Stuff You Should Know
Episodes
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...
Why are honeybees disappearing?
19 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Organ Donation Works
12 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
How Mercenaries Work
07 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Mercenaries are soldiers of fortune who fight in wars and conflicts for profit. Join Josh and Chuck as they explore the fascinating history of mercena...
How Noodling Works
05 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
How Human Experimentation Works
31 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 underbel...
How Pirates Work
29 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Christmas Worked
24 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Do concussions cause early death?
22 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Kleptomania Works
17 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss kleptomania, a disorder in which people have an overwhelming impulse to steal unneces...
How Narco States Work
15 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss Narco States, places where illegal drugs are traded openly with government support --...
How the Hells Angels Work
10 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 An...
Will the Large Hadron Collider destroy the Earth?
08 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
How Near-Death Experiences Work
03 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
How Food Cravings Work
01 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Hostage Negotiation Works
26 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Josh and Chuck explain the finer points of hostage negotiation, including the symbolism of hostages, the negotiator's goals and tacti...
What is Mutual Assured Destruction?
24 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss nuclear profliferation, nuclear parity and the Cold War strategic doctrine called Mut...
10 Odd Town Festivals
19 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 epis...
What's the deal with totem poles?
17 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
How Population Works
12 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 wor...
How will the future crime database work?
10 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The US and England have databases containing DNA from millions of citizens. Originally only criminals were included, but as the programs expanded many...
How Product Placement Works
05 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Can you remember being born?
03 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
The Real How Jack the Ripper Worked
29 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
How Witness Protection Works
27 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The Witness Protection Program, or the Witness Security Program, was established in 1970 to protect government witnesses before, during and after a tr...
How the Cannonball Run Worked
22 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What is China's one-child policy?
20 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 exami...
What is a hangover, really?
15 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 Chu...
How to Find the History of Your House
13 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Who were the first Americans?
08 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 Chu...
Health Care Systems Around the World
06 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Is Bhutan on to something with Gross National Happiness?
01 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Rumors, Myths and Truths Behind Obama's Health Care Plan
29 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 myth...
Do zombies really exist?
24 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In movies and stories, zombies are undead menaces that lurch around mindlessly, in search of flesh -- and braaaaaains! Where did the idea for zombies ...
President Obama's Health Care Plan: Soup to Nuts
22 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How do dogs perceive time?
17 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 dif...
How Health Care in the United States Works Right Now
15 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 cu...
Could microlending develop the world?
10 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Microlending is a practice that provides funds for entrepreneurs in developing countries who couldn't normally get loans. Tune in as Josh and Chuck di...
What is geocaching?
08 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
What is an Ig Nobel Prize?
03 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Each year, the Ig Nobel Prize is awarded to researchers for unusual -- and generally humorous -- contributions to science. Tune in as Josh and Chuck d...
Why is the U.S. so dependent on cars?
01 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
How Muppets Work
27 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How easy is it to steal a nuclear bomb?
25 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Nuclear weapons are extremely well guarded, so stealing one would be quite tricky. Join Josh and Chuck as they discuss nabbing nuclear weapons, and so...
Is the Necronomicon real?
20 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
H.P. Lovecraft's strange, elaborate stories and mythologies have inspired a devoted following. Join Josh and Chuck -- and a special guest -- as they d...
What's sarcopenia and what can you do about it?
18 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 mor...
Is fluoride making us stupid?
13 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Fluoride is a common additive in toothpaste and the water supply of some countries. It's purportedly good for dental health, but some evidence suggest...
What are Japanese stragglers?
11 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
During World War II, Japanese soldiers adopted a version of the samurai code of honor. Fiercely commited to this ideology, some continued to fight eve...
What's up with competitive eating?
06 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Agent Orange Worked
04 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How Whale Sharks Work
30 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
What are tinnovators?
28 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Three Gross Parasites
23 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 fl...
Are stupid people happier?
21 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a negative correlation between happiness and intelligence? Is ignorance truly bliss? Josh and Chuck attempt to answer this age-old question b...
What is a body farm?
16 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How has toxoplasma turned the world into zombies?
14 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that favors cats, but it can also be found in humans. Discover the disturbing details of how toxoplasma gondii ...
How Twinkies Work
09 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Is it possible to brainwash someone?
07 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 mor...
How can hypermiling save you gas?
02 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How Earthquakes Work
30 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Body Dysmorphic Disorder Works
25 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
People who suffer with body dysmorphic disorder have a distorted, unhealthy view of their bodies. Learn more about this compulsive disorder in the fol...
Can you control your dreams?
23 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 fr...
What exactly is the Peter Principle?
18 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The Peter Principle describes how workers who excel in bureaucratic systems are promoted until they reach their level of incompetence. Learn more abou...