Lil’ Chicken has a restaurant that everybody loves! It’s known for two things: tasty corn nuggets and a stressed-out owner who worries and frets over every little thing. Business is booming, but it always seems like the sky is falling! Join DJ Fyutch and Baby Scratch as they serve up this tale about Lil’ Chicken, a restaurant critic, and the challenge of keeping cool under pressure! You can listen to Once Upon a Beat early and ad-free right now on Wondery Plus. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery a...
Apr 28, 2025•9 min
A Wondery original podcast so compelling it was reimagined for TV starring Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate, Sissy Spacek, and more… When Molly's diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, she decides to do something bold: she leaves her unhappy marriage and embarks on a series of sexual adventures to help her feel alive. She shares the funniest and most touching details with her closest friend, host Nikki Boyer. As they peel back the layers, we learn that Molly isn’t just grappling with breast cancer...
Apr 14, 2025•6 min
Love! Everybody wants to find it. However, keeping up a relationship can sometimes be just as difficult as finding one. We try everything to stoke the fire that might be burning out - so could the answer be to throw another log on the fire? Nikki and Malone ask the burning question: "Can an open relationship save your marriage?" They speak with a polyamorous couple who share how an open relationship works for them. They are joined by Dr. Amy Moors , an assistant professor of psychology and a res...
Feb 02, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 48
Are you one of the 4.7 billion people who use social media on a daily basis? While some people still keep a diary, others feel compelled to announce and show every detail of their life on social media. We are curious and interested in the lives of friends and family but do they really need to tell us what they had for lunch or how horrible their breakup was - with photos! How much is okay to share? Host Nikki Boyer and Co-Host Mr. Malone talk with Sarah Bregel , a writer, and self-described over...
Jan 26, 2023•51 min•Ep. 47
It's a new year and time to make resolutions. Are you thinking about giving up alcohol for the month of January? If you like the idea of more energy, better sleep, weight loss and a lot more dollars in your pocket - then "Dry January" might just be the resolution you're looking for. Nikki and Malone talk with author Hilary Sheinbaum to learn about her first hand experience of booting the booze for January. And Dr. Joseph Volpicelli from the Volpicelli Center for Addiction joins the mix to talk a...
Jan 19, 2023•45 min•Ep. 46
Psychedelics were originally designed to blow your mind, but new studies suggest they can also help fix it! Can small doses of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) help people manage depression and anxiety better than pharmaceutical remedies? Host Nikki Boyer , Dr. Matt Johnson (professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University), and Kayse Gheret (founder of Microdosing for Healing) discuss how a tiny intake of psilocybin can have powerful, long-lasting, positive effects. Pleas...
Jan 12, 2023•41 min•Ep. 45
Are you tired of low pay, long commutes, lots of stress and feeling unappreciated and unfulfilled? Maybe it's time to quit your job! Many Americans are doing just that. It's being called "The Great Resignation." The post-pandemic exodus of workers moving away from unfulfilling jobs in search of an opportunity that gives them a sense of purpose and personal satisfaction. Nikki and Malone talk with career coach Jess Wass as well as a positive psychology expert Robert Mack to help you decide whethe...
Jan 05, 2023•46 min•Ep. 44
Is your mailbox flooded with credit card junk mail promising free money? There’s cash back, 0% interest, sign-up bonuses, reward points. The come-ons keep on coming! Well, Nikki and Mr. Malone know exactly what you’re thinking — ‘cause they’re thinking it too. Are we missing out on some valuable free stuff? That’s where character actor and self-described money nerd, Chip Chinery of “ Chip’s Money Tips ,” and the founder of Clever Girl Finance, Bola Sokunbi , come in. They’ll help put our credit ...
Dec 29, 2022•53 min•Ep. 43
So what’s up with eggnog? And why is there a tree in my living room? Christmas is overflowing with traditions. Things you do, eat, drink, sing and wear. Things you look forward to all year long. (Unless, of course, you’ve been naughty!) But why? Most Christmastime rituals are things we just go with. No questions asked, right? But, hey, this is Call Me Curious! So… we’re gonna ask!! Join Nikki and Malone , with the help of “Christmas Past” podcaster Brian Earl and journalist/writer/historian Alex...
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 42
Have you ever written a letter to Santa and sent it off to the North Pole, hoping he gets it? Well, Nikki and Malone have a little gift for you. They welcome filmmaker Dana Nachman , whose documentary film "Dear Santa" dives into just how the United States Postal Service makes sure those letters reach Santa each year! And ‘tis the season to... yep!... talk to an "elf." One of Santa’s best helpers, Michael Munoz , talks about his magical experience making sure children’s wishes make it to the Nor...
