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The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

Popular Science
Popular Science
Cockroaches
Quicksand
Venus
Hippos
Peacocks
Jellyfish
Tea In the UK
Cheese
Chinstrap Penguins
Long COVID
Dung Beetles
Cats
Robotic Food Delivery
Animal Behaviors
Japanese Tit Communication
Termite Poop
Australian Lungfish
Iron Maiden
Bird Milk

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. For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Stu... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes223Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceEducation

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Latest Episodes

⁠⁠While Rachel is on parental leave, here's a vintage episode from our vault! Rachel, Sara, and comedian Josh Gondelman discuss dogs cooking in kitchens, chickens laying eggs inside themselves, and one of the most peculiar art heists in history.

The... more

YouTube

Jess brings on science-minded friends Lindsey and Misti to discuss why space smells like a freshly opened beef stew packet, how having to pee makes you better at video games like Elden Ring, and how rituals and priests might be the solution to long-t... more

YouTube

⁠While Rachel is on parental leave, here's a vintage episode from our vault! Rachel, Claire, and Sara discuss all things weird related to the Olympics way back in 2021 (when the games were pushed back a year from the pandemic).

The Weirdest Thing I ... more

YouTube

WELCOME TO SEASON 10! Jess hosts the show solo while Rachel is on maternity leave, but brings on a pair of her creator friends to chat about how beavers keep wildfires at bay, koalas eating their moms' poop (kind of), and exploding Australian trees. more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Josh Gondelman
Comedian, writer; frequent contributor on Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me; author of Make My Day
Make My Day, Desus and Mero (past work)
Episode: REVISITING Art Crime Doesn't Pay, Canines Cooking Meat, Eggs Gone Wrong
RL Stine
Author of the Goosebumps book series
Episode: Check it out: 'Ask Us Anything' from Popular Science. On this episode, GOOSEBUMPS
Carly York
Animal physiologist and biology professor
Episode: Drunk Monkeys, Heroic Rats, Forehead Teeth
Sarah Gailey
Author of "Spread Me"
Night Fire
Episode: Airborne Butt Cam, Snake Panic, Oops! All Cloacas
Nathan Lents
Professor of Biology at John Jay College and author of The Sexual Evolution
John Jay College
Episode: Thank Your Local Horse, OG Canners, Busting Bird Gender Norms
Mary Roach
Author of 'Replaceable You.'
Episode: Medical Butt Chugging, Ancient Ice Cream Pyramids, "The Thing" but Midwestern
Casey Johnston
Writer and author covering tech, science, and health
Episode: Horny Bugs, Women are Stronger Than Men, Evil Monkey Backpack Trends
Patricia Kaishian
A scientist and mycologist, author of "Forest Euphoria"
Episode: Masochistic Trees, Lean Mean Sex Machines, Ancient Doodles
Jess Boddy
Guest co-host and Twitch Ambassador
Twitch
Episode: Time Balls, Bug Culture, Traffic Mimes

Hosts

Rachel Feltman
Host and Editor at Popular Science, known for sharing quirky and insightful scientific discoveries with humor and warmth.
Jess Boddy
Co-Host and audio engineer, recognized for introducing engaging segments and witty commentary amid discussions.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 4.2k ratings
  • Not just for the Nerd Herd

    Whatever the subject the presenters find such weird facts that, you’re bound to find it interesting, or at least make you say “that’s weird.”

    Nerds preferred, but not mandatory!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Q. T. Getomov
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Obsessed

    I wanted a podcast that could give me fun facts to share when the conversation gets dull, and weirdest thing went above and beyond. There are so many years worth of content, so I’ve been bingeing it for the past few weeks, and I already have so many fun things to share with my friends and family. I feel like the smartest girl around and it helps to know that they were all thoroughly researched and fact-checked so I know I’m not making stuff up. Absolutely love this podcast and I can’t wait to ke... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eliza Joy Williams <3
    United States3 months ago
  • Love it but stop with the video game references

    Nothing about video games is weird or interesting and Jess REALLY needs to stop making every single fact tie back into video games. I skip through her sections pretty much 100% of the time- I’m here for weird facts, not video game references. Other than that, love the pod

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    1_12345
    United States5 months ago
  • Horrible

    The use of like umm and uhhh is crazy also so off topic and sexist (trying to say that women have it harder which is crazy because men have feelings to)

    It’s annoying.

    eagle.of.red.oaks is right the constant thing I’ve heard in my life is men are a holes women can be to

    My entire life I’ve been told that men are horrible and women only get molested which is crazy most guys don’t do that it’s a small population of men also women can be mean I know that from experience

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Zuko is the best
    United States5 months ago
  • i love this show

    so interesting and honestly soooooo funny

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Elizabethhaywood
    United States7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There is a recurring appreciation for the representation of women in STEM fields, highlighting the podcast's positive impact on young female listeners.
Some listeners express frustration about over-reliance on certain topics, such as video game references, indicating a desire for broader subject coverage.
Listeners appreciate the unique and entertaining facts shared in each episode, often describing the content as well-researched and engaging.
Feedback indicates that the humorous approach of the hosts adds a lot of enjoyment to the learning experience, making it suitable for multitasking or casual listening.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Spotify
#32
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#92
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#201
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#150
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#90
Saudi Arabia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#161
South Africa/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Medical Butt Chugging, Ancient Ice Cream Pyramids, "The Thing" but Midwestern
Q: What are the implications of the new breathing methods using the rectum?
These methods could assist in emergency medical scenarios when traditional breathing techniques aren't available, potentially providing an alternative way to oxygenate blood without a ventilator.
Medical Butt Chugging, Ancient Ice Cream Pyramids, "The Thing" but Midwestern
Q: Can you tell us about your latest book?
My latest book, 'Replaceable You,' explores the adventures in human anatomy, covering the efforts to replace various body parts.
Thank Your Local Horse, OG Canners, Busting Bird Gender Norms
Q: What is the theme of your latest book?
The book focuses on sex and gender diversity in animals, emphasizing the often overlooked variations that exist.
Thank Your Local Horse, OG Canners, Busting Bird Gender Norms
Q: Would you tell our listeners a little bit about your background and your work?
Nathan discusses his role as a professor of biology and his focus on genetics and human evolutionary context.
Bette Midler and the Salamander, How Marathon Swimmers Pee, D+D is Good for Your Brain
Q: What is the significance of the dusky salamander's rediscovery in High Bridge Park?
It highlights the importance of habitat conservation and recovery efforts in urban areas.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

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This podcast features a captivating exploration of quirky and unusual facts that span various aspects of science and culture. The hosts engage listeners with humorous and informative discussions about bizarre animal behaviors, odd historical events, and peculiar findings in various fields, often drawing from their personal anecdotes and research. Each episode is packed with entertaining and enlightening anecdotes that not only aim to amuse but also instill a sense of curiosity about the weird and wonderful aspects of the world around us.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week:

1. Ologies with Alie Ward
2. Science Vs
3. Unexplainable
4. Radiolab
5. Science Friday

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The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week launched 8 years ago and published 223 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week?

Recent guests on The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week include:

1. Josh Gondelman
2. RL Stine
3. Carly York
4. Sarah Gailey
5. Nathan Lents
6. Mary Roach
7. Casey Johnston
8. Patricia Kaishian

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