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
How will the future crime database work?
The US and England have databases containing DNA from millions of citizens. Originally only criminals were included, but as the programs expanded many more…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Product Placement Works
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck take a look at the advertising practice of product placement, from its origins to different types to…
- Stuff You Should Know
Can you remember being born?
Some people have memories of very early childhood, but how far back can you go? Is it possible to remember your own birth? Josh and Chuck are on the case in…
- Stuff You Should Know
The Real How Jack the Ripper Worked
In this Halloween episode, Josh and Chuck go way back to late 19th century London to examine the grisly details of the Jack the Ripper murders. They also…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Witness Protection Works
The Witness Protection Program, or the Witness Security Program, was established in 1970 to protect government witnesses before, during and after a trial…
- Stuff You Should Know
How the Cannonball Run Worked
The Cannon Ball Run is a cross-country car race famously portrayed in the campy 1981 movie "Cannon Ball Run." But it isn't fictional. Tune in as Josh and Chuck…
- Stuff You Should Know
What is China's one-child policy?
China's one-child policy, implemented in 1979, was designed to limit population growth. In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck examine the…
- Stuff You Should Know
What is a hangover, really?
After a night of heavy boozing, many partygoers find themselves the victim of a hangover. But what exactly is a hangover, and what causes it? Join Chuck and…
- Stuff You Should Know
How to Find the History of Your House
Ever wondered about the history of your house? In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck give listeners some pointers on determining the history…
- Stuff You Should Know
Who were the first Americans?
Columbus is often touted as the "discoverer" of the Americas, he wasn't the first to set foot on American soil by a long shot. Tune in as Josh and Chuck dig…
- Stuff You Should Know
Health Care Systems Around the World
In this final installment of their 4-part suite on health care, Josh, Chuck and Molly take a tour of health care systems around the world, from France to…
- Stuff You Should Know
Is Bhutan on to something with Gross National Happiness?
How do you measure happiness? How do you measure it on a national scale? Tune in as Josh and Chuck discuss Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index in this…
- Stuff You Should Know
Rumors, Myths and Truths Behind Obama's Health Care Plan
In this third episode of Stuff You Should Know's health care reform series, Josh and Chuck -- and special guest Molly Edmonds -- sort through the myths, rumors…
- Stuff You Should Know
Do zombies really exist?
In movies and stories, zombies are undead menaces that lurch around mindlessly, in search of flesh -- and braaaaaains! Where did the idea for zombies…
- Stuff You Should Know
President Obama's Health Care Plan: Soup to Nuts
In this special episode of Stuff You Should know, the second in a four-part series, Josh and Chuck -- and a special guest -- discuss President Obama's proposed…
- Stuff You Should Know
How do dogs perceive time?
A dog that knows exactly when its owners will arrive home every day seems to have a human perception of time, but in fact, they perceive time very differently…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Health Care in the United States Works Right Now
The United States is abuzz with talk of health care reform, but why does the system need repairs in the first place? Josh and Chuck explore how the current…
- Stuff You Should Know
Could microlending develop the world?
Microlending is a practice that provides funds for entrepreneurs in developing countries who couldn't normally get loans. Tune in as Josh and Chuck discuss the…
- Stuff You Should Know
What is geocaching?
Armed with only a GPS and a sense of adventure, geocachers use their wits to locate containers across the world. Join Chuck and Josh as they explore the…
- Stuff You Should Know
What is an Ig Nobel Prize?
Each year, the Ig Nobel Prize is awarded to researchers for unusual -- and generally humorous -- contributions to science. Tune in as Josh and Chuck discuss…
- Stuff You Should Know
Why is the U.S. so dependent on cars?
Today, automobiles are undoubtedly the dominant form of transportation in the United States, but that wasn't always the case. Join Josh and Chuck as they…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Muppets Work
Jim Henson's Muppets, including the beloved Kermit the Frog, first came to life in the mid-1950s. Join Josh and Chuck as they explore the history and nitty…
- Stuff You Should Know
How easy is it to steal a nuclear bomb?
Nuclear weapons are extremely well guarded, so stealing one would be quite tricky. Join Josh and Chuck as they discuss nabbing nuclear weapons, and some…
- Stuff You Should Know
Is the Necronomicon real?
H.P. Lovecraft's strange, elaborate stories and mythologies have inspired a devoted following. Join Josh and Chuck -- and a special guest -- as they discuss…
- Stuff You Should Know
What's sarcopenia and what can you do about it?
Sarcopenia is a form of muscle loss and coordination associated with aging. Luckily, a little extra effort can prevent its onset. Tune in to learn more about…
- Stuff You Should Know
Is fluoride making us stupid?
Fluoride is a common additive in toothpaste and the water supply of some countries. It's purportedly good for dental health, but some evidence suggests that…
- Stuff You Should Know
What are Japanese stragglers?
During World War II, Japanese soldiers adopted a version of the samurai code of honor. Fiercely commited to this ideology, some continued to fight even after…
- Stuff You Should Know
What's up with competitive eating?
Competitive eating is a modern "sport" that's very popular in the United States. Join Josh and Chuck as they delve into the fascinatingly gross world of…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Agent Orange Worked
Agent Orange was a potent herbicide used by the U.S. government during the Vietnam War. Learn more about the origins, use and devastating side effects of Agent…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Whale Sharks Work
Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean. Tune in as Josh and Chuck discuss these gentle giants, and recount their experiences swimming with them in the…
- Stuff You Should Know
What are tinnovators?
