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


  • Mar 21, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
  • weekdays NEW EPISODES
  • 42m AVG DURATION
  • 2,751 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

Selects: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Gin

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 49:20 Transcription Available


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.

Caterpillars: Nature's Magicians

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 47:20 Transcription Available


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

Butterflies: Caterpillars with Wings!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 51:03 Transcription Available


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

How Snails Work

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 53:28 Transcription Available


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.

The Fascinating History of Dandelions

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 42:45 Transcription Available


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

What's Permaculture All About?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 52:13 Transcription Available


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. Simple concepts like planting downhill from a pond and using gravity to feed plants to planting native plants and vegetation that work well together are hallmarks of permaculture. Learn all about this eco-friendly trend today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Sneezing Works

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 48:49 Transcription Available


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.

Wetlands! Wetlands! Wetlands!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 45:12 Transcription Available


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.

Composting: Nature's Most Interesting Process

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 51:27 Transcription Available


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.

Squirrels, Ahoy!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 52:45 Transcription Available


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.

Honey: Nature's Wonder Sugar

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


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.

Contortionism: Bend It Like Gumby

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 43:47 Transcription Available


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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Jeddah Tower

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 11:17 Transcription Available


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.

Ruth Lyons: TV Pioneer

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 45:46 Transcription Available


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.

Selects: Mangroves: Nature's Best Tree?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2026 44:32 Transcription Available


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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the Kowloon Walled City Worked

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 41:28 Transcription Available


From the 1970s to the early 1990s a patch of land in Hong Kong the size of just a few football fields was the most densely-populated area in the world – and by a longshot. Even more remarkable, it was an outlaw land that somehow formed a tight community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: In-Flight Entertainment

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 12:23 Transcription Available


Movies on planes have changed a lot in the last couple of decades. Today, we'll go over how this stuff works. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fyre Festival Fiasco

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 46:42 Transcription Available


What happens when a career grifter tries to throw a "luxury" music festival in only six months? Not much it turns out.This was the Fyre Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Spiritualism Works

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 61:44 Transcription Available


Something spooky was born on the American frontier in the mid-19th century: the idea that people’s personalities survive death and that some gifted individuals can communicate with them. It developed into a religion that some still practice today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's All Go to the World's Fair

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 52:35 Transcription Available


Before the internet could show you anything in the universe - including stuff it made up - people had few opportunities to have their minds blown. But every few years, somewhere in the world nations would gather and show off the cool stuff they invented.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Johnny Ringo

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 13:05 Transcription Available


You might be familiar with the outlaw Johnny Ringo from the movie Tombstone. He was indeed a real-life black hat gunslinger, and a tragic figure at that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gold Standard: When Money Meant Something

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 52:51 Transcription Available


There was a time less than 100 years ago when you could exchange your paper currency at the bank for actual gold. Gave folks a sense of stability, it did. Depending on your view, we either ruined or built our economies when money became just paper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Dopamine Works

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 45:33 Transcription Available


Dopamine is perhaps the most talked-about, most misunderstood biochemical in our bodies. It’s linked to not only addiction and depravity, but also focus, motivation, and living a productive life. How can one molecule be so many things to so many people? Find out all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Battle of the Sexes

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 49:32 Transcription Available


Back in 1973 a male chauvinist played tennis against champion Billie Jean King. This is that story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: MacGuffins

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 13:59 Transcription Available


What’s a MacGuffin? We don’t know. No one knows. But it has to do with movies and that’s fun to talk about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Murder of Jane Stanford

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 42:49 Transcription Available


Stanford University was co-founded by Jane Stanford. Not long after she was murdered and it was covered up. We'll probably never know what really happened. Listen in today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Free Range Parenting Works

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 51:16 Transcription Available


Free range parenting is all about giving your child the freedom to play and explore life on their own. Are there benefits? Sure. Do some people hate the concept? Yes! Listen to this classic episode and learn right here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the Flexner Report Changed Medicine

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 37:50 Transcription Available


The Flexner Report shook up medicine in the United States when it was released in 1910 and it's never been the same since. For better or worse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Safety Coffins

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 14:00 Transcription Available


Back in the 1800s, people had an outsized fear of being buried alive. Enter... THE SAFETY COFFIN!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Crowds Work

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 46:01 Transcription Available


If you’ve ever been out of your house you’ve probably been in a crowd before. They can be as mundane as an elevator full of people or as consequential as a mass of protesters. But did you know there’s psychology to crowds? And they follow fluid dynamics?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Charles Darwin Worked

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2026 50:14 Transcription Available


Charles Darwin wasn't the first or only scientist to grasp the theory of evolution through natural selection, but he became its father and icon. In this classic episode, learn about the man who reluctantly but bravely became the source of the divide between religion and science.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Lasers Work

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 46:50 Transcription Available


