In this eye-opening episode of Learn Something, we explore the science, scope, and serious health concerns surrounding PFAS — commonly known as “forever chemicals.” These synthetic compounds, found in everything from nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing to fast food packaging and firefighting foam, are making headlines for a reason: they don’t break down easily, they accumulate in the environment and our bodies, and they’re everywhere.

We break down what PFAS actually are — a massive family of over 4,000 manmade chemicals with super-strong carbon-fluorine bonds — and why their water-, oil-, and stain-resistant properties made them attractive to over 200 industries. But those same properties also make PFAS incredibly persistent and nearly impossible to eliminate once released.

You’ll learn how PFAS enter our bodies through contaminated drinking water, food, dust, and direct product exposure — and how they bioaccumulate, even transferring from mother to baby. We also cover the alarming health risks, including thyroid and kidney dysfunction, weakened immune response, reproductive issues, and increased cancer risks.

The episode explores what individuals can do to limit exposure — from choosing PFAS-free cookware and products to using certified water filters — while emphasizing that meaningful change must come through regulation, corporate accountability, and scientific innovation. We also dive into the complexities of detection, cleanup, and the troubling trend of “regrettable substitution,” where harmful PFAS are swapped with equally risky alternatives.

Whether you’ve just heard of PFAS or have been following the headlines, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make safer choices and advocate for a cleaner, healthier future.

In this episode of Learn Something, we unpack one of the most talked-about yet misunderstood tools in global economics: tariffs. From toll-like border taxes to powerful instruments of trade policy, tariffs have evolved dramatically — and their impact reaches far beyond the ports where goods arrive.

We begin with the basics: What are tariffs, and how do they work? Listeners get a clear breakdown of specific tariffs (flat fees per item) and ad valorem tariffs (percentage-based rates), along with how governments set and track them through standardized systems like the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

But tariffs aren’t just economic footnotes — they’re strategic levers. We explore why countries use them: to raise revenue, protect emerging industries and jobs, influence foreign policy, and even shield consumers from low-quality imports. Yet behind these intentions lie complex consequences.

We dive into the economic ripple effects: higher prices for consumers, supply chain disruptions, decreased competitiveness, and even job losses in industries the tariffs were meant to help. Real-world examples — including the U.S. steel and tire tariffs — highlight how policies intended to protect can backfire.

You'll also learn how economists measure protectionism using simple averages, trade-weighted averages, and rates on dutyable goods — each with its limitations. And we don’t stop at tariffs. This episode touches on quotas, subsidies, and the broader web of trade barriers.

From trade wars and retaliatory tariffs to geopolitical strategy and domestic tensions, we show how tariffs can shape — and shake — the global economy. Whether you're a business owner, policy enthusiast, or curious consumer, this episode reveals how a tax at the border can hit your wallet at home.

In this episode of Learn Something, we unravel the fascinating story of Pluto — its rise, fall, and the controversy that still surrounds it. Once known as the ninth planet in our solar system, Pluto captured the imagination of generations before being reclassified as a “dwarf planet” in 2006. But why did this happen, and why is the debate still ongoing?

We trace Pluto’s journey from its discovery by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930 to its demotion by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The game-changing moment came with the discovery of other large Kuiper Belt Objects like Eris, prompting astronomers to rethink what makes a planet a planet. The IAU’s new definition required that a planet orbit the sun, be nearly round, and crucially, clear its orbital neighborhood — a criterion Pluto failed due to its crowded Kuiper Belt location.

But the story doesn’t end there. Prominent scientists like Alan Stern and Philip Metzger argue that Pluto should be a planet based on its rich geological complexity — including an atmosphere, methane glaciers, and potential subsurface oceans. They suggest planetary classification should focus more on what an object is rather than where it orbits.

We also explore how cultural sentiment, evolving science, and powerful images from NASA’s New Horizons mission have kept Pluto in the public eye. The episode dives into the broader implications of redefining planets, the politics of scientific classification, and how even historical accidents can shape what we teach and believe.

Whether Pluto is a planet, dwarf planet, or something in between, its story is a powerful example of how science evolves — and how curiosity continues to drive discovery.

In this electrifying episode of Learn Something, we explore the remarkable story of electricity — from ancient curiosity to modern innovation. We begin with early observations, like static electricity noted by Thales of Miletus and Benjamin Franklin’s iconic lightning experiment, then follow the breakthroughs that led to today’s complex electrical systems. Discover how Alessandro Volta’s battery sparked a revolution, how Faraday and Maxwell unveiled the nature of electric and magnetic fields, and how these forces are deeply connected in electromagnetism — the very foundation of light itself.

We break down electricity at the atomic level, explaining electric fields, voltage, current, and the components that make up modern circuits. You’ll learn how electricity is generated, transmitted, and transformed, from the DC generators of the 1800s to the global AC grids that power our world today.

