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Stuff You Should Know

Hosted by Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant

Explaining how everything in the world works.

102 episodes processed

4 canon references2 curious

Episodes

# · Sep 10, 2026 · 49m

Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore why Homer's Odyssey continues to captivate audiences millennia after its creation. They discuss its origins as an orally transmitted epic poem and the timeless human themes—homecoming, perseverance, identity—that make the story resonate across cultures. The episode examines the poem's structure, its place in Western literature, and the elements that have allowed it to endure as a foundational work of storytelling.

2 canon
# · Sep 9, 2026 · 11m

In this short Stuff episode, Josh and Chuck dive into the flapper phenomenon of the 1920s—young women who defied social conventions with new fashions, freer behavior, and a lust for fun. They examine the cultural upheaval flappers represented and the reactions they sparked.

# · Sep 8, 2026 · 50m

Josh and Chuck tell the story of Nickelodeon, the kids' television network that changed children's programming. The episode traces the network's origins, its unconventional approach to content, and how it became a cultural institution for multiple generations.

# · Sep 5, 2026 · 50m

A classic episode of Stuff You Should Know exploring the history, techniques, and cultural significance of blacksmithing. The hosts examine this foundational trade that shaped human civilization through metalworking, covering the evolution of techniques from ancient times to the modern day and the unique role of the village blacksmith in pre-industrial society.

1 editorial
# · Sep 3, 2026 · 47m

Josh and Chuck explore Social Identity Theory, a framework developed by psychologists Henri Tajfel and John Turner in the 1980s that explains how group membership fundamentally alters individual psychology. The theory outlines how people categorize themselves into ingroups and outgroups, adopt their group's identity as their own, and subsequently favor their own group while discriminating against others. This psychological mechanism explains a remarkably wide spectrum of human behavior, from the intensity of football rivalries to the psychological underpinnings of genocide.

1 canon
# · Sep 2, 2026 · 12m

In this short episode, Josh and Chuck examine the tragic case of Hisashi Ouchi, a Japanese nuclear worker who suffered a fatal radiation dose during a criticality accident at the Tokaimura nuclear plant in 1999. They explain the distinction between radiation and contamination, detail the specific accident that exposed Ouchi and two coworkers to massive neutron radiation, and describe the brutal physical effects of the dose he received. The hosts also address the internet myth that labels Ouchi as 'the world's most radioactive man' and discuss the ethical complexity of keeping him alive for 83 days despite his deteriorating and clearly fatal condition.

2 editorial
# · Sep 1, 2026 · 46m

The hosts examine why Terry Fox holds such a revered place in Canadian culture, exploring how his personal story continues to inspire nearly five decades after his Marathon of Hope. They discuss the depth of national admiration for Fox and what his legacy reveals about Canada's collective identity. The episode conveys the emotional power of his story and the enduring nature of his hero status.

# · Aug 29, 2026 · 50m

This classic episode explores the bizarre phenomenon of flagpole sitting that swept America in the 1920s. The hosts describe the origins of the fad, sparked by daredevil Alvin 'Shipwreck' Kelly, who turned sitting atop a pole into a spectator sport. They discuss the cultural conditions that made such strange fads possible during the Roaring Twenties and recount the records set during this short-lived but intense craze.

# · Aug 27, 2026 · 43m

The breakup of the USSR left Russia as the "jilted republic," struggling through a decade of transition. The country descended into "controlled chaos," where corruption and kleptocracy replaced the socialist system. The episode explores the economic upheaval and social decay that followed the Soviet collapse.

# · Aug 26, 2026 · 55m

Josh and Chuck explore the remarkable life and career of Dolly Parton, examining why she has achieved near-universal admiration across cultural and political divides. The episode traces her journey from a one-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains to becoming a country music legend, prolific songwriter, savvy businesswoman, and philanthropist. They discuss her iconic songwriting, her theme park Dollywood, her Imagination Library literacy program, and the authentic, non-judgmental persona that makes her so beloved.

