For millennia humans have recognized four tastes, but in the 1980s a fifth taste first isolated in Japan gained worldwide acceptance - and took off like a rocket! Learn about meaty, musty, savory umami in this classic episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Umami Works!

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.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Arson investigation has changed a lot over the years. There is actual science available now, but the word still hasn't totally gotten out. Listen in today, and don't play with matches! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dubious Science of Arson Investigation

It's common knowledge that famines are usually caused by major droughts: Rain doesn't fall, crops don't grow, and people go hungry. But recent research suggests that while weather may trigger famines, they may actually be more of a human-made catastrophe. Find out more in this classic episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Famines Work

We think of estrogen and testosterone as the female and male sex hormones and they may seem kind of gross (is that just Josh?), but that simple understanding is way off. A magical biochemical dance between the two creates everything from bones to moods. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Testosterone and Estrogen: Wondrous Hormones

Straitjackets aren't really a thing anymore unless you're watching a movie or TV show. Or in prison. That's the sad truth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short Stuff: Straitjackets

The 70s were the decade of the woman in the US. America finally was coming around to the understanding women and men are equals and the government sponsored a conference to advance women’s rights. The opposition that arose changed the fabric of America. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selects: How Umami Works!

Download our free app to listen on your phone