The episode also delves into the renewable energy revolution — from hydropower to wind and solar — and the critical role of smart grids in handling demand, weather variability, and cybersecurity threats. We highlight major milestones, like the first U.S. wind farm in 1980 and how renewables reached 30% of global electricity in 2023.

But electricity isn’t just about power lines — it’s in us. From brain signals to heartbeat rhythms, the body relies on intricate electrical activity. We even touch on nature’s electric marvels, like electric eels and atmospheric lightning.

Whether you’re flipping a switch or charging your phone, there’s a vast, interconnected story behind that simple act. Join us as we illuminate the past, present, and future of electricity — the force that powers both our devices and our lives.

In this episode of the Learn Something Podcast, we dive into a side of artificial intelligence that doesn't make headlines as often as it should: energy consumption and environmental impact. While AI dazzles with its ability to generate art, write code, compose music, and drive innovation across industries, few consider the massive energy demands that power this technology.

From warehouse-sized data centers to the specialized GPUs needed to train models like GPT-4, AI consumes staggering amounts of electricity—GPT-4 alone used over 50 gigawatt hours, 50 times more than GPT-3. Interactions with large language models (LLMs) can require 10x the energy of a Google search, and even generating a single image or answering a question can carry a measurable carbon and water footprint.

The discussion unpacks why AI is so power-hungry, from the sheer size of the data it processes to the infrastructure that supports it. The rise of generative AI has pushed demand even higher, concentrating power usage in data hubs and straining local grids. Globally, data center electricity usage is expected to more than double by 2026. In the U.S. alone, AI-driven power needs could account for up to 6% of national consumption—possibly doubling again by 2030.

Beyond energy, the podcast explores the environmental ripple effects: increased CO₂ emissions, rising water use (Microsoft’s up 34% in 2022 alone), and mounting electronic waste from rapidly obsolete hardware. Even sustainable solutions like wind and solar aren’t enough on their own, given AI's need for reliable, round-the-clock power.

The episode also highlights promising paths forward: renewable energy adoption, smarter data center design, federated learning, energy-efficient hardware, and emerging AI techniques like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). Policy and international cooperation are key, too—with standards and incentives helping shape a greener AI future.

Ultimately, while AI holds promise to help tackle climate change, it’s vital to address the environmental cost of the technology itself. This episode offers a clear, compelling look at what’s powering the AI revolution—and the price we’re paying to keep it running.

In this episode of Learn Something, we take a deep dive into one of the most common ingredients in our diets: sugar. While it’s a household staple, sugar’s story is far richer—and more complex—than most of us realize.

We begin with the basics: what sugar actually is—a type of carbohydrate that comes in many forms—and trace its linguistic and cultural journey from ancient Sanskrit through Persian, Arabic, and Latin to the modern English word. Historically, sugar was a rare luxury, used more as a spice or medicine than as a daily ingredient. But as refining processes evolved, sugar became cheap, accessible, and nearly ubiquitous in modern diets.

We explore the various types of sugar—sucrose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), agave nectar—and how they’re processed and metabolized differently in the body. You’ll learn how glucose fuels our cells, while fructose is primarily processed by the liver, with significant implications for heart health, weight gain, and insulin resistance.

A key focus of the episode is on the health effects of added sugars. Drawing on CDC and Harvard studies, we break down how high sugar intake—especially from sweetened beverages—can contribute to obesity, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. You’ll hear how added sugars drive insulin resistance and why they may be even more dangerous for heart health than salt.

We also touch on the long-standing debate between fat and sugar, examining how decades of dietary guidelines, influenced by industry interests, may have misled the public. As a result, low-fat foods often contain high amounts of added sugars, compounding the problem.

The episode wraps up with actionable advice: how to spot hidden sugars on food labels, the importance of glycemic index, and the benefits of whole, minimally processed foods. It’s not just about cutting sugar—but about making smarter, informed choices in a sugar-saturated world.

In this powerful episode of Learn Something, we take a deep dive into one of the most complex and far-reaching health issues of our time—cancer. With over 100 distinct diseases grouped under a single name, cancer isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. It’s a biological puzzle rooted in genetic mutations, cellular misfires, and environmental triggers—and we're here to unpack it all.

Starting with the very definition, we explore how cancer differs from other illnesses and trace its origins back to ancient medicine, where the name “cancer” was first coined by Hippocrates, inspired by the crab-like appearance of tumors. We break down the cellular mechanics: how normal cells obey growth rules, and how mutations—both inherited and environmental—lead to the breakdown of those controls.

We dive into major risk factors including tobacco, obesity, alcohol, infections like HPV and hepatitis, and even exposure to certain chemicals and radiation. You’ll learn how these factors damage DNA and set off a cascade of genetic errors that can lead to malignancy.

