Every year the TSA confiscates millions of pounds of pocket knives, sunscreen and snow globes from airport travelers. Where does it all go? ELT investigates. Plus, tips for sneaking your weed onboard from a former TSA agent. Guests: Ex-TSA “Taylor”; TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein; surplus agents for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Patrick Knight and Mike Starr; press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services Troy Thompson. Thanks to caller Kimberly. Learn more about your ad...
Jul 22, 2019•25 min
ELT answers an age-old question: When you have to use a public toilet, should you sit on the seat? A team of microbiologists weigh in. Plus, the rise, fall, and re-rise of cargo shorts. Guests: Microbiologist Jack Gilbert; comedian Prashanth Venkataramanujam; cargo pantsologist Joe Hancock ; Wall Street Journal reporter Nicole Hong . Special thanks to caller Jenny and the biology experts we surveyed: Jason Tetro, William Schaffner, Chuck Gerba, Rob Dunn, Jenny Hayden, Steffanie Strathdee, Liz Sc...
Jul 15, 2019•30 min
When did organ music and baseball become an item? ELT talks to some pro organ players to find out how organs and ballparks got together. Plus, meet Nancy Faust — the legendary organist who brought trolling to modern baseball music. Guests: Steven Ball , organist and Director of Sacred Music at The Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in St. Louis, Missouri; Josh Kantor , organist for the Boston Red Sox; Nancy Faust, retired organist for the Chicago White Sox Thanks to caller Robert. Thanks also to Ju...
Jul 08, 2019•30 min
ELT goes underground to meet the creatures living in our subways and sewer systems. Plus, the 411 on another underground underdog: prairie dogs. Guests: Urban evolutionary biologist and rat expert Jason Munshi-South ; animal behavioral scientist Jennifer Verdolin . Thanks to caller Jessica, and to all the listeners who demanded prairie dog facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jun 24, 2019•25 min
For most of human history, tooth care has been pretty bare bones. How did we go from charlatans pulling teeth in a public square, to the modern dentist’s office? ELT exposes the roots of tooth care. Plus, meet the technician who makes movie stars’ teeth look terrible. Guests: Dental historian and retired dentist J. Henry Clarke; historian Richard Barnett . Thanks to callers Amanda and Tess for the questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jun 17, 2019•26 min
Does swearing make you more powerful? Caller Mark’s dad thinks a well-timed “word of power” is the key to efficient yardwork. ELT asks a swearing expert about that theory. Plus, we talk to someone who turns the “mother f*ckers” into “manhole covers” for the TV versions of movies. Guests: Cognitive scientist Ben Bergen , author of What the F*** ; Gwen Whittle, supervising sound editor at Skywalker Sound . Thanks to caller Mark for the monkey flippin’ question, and to Mark’s dad Steve. Learn more ...
Jun 10, 2019•29 min
Through the 1800s, babies in the U.S. were dressed in gender neutral clothing — you couldn’t tell the girls from the boys based on their outfits. So why did parents start color-coding their kids in pink and blue? Plus, ELT’s long quest to get a sports team to have a flamingo as their mascot is finally over… or is it? Guests: textiles and clothing historian Jo Paoletti ; cultural historian of medicine, gender, and the body Hanne Blank ; and Kuba Krzyzostaniak , Director of Fan Engagement for Forw...
Jun 03, 2019•30 min
When you fly do you really need to put your phone in airplane mode? Should you fear the tray table? What’s happening in the cockpit while you’re fighting over the armrest? Two airline pilots answer your burning air travel questions. Guests: Pilot Sandy Williams of Skydive Deland ; Pilot Nick Anderson of the Airline Pilot Guy podcast. Thanks to everyone who called in with their airplane questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
May 20, 2019•28 min
If you found millions of dollars worth of buried treasure, what would you do next? Take it to the bank? Sell it on eBay? Call 60 Minutes ? ELT unearths the tale of the largest buried treasure ever found in North America. Plus, practical tips for dealing with newfound millions, and a nationwide treasure hunt, ELT-style. Guest: David J. McCarthy , numismatist. Special thanks to listeners Kurt, Elizabeth, Travis, Vicki, Nikki, Kimberly, Robert, and Rachel for helping us with our treasure hunt. And ...
May 06, 2019•30 min
Who decides what a cheerleader looks like? Or sounds like? In part two of a two-part episode, ELT digs into the complicated legacy of an American archetype. Guests: Natalie Adams , cheerleading researcher and professor at the University of Alabama; Sharita Richardson, cheerleading researcher, instructional coach at North Carolina A&T State University, and founder of Black Girls Cheer . Thanks to caller Jessica for the question. Special thanks to Vonciel Baker, one of the original seven Dalla...
