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The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

By Popular Science

At Popular Science, we report and write dozens of science and tech stories every week. And while a lot of the fun facts we stumble across make it into our articles, there are lots of other weird facts that we just keep around the office. So we figured, why not share those with you? Welcome to The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week.
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Why Pain Hurts So Good, Growing Mutant Gardens, Emo Teen Puppies

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This WeekMar 09, 2022

00:00
49:19
Why Pain Hurts So Good, Growing Mutant Gardens, Emo Teen Puppies

Why Pain Hurts So Good, Growing Mutant Gardens, Emo Teen Puppies

Leigh Cowart, science reporter and author of Hurts So Good: The Science and Culture of Pain on Purpose, joins Weirdest Thing for the season finale!

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Kiley Watson: www.twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Mar 09, 202249:19
A Delicious Chocolate Debacle, IBS In Orbit, the Tuffy Saga

A Delicious Chocolate Debacle, IBS In Orbit, the Tuffy Saga

Feb 23, 202258:10
Human Refrigerators, Poop Knives, Whacky Tongues

Human Refrigerators, Poop Knives, Whacky Tongues

Feb 09, 202251:13
A Mid-Season Update

A Mid-Season Update

Feb 02, 202201:19
Teeny Frogs With Tarantula Bodyguards, the Science of Hair Magic, an Everlasting Lightbulb

Teeny Frogs With Tarantula Bodyguards, the Science of Hair Magic, an Everlasting Lightbulb

Jan 19, 202239:42
Snake Island, Controversial Chimps, Brussels Sprout Vindication

Snake Island, Controversial Chimps, Brussels Sprout Vindication

Arielle Duhaime-Ross—host of Vice's A Show About Animals and Vice News Reports—joins the show this week! The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Kiley Watson: www.twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Season 5 of The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week was recorded using the Shure MV7 podcast kit. The kit includes a Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod, so everything you need to get recording straight away is included—that’s super-helpful if you’re a creator who’s buying their first mic set up. Check it out at www.shure.com/popsci.

Jan 05, 202201:00:09
Superheated Falcon Poo, Banana Babies, Gross (But Delicious) Bug Goop

Superheated Falcon Poo, Banana Babies, Gross (But Delicious) Bug Goop

Dec 22, 202146:29
Judging Meat, Vampire Fish Invasion, the Rise of White Castle

Judging Meat, Vampire Fish Invasion, the Rise of White Castle

Dec 08, 202158:40
Mary Roach talks Moose Crash Test Dummies, Famous Ferrets, and Deadly Planets

Mary Roach talks Moose Crash Test Dummies, Famous Ferrets, and Deadly Planets

Mary Roach—author of incredible books like Gulp, Bonk, Spook, and most recently, Fuzz—joins the show this week! The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Chodosh: www.twitter.com/schodosh

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Season 5 of The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week was recorded using the Shure MV7 podcast kit. The kit includes a Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod, so everything you need to get recording straight away is included—that’s super-helpful if you’re a creator who’s buying their first mic set up. Check it out at www.shure.com/popsci.

Nov 24, 202154:57
Ancient Brain Surgeons, the Crows Have Eyes, Why Radiators are so Annoying

Ancient Brain Surgeons, the Crows Have Eyes, Why Radiators are so Annoying

Actor and famous Schitt's Creek impersonator Michael Judson Berry joins the show this week! The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Kiley Watson: www.twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Season 5 of The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week was recorded using the Shure MV7 podcast kit. The kit includes a Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod, so everything you need to get recording straight away is included—that’s super-helpful if you’re a creator who’s buying their first mic set up. Check it out at www.shure.com/popsci.

Nov 10, 202151:23
Haunted Vaginas, Fairy Floss, Books Made of Human Skin

Haunted Vaginas, Fairy Floss, Books Made of Human Skin

SEASON 5 IS HERE! The weirdest things we learned this week range from REAL ectoplasm to how many licks it (allegedly) takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. 

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Chodosh: www.twitter.com/schodosh

Claire Maldarelli: www.twitter.com/camaldarelli

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Season 5 of The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week was recorded using the Shure MV7 podcast kit. The kit includes a Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod, so everything you need to get recording straight away is included—that’s super-helpful if you’re a creator who’s buying their first mic set up. Check it out at www.shure.com/popsci.