Tinnovators are folks who come up with new and innovative ways to use old Altoids mint tins. Learn about some of these "tinnovators" and their art in this…
- Stuff You Should Know
Three Gross Parasites
There are some pretty disgusting parasites out there, but Josh and Chuck have settled on three particularly gross ones. Tune in to learn more about…
- Stuff You Should Know
Are stupid people happier?
Is there a negative correlation between happiness and intelligence? Is ignorance truly bliss? Josh and Chuck attempt to answer this age-old question by…
- Stuff You Should Know
What is a body farm?
Most farms host crops and animals, but body farms specialize in corpses. Join Josh and Chuck as they tackle the fascinatingly gross phenomenon of body farms in…
- Stuff You Should Know
How has toxoplasma turned the world into zombies?
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that favors cats, but it can also be found in humans. Discover the disturbing details of how toxoplasma gondii finds a…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Twinkies Work
Twinkies have a reputation for being so processed that they can last for years and years, but they're not as hardy as you'd expect. Uncover the sweet story of…
- Stuff You Should Know
Is it possible to brainwash someone?
Brainwashing is an extreme form of "thought reform," but does it actually work? Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to find out. Learn more about…
- Stuff You Should Know
How can hypermiling save you gas?
The EPA tests vehicles for maximum fuel efficiency, but those impressive estimates don't always pan out in real life. Hypermiling is one sure-fire way to…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Earthquakes Work
What makes the earth quake? Join Josh and Chuck as they explore the science and history of earthquakes in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Body Dysmorphic Disorder Works
People who suffer with body dysmorphic disorder have a distorted, unhealthy view of their bodies. Learn more about this compulsive disorder in the following…
- Stuff You Should Know
Can you control your dreams?
In a lucid dream, the sleeper is aware that he or she is in a dream state. Does that mean you can control these dreams? Where did this concept come from? Tune…
- Stuff You Should Know
What exactly is the Peter Principle?
The Peter Principle describes how workers who excel in bureaucratic systems are promoted until they reach their level of incompetence. Learn more about the…
- Stuff You Should Know
Three Innovations We Need Right Now
The world's problems necessitate innovative solutions. Listen in as Josh and Chuck propose some innovations, from teleportation to an international language…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Carbon Capture and Storage Works
Carbon capture and storage is a way to filter excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it. Tune in as Josh and Chuck discuss current methods of…
- Stuff You Should Know
How did Nikola Tesla change the way we use energy?
Many people associate Edison with the invention of electricity, but Nikola Tesla heavily shaped the electrical system we still use today. Get the dirt on the…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Biohydrocarbons Work
Hydrocarbons are simple compounds that help fuel the modern world, but they're not really a sustainable resource. Explore new energy solutions, starting with…
- Stuff You Should Know
What's a brownfield remediation project?
The EPA defines a brownfield as land that is abandoned because redevelopment is complicated by possible environmental contamination. Tune in as Chuck and Josh…
- Stuff You Should Know
Is spontaneous human combustion real?
Scientists have proven that spontaneous combustion, or burning without an external ignition source, can occur in some objects. But what about human beings?…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Propaganda Works
Propaganda, a persuasion tactic typically associated with deception, has been around for centuries. Explore the history of propaganda -- and learn how to spot…
- Stuff You Should Know
Do animals have a sixth sense?
People have long believed that animals had mysterious powers of prediction. Do animals have a sixth sense? Is there any proof to back this belief up? Explore…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Lobotomies Work
Lobotomies -- brain surgeries to relieve psychiatric problems -- are rarely performed today, but they were once fairly common. Tune in to learn more about the…
- Stuff You Should Know
Is it better to buy local or organic food?
These days, shopping for food can pose a dilemma. Should you buy regular, organic or local food? Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to hear Josh and…
- Stuff You Should Know
What causes rigor mortis?
If you've ever watched a crime drama, you know that bodies get stiff after death. But why? Explore the biochemistry behind rigor mortis in this podcast from…
- Stuff You Should Know
How can a lake explode?
Lakes are usually tranquil bodies of water, but in rare instances, they can be deadly. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to hear Josh and Chuck…
- Stuff You Should Know
Why do humans have body hair?
Humans aren't truly naked apes, but other primates put us to shame when it comes to body hair. Why? Tune in to hear Josh and Chuckle discuss the theories and…
- Stuff You Should Know
How do credit default swaps work?
In theory, credit default swaps are simply insurance against failed investments. In reality, these swaps can quickly get complicated. Tune in to this podcast…
- Stuff You Should Know
Is high fructose corn syrup bad for you?
High fructose corn syrup gets a bad rap, but is it deserved? Tune in as Josh and Chuck discuss the origins of this ubiquitous sweetener -- and why it's not so…
- Stuff You Should Know
How Face Transplants Work
Believe it or not, scientists and doctors have discovered a way to transplant part -- or all -- of a face from one person to another. Tune in to this podcast…
- Stuff You Should Know
How much money do I really need to live?
How much money does a person or a family need to live? Josh and Chuck are curious to find out, too. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to discover…
- Stuff You Should Know
Do toads cause warts?
Toads have a reputation as wart-spreaders, but they're not actually to blame for the unsightly growths. Viruses are. Tune in to this podcast from…