Shows
Teach Me SomethingCrocodilians: Expert Extinction EvadersCrocodilians are cool! These amazing archosaurs are extremely well adapted to their environments, but you probably knew that. What you may not have known is how smart, loud, and caring they are (and their blood has super powers).Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-02-121h 12Teach Me SomethingThe Bhopal Chemical Plant Disaster: An Ongoing TragedyLast episode we dove head first into the history of industrial environmental disasters and cover what is arguably the biggest disaster of them all. The reason being the that the Bhopal chemical plant disaster deserves its own feature length discussion. Learn about the events leading up to the disaster, the incident itself, and the effects that are still being occurring 40 years later.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-01-2256 minTeach Me SomethingHeavy Metals and Halogens: Industrial Environmental DisastersIf you didn't already know, releasing waste chemicals into the environment is generally pretty bad. Sometimes geography and weather team up to trap harmful chemicals in one place and sometimes all it takes is the significant release of toxins all at once to create an industrial induced environmental disaster. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-01-081h 01Teach Me SomethingAncient Greek Constellations: A Match Made in HeavenYou have heard of the Greek constellations, they are the driving force behind every horoscope, but have you heard each of their origin stories? Find out why the Greek gods decided to place various animals and people among the stars.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-12-111h 11Teach Me SomethingGrosse Île and the 1847 Typhus Epidemic: Don't Trust the Devil's ApplesGrosse Île is a small island in the St. Lawrence and was once Canada's primary port of entry for immigrants. It was used to quarantine new immigrants to Canada for years, but what happens when a famine across the ocean causes the facilities to become overrun? The answer isn't pretty...Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-11-271h 07Teach Me SomethingHuman Adaptation: To Boldly Go Where No Hominin Had Gone BeforeLiving in harsh and extreme environments has been a challenge for humans (and our hominin ancestors). Luckily, a few populations have developed genetic adaptations that have allowed survival in the extreme cold, high elevation, and deep depths.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-11-131h 20Teach Me SomethingThe Wonders of The World: Seven is the Perfect Number of Wonders, Eight is Right OutPeople have always liked making lists and what better lists are there than the most impressive and wonderful things to see. We explore the original Seven Wonders of the World as outlined by the ancient Greeks and then take on more modern interpretations.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-10-301h 18Teach Me SomethingFungi Pt II: Zeus, the Best Mushroom GardenerThis episode we dive back into the fungi kingdom and talk about human interaction with fungus. We cover everything from food to drugs to space technology.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-10-161h 19Teach Me SomethingFungi Pt I: The Morel You Know About Mushrooms the BetterThere is the animal kingdom, there is the plant kingdom, and then there is the fungi kingdom (one could say the Mushroom Kingdom for all you Mario fans out there). It's a tall task to attempt to cover an entire kingdom in just a few episodes but we are up to the task.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-10-021h 15Teach Me SomethingSyd Barrett Must Die: Why The Most Iconic Album Of All Time Almost Didn't HappenMost people have heard of Pink Floyd but far fewer have heard of Syd Barrett even though he was a founding member of the band and heavily influential in Pink Floyd's early success. Today's special guest, Warren, explains how both Syd's presence and absence from Pink Floyd played critical roles in the band's history.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-09-181h 23Teach Me SomethingAnimals That Do Drugs! (Just the Medicinal Kind)The relatively new science of Zoopharmacognosy is all about the study of animals that self-medicate. This science covers a wide range of animals and an equally wide range of medicines from plants to insects to resin.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-09-051h 10Teach Me SomethingComparative Mythology Pt V: Boil, Boil, Toil and TroubleMagic and witchcraft is a universal theme among myths and legends. In this episode we explore Egyptian, Eastern European, Greek, and even Christian witches.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-08-211h 22Teach Me SomethingThe Minoan Civilization: Matriarchy, Minotaurs, and Messed-Up MarriagesThe Minoan civilization maybe some thing that you associate with Greek mythology, but we assure you it was entirely real. The civilization was anyways, not the Minotaur.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-08-071h 14Teach Me SomethingTicks & Ticks Diseases: Plenty of Pain Packed in a Poppy-Seed-Sized PackageTicks can be found all over the world and there are many different species, so no matter where you are there is the possibility of a tick bite. Whichever tick you decide to hang out with, it's probably in your best interest to not get bitten by a black-legged one! