Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
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Recent Episodes
The advent of nuclear weapons and the Cold War kicked off a craze in the US for building rec rooms with foot-thick reinforced walls and outfitted with survival rations and board games. Would they work...
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This episode of Stuff You Should Know explores the history and psychology of fallout shelters during the Cold War era. Josh and Chuck examine how nuclear anxiety shaped American society in the 1950s-60s, the government's often inadequate civil defense programs, international responses to nuclear threats, and the technical aspects of building effective radiation protection. The hosts also address recent controversies with Australian ads and terminology corrections regarding Indigenous peoples.
- Chuck's Personal Fallout Shelter Experience and Nuclear Threat Basics
- Types of Radiation and Protection Factors
Throughout the history of the world, there have been many cases of what is known as collective hysteria - groups of people, usually young women, who all exhibit the same physical symptoms of non-exist...
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Josh and Chuck explore collective hysteria, also known as mass psychogenic disorder, examining cases throughout history where groups of people experienced real physical symptoms without any identifiable medical cause. They discuss the science behind psychosomatic illness, the nocebo effect, and the challenges physicians face in diagnosing and treating these mysterious outbreaks that often affect schools and isolated communities.
- Introduction to Mass Psychogenic Disorder
- Historical Cases and Demographics
The Philadelphia Experiment is a bad movie from the 1980s, and also the conspiracy theory that refuses to die, despite virtually zero evidence of its occurrence. Learn all about this strange non-event...
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Josh and Chuck explore the infamous Philadelphia Experiment conspiracy theory, which claims that in 1943 the USS Eldridge became invisible and teleported from Philadelphia to Norfolk, Virginia. They trace the story from its origins with Carlos Allende's letters to author Morris Jessup, examine the various claims and supposed evidence, and ultimately debunk the myth by explaining what actually happened - routine degaussing procedures to protect ships from magnetic mines during WWII.
- Introduction and the Philadelphia Experiment Claims
- Carlos Allende: The Source of the Legend
SYSK Gets Weird Playlist: Will We Find Evidence of Aliens by Their Engineering Projects?
Sep 18, 2026In 1960 physicist Freeman Dyson suggested that in the hunt for alien life, we should search for evidence of massive engineering projects that encapsulate stars with solar arrays to harness their energ...
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Josh and Chuck explore the concept of Dyson spheres - massive theoretical structures that could harness the power of stars. The episode delves into Freeman Dyson's 1960 thought experiment about detecting alien civilizations, the Kardashev scale of civilization types, various designs for capturing solar energy, and the immense engineering challenges involved in building such megastructures.
- Introduction to Energy Consumption and the Sun's Power
- Freeman Dyson and the Origin of the Dyson Sphere
SYSK Gets Weird Playlist: Mermaids: Not a real thing
Sep 18, 2026Mermaids aren't real. That much we know. But the history and lore of these magical and sometimes menacing creatures of the sea is pretty interesting stuff. Learn all about these half women/half fish t...
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In this whimsical episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck dive into mermaid mythology, folklore, and the reality (or lack thereof) behind these legendary sea creatures. From ancient Babylonian gods to modern-day professional mermaids in Florida, they explore historical sightings, cultural significance, and why these half-human, half-fish beings have captivated human imagination for millennia—despite never actually existing.
- The Mythology and Origins of Mermaids
- Hans Christian Andersen's Dark Little Mermaid
Dragons are like mermaids in that they're not real. And that's about where the comparison ends. Learn all about dragons today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this engaging episode, Josh and Chuck explore the fascinating history and mythology of dragons across different cultures. They examine how the Western conception of fire-breathing, treasure-hoarding dragons evolved from ancient Greek words for snakes, while Asian dragons developed independently as benevolent rain deities. The hosts discuss various theories about dragon origins, from mistranslations and dinosaur bones to an intriguing hypothesis connecting dragons to humanity's primal fears of predators like snakes, big cats, and eagles.
- The Etymology and Evolution of Dragons
- The Primal Fear Theory and Alternative Origins
Seeing your near twin is probably pretty weird. But could there be a genetic commonality as well? You bet there could! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Josh and Chuck explore the fascinating world of doppelgangers - unrelated people who look strikingly similar. They discuss the history of the term, examine scientific studies on genetic similarities, explore how our brains recognize faces, and share remarkable stories of people meeting their lookalikes. The episode covers everything from folklore and literature to modern facial recognition technology and the business of being a celebrity lookalike.
