Shows / Stuff You Should Know
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.
Episodes
- Stuff You Should Know
Can your grandfather's diet shorten your life?
Epigenetics is a fascinating field of genetics that studies how the epigenome and environmental, nutritional and social factors affect gene expression. Josh…
- Stuff You Should Know
What's the deal with sinkholes?
Recently, a massive sinkhole opened up in Guatemala City, swallowing a three-story building in the process. In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore sinkholes…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Flamethrowers Work
Who first decided that it would be a great idea to shoot flame at other people from a distance? Josh and Chuck talk about the (very) early origins, history and…
- Stuff You Should Know
How do you clean up an oil spill?
The modern world runs on fossil fuel, and offshore oil drilling powers a large part of the global economy. But what do we do when disaster strikes? Join Josh…
- Stuff You Should Know
Can humans start an earthquake?
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss reservoir-induced seismicity and the conditions under which human activities and projects like dams can trigger…
- Stuff You Should Know
What makes a serial killer?
Serial killers are notorious for their grisly crimes and disturbing behavior, but what makes a serial killer a serial killer? Josh and Chuck discuss the…
- Stuff You Should Know
SYSK's Guatemalan Adventure, Part Two
Josh and Chuck talk more about their experiences in Guatemala and the amazing work that the non-profit group Cooperative for Education is doing there -- and…
- Stuff You Should Know
SYSK's Guatemalan Adventure, Part One
Josh and Chuck share the story of their recent eye-opening trip to Guatemala, which was sponsored by a nonprofit organization called Cooperative for Education…
- Stuff You Should Know
5 Successful Counterfeiters
Counterfeiting currency successfully takes serious skills, and some consider counterfeiting an art. Josh and Chuck recount the stories of five artful…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Twins Work How Twins Work
Twin siblings are common enough that most people know a pair or two, but why does twinning occur? Josh and Chuckers explain where twins (and babies) come from…
- Stuff You Should Know
How hard is it to steal a work of art?
In general, stealing valuable items tends to be difficult and dangerous, but stealing works of art can be surprisingly easy. In this episode, Josh and Chuck…
- Stuff You Should Know
How LEGOs Work
Most people are familiar with the plastic, interconnecting bricks called LEGO bricks, but what's their story? In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Cliff Diving Works
As far as sports go, cliff diving doesn't require much equipment. It does, however, require a certain amount of chutzpah, a dash of derring-do, and a deep body…
- Stuff You Should Know
What makes a genius?
When you hear the word 'genius,' names like Einstein and Mozart probably spring to mind. Defining what makes them geniuses, however, is much more complicated…
- Stuff You Should Know
Mirror Neurons: Are there people who feel others' pain?
People with a condition known as mirror-touch synesthesia literally feel the pain of others -- but why? Josh and Chuck trace the cause of this condition to one…
- Stuff You Should Know
Are there people who can't feel pain?
There are less than a hundred documented cases of people who cannot feel pain and suffer from a condition called congenital insensitivity to pain. Josh and…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Castles Work
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the most famous fortified structure in the world -- the castle. Tune in to learn all about castles, from murder holes…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Tourette Syndrome Works
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, commonly referred to as Tourette's, is a neurological disorder characterized by a combination of verbal and physical tics…
- Stuff You Should Know
Are zoos good or bad for animals?
Zoos are popular because they allow visitors to see wild animals from all around the world, but how does living in captivity affect the animals? In this…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Desertification Works
Josh and Chuck discuss the problem of desertification, from what causes serious degradation of dryland ecosystems to possible ways to repair the damage, in…
- Stuff You Should Know
How McDonald's Works
McDonald's is arguably the most famous fast food restaurant on the planet. Join Josh and Chuck as they discuss the humble beginnings, menu items, practices and…
- Stuff You Should Know
What the heck is a hiccup?
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the many theories behind the mysterious phenomenon of hiccups, how long hiccuping bouts can last, and various…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Taxidermy Works
Josh and Chuck tackle taxidermy, the practice of preserving and mounting dead animal skins for display, in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Urban Planning Works
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the origins, philosophies and practices of urban planning. Learn more about your ad-choices at…
- Stuff You Should Know
Who were the Vikings?
Vikings were fierce, plundering Scandinavian warriors; and even today, their reputation precedes them. Josh and Chuck investigate what the Vikings were really…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Lotteries Work
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the history, practices and controversies of lotteries. Learn more about your ad-choices at…
- Stuff You Should Know
What exactly is Fascism?
Fascism is a specific political philosophy that's often mistakenly used to describe any authoritarian, supressive movement or regime. Josh and Chuck discuss…
- Stuff You Should Know
What's the deal with carbon trading?
In this episode, Josh and Chuck demystify carbon trading, discussing everything from cap-and-trade schemes to carbon credits. Learn more about your ad-choices…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Scabies Work
Scabies is a contagious skin disease with a bad reputation. Tune in as Josh and Chuck discuss this itchy condition -- from the mite that causes it to common…
- Stuff You Should Know
Was Mesopotamia the Cradle of Civilization?