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-07-241h 16Teach Me SomethingThomas Midgley Jr: A One-Man Environmental DisasterA vast majority of inventors would be lucky to make a single world-altering invention. Thomas Midgley Jr. was lucky enough to do it twice. Unfortunately the inventions made him one of history's biggest one-man environmental disasters. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-07-101h 10Teach Me SomethingDolphin Top Hats & Monocles: Culture in Orcas and Bottlenose DolphinsWhat is the definition of culture? That is a tough question to answer, but one thing is for certain, dolphins have it. From the way they play and hunt to the way they talk, we cover a number of examples of culture in orcas and bottlenose dolphins.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-06-261h 12Teach Me SomethingSummer Update: We'll Be Back June 25thSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-06-1200 minTeach Me SomethingWhat Time Is It?: Duodecimal and Sexagesimal ShenanigansLast episode we discussed the history of calendars and this episode we approach the history of time keeping on a smaller scale. Has an hour always been the same length of time? When did keeping track of the time day become important? What are the six candles for? And what is a pennyweight anyways? Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-05-291h 19Teach Me SomethingHistory of Calendars: 19 is the Magic NumberWe have made several attempts to track time and record the cycles of the moon and sun. Some systems were more accurate than others and some calendars don't even relate to celestial bodies, but all of them provide an interesting glimpse into the culture that used them at that time in history.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-05-151h 24Teach Me SomethingBlood Groups & Blood Transfusions: Just Add A Dash of Blood LettingYou may know your ABO blood group, you may event know your RhD blood group, but do you know your Kell, Duffy, or Kidd group? Well, old timey doctors didn't know about any blood groups and they made some poor decisions during the course of medical advancement.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-05-011h 13Teach Me SomethingRetroviruses: Don't Call My Genome Junk!Retroviruses are interesting in so many ways, like breaking the central dogma of molecular biology. Did we mention that you wouldn't be a mammal, or even a vertebrate, without these handy little invaders?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-04-171h 09Teach Me SomethingRoman Amphitheatres: The Original Hunger Games?The Roman amphitheatres are a marvel of ancient engineering and construction. Not to be confused with theatres, forums, and other purpose built Roman buildings, the amphitheatres were designed for one goal; violence for public spectacle. From gladiators to ship battles, amphitheatres saw it all.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-04-031h 18Teach Me SomethingThe (Fictional) Founding of Rome: Take a Proper Gander at All This PropagandaHow was Rome founded? How much of the world was it destined to rule? How long will the empire last? Who is the greatest leader, descendant from the gods? Answering those questions is easy if you read the Aeneid by Virgil, one of histories most famous pieces of propaganda. Come learn what happened to the survivors of Troy after the events of the Odyssey, which surprisingly seem to mirror the Odyssey and Iliad, in order to understand how the stage was set for the Roman Empire to thrive.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something.2024-03-201h 25Teach Me SomethingThe (Non-Fictional) Founding of the Roman Empire: So Many JuliasHow did ancient Rome transition from a republic to an empire? Great question, and we are here to give you the low down on years of civil war, numerous dictators, and so many women being given away for alliance forming purposes. Worried that we don't have enough tangents? We got you covered with the crazy Roman calendar, Spartacus, and Egypt's civil war.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-03-061h 20Teach Me SomethingPorphyria, Vampires, and the Catholic Church: King George Was...Likely Not a WerewolfThis episode hits a lot of notes, from English monarchs to mythological monsters. And fear not, dear listener, we also found a way to talk about Pliny the Elder. So join us to learn a little about porphyria, and a lot about all the other interesting tangents we manage to fit in. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-02-211h 18Teach Me SomethingPrehistoric Homo Sapiens: I'm Certain They... Did Things?Socrates once said, "the only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing," and for this episode that couldn't be more true. We've consulted the latest research to figure what we think we know and what we know we don't know. As far as prehistoric Homo sapiens are concerned, the answer is... who knows?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-02-071h 08Teach Me SomethingHobbits, Hoaxes, and Handymen: A History of Early HomininsAre you like the two of us, having learned about early Hominins more than a decade ago? If so, come learn how much of your education is wrong, or only partially correct. We will learn about the human family tree right up until Homo sapiens. (That episode is next)Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-01-241h 14Teach Me SomethingToads, Rabbits, Ants... and More Ants: Invasive Species of Australia and New ZealandIn this episode we are joined by our son to tell the story of cane toads in Australia. We also talk about the costs, both economic and ecological, of other invasive species in Australia and New Zealand.