The Vietnam War caused a ton of strife both domestically and internationally, but so many details were hidden from the public for a long time. Naturally, Jonathan has a lot of questions about this period of time, and historian Dr. Osamah Khalil has the answers! Join us for a deep dive on a fascinating period of American history, as we examine what was happening abroad and at home from 1945-1980. Dr. Osamah Khalil is a historian of U.S. foreign relations and chair of the international relations p...
Apr 03, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 393
This week we’re uncovering the highs and lows of the beauty industry with someone who's been a part of it for over 20 years! Journalist and influencer Ateh Jewel joins Jonathan for a deep dive into her experience watching the field change over time. From how she made her mark, to the way increased diversity has helped open doors for the next generation, and how she harnessed all that insight to found her own groundbreaking beauty brand. Ateh Jewel is a multi award winning journalist, producer, d...
Apr 01, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 392
Picture it: you’re on a crowded subway and someone sneezes. Or maybe you’re on a plane and the person next to you keeps coughing. Perhaps you shook hands with someone who didn’t wash their hands after going to the bathroom. Interaction with germs is inevitable, but why do some people get sick while others don’t? Social neuroscientist Dr. Keely A. Muscatell tells Jonathan all about what happens when we get sick and why. We go deep on how the innate and adaptive branches fight against pathogens, h...
Mar 27, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 391
Today we’re answering all your burning questions about botox! Dermatologist Dr. Renée A. Beach joins Jonathan to talk all things cosmetic dermatology: what’s the difference between botox and fillers? What’s the best approach for your desired outcome? How should you vet a dermatologist? And most importantly…what can you do to make your fillers last as long as possible?! Dr. Beach is a Canadian dermatologist practicing both medical and cosmetic dermatology in Toronto for more than a decade. She is...
Mar 25, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 390
Have you ever been lucky enough to see the aurora borealis in person? Jonathan’s been dying to see them for years, and after a recent trip to Alaska, they finally did! Afterwards, Jonathan sat down with Professor and Geophysicist Don Hampton to learn more about what’s happening with these lights on a molecular level: Why do they only occur in certain parts of the world? What can they tell us about the atmosphere? And what mysteries still remain about this amazing natural phenomenon? Don Hampton ...
Mar 20, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 389
Hold on to your lace fronts, because the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15, Sasha Colby, is on this week’s Pretty Curious! Sasha Colby joins Jonathan to talk about her origins in pageants and all things drag: where the industry is going, her advice for up-and-coming performers and some of her favorite products. Plus, she spills the tea on her ponytail line: Sasha Colby Hair! Sasha Colby is an American drag legend and beauty pageant competitor. In 2012, she won the Miss Continental competiti...
Mar 18, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 388
With November right around the corner, many people are expressing frustration with our current political leaders. So this week civic leader Lauren Baer tells us all about how we can all get involved in politics to create the change we want to see! Is electoral politics for me? What are all the different roles in a campaign? Where can I get started if I don’t already have a degree in politics? Lauren Baer (she/her) is a nationally-recognized civic leader who has built her career generating social...
Mar 06, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 387
This week, nutritionist and holistic wellness expert Kimberly Snyder teaches us about how taking care of ourselves on the inside impacts how we look on the outside. Kimberly walks Jonathan through simple and practical shifts we can all make to take better care of ourselves. From designing morning routines that set the tone for the rest of the day, to finding balance in how we nourish ourselves in a culture that loves extremes, we go deep into the importance of approaching beauty holistically. Ki...
Mar 04, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 386
If you’re on TikTok or Insta, you’ve probably seen Alexis Nikole Nelson aka BlackForager sharing a recipe for acorn flour, or demonstrating how to identify onion grass. We’re obsessed with her, and we NEED to know more about foraging. So on this week’s episode, we’re getting answers to the questions we’re dying to know: what can we forage based on where we live? What are dangerous plants we should avoid? And what’s the history behind America’s foraging laws? Alexis Nikole Nelson is a forager and...
Feb 28, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 385
Poor Things fans, this episode is for you! Jonathan sat down with the film’s costume designer, Holly Waddington, to learn all about her designing process and inspiration. From giant sleeves to working with Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos, we learned all about what it takes to be an Oscar-nominated costume designer! Holly Waddington is an Oscar® nominee and BAFTA winner for her work on Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things. Her costume designs for film and TV also include the pilot episode of Hulu’s The ...
