The Return of Listener Mail

For much of human history, polio was absolutely terrifying. People weren't sure how it spread, they had no idea how to treat it, and they realized anyone could be infected. This changed with the emergence of polio vaccination, which was considered, for the most part, a massive success. But the rush to get this treatment finalized and out to the public led to one of the worst vaccine disasters in human history: investigators quickly learned the polio vaccine was actually giving people polio. Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 Maalis 20241h 5min

Iron Man hips the guys to a bizarre story about potassium. Sgt. Will presents a fascinating theory about nuclear weapons and "aliens." The Cold War Hammer prompts a discussion of possible Russian ASAT weapons. Big Shucks sends news of new drugs that could help cats and dogs live much longer. Ben ponders what might amaze time travelers. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Helmi 20241h 3min

Whil space may look pretty empty to the unaided eye, make no mistake: Earth's orbit is filled with fascinating -- sometimes creepy -- things. Join Ben, Matt and Noel as they explore the rise of spy satellites, the danger of nukes in space, and much more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Helmi 20241h 13min

What should people be allowed to say online? What sort of control should states or private entities have over images, concepts, speeches and other content created by individuals, groups or the public? Join the guys as they explore the controversial phenomenon of censorship, from moments where it's arguably necessary to times where censorship functions as conspiracy or cover-up -- ultimately asking how censorship works in the future.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Helmi 202456min

Orbital decay as satellites fail. A stingray practices parthenogenesis as China and Iran expand claims to Antarctica. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Helmi 202453min

The scenic Colonial Parkway stretches 23 miles across part of Virginia, linking Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. This road has been purposely shielfed from commercial development, and it's full of pull-offs making it the perfect lovers' lane. And, from 1986 to 1989, it became a prime hunting ground for one of the state's most notorious serial killers. Tune in to learn more about the still-unsolved case of the Colonial Parkway Murders.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Helmi 202453min

Matthais calls to ask about why some streetlights are turning purple. Kyle writes in with a question about a possible fast food conspiracy to short people on condiments. Curious in Seattle prompts a disturbing exploration of the death of federal prosecutor Thomas Wales, who appears to have been murdered by a professional assassin. Ben, Matt and Noel decide to dive into the case in a future episode. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Helmi 202443min

Humans are phenomenally inventive creatures -- problem is, some of their inventions may end up disrupting the status quo. In fact, history is riddled with mysterious deaths of inventors and scientists -- along with countless allegations of conspiracy. How many of these strange stories could be true? Tune in for the second installment of this ongoing series: Mysterious Inventors.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Helmi 20241h 4min