# · Aug 26, 2026 · 13m

Josh and Chuck explain Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite causing outbreaks of foodborne illness in the US during summer 2026. They cover how the parasite contaminates food — often fresh produce imported from regions where it's endemic — and the severe, lingering gastrointestinal symptoms an infection causes. The episode discusses why it's so hard to wash off, the diagnostic challenges, and the antibiotic treatment needed to clear it.

# · Aug 25, 2026 · 41m

Stuff You Should Know opens a multi-part series on the fall of the Soviet Union. The episode begins with a framing observation: the USSR's collapse is historically rare because it can be attributed to the decisions of just one person, Mikhail Gorbachev. It is also unusual because the empire fell in roughly a year's time. The episode sets up Gorbachev as the central figure whose choices ended the Soviet Union.

# · Aug 22, 2026 · 52m

In this classic episode, Josh and Chuck explore narcolepsy, a rare neurological disorder that's much more complex than the common belief that people just fall asleep at random times. They break down the actual mechanisms of the condition and explain what's really going on in the brain.

1 editorial
# · Aug 20, 2026 · 43m

An exploration of rope as one of humanity's most overlooked inventions. The hosts examine how rope works mechanically — the interplay of tension, friction, and twist that gives a bundle of fibers its strength — and trace its history from prehistoric twisted vines and plant fibers to the sophisticated braided synthetic lines used in modern climbing, sailing, and industrial applications. They discuss the fundamental engineering problem rope solves (restraining tensile loads over distance), its role in enabling ancient construction, maritime exploration, and mechanical power transmission, and why this simple tool remains indispensable across virtually every domain of human activity.

# · Aug 19, 2026 · 11m

In this short episode, hosts explore the curious historical anecdote that a shipwreck may have played a role in doubling the territorial size of the United States. They unpack the chain of events and context behind the claim, separating fact from exaggeration.

# · Aug 18, 2026 · 49m

The hosts of Stuff You Should Know explore the elusive concept of irony, examining why it is nearly impossible to define despite being a recognizable feature of daily life. The episode covers the three classic types of irony—verbal, situational, and dramatic—along with historical examples and common misuses. A recurring theme is the gap between academic definitions and the public's intuitive grasp of the concept, made famous by Alanis Morissette's song.

1 editorial
# · Aug 15, 2026 · 47m

This classic episode of Stuff You Should Know explores the history and creation of the Manhattan grid plan, the 1811 street layout that shaped New York City into the iconic metropolis it is today. The hosts discuss the planning, politics, and lasting impact of the grid system on urban development and daily life.

# · Aug 13, 2026 · 46m

This episode from Stuff You Should Know examines the life and death of Robert Maxwell, a man described as a publisher, mogul, spy, politician, and crook. The show treats those overlapping identities as central to understanding who he was. The main question is whether his fatal fall from a yacht was murder. It frames the death as unresolved rather than a settled accident, and asks listeners to weigh the mysteries of his life against the circumstances of his death.

# · Aug 12, 2026 · 12m

In this Short Stuff episode, Chuck and Josh take on the famous story that Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. They explain that the image is a myth, not a historical account, and anchor the discussion in the Great Fire of 64 CE. The episode is a compact explainer on why this story doesn't hold up and how historians know.

# · Aug 11, 2026 · 54m

Josh and Chuck dig into the real story behind Bonnie and Clyde, separating the famous movie myth from the historical facts. They explore how the couple became folk heroes during the Great Depression and why their violent crime spree still fascinates us today. The episode covers the duo's background, their criminal career, and the dramatic ambush that ended it all.

# · Aug 8, 2026 · 43m

In the second part of the Iran-Contra story, the secret arms-for-hostages-and-contra-aid operation begins to unravel as details leak to the press. Congressional investigations and media scrutiny intensify, forcing White House officials to scramble and deflect blame. The scandal culminates in hearings, convictions, and a conspicuous lack of real consequences for the top officials involved, underscoring the limits of accountability in high-stakes political scandals.

1 editorial
# · Aug 8, 2026 · 45m
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant

Hosts Josh and Chuck revisit the infamous Iran-Contra affair, a convoluted political scandal from the Reagan era. The episode unpacks how the administration secretly sold arms to Iran—a country under an arms embargo—and used the proceeds to illegally fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua. They explore the shady dealings, the key players, and the fallout that shook the U.S. government. It’s a classic deep dive into one of the 20th century’s most notorious covert operations.

