Stuff You Should Know
Episodes
How the Underground Railroad Worked
07 Jun 2011
Contributed by Lukas
As early as 1786, groups assembled to help slaves escape lives of bondage. And, as the 19th century progressed, the emergent Underground Railroad grew...
How Fear Works
02 Jun 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Fear results from your brain's reaction to a stressful stimulus, and -- though it may be unpleasant -- it plays a crucial role in the life of every hu...
How Nicotine Works
31 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Sure, nicotine doesn't cause cancer, but it does rearrange the brain's reward system. Humans have been ingesting this plant for more than 6,000 years,...
How do I start my own country?
26 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Whether through revolution, colonization or other means, every country has its start somewhere. But how does the process work? Join Josh and Chuck as ...
What is terror management theory?
24 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Terror management theory isn't about mid-level bureaucrats in Al-Qaeda -- so what exactly is it, and what does it say about human culture and our perc...
What is parallel evolution?
19 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
In the process of parallel evolution, two seemingly unrelated species living in isolation can evolve surprisingly similar traits -- but how does it wo...
Can the sun kill you?
17 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Could the sun, typically known for providing light and warmth, kill us? The Apollo 17 mission almost resulted in tragedy due to a mega-flare -- and as...
How Con Artists Work
12 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
They say you can't con an honest man, and that's key to thwarting cons; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Learn how to avoid everythin...
What is mountaintop removal mining?
10 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Mountaintop removal mining is (to say the least) a controversial practice. But what exactly is it, how does it work and -- most importantly -- why sho...
A Podcast to Remember (How Memory Works)
05 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
How does memory work? How is internet access changing the function of the human brain? In this podcast, Josh and Chuck take a closer look at the scien...
How Parkour Works
03 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
The art of parkour is an astonishing combination of agility and physical strength pursued across the world -- but how does it work? Join Josh and Chuc...
How Rollercoasters Work, Minus the Fun
28 Apr 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're a rollercoaster fan or avoid them like the plague, there's no denying that these contraptions are striking examples of physics at work....
How Wills Work
21 Apr 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's oral, scrawled in blood or signed on a deathbed everyone should have a will. But how do they actually work? Join Chuck and Josh as they e...
Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me
19 Apr 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Flies: They're disgusting, disease-spreading flying machines. They're also really fascinating. Flies taste with their feet, smell with their antennae ...
How Molecular Gastronomy Works
12 Apr 2011
Contributed by Lukas
After botching a particularly tricky dish, molecular chemist Herve This decided to figure out why his recipe didn't work. He ended up creating a new f...
Does oil speculation increase gas prices?
07 Apr 2011
Contributed by Lukas
In an uncertain economy, investors often flock to commodities like oil, trading oil futures in a derivative market. Some believe this creates an artif...
Sherpas: Warm, Friendly Living
05 Apr 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Pop quiz: What word denotes a nation of people, a last name and an occupation? If you guessed 'Sherpa,' then congratulations: You're correct. But what...
SYSK Live from SXSW: How UFOs Work
31 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck ditch the studio and head west -- south by southwest, in fact -- to record a live podcast in Austin, Texas. Tune in an...
How Igloos Work
29 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Igloos were traditionally used by Inuit Indians as temporary shelter while on hunting and fishing trips. In this episode, Josh and Chuck look at the d...
That Dang-old Goat Fell Over
24 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Due to a condition known as Thomsen's disease, the muscles of fainting goats tense up whenever the animal is startled. In this episode, Josh and Chuck...
How a Nuclear Meltdown Works
22 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
The recent disaster in Japan has caused massive damage and killed thousands -- but that's not all: The Fukushima nuclear plant may possibly be on the ...
Why's that dude in that dumpster?
17 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Freegans prefer scavenging, volunteering and squatting to the more mainstream consumer practices of buying, working and renting a home. But how does t...
How Mummies Work
15 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
A mummy is a human being whose soft tissue has been preserved after death, and there are mummies around the world -- including natural mummies, as wel...
Is it legal to sterilize addicts?
10 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
It's a controversial idea, to say the least: If evidence shows that addicts tend to be irresponsible, abusive parents, then why should they have child...
Cults: Who is this "The Leader?"