- Origins and History of Doppelgangers
- Literary and Historical Doppelgangers
SYSK Gets Weird Playlist: The Max Headroom Incident
Sep 18, 2026In 1987, a very strange broadcast intrusion occurred in the city of Chicago. For just a couple of minutes, the odd TV character Max Headroom appeared onscreen in the middle of an episode of Dr. Who. H...
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This classic episode covers the infamous 1987 Max Headroom broadcast intrusion incident in Chicago, where someone wearing a Max Headroom mask hijacked two local TV stations for several minutes. The hosts explore the cultural phenomenon of Max Headroom, the bizarre details of the hack itself, the subsequent investigation by federal authorities, and the enduring mystery of who was behind it - making it one of the most legendary moments in hacker and geek culture history.
- Who Was Max Headroom?
- The First Intrusion at WGN
The Hotel Cecil in downtown Los Angeles has had no less than 16 unnatural deaths, from suicides to murders and everything in between. Listen in to the history of this decidedly creepy hotel. See omn...
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This episode explores the tragic death of Elisa Lam at the notorious Hotel Cecil in Los Angeles in 2013. The hosts examine the hotel's dark history of deaths and serial killers, discuss the disturbing elevator surveillance footage that went viral, and debunk conspiracy theories by explaining the likely reality: Elisa died during a mental health crisis related to her bipolar disorder. The episode emphasizes the importance of respecting the true circumstances of her death rather than sensationalizing it with supernatural or murder theories.
- The Hotel Cecil's Dark History
- Serial Killers at the Cecil
The famous blue people of Kentucky are no longer blue. But why were they like that in the first place? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Josh and Chuck explore fascinating cases of people with blue or silver-tinted skin, focusing on the Fugate family of Kentucky who suffered from methemoglobinemia, a rare genetic blood disorder. They also discuss argyria, a condition caused by excessive silver exposure, and touch on how skin color adapts over generations based on UV exposure.
- The Blue Fugates of Kentucky
- The Science Behind Methemoglobinemia
David Hahn was a kid who was really into science. So much that he built a nuclear reactor in his mother's potting shed. And it worked. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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This episode tells the fascinating and ultimately tragic story of David Hahn, the 'Nuclear Boy Scout,' a Michigan teenager who built a functional nuclear reactor in his mother's backyard potting shed in the 1990s. Through meticulous research, correspondence with nuclear experts, and resourceful gathering of radioactive materials, David achieved a nuclear chain reaction at age 17 before authorities discovered his dangerous experiment during an unrelated traffic stop. The story explores his scientific achievements, the methods he used to source materials, and his sad decline into mental illness and addiction that led to his death at age 39.
- David Hahn's Early Life and Nuclear Fascination
- The Atomic Energy Merit Badge and Nuclear Ambitions
The Cancer Episode
Sep 17, 2026Cancer is a terrible word in any language for at least two reasons: It’s incredibly difficult to get rid of once it grows in the body, and there’s a very good chance that you or someone close to you w...
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In this comprehensive episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck tackle the complex topic of cancer, providing an accessible explanation of what cancer is, how it develops, and the current state of treatment and prevention. They cover cancer statistics, types of cancer, staging, treatment options, and promising new developments in cancer research, all while maintaining their characteristic blend of scientific detail and conversational humor.
- Understanding Cancer: The Basics
- Cancer Statistics and Risk Factors
Short Stuff: Leisure Suits
Sep 16, 2026You know the leisure suit, perhaps the tackiest suit to ever be invented. It was so huge in the 70s and spread as wide the lapels of the shirts worn with them. Then, as fast as they hit the scene they...
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Josh and Chuck explore the history and cultural significance of the leisure suit, the iconic 1970s fashion staple characterized by matching polyester jacket and pants with wide lapels and contrasting stitching. They trace its origins from relaxed suit styles of earlier eras through its brief but memorable reign as disco-era attire, and discuss famous examples including John Travolta's legendary white suit from Saturday Night Fever.
- Introduction and the 70s Icon Status
- Origins and Precursors to the Leisure Suit
How Boredom Works
Sep 15, 2026Are there benefits to boredom? Or is it all negative? Why do we get bored? What can we do to break free from boredom? The answers to those questions and more are coming your way today. See omnystudio...
