Ask us Anything by Popular Science
Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions—from what the universe is made of to why not everyone can touch their toes. Join PopSci editors and producer Jess Boddy as they work through questions big and small. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support
1
How do chatbots work?
10 min
2
How is Voyager's vintage technology still flying?
10 min
3
Can you become a morning person?
22 min
4
Where’s the best place to sit in a movie theater?
12 min
5
Are the bees still dying?
28 min
6
Why do we like pimple popping?
10 min
7
How do planes fly?
11 min
8
What’s the best way to reheat pizza?
9 min
9
What’s the best way to detox?
14 min
10
Can I have a pet fox?
21 min
11
How can I be more photogenic?
17 min
12
What’s a haboob?
11 min
13
Is the megalodon shark still alive?
13 min
14
Why do we get wisdom teeth?
15 min
15
Season 3: Premiering 6/21!
0 min
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24. Did food taste better 50 years ago?
<p>It's the season 2 finale! What did food taste like 50 years ago—and was it actually better than it is now? </p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
11 min
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23. What is a super car?
<p>There are regular cars, there are luxury cars, and then there are.... SUPER cars. But what even is a super car? As our host explains, it can often be more of a vibe than anything else—but there are some specific criteria to hit. </p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/robverger" target="_blank">Rob Verger</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/robverger" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/robverger</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
11 min
18
22. What would happen if the sun went out?
<p>The sun is, to put it lightly, quite important to life on Earth. What would happen if it suddenly went poof?</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson" target="_blank">Sara Kiley Watson</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SaraKileyWatson</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
7 min
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21. Can stress kill you?
<p>If you're looking for a sign to take a vacation... this might be it.</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
9 min
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20. Why can't we all touch our toes?
<p>We finally dive into the classic question—why <em>can't</em> we all touch our toes? And why the heck is it such a big deal?</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
12 min
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19. What does space smell like?
<p>Sure, you can't literally smell IN space. But what if you could? Just how stinky is it out there?</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/RachelFeltman" target="_blank">Rachel Feltman</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/RachelFeltman" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/RachelFeltman</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
9 min
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18. Do we really need homework?
<p>Homework—we've all done it. (Or avoided it.) But is homework truly necessary for learning and becoming a fully formed human?</p><p>--</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/stanhoraczek" target="_blank">Stan Horaczek</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/stanhoraczek" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/stanhoraczek</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
11 min
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17. How much water should I drink a day?
<p>Most people will tell you to drink 8 cups of water per day—but what if we told you that the answer is SO much more complicated than that?</p><p>--</p><p>Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, <a href="https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021">right here!</a></p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
9 min
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16. What did dinosaurs taste like?
<p>Modern dinosaurs obviously taste like chicken—because they ARE chickens. But what would dinos like stegosauruses and T. rexes have tasted like back in the day?</p><p>--</p><p>Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, <a href="https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021">right here!</a></p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
9 min
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15. What'd happen if I ate my computer?
<p>So... yes, this is a weird question. But electronics are hard to recycle, ok? Can't we just toss them down the hatch? What would they do to our bodies?</p><p>--</p><p>Get your tickets to Weirdest Thing's virtual live show, which is Tuesday, 9/21, <a href="https://www.caveat.nyc/event/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-livestream-9-21-2021">right here!</a></p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod">https://twitter.com/AskPopSciPod</a></p><p>Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">Claire Maldarelli</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/camaldarelli">https://twitter.com/camaldarelli</a></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">Jess Boddy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy">https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy</a></p><p>Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">Billy Cadden</a>: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=w_P6kTN6Ruy_J9GccvOasQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq</a></p><p>Art by <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">Katie Belloff</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz">https://twitter.com/Katie_Bellz</a></p>--- Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/askusanythingbypopsci/support</a>
11 min