Cool Stuff Daily
Cool Stuff Daily covers the most interesting and coolest stories in the world of science, progress, life-hacks, memes, exciting art, and hope. This is the antidote to depressing headlines. Smart stuff in podcast form. Cool news, as a service.
Hosted by Reggie Risseeuw and Marques Pfaff.
701
Wed. 01/05 - The Climate Emergency: Reasons to ...
Gravity as a possible solution to one major drawback of wind and solar power, and reasons to be cautiously optimistic about our prospects for the climate overall. Plus, the link between physical strength and mental health. And the CDC’s zombie...
16 min
702
Tue. 01/04 - Time Capsules in a Confederate Sta...
The history and future of predicting the future. Plus, a new “open-source” COVID vaccine that could help way more people around the world get vaccinated. And, after taking down a statue of Robert E. Lee in Virginia, local experts found two time...
17 min
703
Mon. 01/03 - It's Raining Fish (Hallelujah)
A fresh argument for reclassifying Pluto as a full-fledged planet that would open the doors for way more planets than just the OG nine. Plus, it was raining fish in Texas last week. And if you’ve been trying to remember the title of a book you read...
15 min
704
Wed. 12/29 - Why Donuts Are Emblems of America ...
A history of the humble donut as a symbol of American patriotism, and a circular source of joy world round. Plus, a round-up of New Year’s traditions from around the world––in case you’re looking for a little inspiration on this perhaps...
20 min
705
Tue. 12/28 - Emojis As Folklore & Cows On Water...
The argument for emojis as folklore, the top emojis of 2021, and why an emoji reference site is being archived in the Library of Congress. Plus, it turns out gray hair can return to its original color… sometimes, and temporarily. And, waterbeds...
22 min
706
Mon. 12/27 - I'm Disgusted
What is the real driver of all of humanity’s innovations, doctrines, and oddities? According to some psychologists, disgust. Plus, the surprisingly recent history of counting down to midnight on New Year’s Eve. And forget smell-o-vision, now...
19 min
707
Wed. 12/22 - Rollerskating, The Holy Pooper, & ...
A round-up of Christmas traditions from around the world and throughout time. Plus, the US Army is working on a vaccine that could protect against all COVID and SARS variants, including omicron. And there’s a cream cheese shortage so Kraft Heinz is...
19 min
708
Tue. 12/21 - Why the Webb Telescope Launch Is F...
The James Webb Space Telescope is launching on Friday. Here’s what to expect, and why astronomers are so stressed out about it. Plus, Scotland may soon be issuing a three centuries overdue pardon to victims of its many witchcraft trials. And when...
17 min
709
Mon. 12/20 - Athletes' Supercharged Blood & Pro...
How an athlete’s blood could boost cognitive function, potentially in non-athletic people. Plus, the origin and meanings of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” And, Christmas in July takes on a whole new meaning with cruises designed...
15 min
710
Fri. 12/17 - The Mystery of the Secret Library ...
How a librarian discovered a secret library within her library. Plus, some tips for unplugging more deeply when you’re on vacation. And the group of actual birds knocking Adele and Ed Sheeran off the top of the Australian music charts. Sponsors: ...
16 min
711
Thu. 12/16 - DOOM BLOOM: Spotted Lanternfly-Tai...
It turns out those pesky spotted lanternflies have changed the local honey in Pennsylvania, and it’s… kind of good? Plus, the FDA has approved eye drops that fix age-related vision problems. And one company is trying to prevent new staff turnover...
14 min
712
Wed. 12/15 - Are Floating Neighborhoods the Fut...
A NASA spacecraft has just touched the sun for the first time in human history. Plus, are floating neighborhoods the future for coastal towns? And a look back at the origin of online reviews, and a question about their future. Sponsors: GiveWell,...
17 min
713
Tue. 12/14 - Sad Keanu & A Sleeping Bag to Save...
When did we first start sending holiday cards and will the tradition ever end? Plus, the health risks for humans in space and a high-tech sleeping bag that could prevent astronauts’ vision from deteriorating. And, Keanu Reeves explains what was...
16 min
714
Mon. 12/13 - Science-Backed Nap Hacks From Salv...
Need a creative boost? Try this napping hack from Thomas Edison and Salvador Dalí––research from this month says it actually works. The woman who successfully traded a bobby pin for a house. And Swedish towns are trying to reclaim their names...
15 min
715
Fri. 12/10 - The Science (& Ethics) of Netflix’...
Insights from the real-life NASA scientist behind Netflix’s new killer-comet movie, Don’t Look Up. Plus, reindeers are the only mammals whose eyes change color with the seasons. And their noses kind of do too––the science behind that, and the...
16 min
716
Thu. 12/09 - Birds Aren't Real (And Neither Is ...
Finally we get some truth from bird truthers. Everything you need to know about the Birds Aren’t Real movement. Plus, New Zealand is banning tobacco completely for the upcoming generations. And Instagram is bringing back the chronological feed! Kind...
16 min
717
Wed. 12/08 - Cleaning Hacks From Victorians
Cleaning advice from nineteenth century housekeepers. An upcoming feminist retelling of 1984. How to watch the Geminid meteor shower next week. And MST3K is officially coming back next year. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250...
15 min
718
Tue. 12/07 - Scientists Want SpaceX's Starship ...
How SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket could herald a new generation of space exploration. Plus, all sound recordings from the mid-1800s to 1923 are going to be released to the US Public Domain on January 1st. And Heinz and Terry’s have partnered to...
13 min
719
Mon. 12/06 - Why Is It So Hard To Hear Movie Di...
Do you feel like the dialogue in movies has gotten harder to understand? It’s not just you. Sound professionals dish on all the reasons why it’s gotten worse in recent years. Plus, a giant steel structure coming soon to Tasmania has already...
17 min
720
Fri. 12/04 - Krampus, the Unabomber, & Tickle M...
Why the FBI thought the inventor of Tickle Me Elmo might have been the Unabomber. A new potential method for freeze-drying vaccines. And it’s Krampusnacht this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the sinister anti-Santa. Sponsors: ...
19 min
721
Thu. 12/02 - How a College Student Invented Ore...
How a twenty-one-year-old student-teacher and his roommates created Oregon Trail fifty years ago, and never made a cent from their creation. Plus, a letter Catherine the Great wrote in favor of vaccinations just sold for $1.3 million. And, for one...
15 min
722
Wed. 12/01 - Duolingo's Bizarre Sentences
Why does Duolingo use such weird and sometimes deeply relatable phrases to teach its users new languages? Plus, the real science behind the much-hyped “first living robots that can now reproduce.” And the origins of the twelve days of Christmas....
16 min
723
Tue. 11/30 - How Mark Twain Invented the Bra Clasp
How Mark Twain invented the bra clasp. Kinda. Plus, beavers doing the work of million dollar machines to restore land and prevent wildfires––in a fraction of the time and for a fraction of the cost. And a new twist has emerged in the McDonald’s...
16 min
724
Mon. 11/29 - Canada's Emergency Maple Syrup Res...
Are influencers’ aesthetic choices for their kids threatening their brain development? Probably not, but the science behind it is kind of interesting. Plus, pub-goers in England got stranded for three days with an Oasis tribute band. And there’s a...
14 min
725
Wed. 11/24 - Made-Up Words For Very Real Feelings
How does the CIA go about recruiting young people who are increasingly skeptical of government institutions and also not exactly covert about their lives on social media? Plus, a dictionary of fake words for very real feelings. And are we cautiously...
16 min