Dec 15, 2022•50 min•Ep. 41
Talk about a brain freeze! There was a time when “cryonics” — the technology of freezing human brains (and other body parts) — was the latest craze to preserve our minds in the hope of one day being defrosted and put into a younger body. That’s some weird science! But we all understand why, right? The average 70+ years most of us have on this earth just isn’t enough... and it sucks that our minds and bodies break down along the way. Yet some lucky ones stay mentally sharp into their 80s, 90s… ev...
Dec 08, 2022•48 min•Ep. 40
Can I still eat this? We’ve all been tempted by food that's past its posted freshness date. While many people worry about illness or the yuck-factor and toss food out, others trust their noses and look for ways to not waste food. But seriously — what does 'Best by,' 'Sell by,' and 'Use by' dates even mean? On this episode, Nikki and Mr. Malone enter the mysterious world of food labeling. And with food safety expert Dr. Robert Brackett as their guide through our refrigerators and cupboards, they'...
Dec 01, 2022•51 min•Ep. 39
“Imagine there's no hunger. It's easy if you try." Well, you actually don’t have to imagine places where the gift of food is available to all — whoever you are and whenever you need it. They actually exist! Community fridges are an amazing grassroots-y answer to the food insecurity that many people experience every day. Join Nikki and Malone along with the founder of Denver’s Community Fridge Project, Eli Zain , and LA restaurant owner, Ana Perez , to dig into how hunger’s being tackled with lov...
Nov 24, 2022•44 min•Ep. 38
Everybody ready to play holiday family feud?! There’s just no way around it — holidays with the fam can be overwhelming, unnerving, and sometimes just downright explosive! Why do we go at it with the ones we love and how can we survive the minefield of raw emotions, loose cannons, and inappropriate attitudes? Well, Nikki and Malone are getting professional help on the age-old tradition of walking on holiday eggshells with Associate Professor of Couple & Family Counseling, Dr. Laura Tejada . ...
Nov 17, 2022•52 min•Ep. 37
We’ve got the meats! Don’t look now, but your favorite burger, steak, turkey dinner, and fried chicken are poised to go full-on sci-fi in the not-so-distant future. Lab grown meat is coming for you, carnivores. But are you ready for it? Nikki and Malone investigate the pros, the cons, and the sorta creepy possibilities with reporter Joe Fassler and UC Davis biotech researcher Dr. Denneal Jamison-McClung . Is lab grown meat really the future of what's for dinner? Call Me Curious is available now ...
Nov 10, 2022•44 min•Ep. 36
Wait! Surviving doomsday isn’t just about hoarding toilet paper?! The practice of prepping for disasters is a real thing. And that fellow shopper with a cart full of water, batteries, and canned food? Well, they could be a prepper! Even if they're not the stereotypical macho dude who wants "The Walking Dead" to be non-fiction. So with everything going on in the world right now, it's a great time for Nikki and Malone to talk to author Diane Vukovic about safe and sane prep for the next big emerge...
Nov 03, 2022•49 min•Ep. 35
So what are you gonna be for Halloween? For adults in the not-too-distant past, the answer was easy: Nothing! But wow have things changed, right? Grade-schoolers trick-or-treating in rubber masks and homemade costumes are being replaced by grown-ups getting their full Halloween on! Well, Nikki and Malone have noticed. So they’re asking sociology professor Linus Owens (who’s currently working on a book on the cultural history of Halloween!) and Goth comedian & Halloween expert Virginia Jones ...
Oct 27, 2022•48 min•Ep. 34
Creaks, moans, and eerie shivers down your spine keeping you up? With Halloween coming fast, it’s the perfect time to reconsider whether “the house is settling” — or if the neighbors are at it again. Just maybe there's something truly spooooooky afoot. That’s why Nikki and Malone are talking to a couple with a real-life ghost story to tell. And they’ll try to get to the bottom of it all with renown paranormal investigator and former star of TV’s “Ghost Stalkers,” John E.L. Tenney . So, are we al...
Oct 20, 2022•58 min•Ep. 33
Nikki gets to the bottom of the age-old question about whether particular foods can actually stimulate our sexual desire. Her friend Mr. Malone joins her on the mission. When some people on the street can’t offer a satisfying answer, Nikki and Malone turn to an expert. (ENCORE) Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or wherever you listen. You can listen ad-free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Support us by supporting our sp...
Oct 13, 2022•31 min•Ep. 32
There’s a new number in town! One that’s so needed, and so ready to be there for us when we need it most. It’s 9-8-8. The brand new nationwide hotline number for those in emergency mental health crisis. Just three simple numbers are the lifeline you won’t forget – and that won’t forget you. On this episode of Call Me Curious, Nikki and Malone talk to Chief Officer of the new 988 Lifeline, Dr. John Draper , and mental health activist Dior Vargas about the hardships of mental health crisis, the po...