Apr 19, 2019•19 min
How did one style of cheerleading come to dominate in so many American schools? In part one of a two-part episode, ELT flips through the history of cheerleading and meets the man who held cheerleading in the pompom of his hand. Guests: Cheerleading researcher and professor at the University of Alabama Natalie Adams ; Barbara Hazlewood; Thanks to caller Jessica for the question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 15, 2019•27 min
While there’s some evidence clothes go back 170,000 years, pants are a relatively recent addition to our wardrobes. Why were pants developed and who wore them first? ELT unravels the surprising story of pants. Guests: Artist and clothing researcher Ulrike “Rike” Beck ; folklorist and historian Adrienne Mayor ; artist and writer Emily Spivack . Thanks to caller “Elle” for the question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 08, 2019•23 min
Can duct tape really fix every little thing? ELT tests the limits — and gets to the bottom of a duct tape story that’ll blow your socks off. Plus, your most ingenious MacGyver stories. Guests: Daniel Munson, Senior Product Development Specialist at 3M ; Gary LaRose , lodge owner and hunting guide on the Alaska Peninsula; Luke Miller , Anchorage-based pilot and guide. Thanks to callers Ian, Hunter, David, Whitney, Leanne, Stacie, Elena, Diana, Ashley, Lauren, Lucy — and to all the listeners who s...
Mar 18, 2019•29 min
While spoons, knives, and chopsticks have been commonplace for centuries, forks didn’t make it to most silverware drawers until the mid-1800s. What took so long? ELT investigates. Guest: Darra Goldstein , food historian, cookbook writer, and founding editor of Gastronomica , Thanks to caller Nicole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 11, 2019•22 min
When did organ music and baseball become a thing? ELT talks to some pro organ players to find out how organs and ballparks got together. Plus, meet Nancy Faust — the legendary organist who brought trolling to modern baseball music. Guests: Steven Ball , organist and Director of Sacred Music at The Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in St. Louis, Missouri; Josh Kantor , organist for the Boston Red Sox; Nancy Faust, retired organist for the Chicago White Sox Thanks to caller Robert. Thanks also to Ju...
Feb 25, 2019•29 min
ELT gets to the bottom of a familiar aroma -- thrift store smell. Why do thrift shops all smell the same? Plus, is washing your clothes better than freezing them? ELT investigates listener cleanspiracies with expert cleaner Jolie Kerr. Guest: Jolie Kerr, writer and host of Ask a Clean Person. Thanks to callers Theresa, Rachel, Jeremiah, Nikki, Vicki, Mark, Juliana, Ben and all the listeners who called in with cleanspiracies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 18, 2019•24 min
One eerie sound has been haunting Hollywood movies — from Poltergeist to Jurassic Park to Let the Right One In — and 14 seasons of Unsolved Mysteries . ELT tracks down the source of the scary sound. Guests: Rayme Waters, daughter of the spookiest sound in Hollywood’s inventor; percussionist Emil Richards; composer Gary Malkin . Thanks to caller Marianna. Thanks also to Brooks Hubbert , who runs the waterphone business, and musician Lee Charlton . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch...
Feb 11, 2019•24 min
How do U.S. postage stamps come to be? ELT explores the secret world of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, the group that decides what gets stuck on America’s envelopes. Plus, Bigfoot gets his due. Guests: Bill Gicker, manager of stamp development at USPS; Jessica, ex-CSAC member; Kam Mak , artist and stamp illustrator. Thanks to caller Elizabeth. “Mr. Stampman” performed by Bobby Lord, Matthew Boll, MR Daniel, and Julia Kaplan. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line a...
Jan 28, 2019•30 min
Why do some auctioneers talk so fast? And what are they actually saying? ELT gets the low-down on auction talk from a professional auctioneer. Plus, pro-tips for developing your auctioneer chant. Guest: Junior Staggs , professional auctioneer. Thanks to caller Katie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 21, 2019•22 min
Every year the TSA confiscates millions of pounds of pocketknives, sunscreen and snow globes from airport travelers. Where does it all go? ELT investigates. Plus, tips for sneaking your weed onboard, from a former TSA agent. Guests: Ex-TSO “Taylor”; TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein; surplus agents for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Patrick Knight and Mike Starr; press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services Troy Thompson. Thanks to caller Kimberly. Learn more about your ad...
Jan 14, 2019•21 min
How did cold uncooked eggs become a festive beverage? Plus, coquito for the nogged out. And one of the first scientists to hoist herself into the treetops describes life in the canopy. Guests: Chef and food writer J. Kenji López-Alt ; Chef and Noshery.com founder Meseidy Rivera . You can find Kenji’s eggnog recipe here and Meseidy’s coquito recipe here . Biologist Meg Lowman , Director of Global Initiatives, Lindsay Chair of Botany & Senior Scientist in Plant Conservation at the California A...