We also look at how cancer progresses—from hyperplasia and dysplasia to invasive tumors and metastasis—and how it's categorized by both location and cell type. From common carcinomas to rare sarcomas, blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and pediatric blastomas, the episode walks you through the spectrum of cancer types with clarity and precision.

Modern treatment options get a thorough breakdown, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and emerging breakthroughs like mRNA vaccines and CRISPR gene editing. We explore how precision medicine is revolutionizing cancer care, tailoring treatment to the genetic blueprint of each tumor.

Whether you're looking to understand the basics or stay informed about the cutting edge of cancer research, this episode offers a thoughtful, informative, and hopeful look at a disease that touches so many lives.

Tune in and learn something that matters.

In this episode, we unravel one of the most talked-about technologies of our time: artificial intelligence. Whether you're intrigued, intimidated, or just plain curious, this episode is your guided tour through the fascinating and fast-evolving world of AI.

We begin by defining what AI really is—beyond the buzzword—and explore the different ways researchers and developers think about intelligence in machines. From systems that mimic human thought to those that simply act rationally, AI isn’t a single concept, but a broad field with multiple approaches and goals.

We break down the key categories of AI: narrow AI (like your voice assistant or recommendation engine), artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the theoretical concept of artificial superintelligence. We also cover types of AI by capability—reactive machines, limited memory systems, theory of mind, and the elusive idea of self-aware AI.

Then, we step back in time to trace AI's long and surprising history, from mythological automatons in ancient Greece to the seminal work of Alan Turing in the 20th century. We look at the birth of AI as a field in the 1950s, its early successes, and the inevitable setbacks that led to two major “AI winters.”

Fast-forward to the modern AI boom—driven by big data, deep learning, and massive language models like GPT—and we explore how today's AI systems are transforming everything from scientific research to the workplace. We discuss the latest advances in multimodal AI, how tools like ChatGPT became household names, and what makes transformer models so revolutionary.

Finally, we look at the future: the ethical challenges, the importance of transparency and regulation, and the impact AI is already having on jobs, science, and society. As AI continues to evolve, the big question isn’t just what it can do—but how we choose to use it.

Tune in and learn something that matters.

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the long and often troubling history of mental health treatment in the United States. From early—and sometimes dangerous—methods like metrazole-induced seizures, insulin shock therapy, and even malaria treatments, to the rise of large-scale institutions that warehoused those deemed “beyond help,” we uncover how limited understanding and fear shaped early psychiatric care.

We examine the deinstitutionalization movement of the 20th century, sparked by legal reform and shifting public attitudes, and how the promise of community-based care was often undermined by budget cuts and policy gaps. The result? A tragic increase in homelessness, incarceration, and unmet needs for people with serious mental illness.

This episode also looks at how stigma has evolved over the decades, how it continues to prevent people from seeking help, and why early intervention—especially for psychosis—is so critical. We highlight modern challenges, including workforce shortages, systemic underfunding, and disparities in access to care, particularly for communities of color.

We dive into recent data from SAMHSA and the CDC that paints a sobering picture of mental health in America today, including rising suicide rates among young people and the high percentage of individuals who need help but aren’t receiving it.

Despite the grim statistics, we focus on hope: the growing awareness, new treatment models, and real resources that can make a difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is support. Services like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and FindSupport.gov are available to help.

This episode is a call to action—to break the stigma, improve access to care, and create a system that truly supports mental wellness for all.

Listen now and learn something that matters.

Concrete is everywhere—beneath our feet, holding up our buildings, supporting our highways—but how often do we really stop to think about it? In this deep dive, we explore the fascinating science behind the material that literally forms the foundation of modern life.

We start with the basics: what concrete is made of and how it differs from cement. You’ll learn about its main ingredients—aggregate, cement, and water—and the complex chemistry that takes place when they’re combined. We explain hydration reactions, the formation of calcium silicate hydrate, and how heat is released as concrete sets and hardens.

But that’s just the beginning. We dive into the stages of concrete hardening, how different compounds hydrate at different speeds, and why timing matters so much in construction. Then we explore the critical role of water-to-cement ratios, why more isn’t always better, and what can happen when those ratios are off.

From there, we shift to the role of oxygen—not in making concrete, but in its long-term durability. You’ll learn how reinforced concrete uses steel rebar to increase strength, and how oxygen, water, and chloride ions work together to corrode that steel over time. We also discuss how climate change—through rising temperatures, humidity, and CO₂ levels—accelerates deterioration and threatens our infrastructure.

In a surprising twist, we explore a what-if scenario: what if Earth had no oxygen? Without it, reinforced concrete wouldn’t rust from the inside out. Structures might last dramatically longer. It’s a thought experiment that sheds light on how environmental factors shape the lifespan of even the strongest materials.

Whether you're into chemistry, engineering, or just curious about the hidden forces behind everyday things, this episode will change the way you see the built world.