Oct 27, 202157:54
Chimps Raised Like Humans, Blood Swapping, Polio & Candyland

Chimps Raised Like Humans, Blood Swapping, Polio & Candyland

This episode celebrates our latest digital issue going live! The weirdest things we learned this week range from a swapping blood with the Pope to the dramatic origins of the Monopoly board game. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Buy your Weirdest Thing virtual live show tickets here: https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Sep 21, 202156:25
Spooky Rivers, Eyes Wide Shut, Pet Crocodiles

Spooky Rivers, Eyes Wide Shut, Pet Crocodiles

Producer Jess Boddy joins Rachel for a listener voicemail Q&A episode! The weirdest things we learned this week range from a killer creek to naked mole rat facts at breakfast. 

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Buy your Weirdest Thing virtual live show tickets here: https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Sep 15, 202134:04
Ask Us Anything: Can you cure a hangover?

Ask Us Anything: Can you cure a hangover?

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

Buy your Weirdest Thing virtual live show tickets here: https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021

The live show is Tuesday, September 21st, at 7pm EST.

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Sep 08, 202111:40
A very weird live event is in the works...

A very weird live event is in the works...

Buy your Weirdest Thing virtual live show tickets here: https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021
The live show is Tuesday, September 21st, at 7pm EST.

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Aug 24, 202102:17
Skyscraper Death Ray, History of Hot Tubs, Our Sun's Death

Skyscraper Death Ray, History of Hot Tubs, Our Sun's Death

This episode celebrates our latest digital issue going live! The weirdest things we learned this week range from a skyscraper that can fry an egg to the Italian legacy of hot tubs. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Corinne Iozzio: www.twitter.com/CorinneIOZO

Purbita Saha: www.twitter.com/hahabita

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Jul 14, 202146:38
Q&A: Punkin Chunkin, Mysterious Shipwrecks, Midwestern Scorpions

Q&A: Punkin Chunkin, Mysterious Shipwrecks, Midwestern Scorpions

Jul 07, 202141:52
Olympic Weirdness: Barefoot Marathons, Medals for Artwork, Pistol Dueling

Olympic Weirdness: Barefoot Marathons, Medals for Artwork, Pistol Dueling

Jun 23, 202156:30
Parachuting Cats, Butt-Breathing, Secret Uses for Viagra

Parachuting Cats, Butt-Breathing, Secret Uses for Viagra

The weirdest things we learned this week range from flying cats to breathing through your butt. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Purbita Saha: www.twitter.com/hahabita

Sara Kiley Watson: www.twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Jun 09, 202140:59
Science Meets Magic, High-Tech Murders, Bees?!

Science Meets Magic, High-Tech Murders, Bees?!

Writer and game designer Jonathan Sims joins the show! The weirdest things we learned this week range from bees telling time to death by apple core. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Chodosh: www.twitter.com/schodosh

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

May 26, 202157:26
Art Crime Doesn't Pay, Canines Cooking Meat, Eggs Gone Wrong

Art Crime Doesn't Pay, Canines Cooking Meat, Eggs Gone Wrong

Comedian and writer Josh Gondelman joins the show! The weirdest things we learned this week range from dogs cooking in kitchens to chickens laying eggs inside of themselves. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Chodosh: www.twitter.com/schodosh

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

May 12, 202153:27
Radioactive Horses, Sipping on Pee, Sleeping With One Eye Open

Radioactive Horses, Sipping on Pee, Sleeping With One Eye Open

The weirdest things we learned this week range from vertically sleeping whales to fake motion sickness cures. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Purbita Saha: www.twitter.com/hahabita

Corinne Iozzio: www.twitter.com/CorinneIOZO

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Apr 28, 202152:47
A Quick Weirdest Thing Update!

A Quick Weirdest Thing Update!

Apr 20, 202100:49
Q&A: Cubed Poops, Forked Penises, Murderous Squirrels

Q&A: Cubed Poops, Forked Penises, Murderous Squirrels

Apr 14, 202146:51
Radioactive Bananas, Self-Decapitating Sea Slugs, Maine's Jumping Frenchmen

Radioactive Bananas, Self-Decapitating Sea Slugs, Maine's Jumping Frenchmen

Theoretical physicist Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein joins the show! The weirdest things we learned this week range from non-trinary particles to kleptoplasty. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

Click here to check out Chanda's book!

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Chodosh: www.twitter.com/schodosh

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Mar 31, 202145:25
Get a Good Brainwash, Museum Tragedies, Scary Smart Cuttlefish

Get a Good Brainwash, Museum Tragedies, Scary Smart Cuttlefish

The weirdest things we learned this week range from literal brainwashing to the marshmallow test.  Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Click here to follow our sibling podcast, Ask Us Anything! 

--

Follow our team on Twitter!

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Kiley Watson: www.twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson

Sara Chodosh: www.twitter.com/schodosh

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Mar 17, 202147:37
Ask Us Anything: Can you boost your immune system?

