, from a former TSA agent.

Guests: Ex-TSO “Taylor”; TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein; surplus agents for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Patrick Knight and Mike Starr; press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services Troy Thompson.

Thanks to caller Kimberly.

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Is Egg the Only Nog? Plus, Discovering the 8th Continent

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 14:54:00 -0000

How did cold uncooked eggs become a festive beverage? Plus, coquito for the nogged out. And one of the first scientists to hoist herself into the treetops describes life in the canopy.

Guests:

Chef and food writer J. Kenji López-Alt; Chef and Noshery.com founder Meseidy Rivera. You can find Kenji’s eggnog recipe here and Meseidy’s coquito recipe here.

Biologist Meg Lowman, Director of Global Initiatives, Lindsay Chair of Botany & Senior Scientist in Plant Conservation at the California Academy of Sciences.

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Pumpkin Spice: The Science Behind the Invasion. Plus, What’s the Next Big Flavor Fad?

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 14:52:00 -0000

Why is pumpkin spice a thing? Flavor scientists explain why this particular combination is so appealing -- or not. Plus, how to make a new flavor, and ELT listeners pitch their ideas for the next flavor fad.

Guests: Food scientist Kantha Shelke; flavor chemist Bill Aslanides.

Thanks to caller Ally, and to flavor forecasters Hunter, Travis, Amelia, Kassy, Rachel, Brooke, Wyatt, Thomas, and to all the listeners who submitted ice cream ideas. Special thanks and congrats to Just Ani.

Additional thanks to Michelle Gillespie of SPINS Research and to Genevieve Aronson of Nielsen Research.

If you want to hear more about pumpkin spice, and flavor science, check out this episode of Science Friday.

Thanks to our sponsor, Cole Haan. You can hear more of Flora and other Gimlet hosts in conversation at ExtraordinariesOnTheMic.com, produced in partnership with Cole Haan.

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Garbage: What Did We Do Before the Bag? Plus, A Trash Bag Moonshot

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 15:52:00 -0000

A Bulletin Board of Glory™ nomination from comedian Josh Gondelman takes ELT down a trashy rabbit hole, to a time before sanitation workers, when pigs roamed the streets. Plus, we meet the man who defied all odds to bring us the bag that cinches. Warning: Explicit.

Guests: comedian and Last Week Tonight writer Josh Gondelman; trash historian Carl Zimring; engineers Steve Tallman and Dana Boyd.

Thanks to our sponsor, Cole Haan. You can hear more of Flora and other Gimlet hosts in conversation at ExtraordinariesOnTheMic.com, produced in partnership with Cole Haan.

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Bubblegum: What’s That Flavor? Plus, What’s the Deal With Turkey Eggs?

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 14:42:00 -0000

Where does bubblegum flavor come from? A bubblegum bush? A beaver’s butt? We track down the original bubblegum flavor formula, and find out what’s in there. Plus, why turkey eggs aren’t a thing.

Guests: Philadelphia events expert Scott Bruce, confectioners Bob Boutin and Mauricio Bobadilla, turkey biologist James Dickson and birder Laura Erickson.

Thanks to callers Arrie and Chiara, and also to Phillip Clauer and Christine Alvarado for their egg-spertise.

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Why Goldfish Swam Into Our Living Rooms. Plus, Best Pet Vocalist

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:13:00 -0000

How did goldfish come to dominate our fish bowls and pet stores? We dive into the history of America’s favorite finned pet. Plus, the fanciest goldfish money can buy, and the best pet in a vocal performance.

Guests: Katherine "Kasey" Grier, the pet historian; Dave Mandley, goldfish freak.

Thanks to caller Liana, pet owners Kerry Ann, Stephanie and Diane, and all the listeners who shared their pet’s special talent.

Additional thanks to Katrina Gulliver, Mary Mannix, Liz Thomas, James Rada, Prosanta Chakrabarty, Konrad Dabrowski, Zachary Sperstad, Andrew Simons, Loren Miller, Barbara Mable, Peter Hundt, Norman Stacey, Larry Cleveland, Margaret Thomas Koogle, Charles B. Thomas, Jim Bland, Stephen Eaton, and Mike Rice.

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Old Graves: What Would You Find In There? Plus, the Scariest Creature Under the Sea

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 15:12:00 -0000

If you dug up the graves of our founding fathers, what would you find? Tri-corner hats and puffy shirts? A grave expert fills us in on what remains. Plus, a terrifying sea creature that lurks in the waters off northern Australia.

Guests: Nicholas Bellantoni, former Connecticut State Archaeologist and author; jellyfish expert Lisa-ann Gershwin.

Thanks to callers Brenda and Keira and all the listeners who shared their final wishes.

