I Can’t Sleep

Napping

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Naps: the cure for sleep deprivation or just an excuse to check out mid-day? We dive into the history of napping, why short naps boost brain functio...

Headphones

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Noise-canceling sleep headphones are great—until you can’t find them. In this episode, we explore the evolution of headphones, how they block nois...

Gandalf

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gandalf: wise old wizard or the most dramatic travel guide ever? We explore his origins, his role in The Lord of the Rings, and why he’s basically M...

Saunas

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Saunas: hot, sweaty, and weirdly good for you? This episode covers the history of saunas, their sleep benefits, and why some people think sweating in ...

Pokémon GO

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pokémon GO got people walking outside—remember that? We take a look at how this mobile game changed augmented reality, encouraged movement (which a...

Vegemite and Umami

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever tried Vegemite and thought, ‘This tastes like a mistake’? We explore the history of umami, why Australians swear by this salty spread, and wh...

Cecilia Payne

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cecilia Payne figured out what stars are made of—and got ignored for years. This episode covers her discovery, her fight for recognition, and why sp...

Lasagna

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Eating a massive pile of carbs before bed? Respect. We explore the history of lasagna, its Italian origins, and whether late-night pasta actually ruin...

Sweaters

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sweater or sweatshirt—what’s the difference, and why does it matter? We break down the history of cozy fashion, why warm clothes help regulate sle...

Volleyball

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A sport invented for people who hated running? Sounds ideal. We look at volleyball’s history, its Olympic journey, and whether spiking a ball is an ...

Survivor

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stranded on an island, forced to strategize, and somehow still finding time for dramatic whispering. Survivor is the reality show that turns alliances...

Linguistics

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Linguistics: the science of how we talk, why grammar rules exist, and why no one follows them. Explore phonetics, syntax, and the mysteries of human s...

Phylogenetics

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder how everything is related? Phylogenetics maps the tangled web of life, proving even bacteria have complicated family drama. A sleep-friend...

Uno, Skip-Bo, and Last Card

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing says “friendly game night” like stacking Draw Fours and ruining friendships. We explore Uno, Skip-Bo, and Last Card—three deceptively si...

Monty Hall Problem

26 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A simple game show puzzle… or a statistical nightmare? The Monty Hall Problem has baffled contestants and mathematicians alike. Let’s break it dow...

Play-Doh, Silly Putty, and Slinky

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What do a failed wallpaper cleaner, a rubbery mistake, and a clumsy spring have in common? They accidentally became some of the most iconic toys ever....

Dungeons & Dragons

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Roll for relaxation. Whether you’re a dungeon master or a sleepy adventurer, this episode explores the origins, rules, and wild history of Dungeons ...

Naultinus & Gecko

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Naultinus geckos: the tiny, tree-dwelling New Zealand lizards that make even insomniacs look well-rested. These slow-moving, nocturnal reptiles are pe...

Large Language Models

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Large Language Models: powerful AI or just really fancy parrots? We explore their ability to generate human-like text, their use in chatbots, and why ...

Axolotls

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, drift off while learning about axolotls, Lake Xochimilco, and Lake Texcoco. Why three topics this tim...

UFOs

12 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Unidentified flying objects: aliens, government experiments, or just weather balloons that won’t stay put? We explore the history, theories, and she...

National Football League

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The NFL: a billion-dollar empire where grown men chase a ball for glory and commercials last longer than actual gameplay. Tonight, we explore its hist...

Marlboro College

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A tiny liberal arts college in Vermont that prided itself on self-directed learning… until it learned itself out of existence. Marlboro College was...

Neural Networks & Neuroscience

05 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, drift off while learning about neural networks and neuroscience. Just saying these words makes me feel...

Stalactites

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hanging from cave ceilings like nature’s chandeliers, stalactites form at a glacial pace—perfect for lulling you to sleep. Learn how these mineral...

Erie Canal

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Erie Canal: the 19th-century shortcut that turned New York into an economic powerhouse—one slow-moving barge at a time. Learn how this historic ...