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-01-101h 17Teach Me SomethingColleges Are Filled with Donkeys and My Neck Hairs Know More Than You: Theories by the Great ParacelsusWhat is there to say about Paracelsus? Well, a lot really. He was a complicated man with a complicated name and in this episode we discuss his life, beliefs, and impact on medical history.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-12-201h 10Teach Me SomethingOne Crusade, Two Crusade, Three Crusade, Four. Five Crusade, Six Crusade, More!How many Crusades are there? Great question! The answer is it's difficult to say but that won't stop us from trying anyways.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-12-061h 24Teach Me SomethingInsane in the Brain: Decoding the Secrets of the OctopusJoin us as we navigate the depths of octopus senses, reproduction, and intelligence. We cover ancient "wisdom" from Pliny the Elder and update you on current octopus science and discoveries from this year as well.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-11-221h 17Teach Me SomethingTea, Trade, and Tyranny: The Dark Side of the East India CompanyIn this episode, we delve into the riveting tale of the East India Company's meteoric rise, exploring its transformation from a small group of merchants to a colossal force shaping global history. From trade monopolies to imperial conquests, we uncover the Company's exploitation of trade, use of private armies, and its impact on India and beyond.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-11-081h 15Teach Me SomethingArson, Spankings, and Jump Scares: How Not to Cure the Glass DelusionMental illness is a tricking subject and sometimes it presents in interesting ways. Have you ever suspected your behind is made of glass and sitting down could be dangerous? If so, you may be a medieval monarch.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-10-2626 minTeach Me SomethingVampire Bats and Zombie Ants: A Summary of Behaviour-Altering ParasitesAnother episode on parasites? Yes, that's right and this time we dive into some of the fascinating ways parasites alter the behaviour of their hosts. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-10-111h 12Teach Me SomethingMonotremes: It's a Bird! It's a Reptile!... No it's a MammalMonotremes (aka platypuses and echidnas) are very strange mammals. Today we explore their similarities to the rest of the mammals and how they differ; significantly more about how they differ.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-09-271h 12Teach Me SomethingVlad the Impaler: You Wouldn't Like Him When He's AngryI hope you like tangents as much as we do, because we have lots for you today. Not only will you learn about Vlad the Impaler but also such thrilling topics as the invention of the printing press and the meaning of the word suzerainty!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-09-131h 14Teach Me SomethingKeep Genes & Maths Out of My Biology: The Trofim Lysenko StoryHave you ever heard of the Soviet scientist Trofim Lysenko? Well I hadn't either and now I'm questioning why not. His pseudo-scientific beliefs may seem amusing to us today but they caused the deaths of millions of people in the 20th century.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-08-301h 08Teach Me SomethingCanadian Ship Disasters: With Great Coastline Comes Great SinkabilityThere have been hundreds of maritime disasters related to Canadian boats or on Canadian waters, so we have cherry picked a handful of the most interesting, extreme, and historically relevant to tell you about. From the sinking of the Edmond Fitzgerald to the Halifax explosion there is a lot to cover and the Titanic is only mentioned a couple times.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-08-161h 10Teach Me SomethingMosquitoes Pt III: Abracadabra! (And Other Malaria Cures)We finally finish our series on mosquitoes in exquisite and perhaps gross detail. We will fill you in on four parasitic diseases mosquitoes can give you and of course we will tell you how Pliny says you should treat them.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-08-021h 14Teach Me SomethingMosquitoes Pt II: Explosions Don't Cure Yellow FeverIf you have mild flu-like symptoms, you probably don't have a debilitating mosquito-borne viral illness...but you might. Tune in to learn how mosquitoes have teamed up with birds to deliver a nasty variety of viruses to us humans. As a bonus, you can also find out which of these viruses apparently make good biological weapons (is there such a thing?). Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-07-191h 05Teach Me SomethingMosquitoes Pt I: Marlon Brando's Island to the RescueWe are doing a mosquitoes 101 lesson where we cover everything from bites to repellants to anatomy. You'll have to tune in to find out what Marlon Brando has to do with mosquitoes, and which soap will likely help keep you bite free.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-07-051h 02Teach Me SomethingComparative Mythology Pt IV: Women Should Be Wary of Bodies of WaterToday we take a look at the similarities and differences in the mermaid myths found across many cultures through time and geography. Fishmen, merpeople, water spirits, and manatees can all be found here, as well as the ever present commentary of Pliny the Elder.