Your Brain on Facts - podcast cover

Your Brain on Facts

Moxie LaBoucheyourbrainonfacts.com
Host Moxie LaBouche brings you a weekly half-hour of things you didn't know, things you thought you knew, and things you never knew you never knew. Topics range from the history of nursing to the Balinese funeral rite David Bowie requested, from the origin of the Vulcan salute to the theft of Canada's strategic maple syrup reserve. This is your brain on facts. yourbrainonfacts.com
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Episodes

Feeling Salty (ep. 74)

You want it, you need it, but if you get too much, it could kill you. Salt is so much more than just a seasoning; it has changed the course of human history! 03:00 your body and salt 05:55 drinking saltwater 11:10 paying Roman soldiers in salt 14:50 how salt makes food taste good 17:40 salt mining and a big booboo 24:33 zany alternatives to road salt Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Support the show. Music by Kevin MacLeod Learn...

Jul 02, 201931 minEp. 74

For The Last Time... (ep. 73)

Einstein didn't flunk math, people in Columbus's time didn't think the earth was flat, and lemmings don't fling themselves off cliffs. Why is it the false facts spread so quickly and dig in so deep? 02:10 Everything you think you know about pirates 08:00 Ellis Island name changes 13:05 Sharks don't get cancer 20:50 Alpha wolves Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Support the show. Music by Kevin MacLeod Learn more about your ad cho...

Jun 25, 201930 minEp. 73

Science Fiction Redux (ep. 72)

My father was a sci-fi fan of the old school. The man had the entire original Star Trek series on VHS, commercial free, and an Enterprise technical manual. So in his honor, a little late for Father's Day, we go back in time to look to the future as we dive into the wormhole of classic sci-fi. With segments voiced by Shaun Ennis, host of Stories of Yore and Yours. You can find all the links used to research this episodes on our website, but here's the one you wanted, the pics of the skant uniform...

Jun 18, 201937 minEp. 72

How and Why Do Dogs Bark?

(Science With Savannah, Age 7 will be on the YBOF feed while we try to work out some technical problems with its feed.) How do dogs bark? Do they have different barks for different reasons? Do wolves bark? Music by audionautix.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 16, 20198 min

Science With Savannah, Age 7 (ep. 2)

(Science With Savannah, Age 7 will be on the YBOF feed while we try to work out some technical problems with its feed.) Why is all this air moving? Are there different kinds of wind? What is equilibrium? Music by audionautix.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 08, 20197 min

Throw the First Stone(wall) (ep. 70)

Why is Pride Month in June? Did Marsha P Johnson really throw the first brick at Stonewall Inn? Did the Stonewall Riots start the gay rights movement? Read the full script and find sources. Support the show. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram, email, and you can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Music by Kevin MacLeod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 04, 201924 minEp. 70

Science With Savannah, Age 7 (ep. 1)

(Science With Savannah, Age 7 will be on the YBOF feed while we try to work out some technical problems with its feed.) How do fish breathe underwater and worms breath in the dirt? Do insects have lungs? Why are things in the air more harmful to birds than other animals? Which animals breathe through their butts? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 01, 201911 min

Mishmash Mashup (ep. 69)

Here's a special trio of topics for your Tuesday (or whenever!): Great Moments in Forgetting Your Mic Was On Chuck Cunningham Syndrome Childish Weapons of WWII Read the full script and find sources. Support the show. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram, email, and you can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Music by Kevin MacLeod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 28, 201930 minEp. 69

Flashbacks and a Sneak Peek

Post-op's been a bit rough, so to tide you over until the next proper episode, here are some fan-selected favorite clips as well as the first episode of our new show, Science with Savannah Age 7. Support the show. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram, email, and you can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Music by Kevin MacLeod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 21, 201933 min

Butter in the Bank 2 (ep. 68)

In the first "Like Butter in the Bank," we talked about strategic reserves -- Canadian maple syrup, Chinese pork, Indian cotton, European butter, and American raisins -- intended to stabilize prices. Today we look at stockpiles designed to help us survive, in both the short and long term. Read the full script and find sources. Support the show. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram, email, and you can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Music by ...

May 14, 201934 minEp. 68

A Girl and Her Camera (ep. 67)

Some of the most iconic photos of the 20th century, from "Migrant Mother" during the Great Depression to "The Dying Marine" in Vietnam, were taken by women making their way in an industry that was not prepared for them. Mentioned in the show: Migrant Mother Pics *of* Jessie Beals Dickie Chapell's Last Rites Read the full script and find sources. Support the show. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram, email, and you can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-...

May 07, 201933 minEp. 67

We Built This City (ep. 66)

There is something in modern man that makes him look at society and say “I could do this better, but smaller, and over there.” What does it take to build a utopia? No one knows yet, because they've all failed. Support the show. Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram, email, and you can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Music by Kevin MacLeod and Twin Musicom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...

Apr 30, 201934 minEp. 66

A Thousand Lakes Under the Midnight Sun (ep. 65), with Conspiracy Theoryology

This topic came from our monthly Patreon topic poll. It didn't win, but a patron was curious how I would make this topic interesting. What do you know about Finland? ... That's what I thought! So sit back, close your eyes (unless you're driving) and fill your brain with fine Finnish facts. Guest segment from Conspiracy Theoryology Audio feedback from Bunny Trails podcast Support the show. Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram, email, and you can ...