It turns out that lasers are even cooler than they look. And as far as acronyms go, they’re pretty solid in that respect too. There’s way too much cool stuff about lasers to tease here so listen to this old school SYSK episode and let lasers blow away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Aztec Death Whistle

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 11:31 Transcription Available


In the late 90s, a strange musical instrument was excavated under the streets of CDMX. Listen in to learn all about the Aztec Death Whistle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Cognitive Biases Work

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 56:19 Transcription Available


Humans have all sorts of weird quirks that cause us to do silly things and make bad decisions. It’s not our fault though. Our brains are wired that way. Learn about the psychology of cognitive biases in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: Why Do Great Flood Myths Seem To Be Universal?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2026 44:04 Transcription Available


If look into the mythology of just about any culture in the world, you will find a myth about a great flood that destroyed humanity and submerged the Earth in the distant past. Does this mean that a great flood actually happened? Listen to this classic episode to explore the possibilities with Josh and Chuck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cajun Navy: Heroes or Liability?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 38:37 Transcription Available


The Cajun Navy was formed after Hurricane Katrina and really got its legs after the Louisiana flood of 2016. They save a lot of lives, but some fear the pitfalls of "vigilante heroism." Learn all about this group of do-gooders today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Color Psychology

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 12:07 Transcription Available


Have you ever cried way longer than usual when you were in a yellow room? You’ve been smacked by color psychology my friend and it’s got your number.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan: Miracle is Right

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 43:34 Transcription Available


Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan were one of the most amazing non-magical duos in history. Imagine living trapped in your own mind – unable to see or hear – and then imagine learning to read, traveling the world, and becoming an ambassador of peace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: Operation Mincemeat: How A Corpse Fooled the Nazis

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026 45:19 Transcription Available


In World War II, a secret department of British 'corkscrew thinkers' hatched a plan to use the cadaver of an unclaimed homeless man to turn the tide of the war in the Allies' favor. It worked. Listen to this classic episode as Josh and Chuck take you through the real life tale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Magnificent Golden Gate Bridge

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 50:54 Transcription Available


If you think the Golden Gate Bridge is named because of its color then you are wrong. That name proceeds the bridge by a long time. But that’s just one interesting fact about this amazing structure. Tune in today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Magic 8 Ball

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 12:43 Transcription Available


The Magic 8 Ball, the mystical fortune telling pool ball started out as a piece of customer swag for the Brunswick Billiard Company. Since then, it has changed the course of history and shaped nations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Charge of the Light Brigade

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 43:21 Transcription Available


The Charge of the Light Brigade is a famous poem about a lesser famous military action during the Crimean War. Tune in today for a rare SYSK walk through wartime history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: The Truth Behind Cage-Free and Free-Range

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2026 54:29 Transcription Available


You’d think terms like cage-free and free-range means the chickens we eat are frolicking happily in the fresh air under the shining sun, but you’d be so, so wrong. Cage-free is a huge improvement but free-range is lacking and both have a long way to go. Find out all about both in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ballad of Biggie and Tupac

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 51:19 Transcription Available


Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur had a famous beef with one another in the mid-90s. It was so intense, it sparked an even wider rivalry between the East and West Coasts. In just a few years, both men had been murdered and the music world was changed forever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: The S7VEN Deadly Sins

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 11:35 Transcription Available


The Seven Deadly Sins are tied to religion, but not really in the Bible. So where did this naughty list come from?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keeping Time

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 50:27 Transcription Available


Today, Chuck and Josh walk you through the history of keeping time, from sticks in the sun to atomic clocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: BPD: The Worst Disorder or Not a Disorder at All?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 50:55 Transcription Available


Borderline Personality Disorder has been described as emotional “third degree burns over ninety percent of your body.” It’s as close to a curse as a personality disorder can be: deep fear of being abandoned creates behaviors that end up driving people off. Learn all about it in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data Centers: Can't Live With Em, Can't Live Without Em

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 48:14 Transcription Available


Data centers are the backbone of our digital world. All the sites you visit and social media you post happen there. A boom in huge data centers to support AI is underway, and they’re taking a big toll on the environment and life for the people around them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Did a vampire legend help win the Cold War?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 12:55 Transcription Available


During the Cold War, the CIA used the legend of a vampire named Aswang to scare locals into not helping the communists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doin' Science in the National Radio Quiet Zone

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 50:48 Transcription Available


West Virginia is home to sensitive radio telescopes that could easily pick up your cell phone’s signal on Mars. And the cell reception on Mars is about as good as it is in the NRQZ, since cell towers are banned in the interest of furthering astronomy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Forgiveness Works

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 59:18 Transcription Available


For most of history, forgiveness fell under the domain of religion. But in the 1980s science started investigating it and found that forgiving someone is really, really good for you. Learn how anybody can be the better person in this classic, and really great, episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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