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-06-211h 07Teach Me SomethingTotem Poles: An Impressive Icon of the Pacific North WestJoin us as we learn about the meaning and history of this amazing Indigenous art form and cultural symbol. We also get a little off topic (as usual) and teach you about the Queen Charlotte Islands, the United States Revenue Cutters, and Potlatch ceremonies.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-06-071h 07Teach Me SomethingKing Henry VIII Pt III: Fat, Furious, and Fertility-Challenged (But Was it His Fault?)For our third and final Henry VIII episode, joined by our special guest Warren, we are going to dive into Henry's medical history. We'll talk about his physical problems, like his obesity and painful, oozing leg ulcers. We'll talk about his mental problems like his sudden paranoia and mood swings. And we'll even talk about his lack of offspring (it's not always the woman's fault, though try telling that to anyone in the Tudor period). Most interestingly, we'll discuss if there could be one diagnosis that could explain all his health problems. Support this show http://supporter...2023-05-241h 08Teach Me SomethingKing Henry VIII Pt II: When All Else Fails, Bribe the PopeCome take a load off and join us for part 2 of 3 on King Henry VIII of England. Returning is special guest Warren to help us learn about the latter half of this monarch's life and its abrupt turn from being a generally likable fellow to ruthless tyrant with a thirst for beheadings. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-05-101h 09Teach Me SomethingKing Henry VIII Pt I: The Quest for a Male Heir (But Not Too Many Male Heirs)Welcome to part 1 of 3 on King Henry VIII of England where we bring along special guest Warren in order to dive into the first half of the monarch's life. We discuss the political landscape of England leading up to Henry's rule, the importance of having the right number of male heirs, and how Henry was generally a really likeable fellow.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-04-271h 07Teach Me SomethingMedical Astrology: It's Just Complicated, OK?In this episode we are going to explain astrology to you (probably very poorly). Then we are going to explain the history of medical astrology to you (hopefully less poorly). This was how medicine was done for a long, long time, and man, was it complicated!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-04-121h 09Teach Me SomethingEusocial Animals: The Thorn in Darwin's SideJoin us on this episode where we talk about animals who spend their lives serving a colony, completely foregoing having offspring of their own. We also discuss how such extreme altruism could have evolved.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-03-2858 minTeach Me SomethingHistory of Hygiene Pt II: It Smells Bad Here, Let's Just Move (aka The Royal Strategy)In part two of the History of Hygiene we explore humanity's battle with human waste. Find out out about London's infamous "Great Stench," the advent of public restrooms, and things that flush.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-03-151h 04Teach Me SomethingPaint with All the Colours of the Sky: Debating the Validity of IndigoThis episode we're going heavy into the physics of colours and exploring the age-old question of why the sky is blue. Also, why is the sky red, green, orange, white, yellow, or purple, for that matter? We'll also get into the philosophy of rainbow colours and teach you just how accurate an artist's colour perception can be.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-03-0156 minTeach Me SomethingA History of Salt: Dragon's Breath, Sauces, and Sea DragonsEvery great civilization in history controlled the production and trade of salt in their area. Join us on our 50th episode as we explore how salt has shaped our food, culture, and history. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-02-151h 02Teach Me SomethingGlowing Life: The Romans Loved Their "Light" SnacksIn this episode we discuss bioluminescence and biofluorescence. Which animals glow? How do they do that? And most interestingly, how have researchers applied what we've learned to advance science and technology?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-02-021h 08Teach Me SomethingHistory of Hygiene Pt I: King's Evil Is Not Cured by SoapMost "soap" today is actually detergent. Listen to this episode, the first part of the History of Hygiene series, to learn the difference between soap and detergent, the 5000 year history of soap, and how lamb theft lead to British tabloids making claims about French hygiene.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-01-181h 11Teach Me SomethingPooping Facing South: Earth's Magnetic Field and its Effect on AnimalsJoin us in this episode where we explore the history of Earth's magnetic field; how it has changed over time, why it exists, and times when it didn't exist. We also take a look at some animals that can sense the Earth's magnetic field, ponder how they might be able to do that, and what some of them do with that ability.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-01-061h 14Teach Me SomethingToxoplasmosis: What's So Special About Cat Intestines?We think parasites are cool and you should too! At least we hope you will by the end of this episode, where we talk all about Toxoplasma gondii and its effect on the brain.