1 editorial
# · Aug 6, 2026 · 55m

Reggae music emerged as a distinct genre in the Trenchtown neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica. Though it drew on earlier styles, it developed its own identity. Bob Marley and the Wailers then propelled it from local sound to global phenomenon, cementing reggae’s worldwide cultural legacy.

# · Aug 5, 2026 · 15m

The hosts explain the once-common phone book, a printed directory that provided phone numbers and addresses for residents and businesses in a community. This short episode looks back at a tool that has largely vanished in the digital age.

# · Aug 4, 2026 · 43m

Josh and Chuck explore the surprising worldwide prevalence of beans and rice as a dietary staple. They break down why this humble combination appears across cultures and how it has fed populations for centuries.

# · Aug 1, 2026 · 56m

Josh and Chuck explore the all-American obsession with peanut butter. They discuss why 80% of U.S. households keep a jar in the pantry, why the rest of the world finds it peculiar (or even gross), and the peculiar history and production that made it a national staple. It's a classic episode re-run from the SYSK archives.

# · Jul 30, 2026 · 43m

Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore Operation Doppelganger, a 2022-discovered Russian propaganda project, and how it fits into Russia's broader, long-running strategy of spreading disinformation and sowing chaos worldwide via social media. The episode examines the scale of these influence operations and the unsettling idea that many people—perhaps even listeners—may hold views subtly shaped by such campaigns.

# · Jul 29, 2026 · 16m

The hosts discuss the bizarre Australian true crime case known as the Shark Arm Murders.

# · Jul 28, 2026 · 44m

Stuff You Should Know pays tribute to Judy Blume, the legendary author who transformed teen literature with her frank and honest portrayals of adolescence. The hosts discuss her lasting impact on generations of readers. Blume’s willingness to tackle the real challenges of growing up set a new standard for young adult fiction.

# · Jul 25, 2026 · 45m

Climate change is forcing plant species to shift their ranges, but can they find suitable habitat in time? Josh and Chuck explore the challenges and odds of plant migration in a warming world.

# · Jul 23, 2026 · 47m

In this episode, the hosts examine the origins and endurance of Switzerland’s policy of neutrality. They trace the historical, geographic, and political factors that allowed a small, landlocked Alpine nation to avoid involvement in Europe’s wars and establish itself as a permanent neutral state. The discussion covers the evolution of this stance from a pragmatic survival strategy to a defining national identity, and touches on how neutrality functions in the modern world.

# · Jul 22, 2026 · 12m

In this Short Stuff episode, host Josh Clark encourages his co-host Chuck Bryant to finally try sardines, a food Chuck has long avoided. The episode captures the playful back-and-forth as Josh makes his case, with the question of whether Chuck actually gives in left for the listener to discover. It's a lighthearted, bite-sized discussion on friendship, persuasion, and culinary curiosity.

1 editorial
# · Jul 21, 2026 · 46m

In the 1990s, after a century of covering up the deadly and addictive nature of cigarettes, the major tobacco companies faced a unified legal challenge from all 50 state Attorneys General. The episode traces the industry’s long history of hooking customers and concealing health risks, the pivotal moment in 1994 when they still denied addiction, and the unprecedented coordinated lawsuit that produced a landmark settlement. The result reshaped tobacco marketing and public health policy in the United States.

# · Jul 18, 2026 · 46m

In this classic re-air, Chuck and Josh explore the funky, cool world of the iconic TV show Soul Train. The episode is a 'Selects' edition, revisiting a previously aired classic episode of Stuff You Should Know.

# · Jul 16, 2026 · 49m

The episode explores the real story behind Richard Wershe Jr., the teenager known as White Boy Rick, who became a central figure in Detroit's crack epidemic in the 1980s. It debunks the popular myth that a single 16‑year‑old kid masterminded the entire cocaine supply, revealing a far more intricate and surprising reality. The hosts separate the urban legend from the actual events.

# · Jul 15, 2026 · 14m

In this short episode, the hosts salute Don LaFontaine, the legendary voice actor known as 'The Voice of God' for his iconic narration of movie and TV trailers.

