Can you actually design a sense of belonging?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at schools adopting Hogwarts-style house systems—and whether that kind of structure really works in the real world.

We also explore why connections may matter more than merit in some systems, and one incredible story of persistence from a woman who went from janitor to doctor at the same hospital.

Plus: an “alien” potato in space, a million-year-old time capsule, Opening Day debates, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you prove you actually know something in the age of AI?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at how colleges are turning to oral exams as a way to verify learning—and what that says about how education is changing.

We also explore why more Americans are struggling with credit card debt, and a more optimistic finding about what people actually get better at as they age.

Plus: rogue robots in Chicago, cocaine sharks, giant spiders, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the biggest green flag you’ve ever seen on a first date?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we start with a surprisingly controversial Olive Garden moment—and what it says about how we judge people.

We also look at the reality facing young graduates entering today’s job market, and a fascinating insight into how people actually change their minds.

Plus: rising Easter candy prices, fake carpool passengers, antimatter on the move, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does finding a hidden detail in a movie feel so satisfying?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore the psychology behind why Easter eggs make us feel smart—and how that connects to the way we process information more broadly.

We also look at why people tend to lower their standards for “their side,” and what that says about how we judge others.

Plus: the rising cost of owning a pet, robots in fast food, coffee and brain health, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if one of the best things for your mental health… is simply going outside?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore why doctors may soon start prescribing time in nature—and what people already do to disconnect and recharge.

We also look at how HOA fees are starting to feel like a second mortgage for many homeowners, and a growing debate over whether extreme wealth is something to admire… or question.

Plus: a possible meteorite crash, a very determined baseball fan, a fried chicken lottery win, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when technology starts bringing people back from the dead?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore the growing use of AI to recreate actors like Val Kilmer—and where the line might be between tribute and something else.

We also look at how the famous number 867-5309 has taken on a completely different meaning over time, and what a 2,000-year-old sarcastic message reveals about how little human behavior has actually changed.

Plus: exploding comets, questionable lawsuits, bank robbers with poor returns, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do people keep doing things that don’t work—and never seem to face consequences?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore why personal attacks in politics continue despite failing to persuade voters, and what that says about how behavior actually changes.

We also look at a striking survey showing how common dark thoughts really are—and why most people never act on them.

Plus: a restaurant robot goes off the rails, a 2,000-year-old coin used as bus fare, rising stamp prices, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gen Z has a new “viral hack” to fix attention spans — and it’s surprisingly simple: put the phone down and do nothing.

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore why boredom might actually be the reset our brains need.

We also look at a new survey finding that 58% of people say AI chatbots have influenced their opinions — and what that means for how we form ideas in 2026.

Plus: a hospital patient who won’t leave, a 12-year-old building a nuclear reactor, tipping culture reaching the courtroom, and why even sharks might have a social life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new study suggests reading negative reviews can actually make painful experiences feel worse — because our brains tend to believe the crowd.

In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at how expectations shape the way we experience things.

We also dive into research suggesting people who rely heavily on corporate buzzwords like “circle back” and “synergy” may actually be worse at their jobs.

Plus: flying gets more expensive, a side hustle negotiating with car dealers, mice sent into space, possible UFO revelations, and a man who has spent 73 years digging graves.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new study suggests memory and cognitive disability rates are rising among younger people — which raises an uncomfortable question: are modern distractions making it harder for all of us to focus?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at what might be happening to our attention spans and share some practical ways people are trying to stay focused in a world full of notifications.

We also explore the growing scientific effort to resurrect extinct animals like the dodo — and whether bringing species back from extinction is a brilliant idea or a Jurassic Park sequel waiting to happen.

Plus: CIA spy cats, an asteroid that flew closer than the Moon, karaoke rage, a spicy salsa lawsuit, and a Florida man who claims he was abducted by dolphins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.