Dec 17, 2018•20 min
Why is pumpkin spice a thing? Flavor scientists explain why this particular combination is so appealing -- or not. Plus, how to make a new flavor, and ELT listeners pitch their ideas for the next flavor fad. Guests: Food scientist Kantha Shelke ; flavor chemist Bill Aslanides. Thanks to caller Ally, and to flavor forecasters Hunter, Travis, Amelia, Kassy, Rachel, Brooke, Wyatt, Thomas, and to all the listeners who submitted ice cream ideas. Special thanks and congrats to Just Ani. Additional tha...
Dec 10, 2018•25 min
A Bulletin Board of Glory™ nomination from comedian Josh Gondelman takes ELT down a trashy rabbit hole, to a time before sanitation workers, when pigs roamed the streets. Plus, we meet the man who defied all odds to bring us the bag that cinches. Warning: Explicit. Guests: comedian and Last Week Tonight writer Josh Gondelman ; trash historian Carl Zimring ; engineers Steve Tallman and Dana Boyd. Thanks to our sponsor, Cole Haan. You can hear more of Flora and other Gimlet hosts in conversation a...
Dec 03, 2018•22 min
Where does bubblegum flavor come from? A bubblegum bush? A beaver’s butt? We track down the original bubblegum flavor formula, and find out what’s in there. Plus, why turkey eggs aren’t a thing. Guests: Philadelphia events expert Scott Bruce , confectioners Bob Boutin and Mauricio Bobadilla, turkey biologist James Dickson and birder Laura Erickson . Thanks to callers Arrie and Chiara, and also to Phillip Clauer and Christine Alvarado for their egg-spertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
Nov 19, 2018•22 min
How did goldfish come to dominate our fish bowls and pet stores? We dive into the history of America’s favorite finned pet. Plus, the fanciest goldfish money can buy, and the best pet in a vocal performance. Guests: Katherine "Kasey" Grier, the pet historian ; Dave Mandley, goldfish freak. Thanks to caller Liana, pet owners Kerry Ann, Stephanie and Diane, and all the listeners who shared their pet’s special talent. Additional thanks to Katrina Gulliver , Mary Mannix , Liz Thomas, James Rada, Pro...
Nov 12, 2018•20 min
If you dug up the graves of our founding fathers, what would you find? Tri-corner hats and puffy shirts? A grave expert fills us in on what remains. Plus, a terrifying sea creature that lurks in the waters off northern Australia. Guests: Nicholas Bellantoni, former Connecticut State Archaeologist and author ; jellyfish expert Lisa-ann Gershwin . Thanks to callers Brenda and Keira and all the listeners who shared their final wishes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...
Oct 29, 2018•21 min
When did “the wave” become a staple of stadium crowds? ELT talks to the professional cheerleader who first got fans out of their seats. Plus, the egg-laying mammal that is not a marsupial. We give monotremes their due. Guests: professional cheerleader “Krazy” George Henderson ; weird-Australian-mammal expert Robin Beck . Thanks also to callers Leslie, Natalie, and Manuel. Got a burning question that needs answering? Call now: 833-RING-ELT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.c...
Oct 22, 2018•20 min
Tucked into your car’s dashboard is a tiny arrow that points to the side of the car with the gas tank cap. Who came up with it? ELT tracks down the inventor of this tiny, brilliant car hack. Plus, do you really need to warm up your car? Guests: Automobile aficionado Jason Torchinsky of Jalopnik ; gas tank-indicator arrow inventor Jim Moylan. Thanks to caller Jonathan, the listeners who shared their car-spiracies, and the car experts who answered our questions. Have a tiny but important invention...
Oct 08, 2018•22 min
How did they make the dinosaur roars in the Jurassic Park movies? Flora talks with the sound engineers behind the bellows. Plus, ELT goes deep into the Mesozoic to find out what what dinosaurs looked (and tasted) like. Guests: Al Nelson and Pete Horner of Skywalker Sound ; dinosaur expert Thomas R. Holtz Jr. ; paleontologista Jingmai O’Connor Thanks to callers Gwen and Lilah and all the listeners who sent us dinosaur questions. Send audio of your animal star to elt@gimletmedia.com Learn more abo...
Oct 01, 2018•21 min
When did someone first see a cheese curd and think, “Yeah, I’m going to eat that"? ELT traces the delicious and X-rated history of cheese. Plus, a professional processed cheese maker on how to make the most of the dairy aisle. Guests: cheese biochemist and historian Paul Kindstedt ; processed cheese expert Lloyd Metzger ; and cicada killer wasp biologist Chuck Holliday . Thanks to callers Kurt and Judi. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list ...
Sep 24, 2018•20 min