# · Jul 14, 2026 · 46m

Stuff You Should Know explores postpartum depression, distinguishing it from the common "baby blues" that many new moms experience. While symptoms may appear similar, the intensity and duration of postpartum depression can have severe effects on the mother, child, and family. The episode emphasizes that the condition is highly treatable, but notes a critical barrier: mothers often must be the ones to initiate a request for help.

# · Jul 11, 2026 · 49m

In this classic episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck tell the story of the first automobile road trip across the United States. At a time when cars were a new and unproven invention, two men and a dog set out from San Francisco to New York, proving that the automobile could be a reliable means of long-distance travel. The episode explores the challenges they faced and the significance of their journey.

1 editorial
# · Jul 9, 2026 · 47m

Josh and Chuck explore the life and accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt and examine why she is consistently ranked as the most influential First Lady in American history. They discuss her unconventional approach to the role, her advocacy for civil rights and human rights, and how her work shaped the modern expectations of the First Lady.

# · Jul 8, 2026 · 12m

Chuck and Josh use the 250th anniversary of American independence as a hook to finally clear up the confusion between the UK, Great Britain, and the British Isles. The short episode is a lighthearted geography lesson that explains the distinct meanings of these often-interchanged terms. Listeners get a quick, memorable breakdown of why an island, a country, and an archipelago all come into play.

1 editorial
# · Jul 7, 2026 · 46m

During the Cold War, the Space Race captured public attention, but a quieter, equally ambitious race unfolded underground. The Soviet Union’s Kola Superdeep Borehole became the deepest human-made hole on Earth, a scientific feat often overlooked in history. This episode explores that parallel competition, the engineering challenges of drilling into unknown crust, and the surprising discoveries that emerged when humanity turned its gaze downward instead of up.

# · Jul 4, 2026 · 50m

Chuck and Josh look at the simple, elegant chopstick, the utensil used across East Asia for centuries.

# · Jul 2, 2026 · 36m

The 1964 Alaska earthquake was a magnitude 9.2, the second largest ever recorded. The episode tells the story of this catastrophic event.

# · Jul 1, 2026 · 12m

In this short Stuff You Should Know episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the bizarre and little-known historical event known as the Toronto Clown Riot. The true story is as strange as it sounds.

# · Jun 30, 2026 · 46m

The Hillsborough Disaster of 1989 killed 97 football fans in a crush at an FA Cup semi-final in England. Police and stadium officials then orchestrated a massive cover-up, falsely blaming the victims by claiming they were drunk and unruly. The episode examines how the tragedy unfolded and the decades-long effort to expose the truth behind the official lie.

2 editorial
# · Jun 27, 2026 · 1h 0m

This classic episode of Stuff You Should Know revisits the spectacular rise and fall of Enron, the $67 billion energy trading company that became the largest corporate bankruptcy in U.S. history until 2007. Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant unravel the corporate malfeasance, greed, and deceptive accounting that fueled the scam, and they trace the devastating personal impact on the workers who lost everything. The story serves as both a gripping tale of hubris and a cautionary lesson about what happens when oversight fails.

# · Jun 25, 2026 · 37m
Josh Clark, Chuck Bryant

Freetown Christiania is a unique, self-governing commune in Copenhagen, Denmark. Josh and Chuck explore how this neighborhood formed, its distinctive culture and institutions, and the ongoing tensions between its original countercultural ideals and modern-day pressures. The episode examines Christiania's resilience and what it reveals about intentional communities and urban autonomy.

1 editorial
# · Jun 24, 2026 · 12m

In this Short Stuff episode, the hosts differentiate between fear and being scared. Fear is described as a generally negative response to danger, while being scared can be an enjoyable thrill. They explore why people seek out scary experiences and how the same arousal can be interpreted positively when the situation is safe. The episode offers a quick dive into the psychology of fear vs. thrill.

# · Jun 23, 2026 · 48m

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant dive into the world of intriguing yet obscure curses. They clarify upfront that curses are not real, but the stories behind them are fascinating cultural relics. The hosts shine a light on lesser-known curses that rarely get the spotlight, moving beyond the usual tales to explore weirder and wilder examples. It's a fun listen that blends skepticism with curiosity, perfect for fans of quirky history and human psychology.