Apr 23, 201934 minEp. 65

Bird-pocalypse (ep. 64)

(Thanks to special guests Sophia and Matryoshka for jingling their collars in range of the mic.) The havoc that human beings (and a cat named Tibbles) can wreak on native birds, in an episode that wasn't supposed to be all-bird, but here we are. Podcast partner: The Short Stories of Augie Peterson Mentioned: mustached kingfisher Support the show. Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram, email, and you can also leave a question or fact of your own o...

Apr 16, 201929 minEp. 64

Well-traveled Bodies (ep. 63)

Follow the stories of five people (an outlaw, a murderess, a nightclub dancer, a natural wonder, and a first lady) who covered a lot of ground... after they died. Mentioned: Marie O'Day's Palace Car Support the show. Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram, email, and you can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Music by Kevin MacLeod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 09, 201936 minEp. 63

Heard But Not Seen (ep. 62)

Voice acting is so much more than just cartoons; it’s documentary narration, GPS voices, smart speakers, and so much more. And if you can get in good, your career will be legendary, even if no one knows your name or what you look like. Support the show. Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Apr 02, 201934 minEp. 62

Earth's Unsung-est Heroes: medical edition (ep. 61)

When you think of world-saving heroes, you think Superman, Captain America, Randy Quaid in Independence Day. But there are real life people who have saved thousands, even millions of lives within living memory, and you’ve probably never even heard their names. Support the show. Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about ...

Mar 26, 201935 minEp. 61

Objection! (ep. 60)

From Twinkies and PMS to sleepwalking and The Matrix, we look at brilliantly bizarre legal strategies people have tried and sometimes even succeeded with. Mentioned: Abused Goddess photo campaign Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 19, 201932 minEp. 60

Career Critters

From military dolphins to railroad monkeys, hear about some of the more surprising jobs that our cousins in the animal kingdom can do. Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script and find sources. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 12, 201929 minEp. 59

We Can't Have Nice Things: Vandalism edition

Welcome to the third installment of our infrequent series: We Can’t Have Nice Things. This time, we’re looking at people who, through ignorance or malice ruins something not theirs -- vandals. Their motives range from greed, to anger, to unchecked egomania. Some get caught, while others get away to screw things up somewhere else. If researching this script taught me anything, it’s that nothing is sacred to them, literally. Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script. Reach out and touch Moxie on...

Mar 05, 201935 minEp. 58

Black Sparrow and Buffalo Soldiers

Since colonial times, African-Americans have fought in America’s wars. Black soldiers have put their lives on the line for a country that for centuries has enslaved, segregated, and discriminated against them. Until the Korean War, blacks served in segregated units under racist leadership and were often relegated to labor and service units. Despite the continuous discriminatory treatment that denied blacks full participation in America’s wars and military efforts, these brave men and women lived...

Feb 26, 201930 minEp. 57

Unkillable

The human body can be a frail and fragile thing; we can be taken out by a small clump of our own cells. Then there are some bodies that seem to be made out of pure testicular fortitude. Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 19, 201934 minEp. 56

Roses Are Red

We've all been through bad break-ups, but we should count ourselves lucky we were exiles, imprisoned or beheaded. Special guest: Fan Theory World Check out our new tiers and limited time special offer on Patreon. Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 12, 201930 minEp. 55

Amazing Races

From using a train in a car race to marathon doping with deadly poison, there's far more excitement in racing than simply declaring a winner. Check out our new tiers and limited time special offer on Patreon. Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 05, 201930 minEp. 54

We Can't Have Nice Things - Vandalism edition

In the third installment of our sometimes-series We Can't Have Nice Things, we get back to basics and look at brazen acts of vandalism on natural wonders, works of art, and more. Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 05, 201934 min

Physician, Test Thyself

If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself, even if it means inhaling strange gasses, being stung by wasps, or swallowing patient's bodily fluids. Check out our new tiers and limited time special offer on Patreon. Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 29, 201937 minEp. 53

More Cowbell (and Goat Bagpipe), with guest host Archivists Bet On Sexy Witches

What is the oldest playable instrument we've found? How do you make music with lightning? From clacking rocks together to the magnificent Marble Machine, musical instruments are as varied as our imaginations. Special guest, Elizabeth from Archivists Bet On Sexy Witches Music by Kevin MacLeod All music used remains property of its original owner and was used under the fair use doctrine for educational purposes. Read the full script. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You c...

Jan 22, 201932 minEp. 52

This Means War?

Mankind has waged war for many reasons: land, oil, a pretty face, a wooden bucket, you name it. How did a pig put the US and UK on the brink of war in Canada? Who declares hostility over watermelon? And what about the Golden Stool? Support the show Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the fill script. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 15, 201932 minEp. 51

Sigmund Freud Was Full Of S***

Sigmund Freud may be the father of psychoanalysis, but he got a LOT of stuff wrong. Special guest extravaganza with Bunny Trails, Ignorance Was Bliss, Interesting Sex, and The Story Behind podcasts. Support the show Music by Kevin MacLeod Read the full script. Reach out and touch Moxie on FB, Twit, the 'Gram or email. You can also leave a question or fact of your own on my voicemail at 804-404-2669. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 08, 201957 minEp. 50
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