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Who Made ‘The Wave’ a Thing? Plus, a Mammal Mix-Up Made Right

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 15:42:00 -0000

When did “the wave” become a staple of stadium crowds? ELT talks to the professional cheerleader who first got fans out of their seats. Plus, the egg-laying mammal that is not a marsupial. We give monotremes their due.

Guests: professional cheerleader “Krazy” George Henderson; weird-Australian-mammal expert Robin Beck.

Thanks also to callers Leslie, Natalie, and Manuel.

Got a burning question that needs answering? Call now: 833-RING-ELT.

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Do You Need to Warm Up Your Car? Plus, a Teeny, Glorious Car Hack

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 13:34:00 -0000

Tucked into your car’s dashboard is a tiny arrow that points to the side of the car with the gas tank cap. Who came up with it? ELT tracks down the inventor of this tiny, brilliant car hack. Plus, do you really need to warm up your car?

Guests: Automobile aficionado Jason Torchinsky of Jalopnik; gas tank-indicator arrow inventor Jim Moylan. Thanks to caller Jonathan, the listeners who shared their car-spiracies, and the car experts who answered our questions.

Have a tiny but important invention you want to know more about? Tell us who belongs on ELT’s Bulletin Board of Glory™. Email us at elt@gimletmedia.com.

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T. Rex Roar: How Is It Made? Plus, Would Dinosaurs Taste Like Chicken?

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 15:08:00 -0000

How did they make the dinosaur roars in the Jurassic Park movies? Flora talks with the sound engineers behind the bellows. Plus, ELT goes deep into the Mesozoic to find out what what dinosaurs looked (and tasted) like.

Guests: Al Nelson and Pete Horner of Skywalker Sound; dinosaur expert Thomas R. Holtz Jr.; paleontologista Jingmai O’Connor

Thanks to callers Gwen and Lilah and all the listeners who sent us dinosaur questions.

Send audio of your animal star to elt@gimletmedia.com

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Cheese: Why Do We Worship Rotten Milk? A NSFW History

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 21:28:00 -0000

When did someone first see a cheese curd and think, “Yeah, I’m going to eat that"? ELT traces the delicious and X-rated history of cheese. Plus, a professional processed cheese maker on how to make the most of the dairy aisle.

Guests: cheese biochemist and historian Paul Kindstedt; processed cheese expert Lloyd Metzger; and cicada killer wasp biologist Chuck Holliday.

Thanks to callers Kurt and Judi.

Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers.

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Why One Horrible Sound Haunts Reality TV. Plus, Is That Bug Threatening Me?

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:36:00 -0000

Who put the tension in reality TV? ELT tracks down the source of the nail biting-sound you can’t unhear. Plus, cicada killer wasps — a backyard horror story, turned intervention.

Guests: sonic puppetmaster Rick Livingstone; cicada killer wasp expert Chuck Holliday.

Thanks to callers Caitlin and Stephanie.

Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers.

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The Cha Cha Slide: How One Uncle Changed Weddings Forever

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 12:16:00 -0000

DJ Casper tells us the origin story of the Cha Cha Slide. Plus, The Nod’s Brittany Luse is astonished by the unreleased Cha Cha Slide Pt. 1.

Guests: The Nod’s host, Brittany Luse; Willie Perry Jr. (aka DJ Casper aka Mr. C the Slide Man); former gym rat David Wilson; radio personality and actress La Donna “Tittle in The Middle” Tittle; and BBC Radio 1 host Scott Mills.

Thanks to caller Rachael and line dance guru Kenny J.

Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT.

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Who Invented the Bloomin’ Onion? Plus, Biology’s Best Butt

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:20:00 -0000

ELT goes down under, to expose one of the most impressive butts in the animal kingdom. Plus, the multi-layered origin story of the Bloomin' Onion.

Guests: Science Vs. host, Wendy Zukerman; Wombat specialists, Alyce Swinbourne and Julie Old; ELT producer and fried appetizer fanatic, Phoebe Flanigan; Outback Steakhouse co-founder Tim Gannon; chef George Barnes

Thanks to fact buddy Ivy.

Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT.

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What Do Dogs Say When They Bark?

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 15:00:00 -0000

Is it possible to interpret what dogs are saying when they bark? We have the tools to help you do some ruff decoding. Plus, listeners share their real-life, unconventional Lassie stories.

Guests: Dog bark researchers Péter Pongrácz and Kathryn Lord; behavioral scientist Susan Friedman.

Thanks to dog callers Jacob, Alan, Katie R., Katie K., and Oren — and to everyone who sent in their pet stories.

Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT.