Feb 26, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 384
The United States is the only high-income country that doesn’t have universal health care…AND we have some of the worst health outcomes for all groups of people. Clearly, some part of this system isn’t working, especially for folks that are already marginalized. But what’s the solution? Dr. Uché Blackstock joins Jonathan for a conversation on equity and racism in the health care industry: what’s the history behind it, who’s the most impacted, and what can we do to fix it? Dr. Uché Blackstock is ...
Feb 21, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 383
Don’t freak out too much…Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) is on Pretty Curious! On this episode, Dr. Lee tells Jonathan how she ended up with her very own hit TLC show, and her approach to dermatological care. We’re talking all about how to take care of our skin, common mistakes, and how to find the right dermatologist. Plus, find out the craziest thing she’s ever popped. Dr. Sandra Lee, also known as Dr. Pimple Popper, is a viral pimple-popping sensation and board-certified dermatologist ...
Feb 19, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 382
Sabrina Strings is back on Getting Curious with this stunning revelation: romance is dead! But was it ever really alive? Sabrina and Jonathan celebrate Valentine’s Day with a conversation about the origins and pitfalls of romance. How do you know if you’re in a situationship with a f*ckboy? How did Playboy promote anti-romantic ideals? And what could a world where romance fails, and sexual love prevails, actually look like? Sabrina Strings, Ph.D. is Professor and North Hall Chair of Black Studie...
Feb 14, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 381
If you’ve been wanting to color your hair, but don’t know what to expect, then you’ve come to the right place! On this week’s episode, L.A.’s go-to colorist, Liz Jung, and Jonathan talk all about hair color. How much should you expect to pay? How long will it take? And how can you prepare your hair for the transformation? Plus, find out which hair color trends Liz thinks are here to stay. Liz Jung is LA’s go-to colorist for blonde transformations. She was mentored by one of the most sought after...
Feb 12, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 380
For the last 54 years, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug: a category that carries drastic criminal penalties and also includes hard drugs like heroin. But the Biden administration has the power to change that as scientists at the FDA are now recommending it be reclassified in a much less severe category. But Jonathan wonders, would descheduling marijuana be enough to solve all of the issues caused by the War on Drugs? Drug policy activist and attorney Shaleen Title joins Jonatha...
Feb 07, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 379
Every celebrity on your FYP has probably posted a cold plunging video—and maybe you want to try it too! But how does cold plunging actually work, and what benefits does it really have? Dr. Jonathan Leary joins Jonathan to explain the science behind all the wellness trends that are popular these days. From cold plunging and infrared saunas to functional medicine and proper sleep habits, he answers all of our questions about holistic wellness and gives us some tips for feeling (and looking) our be...
Feb 05, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 378
What should you do if someone breaks into your house? How can you prevent someone from stealing your identity? What’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from harm? Jonathan has all the questions, and security expert Robert Siciliano has all the answers! In this episode, we’re serving practical advice on all things safety, including how to make yourself a harder target, one easy action to prevent identity theft, and how a pen could save your life. Robert is a security expert and...
Jan 31, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 377
Queer Eye’s head of hair and makeup department, Senoj Byrd, joins Jonathan to celebrate the release of Season 8! Jonathan and Senoj chat about the challenges of doing hair and makeup for the screen. Plus, find out what makes a look classic in Senoj’s book, and what makeup trends she thinks are “meh” or “major.” TV/Film Makeup Artist Senoj is a proud member of IATSE who is recognized for her adaptable work ethic and technique. Ranging from high glam in Reality TV to mastering clean everyday makeu...
Jan 29, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 376
Fortnite. League of Legends. The Sims. Candy Crush. From playing with your friends as a kid to competing with a team in an esports competition, there’s no denying that video games have a huge influence in our lives and the world around us. Professor Megan Condis and gamer Cybbi Barton join a Fortnite-obsessed Jonathan for a conversation on the immense influence this $217 billion industry has on our culture. Dr. Megan Condis is an assistant professor of Communication Studies at Texas Tech Univers...
Jan 24, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 375
Ryan Rudewicz (aka @rudepolaroids) is *the* expert in capturing your inner glow on film. NYC’s hottest nightlife photographer and Jonathan go behind the lens to talk about Polaroids, the magic of physical photos, and the joy of documenting Queer community on camera. Plus, are iPhone .5 pics meh or major? Ryan Rudewicz (better known as Rude Polaroids) is a Polaroid and film photographer based in Brooklyn capturing Queer nightlife, drag, and portraits. He is the winner of the 2023 Glam Award as Ne...