Ask Us Anything: Can you boost your immune system?

Check out the first episode of Ask Us Anything, a brand new podcast from the editors of Popular Science! Claire and Jess dive into whether you can boost your immune system, giving it ninja-like capabilities to vanquish any infectious critter that crosses its path. Click here to subscribe to Ask Us Anything's feed! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-us-anything-by-popular-science/id1556759897

Ask Us Anything is a bite-sized show that answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions—from what the universe is made of to why not everyone can touch their toes. If you like The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week, we promise you’ll love Ask Us Anything—and you’ll hear a few familiar voices on it, too! Check out new episodes of Ask Us Anything every Tuesday and Thursday wherever you get your podcasts.

--

Follow AUA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod

Hosted by Claire Maldarelli: https://twitter.com/camaldarelli

Produced by Jess Boddy: https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq

Art by Katie Belloff: https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz

Mar 16, 202111:28
Astrology’s Hidden Sign, Ancient Brunch, The Uncanny Valley

Astrology’s Hidden Sign, Ancient Brunch, The Uncanny Valley

Mar 03, 202146:45
The Truth About Soy Boys, the Sexiest Number, the Potato King

The Truth About Soy Boys, the Sexiest Number, the Potato King

Feb 17, 202148:05
Immortal Jellyfish, Cocaine Hippos, Potato Chip Controversy

Immortal Jellyfish, Cocaine Hippos, Potato Chip Controversy

This episode celebrates our latest print issue hitting newsstands! The weirdest things we learned this week range from a jellyfish that can live forever to invasive cocaine hippos. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Corinne Iozzio: www.twitter.com/CorinneIOZO

Sara Kiley Watson: www.twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Edited by Jessica Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Dec 09, 202041:39
Moon Allergies, Singing Statues, Secrets of Famous Movie Sounds

Moon Allergies, Singing Statues, Secrets of Famous Movie Sounds

Dallas Taylor, sound designer and host of Twenty Thousand Hertz, joins the weirdos as a guest host. The weirdest things we learned this week range from statues that sing first thing in the morning to the animal sounds that make up Star Wars' tie-fighters and Jurassic Park's dinosaurs. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Chodosh: www.twitter.com/schodosh

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Edited by Jessica Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Nov 25, 202040:08
Meat Rain, Medicinal Sword Swallowing, a Nuclear Kodak Moment

Meat Rain, Medicinal Sword Swallowing, a Nuclear Kodak Moment

Nov 11, 202042:20
Dog Mayors, Zombie Presidents, Death By Voter Fraud

Dog Mayors, Zombie Presidents, Death By Voter Fraud

In this special episode, the weirdest things we learned this week range from Edgar Allen Poe's peculiar death to how salamanders influenced the term Gerrymander. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Claire Maldarelli: www.twitter.com/camaldarelli

Sara Chodosh: www.twitter.com/schodosh

Purbita Saha: www.twitter.com/hahabita

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Edited by Jessica Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Oct 28, 202057:50
Toxic Animal Boyfriends, Birding for Freedom, Egg Yolks Explained

Toxic Animal Boyfriends, Birding for Freedom, Egg Yolks Explained

Oct 14, 202043:02
Exploding Underwater Mountains, Boar Sex and Celery, Hidden History of Vaccination

Exploding Underwater Mountains, Boar Sex and Celery, Hidden History of Vaccination

Sep 30, 202049:60
Hot Dog Sports, Sexy Pseudoscience, Intestinal Power Walking

Hot Dog Sports, Sexy Pseudoscience, Intestinal Power Walking

Sep 16, 202039:26
Catch our live show TONIGHT!

Catch our live show TONIGHT!

Tonight, September 15th, we'll be doing an exclusive live-streamed show. It'll be all of the fun of a classic Weirdest Thing Live show—your favorite hosts (calling in remotely), weird facts, drinks, jokes, atmosphere—but delivered straight to your living room! Click here to grab tickets that give you access to the show link—there are even higher priced tiers that include merch discounts, handwritten postcards, and a live zoom happy hour with the Weirdest Thing crew. See you soon!

Find tickets here: https://popularscience.regfox.com/weirdest-thing-live-show

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share more of your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Sep 15, 202000:44
Your Car is Full of Spiders, the Cloud Whisperer, She Who Invented N95 Masks and Bugles

Your Car is Full of Spiders, the Cloud Whisperer, She Who Invented N95 Masks and Bugles

Welcome to Season 4! For this first episode, Kendra Pierre-Louis, former Popsci editor and current reporter for the Gimlet podcast How To Save a Planet, joins the weirdos as a guest host. The weirdest things we learned this week range from thousands of cars being recalled due to spider infestations, to the story of a woman who invented N95 masks from bras. Whose story will be voted "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week"?