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-12-141h 03Teach Me SomethingComparative Mythology Pt III: Mountains, Rainbows, and IncestIn this episode we are going to be talking about flood myths from different cultures around the world. Some are very different, but most are very similar. One thing is for sure: you're guaranteed to be both entertained and confused by these awesome flood stories. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-12-011h 08Teach Me SomethingWilliam the Conqueror: England's Last Invader? This episode starts with Vikings, ends with the Dutch and we will try to not bore you with all the lineages along the way (sorry that everyone is named Mary). We dive into the misnamed Bayeux Tapestry to learn all about William the Conqueror, the last invader of England?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-11-171h 12Teach Me SomethingLobsters: Don't Believe Everything You Read on the InternetThere are quite a lot of lobster facts floating around the internet in meme form that seemed too crazy to be true, so we decided we should explore these claims with some (kind-of) in-depth research. Along the way though, we realized there were other groups of people who are very interested in lobster research. Tune in to find out why NASA and the Department of Homeland Security are so interested in these delicious decapods.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-11-031h 12Teach Me SomethingThe Chernobyl Disaster: Why You Shouldn't Run Nuclear Experiments You Don't Fully Understand You've almost definitely heard that there was a nuclear disaster at Chernobyl (or close to it, anyways). But how much do you really know about the nuclear disaster that shook the world in 1986? We realized we didn't have many of the details so we took a look at what happened, and most importantly, why it happened. Tune in to hear fascinating factoids like how a nuclear reactor works, how melanin protects us from radiation, and how your thyroid gland functions. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...2022-10-201h 06Teach Me SomethingAnimal Myths: Don't Tip Over Cows (Or Julius Caesar)Join us as we debunk all sorts of animal myths. You probably know that most of them are myths, but this episode is packed full of all sorts of amazing animal facts to keep you entertained. How do vampire bats find their prey? How do chameleons change their skin colour? What is the fastest cellular process in the whole animal kingdom? Tune in to find out! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-10-051h 12Teach Me SomethingComparative Mythology Pt II: It Simply Isn't an Adventure Worth Telling if There Aren't Any DragonsThe title of this episode really sums it up the best: "It simply isn't an adventure worth telling if there aren't any dragons." - J.R.R. Tolkien. We are simply going to talk about as many dragons, from as many cultures as possible. We'll do some comparing and contrasting and tell you as many dragon stories as we can in this supersized episode. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-09-211h 21Teach Me SomethingHow do you spell 4 on a sundial? (mini-sode)We have been silent for a few extra weeks and will be off air for a few more. To tide you over, here is a mini episode about the number 4 on sundials in the time of the Romans. Catch you again in about 5 weeks.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-08-1206 minTeach Me SomethingMummies Part II: M'm! M'm! Good!In our second and final mummy episode, we are going to talk about Egyptian mummies. But that's not all that's in store for you this episode. We get into medical cannibalism, ancient construction materials and the four sons of Horus; we'll even tell you how much you'll need to pay if you want to be mummified when you die.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-07-271h 02Teach Me SomethingMummies Part I: Other Places Have Mummies TooIt seems wild that we are not going to discuss Egypt at all on this episode (ok maybe a few sentences, but that is it), but this episode is about mummies from around the world. We are going to talk about bog mummies, mummies from South America, and even people who tried to mummify themselves.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-06-301h 02Teach Me SomethingPliny the Elder: The Quiz ShowThis episode is a deep dive into the mind of Roman naturalist (among other things), Pliny the Elder. He compiled the first encyclopedia, which was epically long, and chock-full of really wrong, really ridiculous "facts." Play along with us at home, and take your best shot at guessing what exactly you should do to treat a snakebite or cure your headache. And this episode we have our very first, very special, guest stars!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-06-161h 13Teach Me SomethingStereotypical Sayings: The Creation of Common ClichésWe are going to educate you on the origins of many of the sayings you are used to hearing every day. Well, at least we are going to try. The internet is full of stories, some of which might be true and some of which may be less than true. Join us so that you can decide for yourself.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-06-021h 03Teach Me SomethingComparative Mythology Pt I: Grand Theft FireCome along with us for a little tour of fire myths. Trickster gods just love to steal fire and sometimes even share it with us. You have probably heard of Prometheus, but do you know how Maui stole fire? Or how opossum stole fire for his people? Well, you will soon! P.S. If you're wondering why this is a 'part 1', Parts 2 and 3 of comparative mythology (dragons and floods), and any other parts I dream up in the future, are coming at a later date.