Currency Reform of 1948

29 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, drift off to sleep while learning about the currency reform of 1948. Where to even begin with this one? ...

Piano Tuning

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Drift off as we explore the fascinating world of piano tuning, where precision meets patience. Did you know that tuning a piano involves adjusting ove...

Christmas Eve

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me as I delve into the rich tapestry of Christmas Eve traditions, from the anticipation of midnight masses to the warmth of family gatherings. Di...

Common Loon

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The common loon: haunting calls, impeccable diving skills, and a love for solitude—nature’s ultimate insomniac. Drift off as we explore the life o...

The Grinch

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Grinch: a grumpy, cave-dwelling recluse with a heart problem and serious insomnia. We explore his origins, his disdain for Whoville, and whether a...

Mangroves

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mangroves: the sleepy sentinels of the shore, standing knee-deep in water and not in a hurry to go anywhere. These salt-tolerant trees protect coastli...

Emotion

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emotions: your brain’s built-in mood swings. From happiness to stress, these chemical reactions shape everything—especially your ability to relax....

Christmas Knickknacks

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Candy canes, tinsel, snow globes, and Rudolph—quietly twinkling in the background of holiday nights. Unwind with the soothing history of these Chris...

Road Surface Marking

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered about those lines on the road? Probably not. But tonight, we’ll lull you to sleep with a deep dive into road surface markings—the un...

Hummingbirds

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hummingbirds: nature’s tiniest insomniacs, powered by nectar and pure determination. Learn how these high-speed hoverers burn calories like a turboc...

Accounting

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Accounting: thrilling? Not exactly. Essential? Absolutely. From ancient ledgers to modern audits, we unravel the world of balance sheets, double-entry...

Geysers

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Geysers: nature’s way of setting a boiling-hot alarm clock. We’ll explore how they work, where to find them, and why Old Faithful is more punctual...

Big Ben

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, drift off to sleep while learning about Big Ben. I’ve always been a little fascinated by this clock to...

Economics

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, drift off to sleep while learning about economics. Did you know the word economics comes from the Greek ...

Snowflake

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about snowflakes. This article turned out to be way more interesting for me ...

Sidecar Speedway

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about sidecar speedways. What in the world is a sidecar speedway? I'm glad yo...

Wicked (Musical)

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about the musical Wicked. I listened to this album daily while working on the...

Rick & Morty

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about the TV series Rick & Morty. I've always found it fascinating to learn a...

Fog

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about fog. I grew up near a river and remember foggy days throughout the year...

Caves

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, drift off while learning about caves. One of the fascinating aspects of this topic is that some people...

Rosetta Stone

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about the Rosetta Stone. This episode explores the rich history of where th...

Andromeda Galaxy

10 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about the Andromeda galaxy. It would be so cool to visit another galaxy and p...

Percy Jackson

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, fall asleep learning about Percy Jackson. Percy, the son of Poseidon, embarks on thrilling adventures ...

Stream

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, drift off while learning about streams. I initially thought this topic would be straightforward, but I...

Interstellar Medium

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, drift off to sleep while learning about the interstellar medium. Discover the fascinating, yet complex...

Crystal

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, drift off while learning about the fascinating world of crystals. Before reading this article, I hadn’...

Chicken

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about chickens. We had chickens growing up and would feed them and collect eg...

Glacier

27 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about glaciers. These slow-moving mammoth ice structures are pretty sleep-ind...

Baking

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about baking. The smell of homemade bread is probably my favorite in the en...

Tide

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about tides. We've learned so much about how tides work over the centuries, y...

RAM 1500 (DT)

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about the RAM 1500 (DT). I don't know what the DT stands for, but now I want ...

Sand Dunes

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Immerse yourself in the peaceful world of dunes, where the wind dances across vast stretches of sand, creating ever-changing landscapes. In this episo...

Ducks

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about ducks. We cover everything you need to know about ducks—from their d...