# · Jun 20, 2026 · 49m

Josh and Chuck explore the long and often strange history of birthmarks. From ancient times to today, humans have come up with a variety of explanations for these skin markings, some of them harmless folklore and others genuinely dangerous superstitions. In this classic episode, they look at which of those old beliefs still persist and what birthmarks really are.

# · Jun 19, 2026 · 38m

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore the serendipitous discovery of X‑rays and how they revolutionized medicine. The hosts explain how X‑rays are produced and why they create such clear images of bones, making them an essential non‑invasive diagnostic tool.

# · Jun 19, 2026 · 1h 7m
Neil deGrasse Tyson

Josh and Chuck are joined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to explore the Big Bang theory, the most widely accepted explanation for the universe's evolution. Tyson walks through the mind-boggling details of the early universe, from its incredibly hot, dense beginnings to the formation of galaxies. He also discusses what it will take for science to finally understand the true origins of the cosmos.

# · Jun 19, 2026 · 47m

In this installment of the Doin' Science playlist, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, both self-confessed non-chemists, nervously tackle one of chemistry's foundational tools: the periodic table. Admitting they are unqualified, the two attempt to walk through the arrangement of elements, the logic (or lack thereof) behind its structure, and what it reveals about the physical world. Part science lesson, part comedy of errors, the episode embraces the joy of learning something new—even when you're in over your head.

# · Jun 19, 2026 · 44m

Nuclear fusion could provide abundant clean energy and solve climate change. This episode explores how fusion works, the challenges in building reactors that can harness star power, and whether it can realistically power the world.

# · Jun 19, 2026 · 43m

This episode examines how the scientific method became the gold standard for conducting inquiry, tracing its evolution over centuries. It reveals that many people—including some scientists—don’t fully understand how it actually works, and explores the foundational principles that underpin how we explore our world.

# · Jun 19, 2026 · 1h 0m

The hosts explore a variety of pre-scientific beliefs—like the idea that mice could spontaneously generate from old grain—and argue that these ideas weren't irrational or stupid but rather sensible attempts to explain the world without modern tools. They show how early humans built logical stories from limited observations, and how the scientific method later transformed that type of thinking.

2 editorial
# · Jun 19, 2026 · 1h 0m

This episode breaks down the basics of global warming: why cold winters don't contradict a warming planet, how small temperature increases can cascade into catastrophic climate events, and why the power to address climate change remains with humanity.

# · Jun 19, 2026 · 40m

Stuff You Should Know examines Occam's Razor, the principle that the simplest explanation is usually the right one. The hosts trace its evolution from a logical guide to a rhetorical weapon often used to dismiss opposing arguments without real engagement. They explain how to identify a 'faux skeptic' who abuses the razor to win debates rather than seek truth.

1 canon
# · Jun 19, 2026 · 52m

Josh and Chuck explore the surprisingly dramatic history of elastic, from its role in war and colonial resource extraction to industrial espionage and the tragic fates of its inventors.

# · Jun 19, 2026 · 55m

Stuff You Should Know examines how the deterministic worldview that has dominated science since Descartes was overturned by chaos theory. The episode explores why the universe is not as tidy and predictable as classical physics assumed, and discusses the implications for modern science.

# · Jun 18, 2026 · 56m

Chuck and Josh take opposite sides on the classic TV series M*A*S*H, with Chuck a devoted fan and Josh decidedly not. The episode captures their spirited debate over what makes the show compelling or off-putting, exploring why two thoughtful people can have such different reactions to the same cultural artifact. Listeners get a front-row seat to a friendly but intense argument that reveals how personal taste shapes our relationship with media. No guest needed—this one is pure co-host chemistry.

2 editorial
# · Jun 17, 2026 · 11m

In under 11 minutes, Josh and Chuck tackle the deceptively simple question of whether singing boosts happiness. The answer, they conclude, is yes — singing does make you happy. The episode explores the mood-lifting effects of singing, even if done poorly, and its potential to foster well-being.