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something.2022-05-181h 05Teach Me SomethingArchimedes: The Man, The Math, The LegendJoin us to hear about one of the most important and amazingly innovative minds in history, the Greek mathematician Archimedes. Little is known about his life, so some stories have been embellished (would you ever run naked in the streets screaming just because you got excited?) and some stories have been outright made-up. But what we do know is that his ideas were way ahead of their time. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-05-0458 minTeach Me SomethingAcromyrmex Had a Farm: With a Fungus Here and an Aphid ThereThis episode is all about farming. But did you know that humans are far from the only animal that farms for their food? There is an amazing diversity of farming behaviours found in the animal kingdom (mostly in the insects) and we'll tell you all about them!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-04-2158 minTeach Me SomethingWrecks of Ancient Life: Baby Dragons, Bat Guano, and Blind CavefishThis episode we'll fill you in on the fascinating diversity of cave-living and cave-loving animals. We'll also explain how and why cave animals lose their eyesight and why evolutionary biologists are so interested in these, "wrecks of ancient life." (As they were called by Charles Darwin). Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-04-071h 00Teach Me SomethingThe Spanish Inquisition: Their Chief Weapon Was NOT SurpriseThis episode is all about THE Inquisition. Not just what happened in Spain, but the whole Office within the Roman Catholic Church called the Inquisition. The Catholic Church, along with greedy, power-hungry monarchs, used torture and interrogation to "suppress heresy" and enforce a uniform religion. So join us to learn all about a pretty crazy period in the history of the Catholic Church. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-03-231h 03Teach Me SomethingSugary Shenanigans: A History of Delicious DisastersJoin us for a riveting discussion of the dangers lurking in your local baking aisle. Sugar, syrup, honey, and molasses all have their twisted tales from the past (ten years counts as the past, right?) and this episode we are spilling the beans. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-03-091h 04Teach Me SomethingHorseshoe Crabs and Camelids: How We Use Animals in Medical ScienceThis episode takes a look at some really interesting ways that we use animals in medicine and research. Animal studies not only help us realize how our own bodies work, but they also lead to the discovery of some really important substances like new antibiotics. Join us for answers to questions like, "why is the Gila monster is so important for diabetics?" and, "why have humans become horseshoe crab vampires?" Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-02-241h 07Teach Me SomethingThe History of Maths Part II: All Great Math Starts with Sex RiddlesIn part 2 of our math history episode, we'll head to the East and check out China, India, and the Arabic Empire. Eventually we'll head over to Europe again (Italy, specifically) and we'll end our math-history tour in the Americas, where we'll talk about some indigenous mathematics. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-02-101h 08Teach Me SomethingThe History of Maths Part I: A West Side StoryJoin us on a journey through the development of mathematics starting in the Western world. We promise you won't have to solve any math problems or times tables whatsoever. We will also fill you in on what we know so far about how your brain does math and give you some possible reasons why math emerged.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-01-1958 minTeach Me SomethingThe Human Body Rainbow: There Are A LOT of Reasons to Turn RedYes this episode really is about the ROYGBIV of colours that your body can turn. Let's explore the human body and learn about blood, chemistry, and even food science.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-01-061h 00Teach Me SomethingThe 1925 Serum Run to Nome: Not the Story of BaltoOk maybe a little bit about Balto, but only a little bit. In this episode we explore what made the 1925 Serum Run important and highlight all the heroes. Get ready to learn about Diphtheria and dog sledding—and then to fall in love with a special dog named "Togo."Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-12-2259 minTeach Me SomethingThe Chicago River: The Good, the Bad, and the UglyThis episode we are focusing on Chicago's rather odd relationship with their river. They have really put some gross things in it, dyed it, and even reversed the direction of its flow. On purpose. Why did they do this? And how in the world did they pull that off? Tune in and we'll tell you! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-12-011h 00Teach Me SomethingGarden Mythology Part II: Tales from Ovid's MetamorphosesWe crammed this episode full of as many tales of metamorphoses as we could. We even sprinkle in facts and tidbits about gods, goddesses, and history to tie it all together. Get ready to learn about the mythological origins of olives, myrrh, and more.