Stuff You Should Know

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If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

iHeartRadio & HowStuffWorks

  • Discover Pods Awards
    2017 Best Kids & Family Podcast

  • Discover Pods Awards
    2017 Best Technology & Science Podcast


  • Jun 30, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
  • weekdays NEW EPISODES
  • 42m AVG DURATION
  • 2,818 EPISODES

4.5 from 69,874 ratings Listeners of Stuff You Should Know that love the show mention: josh and chuck, jeri, chuck bryant, love sysk, ibm, chuck and josh, yawning, mundane topics, chronic lyme, much stuff, movie crush, chuckers, chuck talk, flamingos, multiple times a day, love josh, love listening to josh, chemistry between josh, maggots, love stuff you should know.


Ivy Insights

The Stuff You Should Know podcast is an incredibly informative and enjoyable show hosted by Josh and Chuck. I have learned so much from listening to their discussions on a wide range of interesting topics. They have a great dynamic and their fun banter keeps the episodes entertaining. One aspect that I really appreciate about the hosts is their humility, despite being knowledgeable experts in their field.

The best aspect of this podcast is undoubtedly the wealth of information it provides. From deep dives into scientific concepts to historical events and pop culture phenomena, Josh and Chuck cover a wide variety of subjects. They present the information in a way that is easy to understand, even for those who may not have prior knowledge on the topic. Their ability to break down complex ideas into digestible chunks makes it accessible for a wide audience.

Another positive aspect of the podcast is the thoroughness with which they research their topics. It's evident that they put a lot of effort into ensuring accuracy and providing well-rounded perspectives. The hosts also strike a good balance between presenting facts and injecting their own opinions or anecdotes, which adds personality to each episode.

However, one potential downside of the podcast is the frequency of advertisements. While ads are necessary for revenue, some listeners may find them excessive or disruptive to the flow of the episodes. Though this can be subjective, it would be beneficial if there were fewer interruptions or an option for ad-free listening for subscribers.

In conclusion, The Stuff You Should Know podcast is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys learning new things while being entertained. Josh and Chuck's expertise combined with their engaging personalities make each episode both informative and enjoyable. Despite any minor drawbacks like frequent ads, this podcast remains one of my favorites due to its consistently high-quality content.



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Latest episodes from Stuff You Should Know

The Hillsborough Disaster

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2026 46:20 Transcription Available


When a crush of football fans killed 97 people in England in 1989, police and officials engaged in a massive cover-up to blame it on drunken fans. Today we tell that story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Enron Fooled the World

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2026 60:00 Transcription Available


Until 2007, the largest single corporate bankruptcy was Enron, a $67 billion energy trading company. Its decline was breathtaking, and while it’s a fascinating story of corporate malfeasance and greed, it’s also about the lives of ruined workers. Learn all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freetown Christiania

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 37:15 Transcription Available


The sort of commune of Freetown Christiania in Denmark may not be what it used to be, but it's still true to many of its original values. Learn all about this unique neighborhood today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

denmark freetown christiania
Short Stuff: Why does it feel good to be scared?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 12:21 Transcription Available


Fear is different than being scared, most notably because fear is generally a negative thing and being scared can cause an enjoyable thrill. We'll get into the difference in today's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some Interesting Curses

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 48:19 Transcription Available


Even though curses aren’t real – and we go to great pains to make that clear – they are pretty interesting, especially ones you haven’t heard of before. So we dug deep and found some of the cruses that don’t always hog the spotlight for this fun episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: Birthmarks: Probably Not the Mark of the Devil

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 49:55 Transcription Available


It’s a pretty safe assumption that people have been born with birthmarks since humanity began, and between then and now we’ve come up with some wacky, even dangerous, explanations for them – even a few that survive still today. Learn all about them in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Global Warming Works

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 60:11 Transcription Available


It's a confusing part of climate change when it seems winter is as cold as ever, but as global temperatures creep ever so slightly higher, a cascade of catastrophic events will almost surely follow. The ball is in humanity's court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Chaos Theory Changed the Universe

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 55:00 Transcription Available


Since the age of Descartes, science has put all of its eggs in the basket of determinism, the idea that with accurate enough measurements any aspect of the universe could be predicted. But the universe, it turns out, is not so tidy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How X-Rays Work

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 38:44 Transcription Available


Like many huge discoveries, X-rays were accidentally stumbled upon. That serendipity led to a medical breakthrough still in use today. Learn about how X-rays are created and why they make such delightful images of our bones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elastics: Where God and Science Smooch