Jan 22, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 374
She’s not like a regular mom, she’s a cool mom! This week, Busy Philipps joins Jonathan to talk all things Mean Girls and what it takes to be a cool mom on screen - and in real life. From bringing Mrs. George into 2024, parenting her own kids, and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community, Busy totally makes fetch happen! Busy Philipps is a New York Times Best-Selling author, actor, activist, and writer. She’s known for her television roles on Freaks and Geeks and Dawson's Creek. She’s also appeared...
Jan 17, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 373
Mei Kawajiri (aka @nailsbymei) has actually touched Madonna’s hands…while she was doing her nails! She also happens to be the nail artist for *the host of this podcast.* Mei joins Jonathan to share the incredible story of how she moved from Tokyo to New York City and became a top celebrity nail artist. Plus, how does she create her famous 3D nail art? Do we really have to cut our cuticles? And what’s on trend for nails right now? Mei Kawajiri is the nail artist behind the most viral manicures on...
Jan 15, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 372
If you loved our episode on the women of the far right then this one’s for you! We’re returning to the world of white nationalism to uncover the connections between the growing anti-woke backlash movement and the rise of white power. Historian Kathleen Belew joins Jonathan to answer questions about the rise of Christian nationalism including: what’s the current state of white supremacy in America? How is the Charlottesville riot related to the January 6th insurrection? And what can we do if we s...
Jan 10, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 371
From Tina Turner to Kristin Stewart, this week’s guest has worked with practically every iconic celeb. Celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel spills the tea to Jonathan on how he got his start, what hair trends are “in” for 2024, and what hair product he can’t leave home without. Plus, Adir and Jonathan reveal all the insider secrets for a perfect blow-dry. Adir Abergel fuses the boundaries between fashion, art and celebrity in a way that few Hollywood hairstylists have managed to do. Using hair as ...
Jan 08, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 370
It’s a new year and there’s a new topic that Jonathan’s curious about! We’re talking about happiness with the expert herself, Gretchen Rubin from the Happier podcast. She answers all of our burning questions about happiness in the new year: Is focusing on our own happiness selfish? How can we use our personality type to set more achievable goals in the new year? And how can we be more playful with our resolutions? Gretchen Rubin is the author of many bestselling books, such as The Happiness Proj...
Jan 03, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 369
For our *last* episode of the year, we’re giving you a montage à la Golden Girls. Join Jonathan, as they look back on some of their favorite conversations from recent years. We’re talking about the sociosexual behavior of bonobos, the history of Germany’s anti-sodomy law, and Tammy Baldwin’s attempt to help pass the Equality Act in Congress. We’ll see you in 2024! Dr. Laura Simone Lewis is a UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow in the Psychology department at UC Berkeley. Check out her full episod...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 368
2023 was a year of big decisions for the Supreme Court, including recent news that they’ll be reviewing the constitutionality of mifepristone in the coming year. So we’re heading into the archives with this episode recorded right after the Dobbs decision was leaked. Professor Jacqueline Antonovich and Jonathan trace the history of abortion care and reproductive rights across the country in this episode originally recorded in July 2022. Jacqueline Antonovich is an Assistant Professor of History a...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 367
December is World AIDS Month, so we’re bringing back Dr. Celeste Watkins-Hayes to learn about recent developments in HIV research. We’re also covering weight-neutral health care, a win for the LGBTQIA+ community, and a rare bird spotting in Colombia! Celeste Watkins-Hayes is the Jean E. Fairfax Collegiate Professor of Public Policy and Sociology at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and founding director of the school's Center for Racial Justice. Dr. Watkins-Haye...
Dec 18, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 366
Do you ever watch Finding Nemo and wonder about the scary-looking fish with the gnarly teeth and the light on its head? Well then you’ve come to the right place! This week, we’re talking anglerfish! Marine biologist Dr. Mackenzie Gerringer and Jonathan spill the tea on what’s going on in the deep sea. We cover everything from how big the Mariana Trench is to how the deepest-living fishes reproduce–and it's WAY weirder than you think! Mackenzie Gerringer (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor a...
Dec 13, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 365
Cheekbone Beauty came to Jenn Harper in a literal dream. Now her brand is on the shelves of Sephora Canada and on the Met Gala red carpet. Jenn tells Jonathan about her love of simplicity, how she approaches sustainability, and what Indigenous representation means to her. Plus, the Cheekbone product you need in your makeup bag ASAP. Check out our Instagram @curiouswithjvn to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. An award-winning socia...
Dec 11, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 364