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-11-171h 03Teach Me SomethingGarden Mythology Part I: When in Rome, Garden as the Romans doIn this episode we tackle some plant based mythology. In part 1 of this 2 part series, we are going to explore a typical Roman villa to find out how they liked to garden. We'll also take a cue from the Roman poet Ovid and use his famous poem, Metamorphoses, to explore the mythological symbolism of different plants.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-11-0358 minTeach Me SomethingCorrupted Blood: Lessons from World of WarcraftIn this episode Everett will teach us all about World of Warcraft. Why would he do this you ask??? Turns out, human behaviour is fascinating! Sociologists and epidemiologists have been able to study a great pandemic in World of Warcraft and gain valuable insight into human decision making during a real life pandemic.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-10-2055 minTeach Me SomethingBirds Part II: All About Bird SongThis is the episode where you learn everything about bird song. (That's a bit of an exaggeration, but I promise you'll learn a little bit about a lot of things.) If you've ever wanted to know the who, what, where, when, why, or how of bird song, we've got you covered. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-10-051h 04Teach Me SomethingBirds Part I: Behaviours, Adaptations, and Fun Fowl FactsJoin us this episode for a light and fun discussion about birds. We talk about some ways birds adapt to their environments, and some cool aspects of their wing and feather design. You can finally learn the answer to why flamingos stand on one leg, and you'll even get to learn about a penguin's secret kickstand (yes, you read that right.) Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-09-221h 02Teach Me SomethingA Brief Overview of Weather: Storm Gods, Hurricanes, and PaleotempestologyThis episode is a short but action-packed summary of the weather concepts we found most interesting. How do tornadoes form? Why do we have hurricanes? What's up with seasons? We'll dive into all these questions, and more, and slip in a brief history of meteorological science. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-09-0859 minTeach Me SomethingThe Periodic Table Part II: Bananas, Explosions, and HyperdiamondsDo you like obscure facts that are cool but useless (unless you go to trivia night at the pub)? Well this is the episode for you! You'll learn such things as the difference between flammable and inflammable (hint, there is no difference), the most smelly chemical, and the strongest acid ever made. You can also get answers to really pressing questions like, "can humans spontaneously combust?" and "will eating bananas give me radiation poisoning?"Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-08-191h 09Teach Me SomethingThe Periodic Table Part I: How Do Elements Get Their Names?This week we are tackling chemistry, specifically the periodic table, in a totally not boring way! (We hope.) We'll give you just a bit of background into the periodic table and the origin of the concept of elements. Then we'll add to your random trivia knowledge by telling you where many of the elements got their names. So tune in to learn interesting and seemingly random facts, like that beans were the reason Pythagoras died.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-08-1159 minTeach Me SomethingCallitrichidae: Marmosets, Tamarins, and Greek Monsters (Oh My!)In this episode we'll give you a crash-course on Linnaean taxonomy (the gift you never knew you wanted). Then we'll fill you in on some super cool and tiny monkeys that live in the Americas. Marmosets and Tamarins use a fairly unique mating strategy and boy-oh-boy does it pay off. Make sure to listen to this week's episode to find out how these little guys manage to reproduce like bunnies, and learn how marmosets are related to a mythological beast from Ancient Greece.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See...2021-08-041h 02Teach Me SomethingThe Poison Squad Part IV: Wiley's LawWe have finally come to the conclusion of the Poison Squad series! Thank you for sticking with it all the way to the end; I promise that by the end of this episode, the US will finally end up with a workable national food safety law. Just wait (and then wait and wait...), and you'll finally get the closure you're seeking. We end this episode with some bonus coverage of a huge modern-day food adulteration case which started in 2008 and is still brewing today. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast...2021-07-2855 minTeach Me SomethingThe Poison Squad Part III: Welcome to the Jungle, It Gets Grosser Every DayHere in part 3, we finally introduce you to the Poison Squad (not the people, just the concept). We'll also explain how a novel gave a much needed boost to the Pure Food Movement and we'll finish off by returning to the roots of this series and grossing you out.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-07-2056 minTeach Me SomethingThe Poison Squad Part II: If All Else Fails, Blame the CookWe're back for part 2 of our Poison Squad series, and this time it's personal. Corporations are mad at the government, the military is mad at the manufacturers and the meatpackers are mad at...the cooks? Listen to this week's episode to see how food got more dangerous, and manufacturers got more reckless. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-07-1155 minTeach Me SomethingThe Poison Squad Part I: The Many Ways We Made Our Food Entirely Unfit for Human ConsumptionThe Poison Squad series is the dirty, disgusting, and at times quite nauseating tale of how the United States finally passed their first national food, water, and drug safety laws. In part 1, we'll introduce you to the hero of the story, Harvey Wiley, and we'll begin to explain the gross and dangerous things that people used to do to food. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-07-0455 minTeach Me SomethingAll About Venom: Venomous Animals, Anti-Venoms, and the Importance of Venom in Medical ResearchThis week we dive into venom. What is it? What's in it? How does it work? We'll tell you all about different venomous animals, and the animals that are resistant to venom. If you've ever wondered how an anti-venom works, or how it's made, we'll answer that for you as well. We'll also talk about some recent and very exciting medical developments coming from venom research, including new types of pain medications. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-06-2759 minTeach Me SomethingMythology of the British Isles Part III: The Mester Stoor Worm Has A Delicate TasteIn the last part of our trilogy, we will start exploring Scottish, Welsh, and English lore. We'll give you a little background on each of these cultures, but mostly we are just going to tell you stories: a heroic tale of a monster's defeat; a love story with a rather odd middle, but a happy ending; and a New Year's tale of Gawain and the Green Knight.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-06-2051 minTeach Me SomethingMythology of the British Isles Part II: The Irish Were Serious About Their BovinesOn part two of our series on the Mythology of the British Isles, we will continue to talk about the myths of Ancient Ireland. We have four very interesting tales to tell you, from the Ulster and Finian cycles. This week you'll meet the important heroes, Finn MacCool and Cú Chulainn, and hear about how serious these people were about their cattle.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-06-1342 minTeach Me SomethingMythology of the British Isles Part I: Everyone Loves a Good Origin StoryIn the first episode of our trilogy, we'll briefly introduce you to the Celtic people and tell you a little about how the British Isles were populated. We'll also teach you about the cycles of Irish mythology. We'll round out the episode with two tales from Irish mythology, one about the birth of a great hero and on about the death of the Great Smiter. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-06-0639 minTeach Me SomethingThe Evolution of Sex Part III: The Mating GameThis episode we'll get into all the awesome, awful, and extremely fascinating ways that animals find and win their mates. Mating is arguably the most important function of an animal, even more important than long-term survival. Because of this, there is a wide-range of very cool behaviours that (male) animals use to give themselves a chance to reproduce. Should they look nice? Smell nice? Bring gifts? The possibilities are seemingly endless! So sit back and relax, and enjoy learning all about animal mating strategies. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast...2021-05-3049 minTeach Me SomethingThe Evolution of Sex Part II: How Sex Helps You Win the LotteryLast episode we talked mostly about asexual reproduction. This episode we'll flip the script and discuss the advantages sexual reproduction brings to the table. We'll talk about some ways that sexual organisms could be more successful, reproductively speaking, than asexual ones. I'll also try to explain a theory which suggests an evolutionary explanation for the origins of sexual reproduction. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-05-2249 minTeach Me SomethingThe Evolution of Sex Part I: Why Males?In this episode we discuss sexual reproduction from an evolutionary perspective, with a lot of cool animal facts thrown in. We talk about the reasons that asexual reproduction seems like a much better choice than sex, hands-down. We also talk about why the existence of males makes so little sense (evolutionarily, not philosophically), and why sex is THE big problem for evolutionary biologists. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-05-1540 minTeach Me SomethingThe Four Humours, the Four Temperaments, and Four of Everything ElseWhen I started learning about ancient medicine, my interest was piqued when I recognized several of the words used as words we still use today. This led me to dive into the world of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and learn a little about the basis of medicine at the time, humouralism. I explore other systems developed from, and linked to, the four humours; most importantly, I discuss the wildly entertaining theory of the four temperaments. Finally I delve into some word etymology and teach you some cool trivia about the origins of several current words and phrases. 2021-05-0834 minTeach Me SomethingPhoenicia, Carthage, and Predatory Sea SnailsHave you ever heard of Carthage? Do you know anything about the Carthaginians? How about the Phoenicians? I had vague ideas, but no answers to so many of my questions. So on this, the inaugural episode of Teach Me Something, we learn all about these ancient civilizations, and make a brief pit-stop to discuss sea snails. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/teach-me-something. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-05-0143 min