Why NASA is sending a bunch of brewer’s yeast up to space on Artemis 1. Plus, scientists have created genetically-edited tomatoes pumped up with vitamin D. And a COVID-19 memorial that will be purposefully burnt down on Saturday. Sponsors: Calm, Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription calm.com/coolstuff DeVry University, Learn more at DeVry.edu/Future Links: NASA plans to launch an unexpected organism to space to study cosmic radiation (Inverse) BioSentinel (NASA) Around the Moon with NASA's Fir...
May 25, 2022•17 min
Everything you need to know about monkeypox––what is it, how is it spread, and how concerned should we be? Plus, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is returning to Earth on Wednesday, after just a few hiccups on its first successful trip to the ISS. And Coca-Cola is introducing new bottle caps that you can’t remove from the bottle. Sponsors: DeVry University, Learn more at DeVry.edu/Engineering Calm, Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription calm.com/coolstuff Links: Why monkeypox isn't like Covid-19 (...
May 24, 2022•25 min
The ancient forest that was discovered at the bottom of a giant sinkhole in China. Plus, a moth species not seen since 1912 was found in the luggage of a passenger at the Detroit airport. And the first patient has been injected with an experimental virus meant to destroy tumors. Sponsors: Calm, Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription calm.com/coolstuff DeVry University, Learn more at DeVry.edu/Future Links: Ancient forest found at bottom of huge sinkhole in China (The Guardian) Giant sinkhole wi...
May 23, 2022•18 min
The history of the humble shopping cart, and why people absolutely did not like them when they first came out. Plus, a parasite that might make you more attractive—but like, don’t try it. And a tiny pub in an English village that stood up to Condé Nast, and won. Sponsors: I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Why people hated shopping carts when they first came out (CNN) How a Basket on Wheels Revolutionized Grocery Shopping (Priceon...
May 20, 2022•17 min
Why do we judge each other so harshly for saying “like,” even though most of us say it way more often than we’d admit to? Plus, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is launching mere hours after recording… probably. Here’s everything you need to know about the second contender in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. And introducing Pepsi™-Roni Pizza. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Links: Why do people, like, say, 'like' so much? (The G...
May 19, 2022•18 min
The history and future of making music out of DNA sequences, particle vibrations, and more. Plus, a new study indicates that cats recognize the names of their cat friends and their human roommates; they’re just ignoring you because they want to, not because they don’t understand. And Alamo Drafthouse is hitting the road for their twenty-fifth anniversary. Sponsors: I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Why Scientists Are Turning Mole...
May 18, 2022•17 min
Scientists created a microcomputer powered by photosynthetic algae. Plus, a smart pacifier that could monitor the health of premature babies in the NICU. And Domino’s has teamed up with the Hawkins National Laboratory for a new app that lets you order pizza with your mind. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Links: Scientists create algae computer powered by photosynthesis (The Verge) Scientists Create Microcomputer Powered by A...
May 17, 2022•18 min
Plants have successfully been grown in moon dust for the first time. Plus, McDonald’s is officially closing all of their restaurants in Russia––why that’s a big deal. A new site that will tell you how much your current home, or one you’re looking to buy, is at risk of wildfires. And underwear that can protect you from STIs. Sponsors: I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Plants will grow in lunar regolith, but they don't like it (Ars...
May 16, 2022•18 min
A deep dive into the multiverse––what it actually is, why it’s become such a popular trope, what its popularity says about where we’re at as a society right now, how it mirrors our relationship to the internet, and why, despite some cynical reasons for its usage in film, the multiverse might actually be exactly what we need right now. Sponsors: Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews The Jordan Harbinger Show, jordanharbinger.com/start Links: The multiverse is huge in pop culture ri...
May 13, 2022•18 min
Everything you need to know about the just-released first-ever image of the black hole at the center of our galaxy. Plus, is there sight after death? No. But kind of. And, in the most predictable news of the day, Dolly Parton is starring in a Doja Cat-inspired Taco Bell TikTok musical about Mexican Pizza. Sponsors: The Jordan Harbinger Show, jordanharbinger.com/start Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Links: We got it! Astronomers reveal first image of the black hole at the hea...
May 12, 2022•20 min
How data can help us find happiness in romantic relationships, or at least tell us why we’re dating all wrong. Plus, it turns out sleep-deprivation can affect how we see other people. And a new website for finding and reporting dinosaur sightings in your area, and around the world. Sponsors: Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews The Jordan Harbinger Show, jordanharbinger.com/start Links: People Are Dating All Wrong, According to Data Science (Wired) Being Sleep-Deprived Actually C...