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WTF Do the ⏹ 🔼 ⏺ on My 👕 Tag Mean?

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 16:07:00 -0000

Plus, koala fingerprints, lobster pee and other hot facts.

There are mysterious symbols inside your tee-shirt -- do you know what they mean? ELT reveals the secrets of The DaLaundry Code. Plus, lobsters pee from their faces, and other cocktail party fodder from our fact buddy exchange.

Guests: Symbol whisperer John Langdon; Pascale Florant of GINETEX; Patrick A. Ayers of Vartest Labs.

Thanks to laundry caller Ellen, Fran Kozen of Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology, and to our fact buddies Josh, Angela, Greg, Olivia, Chad, Kathryn, Rachel, Amber, Ivy and Lia.

Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT.

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How to Spot a Spy

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 15:00:00 -0000

Does that person sitting next to you on the airplane REALLY work in IT? Plus, a tribute to the bedazzled sausage of the desert southwest, and more fun with pirates.

Guests: ex-CIA operative Robert Baer, gila meister Dan Beck, and lady pirate expert Laura Sook Duncombe.

Special thanks to callers “anonymous” and Eric — and to all of the listeners who sent us pirate questions.

Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line: #(833) RING ELT.

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The Genius of Birds: Live From the Aspen Ideas Festival

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 14:44:00 -0000

Some birds can fashion tools and create tiny works of art, so why do we always underestimate their bird brains? In this panel discussion, recorded at the 2018 Aspen Ideas Festival, Flora talks with writer Jennifer Ackerman and crow expert Alex Taylor about the genius of birds.

Guests: writer Jennifer Ackerman and New Caledonian crow expert Alex Taylor.

Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT.

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Clowns and Crows: Weirder and Scarier Than You Think

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 15:31:00 -0000

ELT goes into the mind of a crow to find out if scarecrows work. Plus, a look at how clowns protect their clown IP with fact buddy Prashanth Venkat

Guests: Julie "Lovely Buttons" Varholdt; crow expert Kevin McGowan. Thanks to Bruce Johnson (aka "Charlie the Juggling Clown") and Alan Zerobnick (aka “Zerbo the Clown” and “The Shoemaker to the Clowns"). Thanks also to callers Brian and Jordan.

Find a link to the clown egg photos on our show page, and on Twitter and Facebook.

Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT.

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ARRRRR Pirate Peg Legs Really A Thing?

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 15:41:00 -0000

Pirate historian Laura Sook Duncombe tells us about the golden age of pirates. Plus, a tunnel follow up with Dr. Mole: where do the emergency exits in underwater tunnels go?

Thanks to lady pirate expert Laura Sook Duncombe and tunnel afficionado Gary Brierley, aka Dr. Mole. Thank also to callers Captain Yarb and Kirsten.

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Are Babies Born With Tails?

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 15:15:00 -0000

Plus, learn how to lie like a dad.

Guests: Fake parenting expert Adam Mansbach; belly whisperer Tamara Duker Freuman; bird-watcher extraordinaire Amar Ayyash. Special thanks to Nicolas, Marisa, and everyone who called in with their Old Dad's Tales.

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Is There a Secret Sixth Taste?

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 15:33:00 -0000

Is there more to your taste buds than you thought? ELT tackles a fat question. Plus, a #yesflamingo campaign update.

Guests: Richard Mattes, taste czar; Sarah Laskow, reporter for Atlas Obscura.

Special thanks to caller Samantha.

*Correction: The Vegas Golden Knights mascot is not, in fact, a golden knight. It is Chance the gila monster. Our apologies to Chance and fans for the error.

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Are You Living With a Psychopath?

Mon, 28 May 2018 16:00:00 -0000

Is your roommate trying to kill you? Learn how to spot the telltale signs of a psychopath.

Guests: Jon Ronson, author of The Psychopath Test; cat psychologist Eva Waiblinger. Special thanks to caller Megan.

*No animals were harmed in the making of this episode.

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Who Invented the Scratch Ticket?

Mon, 14 May 2018 15:09:00 -0000

Plus, a look at lottery history, and your strangest raffle winnings.

Guests: Jonathan Cohen, lottery historian; John Koza, co-founder of Scientific Games

Callers: John Henry, D., Lisa, Megan.

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Why Does Popcorn Pop?

Mon, 07 May 2018 16:09:00 -0000

A kid caller pops the question: How does popcorn pop? Plus, the uncomfortable truth about baby corn.

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Public Toilets: To Sit Or To Hover?

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 15:06:00 -0000

Plus, how to pee in zero-G.

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Why Are Used Car Ads So INSAAANNNE?

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 15:50:00 -0000

One man is to blame. Plus, vanity plates in the wild: IC A GR8 PL8.