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 52:05 Transcription Available


You could be forgiven for thinking the story behind elastics was boring. You’d still be wrong, though. The story of what’s holding up your underwear is a global drama, replete with war, industrial espionage, colonialism, destitute inventors – everything!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Nuclear Fusion Reactors Save The World?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 44:18 Transcription Available


The world's energy consumption is ruining the planet but for decades physicists have been working on what could solve the world's energy and climate change woes for centuries to come - nuclear fusion. Learn about building stars on Earth in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Occam's Razor Works

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 40:03 Transcription Available


You know the rule that says the simplest explanation is probably the correct one? That’s called a razor and it’s meant to guide logic. But over time it’s become a broadsword used to disprove opposing arguments. Learn how to spot a faux skeptic in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things We Believed Before the Scientific Method

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 60:01 Transcription Available


It’s easy to think of people in the distant past as kinda dumb for believing things like that mice could spontaneously generate from old grain. But if you look a little deeper, you’ll find there was a sensibility to the odd beliefs that came before science.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Big Bang Theory Works, with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 67:38 Transcription Available


There are a number of theories for how the universe evolved but none are more widely accepted than the Big Bang theory. Learn about the mind-boggling details of the early universe and hear Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson talk about what it will take for us to know its origins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the Scientific Method Works

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 43:56 Transcription Available


It evolved over centuries to become the gold standard for conducting scientific inquiry. Yet many people - including some scientists - don't fully understand it. Learn about the basis of how we explore our world in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legs! Legs! Legs! (The Periodic Table)

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 47:27 Transcription Available


If you’ve ever wanted to listen to two totally untrained, non-chemists who are fully unqualified to explain how the periodic table works nervously explain how the periodic table works, then this episode is for you. Chemistry majors, be warned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

M*A*S*H: The Story of the 4077th

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 56:07 Transcription Available


Chuck loved M*A*S*H. Josh didn't. Listen in as they fight to the death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Does singing make you happy?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 11:33 Transcription Available


Does singing make you happy? Yes, yes it does.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did 24-Hour Cable News Kill America?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 54:25 Transcription Available


You can make a pretty good case that the rise of opinion “news” and filter bubbles on cable tv created the current cultural and political schism that plagues American society. How did it start? Where did it come from? And what the heck can we do about it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How the Fairness Doctrine Worked

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2026 52:55 Transcription Available


Back in the day, broadcasters were bound by law to provide contrasting opinions on political matters. Why? Because of the Fairness Doctrine. What happened to it? Listen to this classic episode and find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NY Subway Vigilante

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 47:36 Transcription Available


Today we dive into the unremorseful life of NYC Subway vigilante Bernhard Goetz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Rain Barrels!

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 12:54 Transcription Available


Harvesting rainwater has tons of upsides and not many downsides – you just need to take a few precautions first. Don’t miss this episode, which features some Josh Math™.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smile

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 48:34 Transcription Available


They say that smiling requires fewer muscles than frowning, so why not smile? That doesn’t seem to be true, or at least unproven, and there is lots more about smiling that will keep you glued to your earbuds in this fun episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: 911 Is Not a Joke

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 54:07 Transcription Available


Josh and Chuck delve into the world of 911 in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Mile Island

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 45:42 Transcription Available


The disaster at Three Mile Island thankfully did not cost any lives directly, but the notion that it didn't harm people is very much up in the air. Learn all about the worst nuclear disaster in the history of the United States today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: 1955 Le Mans Disaster

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 12:33 Transcription Available


In 1955, the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance motor race took a very dark turn when a terrible accident on the track continued into the crowd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tragic Life of Vincent Van Gogh

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 51:49 Transcription Available


Van Gogh lived a troubled life and did not garner attention as a painter until after his death by suicide. Today we dive into this complicated journey as an artist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: Did Shakespeare really write all that stuff?