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Sara Chodosh: www.twitter.com/schodosh

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Theme music by Billy Cadden: www.twitter.com/billycadden

Edited by Jessica Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Sep 02, 202040:60
We're Back! Season 4 & Live Show Updates

We're Back! Season 4 & Live Show Updates

Hey weirdos! We have two very exciting pieces of news for you. First, Weirdest Thing is returning every other Wednesday starting September 2nd! Second, on Tuesday, September 15th, we'll be doing an exclusive live-streamed show. It'll be all of the fun of a classic Weirdest Thing Live show—your favorite hosts (calling in remotely), weird facts, drinks, jokes, atmosphere—but delivered straight to your living room! Click here to grab tickets that give you access to the show link—there are even higher priced tiers that include merch discounts, handwritten postcards, and a live zoom happy hour with the Weirdest Thing crew. See you soon!

Find tickets here: https://popularscience.regfox.com/weirdest-thing-live-show

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share more of your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Aug 31, 202002:28
Boning Baseball Bats, Rolling Cheese, Playing With Wallpaper Cleaner

Boning Baseball Bats, Rolling Cheese, Playing With Wallpaper Cleaner

May 20, 202049:09
Evasive Genital Maneuvers, A Nazi Carrot Hoax, Eternal Daytime

Evasive Genital Maneuvers, A Nazi Carrot Hoax, Eternal Daytime

May 06, 202041:26
Sailing Boulders, Mom-Eating Worms, the Most Humongous Fungus

Sailing Boulders, Mom-Eating Worms, the Most Humongous Fungus

Apr 22, 202046:55
Bonus: Sprained Teeth, Pina Coladas, Flying Snakes

Bonus: Sprained Teeth, Pina Coladas, Flying Snakes

Surprise! It's Rachel and Jess, and we're popping in your feeds with a bonus episode. Join us as we listen to some voice messages submitted by you guys, and delve into facts about tooth ligaments, giant iguanas, sexy orangutans, and more. We'll be back on Wednesday, April 22nd with a regular (Earth Day-themed!) episode. Thanks for listening, weirdos!

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Jessica Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Theme music by Billy Cadden: www.twitter.com/billycadden

Edited by Jessica Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Apr 16, 202046:24
Getting Green Blood, Animal Crossing's Rarest Fish, Bird-Like Plague Masks

Getting Green Blood, Animal Crossing's Rarest Fish, Bird-Like Plague Masks

Apr 08, 202038:13
Join us for a special livestream on March 30

Join us for a special livestream on March 30

Hey weirdos! On Monday, March 30th, we'll be doing two livestreamed episodes in partnership with Caveat, our favorite New York City venue. It'll be all of the fun of a classic Weirdest Thing Live show—your favorite hosts (calling in remotely), weird facts, drinks, jokes, atmosphere—but delivered straight to your living room. Make sure to follow us on Twitter @Weirdest_Thing to get the live link on Monday. And until then, you can subscribe to PopSci and Caveat on YouTube, where the live show will be broadcast. Thanks for listening, weirdos, and we'll see you soon!

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share more of your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Mar 27, 202002:01
Terrifying Tumbleweeds, Coffee Poops, Three Peters Who Changed Childbirth

Terrifying Tumbleweeds, Coffee Poops, Three Peters Who Changed Childbirth

Mar 25, 202043:32
A Weirdest Thing Update

A Weirdest Thing Update

Hey weirdos! We just wanted to drop in and update you all on what's happening with our show during the pandemic. Since we're all working remotely to help flatten the curve in New York City, it would be a huge help if you submitted voice messages via the Anchor app or website. You can also send us weird facts, questions, or friendly messages through Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. With your help, we'll be able to whip up some super fun voice message episodes, or maybe something in an entirely new format. Regardless, we'll talk to you all soon. Bye!

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share more of your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!

Click here to learn more about all of our stories! 

Follow our team on Twitter

Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman

Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy

Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci

Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Mar 23, 202001:14
Chicken Hypnotism, The One and Only Ferris Wheel, Interspecies BFFs

Chicken Hypnotism, The One and Only Ferris Wheel, Interspecies BFFs

Mar 11, 202038:24
Syphilis But Make It Fashion, Cilantro Haters, Quarantine: From Typhoid to Coronavirus

Syphilis But Make It Fashion, Cilantro Haters, Quarantine: From Typhoid to Coronavirus

Feb 26, 202045:42
Serial Poopers, Elephants on LSD, Whiskey Business

Serial Poopers, Elephants on LSD, Whiskey Business

Feb 12, 202040:49