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss the reasons why Mesopotamia is often considered the first civilization. Learn more about your…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Bounty Hunters Work
In part two of their series on bail, Josh and Chuck talk about bail enforcement agents, a.k.a. bounty hunters. Learn more about your ad-choices at…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Bail Works
Bail is a centuries-old practice that allows defendants in criminal cases to be released from jail until their trial convenes. Learn more about the origins of…
- Stuff You Should Know
Five Crazy Government Experiments
Chuck and Josh discuss five of the most bizarre experiments ever undertaken by governments, from transplanted puppy heads to Cold War psychics, in this…
- Stuff You Should Know
Who are the Amish?
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuckers discuss the origins and practices of the Amish. Learn more about your ad-choices at…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Braille Works
Josh and Chuck discuss the Braille alphabet -- from its origins in Charles Barbier's "night writing" system to the many different types of tactile alphabets…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Witchcraft Works
Witches are perhaps one of the most reviled and misunderstood groups in history -- but why? Join Josh and Chuck as they break down the Stuff You Should Know…
- Stuff You Should Know
Why do we believe in urban legends?
In this episode, amateur anthropologists Josh and Chuck discuss urban legends, from how they're defined to some classic examples you've probably heard…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Swat Teams Work
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss SWAT teams, elite police units that are specially trained for extreme situations. Learn more…
- Stuff You Should Know
Are there undiscovered people?
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss whether there are any truly "undiscovered" groups of people left on the planet, the definition of undiscovered -- and…
- Stuff You Should Know
What are ninja?
Ninja, Japanese warriors famous for stealth, deception and sabotage, were inspired by Chinese military philosophy. Join Josh and Chuck as they explore the…
- Stuff You Should Know
Will the moon save humanity?
In this disaster-themed episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck ponder ways the world could end -- and how projects like the lunar Doomsday Ark…
- Stuff You Should Know
Why are honeybees disappearing?
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck examine the various factors that have caused honeybee populations to decline -- and what you can do to…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Organ Donation Works
Tune in as Josh and Chuck take a detailed look at organ donation -- from the earliest organ transplants to the organ black market -- in this episode of Stuff…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Mercenaries Work
Mercenaries are soldiers of fortune who fight in wars and conflicts for profit. Join Josh and Chuck as they explore the fascinating history of mercenaries past…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Noodling Works
Noodling is a type of fishing in which the participant uses his or her hand in lieu of fishing gear and bait. Discover the origins and practices of this…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Human Experimentation Works
Human experimentation is an age-old practice, dating back to 4 BCE. Listen in as Josh and Chuck give you the low-down on the historic, grisly underbelly of…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Pirates Work
Although today's pirates aren't storming the coast of Florida or other eastern states, piracy is still around in this modern age. Join Josh and Chuck as they…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Christmas Worked
On Christmas eve, Josh and Chuck decide to take that ineffable Stuff You Should Know approach to the celebration known as Christmas. Join the guys as they…
- Stuff You Should Know
Do concussions cause early death?
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss the origins and complications of concussions, injuries in which the brain comes into contact…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Kleptomania Works
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss kleptomania, a disorder in which people have an overwhelming impulse to steal unnecessary…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Narco States Work
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss Narco States, places where illegal drugs are traded openly with government support -- or…
- Stuff You Should Know
How the Hells Angels Work
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss the notorious Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, more commonly referred to as the Hells Angels…
- Stuff You Should Know
Will the Large Hadron Collider destroy the Earth?
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss the Large Hadron Collider, from its purpose and origins to how likely it is to wipe out all…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Near-Death Experiences Work
The concept of a near-death experience is well-known in popular culture, but we still don't know why these seemingly supernatural events occur. Josh and Chuck…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Food Cravings Work
Why do we crave certain foods? Does everyone experience food cravings? In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck explore the delicious topic of…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Hostage Negotiation Works
In this episode, Josh and Chuck explain the finer points of hostage negotiation, including the symbolism of hostages, the negotiator's goals and tactics…
- Stuff You Should Know
What is Mutual Assured Destruction?
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss nuclear profliferation, nuclear parity and the Cold War strategic doctrine called Mutual…
- Stuff You Should Know
10 Odd Town Festivals
The world is full of festivals, some of which are really odd. Tune in as Josh and Chuck take a playful look at ten unusual town festivals in this episode of…
- Stuff You Should Know
What's the deal with totem poles?
If you've ever wondered where the expression "low man on the totem pole" comes from, this episode of Stuff You Should Know is a must-listen. Tune in as Josh…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Population Works
Population may not seem like the most scintillating topic in the world, but Josh and Chuck beg to differ. Join them as they explore how population works, from…