May 11, 2022•18 min
How the summer of 1982 changed movies forever––for better or worse. Plus, a study justifying why teenagers suck at listening to their parents. And, how to watch this weekend’s total eclipse of the moon. Sponsors: The Jordan Harbinger Show, jordanharbinger.com/start Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Links: How the summer of 1982 changed movies forever (A/V Club) New Study Reveals The Reason Teens Seem to Tune Out Their Mom's Voice (ScienceAlert) The teen brain tunes in less to ...
May 10, 2022•18 min
How the 50’s sci-fi horror film The Blob was actually a ripped-from-the-headlines story. Plus, potential cancer treatments involving magnets and dirt. And would you undergo a fecal transplant to reverse signs of aging? It could be an option in the future. Sponsors: Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews The Jordan Harbinger Show, jordanharbinger.com/start Links: The (Sort of) True Story Behind 'The Blob' (Mental Floss) The Blob from THE BLOB Was Based on a Real-life... Blob (Nerdis...
May 09, 2022•17 min
How much can we blame Charles Dickens for the persisting archetype of creepy clowns? Who and what other cultural factors over the centuries contributed to so many people being whigged out by clowns? Plus, we now know the (general) location of where Forrest Fenn’s treasure chest was found. And a round-up of media recommendations for your weekend, based on stories I’ve covered previously on the show. Sponsors: Novo, Sign up for a free business checking account and get access to over $5,000 in perk...
May 06, 2022•25 min
A deep dive into the question of whether pop culture has become completely dominated by franchises and the same superstars; and, if so, how new that phenomenon actually is and, if it’s really a bad thing in the end. Sponsors: Outer, Get $300 off and free shipping at liveouter.com/kottke Novo, Sign up for a free business checking account and get access to over $5,000 in perks and discounts at novo.co/kottke Links: Pop Culture Has Become an Oligopoly (Experimental History) Cultural Dopes (LA Revie...
May 05, 2022•18 min
Did Margaret Thatcher play a role in the origins of Star Wars Day? Plus, why human hibernation for long-distance space travel might not actually be worth it. And a redone Bob Dylan recording on an all-new analog medium, coming this Friday. Sponsors: Novo, Sign up for a free business checking account and get access to over $5,000 in perks and discounts at novo.co/kottke Outer, Get $300 off and free shipping at liveouter.com/kottke Links: May the 4th Be With You: A Cultural History (Star Wars) A B...
May 04, 2022•18 min
Why doesn’t the US get all the cool chip flavors that other countries do? Plus, scientists have figured out a way to breakdown plastic in just a few days, instead of over centuries. And why a bunch of creepy dolls keeping washing ashore along the gulf coast in Texas. Sponsors: Outer, Get $300 off and free shipping at liveouter.com/kottke Novo, Sign up for a free business checking account and get access to over $5,000 in perks and discounts at novo.co/kottke Links: Why Are American Chips So Borin...
May 03, 2022•17 min
Why it’s time for you to waste time. Plus, a café in Tokyo that doesn’t let people leave until they’ve successfully hit their writing goals. And a possibly sustainable use for the ungodly amounts of disposable masks we’ve thrown out in the last two years? Sponsors: Novo, Sign up for a free business checking account and get access to over $5,000 in perks and discounts at novo.co/kottke Outer, Get $300 off and free shipping at liveouter.com/kottke Links: Coffee, tea and nagging at Japan's anti-pro...
May 02, 2022•20 min
How an innocent trip to the library could give you arsenic poisoning. Plus, a new pterosaur fossil seems to confirm the prehistoric reptiles had some pretty cool feathers. And, how would you like to meditate with Yoda and Chewbacca? Sponsors: I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Munk Pack, Use code KRH at Munkpack.com for 20% off your first purchase Links: Poison Book Project (Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library) These green books are poisonous—and one may be on a shelf near you (National Geog...
Apr 29, 2022•18 min
Canada has become the first country to release census data on their trans and nonbinary population. Plus, a new study showing how the climate emergency could fuel future pandemics. And, in lighter news, some MIT engineers 3D printed a new device to study why Oreos rarely split the cream filling evenly when you twist them apart. Sponsors: Munk Pack, Use code KRH at Munkpack.com for 20% off your first purchase I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Links: Canada becomes first country to release ce...
Apr 28, 2022•18 min
The moon has a bit of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation going on that astronomers have never been able to definitively explain, but a new study suggests it could be the result of a massive impact four billion years ago. Plus, yoga for your eyes? What is it and does it actually do anything? And the US is officially saying good riddance to incandescent light bulbs. Sponsors: I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Munk Pack, Use code KRH at Munkpack.com for 20% off your first purchase Links: Did A ...