# · Jun 16, 2026 · 54m

Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark explore the rise of 24-hour cable news and its shift from straight reporting to opinion-driven programming. They examine how filter bubbles and echo chambers formed around channels like Fox News and MSNBC, contributing to America's deepening political and cultural divides. The hosts trace the origins of the format and debate whether it's a cause or a symptom of polarization. They also discuss potential ways to mitigate the harm and what role individuals can play.

1 editorial
# · Jun 13, 2026 · 52m

In this classic episode, Josh and Chuck explore the Fairness Doctrine, a former FCC policy that required broadcasters to present contrasting views on controversial issues. They discuss its origins, how it was enforced, and why it was eventually abolished. The episode examines the implications of its repeal for modern media, including the argument that it paved the way for polarized broadcasting. This is a 'Selects' replay, highlighting one of the show's most illuminating history lessons.

# · Jun 11, 2026 · 47m

The hosts explore the life of Bernhard Goetz, who gained infamy as the 'Subway Vigilante' after a controversial incident on a New York City subway train. They focus on his unremorseful attitude and the public reaction to his actions. The episode examines the cultural and legal debates that his case ignited, touching on themes of self-defense, vigilantism, and justice.

# · Jun 10, 2026 · 12m

Josh and Chuck explore the world of rain barrels, explaining why harvesting rainwater is a smart and sustainable practice with plenty of benefits and few drawbacks—as long as you follow a handful of easy precautions. Along the way, they throw in some classic 'Josh Math' for good measure.

# · Jun 9, 2026 · 48m

This episode of Stuff You Should Know explores the science and trivia behind smiling, debunking the common claim that it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown, and examining other surprising facts about this universal human expression.

# · Apr 25, 2026 · 35m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Fever dreams can be unsettling experiences. These ramped up nightmares are vivid, detailed and only happen when the human body experiences a fever. What is it about the combination of fevers and dreams that make these night terrors so hellish? Learn all that and more in this classic episode.

# · Apr 23, 2026 · 42m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Humanity’s created a lot of neat things over the eons and starting in the 1940s, the UN created an agency focused on preserving those things for the whole world and future people. But that mission is in danger of becoming only about branding and money.

# · Apr 22, 2026 · 12m
Short Stuff

There’s a kind of bird that lots of people think is a real jerk. And it kind of is. But in the brown-headed cowbird’s defense, it’s just evolved that way. Find out why it has such a bad reputation among bird lovers in this Short Stuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 21, 2026 · 43m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Once in a while someone comes up with a solution for a problem we didn’t know we had, and maybe even a problem that didn’t even exist. Even more rarely, the stars align just right so that some crackpot invention captures everyone’s imagination. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 18, 2026 · 56m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

In this classic episode Josh and Chuck sit down and detail the complicated life of the late, great Sammy Davis Jr. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 16, 2026 · 46m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

In 2014 a ferry carrying hundreds of South Korean high school students on a field trip sunk, killing almost everyone on board. Hauntingly, their deaths were fully avoidable: everyone from the dock inspector to the Coast Guard to the president failed them.

# · Apr 15, 2026 · 13m
Short Stuff

The Japanese Cherry Blossom is a sight to behold. But how did they get to Washington D.C.? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 14, 2026 · 49m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

We all love to tour our generation's superiority, but who decides where the split occurs and what to name it? And is this even a thing or just an arbitrary division? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 11, 2026 · 38m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

If you think secretly coded messages sent via short wave radio is Cold War relic, think again. In this classic episode, Chuck and Josh are here to dispel that myth, along with many others relating to numbers stations, including why they might still be operational.

# · Apr 9, 2026 · 45m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

The worker co-op has a rich tradition and can work a variety of ways. Join us as we dig into the nuts and bolts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 8, 2026 · 15m
Short Stuff

If you think Spring Break started with northern college kids heading to Florida to party, you'd be correct. But there's slightly more to it than that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 7, 2026 · 42m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Jump in today to hear all about the disaster that was the movie ROAR. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 4, 2026 · 48m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

If you live in the Northeastern U.S. then you may know someone who has had Lyme disease. But it's spreading all over the country and parts of the world. Learn all about this tick-borne disease in this classic episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 2, 2026 · 37m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Deciding how to share water is pretty important stuff when there isn't much of it around. Today we dive into the Colorado River Compact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Apr 1, 2026 · 13m
Short Stuff

Pretty much everyone agrees that English is a chaotic language. There are nutso rules of grammar and spelling other languages don’t have. More than once, movements have emerged to simplify English and each time they were beaten back with a vengeance.