08 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Cults are conventionally understood to be unestablished, non-mainstream religious groups that follow a single leader. So what does it take to be the l...
How Fossils Work
03 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
A fossil is a piece of once-living organic material that has undergone a transition from an organic state to an inorganic state. But what exactly is f...
Were U.S. citizens in Japanese internment camps?
01 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
During World War II, the U.S. interned more than 100,000 Japanese and Japanese-American citizens. In this episode, Chuck and Josh recount the events t...
What is stagflation?
24 Feb 2011
Contributed by Lukas
When high inflation, slow growth and high employment combine, they result in an unfortunate economic situation known as stagflation. But what exactly ...
How Tickling Works
22 Feb 2011
Contributed by Lukas
What's the deal with tickling? Why does it make people laugh, and what's the science behind the reaction? Join Chuck and Josh and listen in as they de...
How Crime Scene Photography Works
17 Feb 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Crime scene photography is a crucial aspect of forensic investigation, but it's by no means a new part of detective work. In this episode, Chuck and J...
How Blood Pattern Analysis Works
15 Feb 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Numerous television shows feature blood pattern analysis -- but how do these fictional portrayals measure up to the real thing? Tune in as Chuck and J...
How the Black Death Worked
10 Feb 2011
Contributed by Lukas
The Black Death was gruesome: Symptoms included tumors, purple splotches, fevers and vomiting. But how did this disease manage to spread from the Gobi...
How Bartering Works
08 Feb 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Bartering is an ancient practice. With the emergence of money-based transactions, it's no wonder that people might think bartering is a thing of the p...
How Munchausen Syndrome Works
01 Feb 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Why would someone fake an illness? Here's an even better question: Why would someone repeatedly make themselves sick? Join Josh and Chuck as they sepa...
How to Control a Riot
27 Jan 2011
Contributed by Lukas
It's no secret that people in crowds will behave differently than they would if they were alone. In a riot, individuals may exhibit a drastic change i...
What has the world's deadliest venom?
25 Jan 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Venom isn't unique to snakes -- animals like scorpions, spiders, jellyfish and even platypuses can all use venom. Join Chuck and Josh as they explore ...
Can oceans power the world?
20 Jan 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Oceans cover more than 70 percent of Earth's surface. But could the kinetic power of the tides or the oceans' thermal energy become the world's future...
How the Mafia Works
18 Jan 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Many people are familiar with depictions of the Mafia in film, but what's the real story? Join Chuck and Josh as they break the infamous code of silen...
Does acupuncture work?
13 Jan 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the precepts of Taoism, and for thousands of years it has been used to treat a range of ailments....
Little, Fluffy Clouds
11 Jan 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Today every schoolkid learns a fair share of facts about clouds and the water cycle, but this wasn't always the case. Join Chuck and Josh as they brea...
How Antiques Work
06 Jan 2011
Contributed by Lukas
At what point does something become an antique? Could that old piece of furniture in the attic be worth millions of dollars? Join Josh and Chuck as th...
Should you not eat gluten?
04 Jan 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Since gluten is found in rye, wheat and barley grains, it's a near-ubiquitous part of many diets. So why do some people avoid this common protein? Tun...
How Volcanoes Work
30 Dec 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Volcanic eruptions are destructive and often newsworthy events, but why do they occur? What are volcanoes? In this episode, Josh and Chuck take a look...
How Immigration Works
28 Dec 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Immigration systems regulate the flow of foreign immigrants into any given country. But why is immigration such a controversial topic, especially in t...
How Homelessness Works
23 Dec 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Today, millions of people around the world are homeless. In this episode, Josh and Chuck take a look at homelessness in the United States, discussing ...
How Migraines Work
16 Dec 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Most people know what a migraine headache is -- some from painful experience -- but there's a lot more to this "neurobiological condition" than an ach...
How Agritourism Works
14 Dec 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Agritourism marries farming and tourism, but why do people pay to pick apples or work on a farm? And who does agritourism benefit? Josh and Chuck expl...
How Hanukkah Works
09 Dec 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday, but what's it all about? And why do some people think of it as "Jewish Christmas"? In this episode, Josh and ...
Green Renovation and Construction
07 Dec 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Demolition and construction creates a lot of waste, so renovating your house is generally a "greener" option. In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore ...
