Stuff You Should Know

Roly Poly bugs go by many names. They look like tiny armadillos. They're great for your garden. And they're crustaceans. Yeah, you read that right.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multitasking isn't really possible, because of the way the human brain works. We know you think you're getting more done, but you're really working slower and with worse results than working sequentially. We promise.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trial of Sacco and Vanzetti, two anarchists accused of murder, was one of the first "crimes of the century." But did they do it? To this day there is speculation that they did not. Learn all about this famous case in this classic episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know all of those cords and cables and wires that we use to connect our stuff to the electrical grid so they’ll, you know, work? Imagine a day when energy flies through the air like wifi, utterly cord-free. Well, imagine no more! That day is coming!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smudging is the process of wafting around the smoke of burning white sage. What is it good for? Listen in and find out.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you grew up outside of Africa, you might know Haile Selassie’s name from reggae music - the man who ruled Ethiopia is considered a god in Jamaica. In Ethiopia opinions are more varied.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1968, Paul Erlich published The Population Bomb, predicting coming famine and mass death. Erlich's predictions didn't pan out but his ideas launched a debate still raging today. Learn all about it in this classic episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Hahn was a kid who was really into science. So much that he built a nuclear reactor in his mother's potting shed. And it worked.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world’s cultural treasure troves were created in West Africa. But for over a century they’ve been held in museums outside of Africa. In fact, an estimated 95 percent of Africa’s cultural heritage is kept in museums overseas.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles and Ray Eames were superstar designers who dreamed up some of the most iconic pieces of furniture ever made. And they did much more than that.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.