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Stuff You Should Know explores the science and philosophy of boredom, examining what causes it, why we experience it, and its surprising benefits and dangers. The hosts discuss how boredom evolved as an adaptive state that spurs humans to seek novel stimuli and new experiences, while also addressing modern challenges like smartphone addiction and the importance of embracing boredom for creativity. The episode covers everything from philosophical perspectives to animal behavior, offering practical insights about managing boredom in meaningful ways.
- What Boredom Actually Is
- The Evolutionary Purpose of Boredom
Selects: Wasps: Not as cute as bees
Sep 12, 2026Wasps have a bad rap. Because their sting really hurts and they don't make honey like their cousins. But they are super cool and you shouldn't kill them. Listen to this classic episode and learn! See...
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In this Stuff You Should Know episode from August 2020, hosts Josh and Chuck explore the often-maligned world of wasps, making a case for why these misunderstood insects deserve respect rather than extermination. They cover wasp biology, their incredibly potent venom, various nesting behaviors, and their crucial ecological roles as both predators and pollinators. The episode aims to shift listeners' perspectives on wasps from pests to beneficial creatures worth preserving.
- Introduction and Wasp Evolution
- The Brutal Power of Wasp Venom
The Odyssey Episode
Sep 10, 2026Why does the story of The Odyssey endure this many years after it was first spoken? Listen in to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Josh and Chuck dive into Homer's Odyssey, examining the ancient epic poem's history, structure, and enduring appeal. They discuss its origins as an oral tradition from 700s BCE, explore the story's key themes of homecoming (nostos) and hospitality (xenia), and recap the hero Odysseus's decade-long journey home from the Trojan War. The hosts also analyze Christopher Nolan's 2026 film adaptation and discuss various cultural interpretations including 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'
- Origins and History of the Odyssey
- Translation Challenges and the Homeric Question
Short Stuff: Flappers
Sep 09, 2026In the 1920s, a certain set of women wanted to loosen up and have a good time. Today, we get into it with the flappers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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This episode explores the rise of the flapper culture in 1920s America, examining how young women revolutionized fashion, behavior, and social norms in the decade following World War I. The hosts trace the flapper phenomenon from its origins around 1915 through its abrupt end with the 1929 stock market crash, highlighting the cultural forces that enabled this dramatic shift in women's liberation and self-expression.
- The Birth of the Flapper Concept
- Cultural Catalysts: War, Pandemic, and Women's Rights
Nickelodeon:The Best of Slimes
Sep 08, 2026Today we tell the story of the kids TV network that changed it all, Nickelodeon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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A comprehensive history of Nickelodeon from its 1977 origins as a cable experiment in Columbus, Ohio, to its rise as a cultural phenomenon and eventual decline. The episode covers the network's evolution from commercial-free children's programming to creating iconic shows like Double Dare, You Can't Do That on Television, and SpongeBob SquarePants, while also addressing the serious issue of systematic abuse that occurred behind the scenes.
- The Birth of Nickelodeon and Early Programming
- Geraldine Laybourne's Revolution and Network Philosophy
Selects: Blacksmiths? You got that right!
Sep 05, 2026Blacksmiths? You got that right. Learn all about this age old occupation in this classic episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Josh and Chuck dive into the fascinating world of blacksmithing, exploring its rich history spanning thousands of years, the specialized tools and techniques used, and the incredible craftsmanship required to forge everything from nails to battle axes. They discuss the evolution from the Bronze Age through the Iron Age, different types of iron and steel, and the meticulous process of heating, hammering, and shaping metal that built civilizations.
- The Historical Importance of Blacksmiths
- From Bronze to Iron: The Evolution of Metalworking
In the 80s, a pair of psychologists theorized why being part of a group can change people’s thoughts and feelings, both about themselves and other people. It sounds dry, but SIT explains everything fr...
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Josh and Chuck explore social identity theory, developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner in the 1970s. This foundational psychology framework explains how group membership shapes individual identity and drives intergroup conflict, prejudice, and discrimination. Through discussing classic studies, real-world examples from sports rivalries to political divisions, they examine how even arbitrary group assignments can trigger in-group favoritism and out-group bias, revealing fundamental aspects of human social behavior.
- Introduction to Social Identity Theory
- Historical Context and Previous Theories