# · Mar 31, 2026 · 53m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Lots of nations gauge the health of their country by how the middle class is doing. There’s just one issue with that – no one can say exactly what defines the middle class. But even when you take a guess, it seems like the health isn’t so good these days.

# · Mar 28, 2026 · 43m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

In 2014, a young German man walked into an airport in Bulgaria with a flight booked, then suddenly ran out leaving all his posessions behind, never to be heard from again. This classic episode tells the story of Lars Mittank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 26, 2026 · 56m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Malcolm X was one of the most revered, feared leaders of the civil rights movement. In contrast to Martin Luther King, Jr., X advocated black self-reliance and separateness in American society and that equal rights should obtained by any means necessary.

# · Mar 25, 2026 · 11m
Short Stuff

In 1876 it rained meat out of the clear blue sky on a homestead in Bath County, Kentucky. While the mystery of what happened will never be solved, the best explanation makes the story even weirder than it seems. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 24, 2026 · 37m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

The first fires came from lightning strikes. After that, no one is super sure when we started controlling it and then later, starting our own. But it's sure fun to speculate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 21, 2026 · 49m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

If there's one thing we've learned about Chuck over the years it's that he loves his gin. And he loves it even more now that understands it. Pour yourself a martini and cozy up to the classic gin-cast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 51m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

If you thought caterpillars were awesome, just wait until you see them with colorful, iridescent wings! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 54m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Honey is an amazing thing. Just ask any bee. They make a ton of it. So much that humans get what bees can't use and that's a lot of honey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 53m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Squirrels are rodents, sure, but they’re rodents with personalities the size of Las Vegas and Detroit put together. Get to know your bushy-tailed (and sometimes not so bushy) neighbors who live interesting hidden lives right out in the open. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 51m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

You may think composting is just a bunch of old banana peels rotting away into dirt but, friend, you're not looking closely enough. Inside that compost pile is a microcosmic universe doing some magical stuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 45m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

It’s time to get jazzed up for some Earth science of the waterlogged variety. Join Chuck and Josh as they tour some of the most interesting ecosystems on the planet and learn why we need to stop destroying them post haste. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 49m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Unless you have an arcane disorder from a lesion on a very specific spot on our medulla, the chances are you sneeze. Turns out most animals do it, even lizards! Learn the whys and hows of this most interesting involuntary reflex. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 52m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Permaculture is a growing trend in the world of farming and home landscaping. It's basically a design principle that emphasizes sustainability and the would-be, natural ecosystem of an area.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 43m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Dandelions are way more interesting than you think. Trust us and click play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 53m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

They seem gross and bothersome at first, but once you get down to ground level and get to know snails, we’ll bet you’ll grow quite fond of them. They are living in a whole world we’re largely unaware of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 20, 2026 · 47m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Caterpillars are simply the best. Don't think so? Well listen in and you'll soon agree. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 19, 2026 · 44m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

If you could put your leg behind your head, would you? Of course you would! You might even make a career out of it, amazing people around the world with your flexibility. That’d make you a contortionist! But first you’d better get started with stretching.

# · Mar 18, 2026 · 11m
Short Stuff

The Jeddah Tower is set to be the tallest building in the world. If it ever gets finished. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 17, 2026 · 46m
Ruth Lyons

Ruth Lyons basically invented the daytime talk show, yet she doesn't get the credit. Why is that? Probably because she was a woman in a man's industry. Today we tell her story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# · Mar 14, 2026 · 45m
Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (solo)

Mangroves are incredible survivors and adapters. They're also amazing at lessening the impact of tropical storms and climate change. And heck, they're cool looking. So jump into the brackish waters and have a listen to this classic episode all about these beauts.