Stuff You Should Know
Episodes
How Can I Erase My Identity and Start Over?
18 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone dreams of snagging a fresh start at life. Whether you've thought of changing your dull given name, or just disappearing entirely, this HowStu...
What's the ultimatum game?
16 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The ultimatum game is an economics experiment that provides insight into the human psyche. Check out our HowStuffWorks podcast to learn about the rule...
Why don't we live underground?
11 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Humanity has adapted to life on the surface. We like sunlight and fresh air -- but do we need it to survive? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to l...
Is sleep that important?
09 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Sleep is one of those funny things about being a human being -- you just have to do it. Have you ever wondered why? Check out our HowStuffWorks articl...
What's the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?
04 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The function of antiperspirant and deodorant is to prevent sweat or to mask the scent of body odor. Learn about the function of antiperspirant and deo...
Is there a worst way to die?
02 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
But there's no consensus among professionals about which method of death is the least desirable. A person's fears may factor into his own personal wor...
What are smart mobs?
28 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
With the benefit of wireless technologies like cell phones and text messaging, large groups of people are able to coordinate their actions with amazin...
Will robots get married?
26 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Some researchers believe that weddings between a human and a robot could be possible by the year 2050. Take a look at our HowStuffWorks article to lea...
How Blood Pressure Works
21 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
High blood pressure -- or hypertension -- is elevated pressure of the blood in the arteries. Hypertension results from two major factors. Check out ou...
Are humans wired to survive?
19 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Are humans born with survival instincts? Check out our HowStuffWorks article to learn more about human instincts and survival. Learn more about your ...
10 Terribly Bungled Crimes
14 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Ten terribly bungled crimes throughout history are explored, such as drug deals gone wrong. Find out which ones are at the top of the list for Josh an...
Is there a torture manual?
08 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In May of 2007, the US military found drawings believed to be part of an Al-Qaida torture manual. However, the seminal manuals on torture are believed...
Are there real-life fight clubs?
05 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The 1996 Chuck Palahniuk novel, "Fight Club," has been blamed -- and lauded -- by various groups for inspiring several real-life fight clubs. Take a l...
Exactly what happens if we run out of water?
31 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In 1995, World Bank vice president Ismail Serageldin declared that "the wars of the next century will be about water." Check out our HowStuffWorks art...
Is knife hunting the fairest way to hunt?
29 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Fair chase is the idea that a balance should be struck between the hunter's ability to kill prey and the prey's ability escape. Take a look at our How...
Why do people blush?
24 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Blushing from embarrassment is governed by the sympathetic nervous system, which governs involuntary processes. Although we know how people blush, we ...
How Carbon Capture Works
22 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Carbon capture is the process of trapping carbon emissions and storing them away from the atmosphere to prevent global warming. Check out our carbon c...
Are Dogs a Shark's Favorite Meal?
17 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In 2005, The Sun reported that dogs were being used as live bait in the Indian Ocean. Is it possible that dogs are a delicacy to sharks? Take a look a...
Can I Survive a Shark Attack by Gouging Out Its Eyes?
15 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although it can be intimidating, a shark is not invulnerable. Punching its nose, gouging its eyes, or grabbing its gills can stun the shark and give v...
How Ripperology Works
10 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The unsolved murder spree of Jack the Ripper has captivated generations of amateur investigators, each with their own theory of the killer's identity....
How Personal Rapid Transport Works
07 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Personal rapid transport combines the best traits of subways and taxis, and costs less to build than light rail. Could this be the future of transport...
How Abandoned Cities Work
01 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Cities can become abandoned for a number of reasons, from economic meltdowns to nuclear catastrophes. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast and learn m...
How Murphy's Law Works
01 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Murphy's law originates in 1949, and states 'anything that can go wrong, will.' Check out this HowStuffWorks to learn more about how the Air Force dis...
How Death-Proof Cars Work
26 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Could high-end digital auto systems such as blind-spot detection and collision prevention overcome the errors of human drivers? Check out this HowStuf...
How Oil Shale Works
24 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Oil shale is a term for oil trapped in rock, rather than existing in liquid form. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the nature ...
How Swearing at Work Works
20 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Swear words are usually considered workplace taboos -- yet the debate continues over whether these words are inappropriate, or examples of free speech...
How Manufacturing Water Works
18 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The United Nations has found that 22% of the world's population does not have access to clean drinking water. Could we fix the water shortage by manuf...
What's the most expensive toilet in the world?
12 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The most expensive toilet in the world is made of solid gold and can be found in Hong Kong. Learn more about the world's most expensive toilet in this...
Could salt water fuel cars?
10 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Salt water fuel could be the next viable alternative to foreign oil. Learn about the ongoing research behind the concept of salt water fuel in this Ho...
How The Eye of a Tornado Works
05 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In recorded history, only two people have entered the eye of a tornado and returned to tell the tale. Learn more about the inside of tornadoes in this...
How Contagious Yawning Works
03 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Yawning is contagious, but why? Check out the leading theories on contagious yawning and empathy in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your...
Can People Really Get Hysterical Strength?
29 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
During times of emergency, people have been known to preform feats of great strength. Learn more about going from the dull stare of the dairy cow to t...
How Antibacterial Soap Works
28 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Could the routine use of antibacterial soap increase the presence of drug-resistant bacteria in your home? Learn more about the disadvantages of anti-...
Does Gum Stay in your Stomach for Seven Years?
22 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Does gum really stay in your stomach for Seven Years? Josh and Chuck take on the parental myth of gum swollowing. Learn more about your ad-choices at...
Are Dogs Really Man's Best Friend?
20 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Check out the story of Hachiko, a loyal Akita who waited for over ten years for his master to return. Learn more about Hachiko and loyalty in this How...
How Evolution in Isolation Works
15 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
How does isolation spur evolution? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about speciation and evolution. Learn more about your ad-choice...
Why Does Toothpaste Make Orange Juice Taste Bad?
13 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Why does toothpaste make orange juice taste bad? Chuck recounts his first-hand experience, and how it works. Learn more about your ad-choices at http...
How Trolley Problems Work
06 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The trolley problem is an ethical dilemma that proposes a difficult decision about choosing whether a group of strangers lives or dies. Learn more abo...
Can I feel pregnant when my wife is?
06 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Sympathy pregnancy is the condition where a man feels pregnant while his wife actually is. Learn more about the symptoms for sympathy pregnancy in thi...
Are Nazi War Criminals Still At Large?
30 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
After the close of World War II, Nazi war criminals fled Europe and attempted to hide under assumed identities. Some may still be at large. Learn more...
How Altruism Works
17 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Is there such a thing as a truly unselfish act? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast and learn more about the nature of altruism. Learn more about yo...
How Lame Ducks Work
17 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In U.S. politics, a lame duck is a president who will not be re-elected because he or she has been passed over for election, or already served the max...
How Grassoline Works
17 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Could switch grass become the car fuel of the future? Learn more about alternative fuel in this HowStuffWorks podcast. Learn more about your ad-choic...