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2026 55:42 Transcription Available


The question of Shakespeare's authorship has been around since at least the mid-1800s. Is there anything to it? In this classic episode, we dig in to this dense topic to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Howard Hughes in Las Vegas

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 49:00 Transcription Available


From 1968 to 1972 Howard Hughes holed up in a suite in the Desert Inn casino in Las Vegas. Addicted to morphine and living on candy bars and milk, he was in bad shape. When he was told to leave, he bought the hotel and stayed. Soon he owned half of Vegas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Knuckle Cracking

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 10:53 Transcription Available


Does knuckle cracking give you arthritis? It doesn't appear to. But that doesn't mean it's harmless.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Story of Starvation Heights

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 46:52 Transcription Available


There are quacks and then there is Linda Hazzard. Not only did she starve her patients to death, but she took their family fortunes as she did it. This is the story of Starvation Heights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Flight Attendants Work

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2026 41:28 Transcription Available


Flight attendants have come a long way. From having to put up with rampant sexism, to the current incarnation as your first line of defense in case of an incident, they are valued airline employees. Learn all about this cool job in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1993 Waco Siege

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 49:49 Transcription Available


One of the darkest days in the history of American law enforcement came on April 19, 1993, when the FBI’s 51-day siege of the Branch Davidian religious sect’s compound in Waco, Texas ended with a fire and 75 men, women, and children dead inside.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: All about BPAs

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 12:54 Transcription Available


Are BPAs safe? Of course not. Does the FDA care? Of course not. Learn all about what and why today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eels Alive!

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 43:27 Transcription Available


Eels are pretty much objectively unsettling. They’re not quite fish (although they are) and if they’re snakes, they’re messed up snakes (they aren’t). But they’re fascinating too! There are even little cute eels. It’s time you got acquainted with eels!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: Did Mallory Make it to the Top of Everest First?

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2026 52:49 Transcription Available


George Mallory was a member of the first three European expeditions to Everest, world’s tallest mountain. He wanted to summit it so badly, he gave his life trying. Since that fateful day in 1924, climbers have wondered – was Mallory the first to summit? Listen as Josh and Chuck explore that question and lots more in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hindenburg Disaster

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 50:03 Transcription Available


Hard to believe we haven't covered this one yet, but here we are. Why did the Hindenburg crash and burn? We still don't really know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Did Tippi Hedron start the Vietnamese manicure industry?

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 12:58 Transcription Available


Strange but true, actor Tippi Hedron kickstsarted the Vietnamese manicure industry in the United States in the 1970s. This is that story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humanists, the Happy Heathens

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 50:02 Transcription Available


If you don’t believe in any kind of god or afterlife - or even that there’s a meaning to life – does that mean you’re doomed to a life of gloom and doom? Heck no!, say humanists. Their philosophical movement says you can make your own meaningful life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: Can movies be cursed?

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2026 52:09 Transcription Available


First of all, movies can't be cursed because curses aren't real. However, that can't stop Josh and Chuck from taking a look at some movies throughout history that have had a disturbing number of bad things surrounding their production and release. Dive into the world of cursed movies in this very fun classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's Go to Camp... David!

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 43:43 Transcription Available


Camp David is awesome. But not all presidents have liked it. We'll dig into this historic property in today's episiode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Why do kangaroos hop?

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 13:56 Transcription Available


Kangaroos are the only marsupial to hop, which is pretty weird. We'll investigate why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boeing's Nosedive: The 737-MAX

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 48:49 Transcription Available


Boeing used to be one of the most respected engineering firms in the world. Then it changed its focus from making great airplanes to increasing its stock value. The result was the 737-MAX, a plane that took the lives of 346 people in two avoidable crashes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: Thrill to the Stunning Bicameral Mind Hypothesis

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2026 50:20 Transcription Available


Psychologist Julian Jaynes came up with a stunning hypothesis in 1976, that human consciousness only developed in the last 3000 years. And he seemed to have proof in ancient texts. Scholars have been picking it apart ever since and in this classic episode we join the club.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Drink a Tree's Blood

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 49:07 Transcription Available


Of course we're talking all about maple syrup today - the tapping, the processing, the eating.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Wisdom Teeth

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 13:36 Transcription Available


By all rights there should be three sets of molars in your mouth. But it turns out that our skulls aren’t really set up to accommodate that many anymore. Exactly why depends on who you ask.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Save the Whales!

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 44:18 Transcription Available


In the 1970s, conservation groups around the world rose up to protect dwindling whale populations, some on the verge of extinction. They all worked under the same banner: Save the Whales! It turned out to be one of the most successful campaigns ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Fever Dreams Work

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2026 35:17 Transcription Available


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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNESCO World Heritage: Preserving the Best of Humanity

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 41:48 Transcription Available


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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Brown-Headed Cowbird

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 11:50 Transcription Available


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.

Some Silly Inventions That Became Wildly Popular

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 42:54 Transcription Available


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.

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