How the Rules of War Work
02 Dec 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The rules of war are agreed-upon rules that are intended to govern international wars and conflicts. Who developed these rules? And do countries reall...
How Circumcision Works
30 Nov 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Circumcision is a common practice in which the foreskin of a male's penis is removed, typically as a baby. Josh and Chuck take a look at the origins, ...
How Dreadlocks Work
25 Nov 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Dreadlocks are matted coils of hair that form a very distinctive (and often misunderstood) hairstyle. So what's the deal with dreads? In this episode,...
A Rigid, Sterile Look at Kissing
23 Nov 2010
Contributed by Lukas
A majority of human cultures practice kissing in one form or another. But why do we kiss? Is the behavior instinctive or learned? In this episode, ama...
Can Lifestraw save the world?
18 Nov 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Over a billion people do not have access to clean water, and many die from water-born diseases. With 6,000 people dying each day, this situation is in...
Have all the good ideas already been discovered?
16 Nov 2010
Contributed by Lukas
It's no secret that human beings have an obsession with innovation -- but has our species already found every good idea? As Josh and Chuck break down ...
How Rehab Works
11 Nov 2010
Contributed by Lukas
These days, alcoholics and other people suffering from addictions are often sent to rehabilitation centers to kick their habit. But how long has rehab...
Prohibition: Turns Out That America Loves to Drink
09 Nov 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Prohibition was a 13-year period in American history when selling or producing alcohol was illegal. What led to this astonishing development? Why did ...
Addiction: Why you can't kick SYSK
04 Nov 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Modern scientists have extensively researched addicts and the things they abuse, but we still don't understand everything about the nature of addictio...
Animal Migration: Where's that gnu gnoing?
02 Nov 2010
Contributed by Lukas
When you think of animal migrations, you probably picture thousands of animals thundering across the savannah. But where are they going, and why? Josh...
The Tomb
28 Oct 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this spooky episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck get you ready for Halloween as they narrate H.P. Lovecraft's creepy tale "The Tomb." T...
Jealous much?
26 Oct 2010
Contributed by Lukas
All of us have experienced the feeling of jealousy at some point or another. But why do we get jealous? Are women really more jealous than men? Josh a...
Can you treat mental illness with psychedelics?
21 Oct 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Hallucinogenic drugs are currently illegal, but they were once commonly used in psychological treatment. In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the r...
How House Swapping Works
14 Oct 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Traditionally, house swapping involves temporarily exchanging homes with a stranger for vacation purposes. Tune in to learn more about house swapping,...
Is science phasing out sleep?
12 Oct 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Sleep is a restorative state that's vital to human functioning -- or is it? In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore different ways in which science is...
How Knights Work
07 Oct 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In medieval times, knights were warriors with specialized skills, extensive training and their own code. In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the r...
Why would anyone want multiple spouses?
05 Oct 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, is mostly illegal in the United States but very common in other parts of the world. In this episode...
Is tone deafness hereditary?
30 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
If you're tone deaf, you can't hear the difference between musical pitches and notes. And it's probably a hereditary trait, as Josh and Chuck explain ...
How Roller Derby Works
28 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Nowadays roller derby is increasingly popular across the US -- but how did it get its start, and how does it work? As Josh and Chuck delve into the wo...
Hypnosis: You're Getting Sleepy
23 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The modern conception of hypnosis came into vogue in the late 18th century, and it's been the subject of much debate ever since. Does hypnosis really ...
Octopus, Octopi, Octopod, Octopuses
21 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Whatever you call them, octopuses are amazing creatures. In this episode, octopus enthusiasts Josh and Chuck take a closer look at the unusual anatomy...
What is biospeleology?
16 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Biospeleology is the scientific study of cave organisms and ecosystems. In this episode, amateur biospeleologists Josh and Chuck explore the dark, dan...
How Mirrors Work
14 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Whether using polished metal surfaces or clear glass, human beings have enjoyed admiring their reflections for centuries. In this episode, Josh and Ch...
How Customs Works
09 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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How Crime-Scene Clean-up Works
07 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Cleaning up crime scenes is a niche industry that's both lucrative and messy. This episode, Josh and Chuck take a look at how crime-scene clean-up wor...
How are college football rankings determined?