History of Sugar

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about the history of sugar. While I learned several things about the origins ...

Aurora

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about auroras. I've avoided this topic for a long time because of how diffic...

Coral Reef

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about coral reefs. Did you know that coral reefs are part of the same class a...

Balloon

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about balloons. Learn how these colorful floating wonders evolved from simpl...

K-Pop

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, learn about the global phenomenon known as K-pop. Originating in South Korea, K-pop is a genre of popu...

Adventure Time

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, explore the whimsical world of Adventure Time. This beloved animated series, created by Pendleton Ward...

Fox

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, drift off while learning about foxes. All I can recall from this article is that there are many types of...

Deep Sea

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about the deep sea. I love that we are learning more and more about the dept...

Skateboarding

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about skateboarding. Skateboarding, a popular recreational activity and spor...

Bulgaria

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about Bulgaria. We explore the history, culture, and geography of this fascin...

Clothing

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered about the history of clothing but never had the time to explore? Join me in this relaxing episode as we journey through the evolution of...

Magnesium

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Magnesium is a fascinating mineral that’s essential to human health, and yet most of us know very little about it. In this episode, we’ll explore ...

Sephiroth

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII. Known as one of the most complex and...

Map

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, drift off as we delve into the world of maps. We'll cover the basics of cartography, touching on the his...

Sokka

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about Sokka from Avatar: The Last Airbender. This hilarious, non-bending ch...

Premier League

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about the Premier League in soccer. Don't get too excited about this one. Al...

Long-term Potentiation

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, drift off while learning about long-term potentiation. I read every word in this recording and still h...

New Daytime Podcast: I Can’t Relax

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this BONUS episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, I’m excited to introduce my new daytime podcast, I Can’t Relax, designed to help you during ...

USB

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about USB. I’m usually fascinated by technology and thought this might be...

Comet

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about comets. Surprisingly, comets are less reflective than asphalt, making ...

Whale Shark

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about whale sharks. These beautiful creatures have been on my I'm-totally-no...

Penguin

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about penguins. Did you know that penguins are not found in the arctic? What...

Candy

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, drift off to sleep while learning about candy. My favorite road trip candy is a big bag of Kit Kats. T...

User Experience

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the “I Can’t Sleep” podcast, fall asleep while learning about user experience. I’ve spent years of my professional life wor...

Hockey

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the “I Can’t Sleep Podcast,” fall asleep while learning about hockey. One of the most intriguing things I discovered is a var...

Kaladin

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about a character from the Stormlight Archive named Kaladin. He's a primary ...

Motorcycle

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, drift off while learning about motorcycles. I often take for granted the advanced motorcycles we have to...

MRI

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about magnetic resonance imaging machines. There's a lot of science in this ...

State of Matter

11 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about states of matter. How many are there? I'm curious to see what you find...

Rainbow

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about rainbows. I was fascinated by the new insights I gained from this arti...

Algorithm

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about algorithms. I get pretty excited about narrowing down problems to their...

Area 51

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about Area 51. I'm not going to lie, I thought there was going to be a lot m...

Analysis

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about analysis. You might be thinking at this point, "Wow, Benjamin! What's u...

Jeans

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about jeans. Who knew that jeans had such an interesting history? I sure did...

Rammed Earth

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about rammed earth. This building style has fascinated me for a few years be...

Egyptian Hieroglyphs

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about Egyptian hieroglyphs. While I find just about everything Egyptian to b...

Cubit

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about cubits. I figured learning about the ancient way in which we have lear...

Dark Matter

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling to sleep? In this episode, Benjamin Boster explores dark matter—what it is, how we detect it, and why it’s essential to understanding t...

King Arthur

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about King Arthur. Was he a real historical figure, or was he made up? Will y...

Cake

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about cake. This episode also contains bonus material about various confecti...

Lawn Mower

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the I Can't Sleep Podcast, fall asleep while learning about lawn mowers. There was once a lawn mower that took a couple of hours to...