Stuff You Should Know
Episodes
How Moonshine Works
22 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Moonshiners brew illegal alcohol, usually a liquor from corn. In the United States, this practice led to some surprising outcomes -- including the dev...
Recycling and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
20 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Recycling has come a long way since its debut -- and so have landfills. In this twofer HowStuffWorks podcast, discover the realities of modern recycli...
How Redheads Work
15 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Redheads are supposedly fiery, passionate people, but is there any truth to these stereotypes? Find out what studies have to say about redheads -- and...
What are urban explorers?
13 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Urban explorers investigate abandoned structures such as hospitals, grocery stores, warehouses and underground systems. Tune into this HowStuffWorks p...
How Body Armor Works: A Special Request
08 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Body armor has used by bodyguards, celebrities and soldiers for thousands of years. Tune into this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn how the constant inn...
How Exorcism Works
06 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Is the idea of possession a misunderstanding of physiological and psychological conditions, or has science failed to account for unknown, legitimate f...
How Midnight Regulations Work
01 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
After the election in November, outgoing Presidents have an opportunity to pass last-minute (often unpopular and unpublicized) legislation as 'midnigh...
How Habeas Corpus Works
30 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Habeas Corpus is a Latin term meaning "you have the body," and -- in theory -- guarantees an incarcerated person the right to have a court determine w...
How to Survive a Plane Crash
25 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although you're much more likely to die in an auto accident, odds are you're more afraid of flying -- but why? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to...
How Flirting Works
23 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Flirting is an ancient -- and, at times, unconscious -- form of communication used to indicate interest in and receptivity to another person. Learn ab...
What can be done with a dead body?
18 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
From transforming into a gem to being shot into space, modern technology has created a multitude of possible destinations for the bodies of the deceas...
Where's the best place on your body to get shot?
16 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although no one wakes up in the morning hoping for a gunfight, we all know life can be unpredictable. So check out this HowStuffWorks podcast and lear...
Extended Product Warranties: To Buy or Not to Buy?
11 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Statistically speaking, extended product warranties aren't generally worth the money, but there are some purchases that warrant extra insurance. Find ...
How the Five Day Weekend Works
09 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
What if Congress passed a law mandating a two-day week work? The Friends of the Five Day Weekend want Congress to do just that -- sort of. Check out t...
How Guerrilla Gardening Works
04 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
You've heard of guerrilla fighting tactics, but how much do you know about guerrilla gardening? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more abo...
How OCD Works
02 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast ...
How Thanksgiving Works
27 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Thanksgiving is an unusual holiday in America -- there's no religious connotation, and the only traditions are a good meal and a sense of appreciation...
How Albert Einstein's Brain Worked
25 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Albert Einstein is one of the world's most recognizable geniuses. But was his brain any different from that of an average person? Check out this HowSt...
How Corporate Personhood Works
20 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Corporate personhood is an ancient legal custom tracing back to Roman law, whereby a corporation is legally considered a person. Learn more about you...
How Eco-anxiety Works
18 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Eco-anxiety -- a chronic fear of environmental doom -- is a recent, specialized type of anxiety disorder gripping an estimated 40 million people in th...
Why doesn't the FDA regulate herbal supplements?
13 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
For thousands of years, societies across the globe have used herbs as medicine. While this practice continues today, the FDA does not regulate these p...
Did the CIA test LSD on unsuspecting Americans?
11 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
As more and more time passes, the Freedom of Information Act provides increasingly disturbing stories of illegal CIA operations. Check out this HowStu...
How Mortgage-backed Securities Work
06 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The 2008 US financial crisis has been blamed on the excessive use of mortgage-backed securities. But what exactly is a mortgage-backed security? Learn...
How Prayer Healing Works
30 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Studies have shown that prayer has a positive effect on individuals, but can your prayer heal someone else? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to fi...
Is a free market "free" if it's regulated?
28 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Prices in a free market are determined by the law of supply and demand, yet the US government has recently given billions of dollars to rescue large c...
How do Tibetans avoid altitude sickness?
23 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Due to the region's elevation, the average traveler to Tibet often experiences altitude sickness -- a condition caused by a lack of oxygen in the bloo...
How the Bailout Works
21 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The economy imploded as US banks reaped the consequences of subprime mortgage trades. Controversially, Congress has provided emergency funding for the...
How Living Off the Grid Works
16 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
If you're tired of paying utility bills or relying on fossil fuels, it might be time to consider living off the grid. Check out this HowStuffWorks pod...
Will we soon be extinct?
14 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Is Earth due for a mass extinction? Population ecologists think so. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more mass extinctions. Learn more a...
How Cannibalism Works
09 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Cannibalism is one of humanity's near-universal taboos, but it has been practiced in widely varying circumstances throughout history. Check out this H...
How Entomophagy Works
07 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Entomophagy -- the practice of eating insects -- is common outside of Europe and North America. Despite cultural taboos, you've probably eaten insects...
How China's Pollution Sniffers Work
02 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In China's Guangdong province, twelve volunteers have been trained to detect harmful pollution by using their sense of smell. Check out this HowStuffW...
How Delta Force Works
30 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
With the world's best weaponry, a shadowy legal status, and almost no oversight, Delta Force is the stuff of military legend. Check out this HowStuffW...
How Graceland Works
25 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Graceland attracts millions of visitors every year. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about Elvis and Graceland, which Elvis bought w...
Is quitting smoking contagious?
23 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone knows it's tough to quit smoking -- but did you know quitting can be contagious? Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about smo...
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...