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Underwater Tunnels: HOW?

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 15:35:00 -0000

How they get that tunnel under there. Plus, a centuries-old scientific debate: why ice is slippery.

Guests: Dr. Gary Brierley (aka Dr. Mole), tunnel engineer, Dr. Miquel Salmeron, physicist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Special thanks to callers Nikki and Erin.

Check out the Terrifying Tunnel Video referenced in today's show.

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Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons?

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:50:00 -0000

Plus, dog clothes: where did they come from?

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How to Get Paid to Clap on TV

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 16:13:00 -0000

Listener Mack asked about the unfamous people who fill empty seats at the Oscars.

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Why Does Music Give Us the Chills?

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:14:00 -0000

Why do we get goosebumps from music and other emotional experiences? Plus, the strangest things to give ELT listeners goosebumps.

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How Old Is Winnie the Pooh?

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 15:29:00 -0000

No, really - how old is he?

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What Would Happen to Your Body in Space?

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 16:12:00 -0000

Flora finds out what would happen if she stepped into the vacuum of outer space. Then, an (Earth) vacuum paradox to end all paradoxes: which came first, the vacuum or the carpet?

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Are "Speed Enforced by Aircraft" Signs a Lie?

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 16:04:00 -0000

First, Flora uncovers a feud about butterflies. Then, a question from the Help Line about aircraft patrol.

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Your Bedtime is Killing You

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 15:39:57 -0000

Flora stages a fact intervention with Prashanth.

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The Voices Hiding in Your Favorite Movies

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 16:23:00 -0000

Invisible actors create worlds of sound in everything you watch - from Jaws to The Wire.

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How to Not Ruin Thanksgiving

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 17:55:15 -0000

Tips for being the #1 guest in the history of the universe. Plus, prunes.

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Invasion of the Self-checkout Machines

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 16:37:56 -0000

Self-service began in a Piggly Wiggly 100 years ago. How’d it become a way of life?

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The Case of the Missing Armadillos

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 16:27:36 -0000

Flora answers questions from the help line about an armadillo paradox and the DaVinci Code of pasta.

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Bonus: Zombie Flamingo

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 16:42:00 -0000

Flora continues to champion the flamingo.

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Six O'Clock Soundtrack

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 15:16:00 -0000

How TV news got a score.

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Who Killed Cargo Shorts?

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 15:37:02 -0000

Flora and fact buddy Prashanth talk about spiders, which leads to a cargo short investigation.

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Celebrity Crush with Bill Nye

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 15:04:04 -0000

Bill Nye the Science Guy introduces us to an obscure historical figure. Plus, we revisit the eclipse.

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The ELT Help Line

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 15:44:17 -0000

Flora and Katherine answer questions from listeners. ELT Help Line #: (347) 464-9626.

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Chair, Misunderstood

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 15:22:00 -0000

Learning to love a viral piece of furniture.

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Dewey Decimal Drama

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 16:33:00 -0000

The trouble with the library cataloging system. Plus, slug-gate.

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Don’t Underestimate the Flamingo

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 15:55:00 -0000

Flora learns facts about the flamingo that change her. #YESflamingo

Listen to Mogul: The Life and Death of Chris Lighty, a hip-hop miniseries from Gimlet Media and Loud Speakers Network. Now available wherever you get your podcasts.

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The Society on Your Face

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 15:27:00 -0000

Get to know your most intimate animal companions. They already know a lot about you.

Listen to Gimlet's newest show, The Pitch, on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen!

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What the Government Stashes

Mon, 29 May 2017 15:59:00 -0000

Rummaging through the nation's attic to find out what the government stores and why.

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This Is an Activation

Mon, 22 May 2017 15:31:00 -0000

A weird night in Dallas leads us to ask: what kinds of emergency systems are all around us?

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The Quest to Wipe Out a Virus

Mon, 15 May 2017 15:44:14 -0000

What does it take to eradicate a disease from the planet? Plus, the horrifying hunting habits of weasels.

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The Senate Whisperer

Mon, 01 May 2017 15:53:00 -0000

How rules can keep us from descending into chaos.

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The Hide Rug of the Plant World

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 15:52:08 -0000

Producer Christine Driscoll meets an alleyway plant dealer and discovers an industry right under our noses.

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Rapture Chasers

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 15:59:29 -0000

An event in August could bring millions of people to tears.

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Hello, We Are Every Little Thing

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 21:22:00 -0000

Who invented pants? How did ‘pink for girls’ and ‘blue for boys’ happen? What do dogs say when they bark? If you have a question that needs answering, call the ELT Help Line at 833-RING-ELT or send an audio message to elt@gimletmedia.com.

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