The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

By Popular ScienceSociety & Culture Science Education

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Typical duration
45 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week episodes

March 26, 2025Space Squirrels, the Most Beautiful Youth, Glass Brains
John Green joins the show to talk about how Everything is Tuberculosis -- which is coincidentally the name of his new book. Plus, Lauren talks about sending squirrels into space, and Rachel explains how brains can (very rarely) turn to glass.

Check out John's new book: https://everythingistb.com/

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Thanks to our Sponsors!
Get an additional 20% OFF the @honeylove Holiday sale by going to https://honeylove.com/WEIRDEST #honeylovepod
If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/weirdest
Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

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1 hr 5 min
March 12, 2025Roman Water Fights, Pet Squirrels, Perpetual Pre-Singing
Vinny Thomas joins the show to talk about Victorian-era pet squirrels. Jess hops behind the mic to discuss filling the Roman colosseum with water, and Rachel unravels how chewing gum can stop us from "pre-singing."

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Thanks to our Sponsors!
Make progress towards a better financial future with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at https://chime.com/WEIRDEST. Chime. Feels like progress.
Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/weirdest

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
55 min
February 26, 2025Surfing Bats, Deep Sea Bologna, Environmental Trolley Problem
Lauren Leffer joins the show to explain how silver carp are creating an environmental trolley problem. Plus, Laura divulges the story of the surfing bat, and Rachel talks about scientists that ate an ancient bologna sandwich.

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Thanks to our Sponsors!
Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://www.Zocdoc.com/WEIRDEST to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/weirdest

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
57 min
February 12, 2025Hockey English, Lasagna Power, How to Find the Light
Paleontologist and writer Riley Black joins the show to talk about a plant mystery. Plus, Amanda talks about turning your leftover lasagna into a power source, and Rachel discusses Letterkenny and "hockey English."

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Thanks to our Sponsors!
Get started today at https://chime.com/WEIRDEST Chime. Feels like Progress.
Get an additional 20% OFF the @honeylove Holiday sale by going to https://honeylove.com/WEIRDEST! #honeylovepod
Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
44 min
January 29, 2025Poodle Sled Dogs, Why Orange Cats Are "Like That," Seal Nose Anatomy
Welcome to SEASON 9!!
MIT Technology Review science editor (and former Weirdest Thing champ) Mary Beth Griggs joins the show to talk about self-sealing seal noses. Plus, Laura jumps on to talk about poodles running the Iditarod, and Rachel explains why orange cats are... you know. Like that.
Get tickets for our upcoming LIVE SHOW right here! https://caveat.nyc/events/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-2-8-2025
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ

Thanks to our Sponsors!
Get started today at https://chime.com/WEIRDEST Chime. Feels like Progress.
Get an additional 20% OFF the @honeylove Holiday sale by going to https://honeylove.com/WEIRDEST! #honeylovepod
Upgrade your closet this year without the upgraded price tag. Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://www.Zocdoc.com/WEIRDEST to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
48 min
January 22, 2025 Catch Weirdest Thing LIVE on February 8 – Listen for a special promo code!
Catch us LIVE in NYC or via livestream on February 8! Get your tickets now: https://caveat.nyc/events/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-2-8-2025

Use code BUTTERFIRE for $5 off in-person and $10 off livestream tickets.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
5 min
December 18, 2024Orca Fashion, Cookie Cannibalism, BEAR ATTACK!!
Alex Goldman of Hyperfixed and Reply All joins the show to talk about a historic bear attack incident in Japan. Plus, Amanda talks about why stuff tastes different at 30,000 feet, and Rachel explains the latest fashion trend among killer whales.
Get tickets for our upcoming LIVE SHOW right here! https://caveat.nyc/events/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week-2-8-2025
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Thanks to our Sponsors!
Get cozy in Quince's high-quality wardrobe essentials. Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Try VIIA! https://bit.ly/viiaweirdest and use code WEIRDEST!
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at: https://BetterHelp.com/WEIRDEST

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
44 min
December 04, 2024Elephant Pranks, Ghost Armies, Would You Still Love Me If I Was A Silkworm
Sophie Bushwick and Claire Maldarelli join the show to talk about silkworms in tea and ghost armies (though not the kind from Lord of the Rings). Plus, Rachel talks about a prankster elephant.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Thanks to our Sponsors!
Get an additional 20% OFF the @honeylove Holiday sale by going to https://honeylove.com/WEIRDEST! #honeylovepod
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at: https://BetterHelp.com/WEIRDEST
Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/weirdest

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
45 min
November 20, 2024Casting Smell Spells, the Quantum Slap, the Boniest Jigsaw Puzzle
Twitch Partner Cheebs joins the show to talk about some mega weird quantum physics. Plus, Jess talks about real-life stinky witch magic, and Rachel lays out a jigsaw puzzle made of bones.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
Click here to learn more about all of our stories!
Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman
Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman
Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn
--
Follow our team on Twitter
Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman
Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy
Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci
Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ
Thanks to our Sponsors!
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at: https://BetterHelp.com/WEIRDEST
Get cozy in Quince's high-quality wardrobe essentials. Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Get Up to 50% OFF @honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/WEIRDEST #honeylovepod

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
41 min
November 19, 2024 Introducing What It's Like To Be with Dan Heath
Sharing an episode of the podcast “What It’s Like to Be…” from New York Times bestselling business book author Dan Heath. In every episode, Dan interviews someone from a different profession: A cattle rancher, a FBI special agent, a professional Santa Claus. He asks what it’s like to do what they do. What does a couples therapist think when a friend asks for relationship advice? Is a Secret Service Agent supposed to pretend like they’re not there when they’re around the president? What does a hair stylist do when a client asks for a celebrity hairstyle that will never work for them? In the preview you’re about to hear, you’ll meet a marine biologist who studies manta rays. You’ll hear how drones have changed her work, what it’s like to get to know individual rays, and why people have such a romantic image of being a “Marine Biologist.” It’s the perfect show to listen to with your kids – it’s family safe but also gives them a preview of different careers – and the kinds of personalities that fit with the work. You can find more episodes of “What It’s Like to Be…” wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
36 min

About The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

From the publisher's feed

At Popular Science, we report and write dozens of science and tech stories every week. And while a lot of the fun facts we stumble across make it into our articles, there are lots of other weird facts that we just keep around the office. So we figured, why not share those with you? Welcome to The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week.