02 Sep 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Established in 1998 as a way to determine college football rankings, the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) is a complex statistical system. In this episo...
How Cremation Works
31 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Cremation is a burial process practiced around the world, but how exactly does it work? Josh and Chuckers take a detailed look at cremation's history,...
How Freemasons Work
26 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
There are lots of conspiracy theories about Freemasons, but how much do you really know about this secretive order? In this episode, Josh and Chuck ta...
How Sleepwalking Works
24 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Sleep behaviors are pretty fascinating. Some people snore, some grind their teeth -- and some take a little stroll, or perhaps a drive. In this episod...
How the MARS Turbine Works
19 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
MARS stands for Magenn Air Rotor System, but a MARS turbine isn't your typical windmill. It's a blimp floating hundreds of feet in the air. Tune in as...
Breathalyzers: Really, Really Complicated
17 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Breathalyzers work on a simple principle: Alcohol is absorbed into the lungs and present in breath. But the machines that actually measure this alcoho...
Prisons: Not as Fun as You'd Think
12 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Most people have a basic understanding of how prisons work, but it's often heavily influenced by fiction. What's it really like behind those bars? In ...
How Grow Houses Work
10 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
As many as one in five houses in Vancouver, British Columbia are used to grow marijuana. Join Josh and Chuck as they step inside indoor grow houses to...
What's so special about Route 66?
05 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck hit the open road as they explore the history, allure and decline of America's most iconic highway: Route 66. Learn m...
How Quantum Suicide Works
03 Aug 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck tackle a mind-melting topic: quantum physics! They ponder subatomic particles and various quantum theories, focusing s...
How Presidential Pardons Work
29 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
A presidential pardon is a unique, unchallengable power granted to the president of the United States by the Constitution. In this episode, Josh and C...
Why Ticks Suck
27 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
It's no surprise that ticks are one of mankind's least favorite animals. After all, they subsist on blood and spread disease. But how much do we reall...
Saunas: More Interesting Than You Think!
22 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Although they seem pretty mundane, saunas are surprisingly fascinating inventions. Josh and Chuck break out all sorts of sweaty, sauna-related trivia,...
Taste and How it Works
20 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Taste seems like a pretty simple sense, but scientists are still trying to figure out exactly how it works. Josh and Chuck explore the complexities of...
What's the deal with Bond, James Bond?
15 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
James Bond, the most infamous secret agent ever to grace the silver screen, originated in the pages of British author Ian Fleming's novels. Amateur ag...
How Reincarnation Works
13 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
A large percentage of the world's population believes that you will be reborn after you die. So why does the concept of reincarnation seem so paranorm...
How do butterfly wings get their color?
08 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Butterflies' wings are colored as a result of iridescence; this fascinating optical phenomenon is the result of light refracting off transparent surfa...
What's the deal with Voodoo?
06 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Voodoo is a religion found in parts of Africa and Haiti that's often misunderstood. In this episode, Josh and Chuck separate the faction from the fict...
Did Thomas Jefferson rewrite the Bible?
01 Jul 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas Jefferson is famous for his role in shaping the United States of America -- and for creating his own, revised version of the Bible. Learn more ...
How Traffic Works
29 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you've been stuck in a traffic jam or forced to merge and avoid road construction, everyone's had a few bad experiences with traffic. But how ...
Can quicksand kill you?
24 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In many films, hapless characters meet their untimely demise in a lethal pit of quicksand. It's a gruesome, undignified end -- but is it realistic? Jo...
How Ghost Prisons Work
22 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the controversial "ghost prisons," covert prisons created by the CIA after September 11th, 2001 to secretly de...
How Samurai Work
17 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The Samurai were legendary Japanese swordsmen and warriors, known for their loyalty and adherence to a strict code of honor. Josh and Chuck tackle the...
How the Innocence Project Works
15 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
The Innocence Project is an American non-profit organization whose mission is to exonerate wrongly convicted individuals and reform the legal system. ...
Can your grandfather's diet shorten your life?
10 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Epigenetics is a fascinating field of genetics that studies how the epigenome and environmental, nutritional and social factors affect gene expression...
What's the deal with sinkholes?
08 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Recently, a massive sinkhole opened up in Guatemala City, swallowing a three-story building in the process. In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore si...