Oct 06, 2022•49 min•Ep. 31
Let the good vibes roll! Sex toys are a global phenomena, racking up more than $35 BILLION dollars in annual sales and… well… growing. They've gone from deep in the back of mom's closet, right into the mainstream spotlight. And sexperts say using one can be like waving a magic wand over your sex life. Nikki & Malone get the buzzzz on all-things sex toys with author, sociologist and sexologist Dr. Carol Queen and find out — can sex toys help or harm your sex life? This ep will definitely hit ...
Sep 29, 2022•49 min•Ep. 30
When Starbuck's introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte nearly two decades ago, no one knew it would ignite such a major cultural firestorm (albeit a very cozy, comforting one). How did a seasonal drink, which almost got nixed in the planning stages, get so popular? And after years of copycat product fatigue, is America's love affair with Pumpkin Spice finally over? Nikki and Malone get spicy with food historian Heather Arndt Anderson . They're also joined by dietician Connie Weissmuller to see if th...
Sep 22, 2022•39 min•Ep. 29
Is finding your soulmate as simple as entering some info into an app? Can romantic chemistry be broken down into 1's and 0's? You've got a date with Nikki Boyer as she talks to dating expert and fellow Wondery podcaster Sydnee Paige (Sydnee in the Sheets) who uses multiple dating apps to find love in New York City. Then Nikki and Malone find out what determines that spark between two people when they talk to a chemistry expert and advisor to Match.com . Plus, an expert on algorithms explains how...
Sep 15, 2022•46 min•Ep. 28
In a galaxy far, far away — something AMAZING is happening! NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is beaming back to us un-be-liev-able photos of deep space. And you don’t have to be someone with a light saber and a cape to appreciate what we’re learning about our big, beautiful universe. What we’re all seeing for the first time makes it pretty hard to believe there isn’t some kind of intelligent life out there in the stars somewhere. So are we alone? Is Earth the only game in town? Nikki and Malone...
Sep 08, 2022•44 min•Ep. 27
Is that really my soul-mate across the room?! Go on, admit it. You’ve asked yourself this question before. Most of us have been struck by the electric sensation of powerful instant attraction. You lock eyes, the music rises, butterflies take flight in your stomach, and you just know. But is it love? Or is it just good old lust -- mixed with a little imagination and a whole lot of wishful thinking? Well, that’s our question today. Does ‘love at first sight’ really exist? To find some answers, Nik...
Sep 01, 2022•44 min•Ep. 26
We’ve been hearing it for-ev-er: Get 8 hours of sleep. It’s been drilled into our heads for so long that we just accept it, right? But maybe we shouldn’t. Like, that’s a 1/3 of our day spent unconscious! Do we really need that much shut-eye? Would it be healthier to get less – or maybe more? Well, Nikki and comedian Dax Jordan are wide awake to the fact they have no idea what the truth is. And that’s why they’re joined by sleep expert ( SleepSpace founder) Dr. Dan Gartenberg – AKA Doctor Snooze ...
Aug 25, 2022•43 min•Ep. 25
Can getting a song stuck in your head actually be a good thing? It sure doesn’t feel that way… as you sing the Hot Pockets jingle for the 2000th time! But new studies suggest “earworms” can actually be a boon to your brain. Today Nikki and Malone welcome cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Petr Janata to find out how those annoying musical loops that will.not.go.away affect our memory and our overall psychological health. Plus: tips on flushing an earworm out when, to paraphrase Kylie Minogue, you just...
Aug 18, 2022•40 min•Ep. 24
How do you recognize the signs of a cultic relationship? Could you already be in over your head and not even realize it? Actor and model Hoyt Richards knows firsthand, and tells Nikki all about his harrowing 20 year experience of being slowly brainwashed by a charismatic cult leader. Plus, learn the warning signs of how to recognize if you're in a similar toxic relationship and don't even know it. New episodes come out every Thursday. Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Mu...
Aug 11, 2022•41 min•Ep. 23
Fad diets come and go, and Nikki's tried just about all of them, including intermittent fasting. She talks with someone who has seen weight-loss success by only eating certain hours of the day. Then Nikki goes to the doctor -- Dr. Ethan Weiss , to be precise -- to get to the bottom of whether the benefits of intermittent fasting can be scientifically proven. New episodes come out every Thursday. Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or wherever you listen. You...
Aug 04, 2022•37 min•Ep. 22
Jujubee is everywhere! The amazing drag queen, reality TV personality ( Ru Paul’s Drag Race ) and recording artist stopped by to talk to Nikki and Mr. Malone about her life, her rise to fame, and her new sexy Wondery podcast, Queen of Hearts . The new blind date game show that’s anything but a drag! So does Juju think the art of drag is more than just performance? Get ready for the funny, feisty answer. New episodes come out every Thursday. Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Ama...
Jul 28, 2022•39 min•Ep. 21