Apr 27, 2022•16 min
How the CIA funded that 1954 animated adaptation of Animal Farm as part of their anti-communist propaganda campaign. Plus, the woman who found out she’d been missing a chunk of her brain for most of her life without realizing. And why more and more rivers are being granted legal personhood. Sponsors: Munk Pack, Use code KRH at Munkpack.com for 20% off your first purchase I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Links: The cartoon that came in from the cold (The Guardian, 2003) How the CIA Played D...
Apr 26, 2022•19 min
The secret, anti-monopolist history of the Monopoly board game. Plus, why we’re all having trouble remembering things right now, and how we can strengthen our memories going forward. Sponsors: I Am Bio, Subscribe at bio.org/podcast Munk Pack, Use code KRH at Munkpack.com for 20% off your first purchase Links: The Secret Left-Wing History of 'Monopoly' (Discourse Blog) Who Really Invented Monopoly? (Smithsonian, YouTube) Monopoly's Inventor: The Progressive Who Didn't Pass 'Go' (NY Times) The Boa...
Apr 25, 2022•16 min
Why did some cultures develop tastes for particularly spicy foods and others didn’t? Plus, the Museum of Endangered Sounds. And an upcoming documentary from Alex Winter about radicalization on social media. Sponsors: Outer, Get $300 off and free shipping at liveouter.com/kottke Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: How—and Why—Did Cultural Tastes for Spicy Food Develop? (Literary Hub) Darwinian Gastronomy: Why We Use Spices: Spices taste good because they are good for us ...
Apr 22, 2022•19 min
Introducing the sport of extreme sitting. Plus, a new study that suggests fungi might be communicating with each other via electrical impulses. And, Sir David Attenborough has been named Champion of the Earth. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Outer, Get $300 off and free shipping at liveouter.com/kottke Links: Tue. 01/25 - Extreme Ironing: Can You Take The Heat? (Cool Stuff Ride Home) Meet the Man Who Wants to Make Sitting an Extreme Sport (Atlas Obscura) About De...
Apr 21, 2022•17 min
The story of a self-described mad scientist who gave a microwave the soul of his childhood imaginary friend using AI, and then it tried to kill him. Plus, texting etiquette from Emily Post’s great-great-grandchildren. Sponsors: Outer, Get $300 off and free shipping at liveouter.com/kottke Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Someone Turned Their Imaginary Friend Into an AI Microwave and It Wanted to Kill Them (IGN) I gave my microwave a soul with AI and it tried to kill ...
Apr 20, 2022•19 min
A doctor was beamed up to the ISS in the first-ever holoportation to space. Plus, a new chopsticks invention that makes your food taste salty without adding any salt. And inside the world of a professional scream artist. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Outer, Get $300 off and free shipping at liveouter.com/kottke Links: Innovative 3D Telemedicine to Help Keep Astronauts Healthy (NASA) NASA Beamed a Doctor to The ISS in a World-First 'Holoportation' Achievement (S...
Apr 19, 2022•17 min
Why indie booksellers went from hating Barnes & Noble to defending it, and what that means for the future of publishing. Plus, a look at inflation through the lens of the Big Mac Index. Sponsors: Outer, Get $300 off and free shipping at liveouter.com/kottke Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: How Barnes & Noble Went From Villain to Hero (NY Times) Inflation comes for the Big Mac (Axios) The Big Mac index (The Economist) Thor: Love and Thunder's Trailer Is Wilder Than Yo...
Apr 18, 2022•18 min
In a more serious take on yesterday’s musings, how is the pandemic and modern technology changing how we communicate about and understand time? Plus, speaking of time, why do Passover and Easter sometimes occur so far apart from one another? Let’s talk about the messy world of human-constructed calendars and natural cycles. And that startup trying to slingshot satellites into space has officially booked a test launch with NASA. Sponsor: The Jordan Harbinger Show, jordanharbinger.com/start Links:...
Apr 15, 2022•19 min
Should we be measuring time differently now that we spend more time with digital technology than nature? Paul Ford has some suggestions. Plus, how the heck is AriZona Iced Tea still just 99 cents and not playing any nefarious shrinkflation games like the other guys? And a new study analyzing the personality profile of absolute a-holes. Sponsor: The Jordan Harbinger Show, jordanharbinger.com/start Links: Time Got So Much Weirder. The World Needs a New Lexicon (Wired) How is AriZona Iced Tea still...
Apr 14, 2022•18 min
