Stuff You Should Know
Episodes
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...
How Flamethrowers Work
03 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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, hi...
How do you clean up an oil spill?
01 Jun 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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? Jo...
Can humans start an earthquake?
27 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss reservoir-induced seismicity and the conditions under which human activities and projects like dams can trigge...
What makes a serial killer?
25 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Serial killers are notorious for their grisly crimes and disturbing behavior, but what makes a serial killer a serial killer? Josh and Chuck discuss t...
SYSK's Guatemalan Adventure, Part Two
20 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
SYSK's Guatemalan Adventure, Part One
18 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Josh and Chuck share the story of their recent eye-opening trip to Guatemala, which was sponsored by a nonprofit organization called Cooperative for E...
5 Successful Counterfeiters
13 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Counterfeiting currency successfully takes serious skills, and some consider counterfeiting an art. Josh and Chuck recount the stories of five artful ...
How Twins Work How Twins Work
11 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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) c...
How hard is it to steal a work of art?
06 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How LEGOs Work
04 May 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Most people are familiar with the plastic, interconnecting bricks called LEGO bricks, but what's their story? In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss ...
How Cliff Diving Works
29 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What makes a genius?
27 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
When you hear the word 'genius,' names like Einstein and Mozart probably spring to mind. Defining what makes them geniuses, however, is much more comp...
Mirror Neurons: Are there people who feel others' pain?
22 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 conditi...
Are there people who can't feel pain?
20 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
There are less than a hundred documented cases of people who cannot feel pain and suffer from a condition called congenital insensitivity to pain. Jos...
How Castles Work
16 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 murde...
How Tourette Syndrome Works
13 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, commonly referred to as Tourette's, is a neurological disorder characterized by a combination of verbal and physical t...
Are zoos good or bad for animals?
08 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
How Desertification Works
06 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Josh and Chuck discuss the problem of desertification, from what causes serious degradation of dryland ecosystems to possible ways to repair the damag...
How McDonald's Works
01 Apr 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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, prac...
What the heck is a hiccup?
30 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the many theories behind the mysterious phenomenon of hiccups, how long hiccuping bouts can last, and various ...
How Taxidermy Works
25 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Josh and Chuck tackle taxidermy, the practice of preserving and mounting dead animal skins for display, in this episode. Learn more about your ad-cho...
How Urban Planning Works
23 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the origins, philosophies and practices of urban planning. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ih...
Who were the Vikings?
18 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Vikings were fierce, plundering Scandinavian warriors; and even today, their reputation precedes them. Josh and Chuck investigate what the Vikings wer...
How Lotteries Work
16 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the history, practices and controversies of lotteries. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheart...
What exactly is Fascism?
11 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Fascism is a specific political philosophy that's often mistakenly used to describe any authoritarian, supressive movement or regime. Josh and Chuck d...
What's the deal with carbon trading?
09 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck demystify carbon trading, discussing everything from cap-and-trade schemes to carbon credits. Learn more about your a...
How Scabies Work
04 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Was Mesopotamia the Cradle of Civilization?
02 Mar 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss the reasons why Mesopotamia is often considered the first civilization. Learn more a...
How Bounty Hunters Work
25 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 ht...
How Bail Works
23 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 or...
Five Crazy Government Experiments
18 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Chuck and Josh discuss five of the most bizarre experiments ever undertaken by governments, from transplanted puppy heads to Cold War psychics, in thi...
Who are the Amish?
16 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 https...
How Braille Works
11 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Josh and Chuck discuss the Braille alphabet -- from its origins in Charles Barbier's "night writing" system to the many different types of tactile alp...
How Witchcraft Works
09 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 Shoul...
Why do we believe in urban legends?
04 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, amateur anthropologists Josh and Chuck discuss urban legends, from how they're defined to some classic examples you've probably heard...
How Swat Teams Work
02 Feb 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss SWAT teams, elite police units that are specially trained for extreme situations. Le...
Are there undiscovered people?
28 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss whether there are any truly "undiscovered" groups of people left on the planet, the definition of undiscovered...
What are ninja?
26 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Ninja, Japanese warriors famous for stealth, deception and sabotage, were inspired by Chinese military philosophy. Join Josh and Chuck as they explore...
Will the moon save humanity?
21 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 A...