Paula Poundstone is on a quest to gather all of the world's knowledge. Or, as she puts it, "to get less stupid, one topic at a time." Follow her search as she looks to scientists, researchers, and experts for evidence about everything from what music cats like to the fluid dynamics of spilling coffee. "Every week, we'll keep looking for knowledge," says Paula, "because we know we left it somewhere."
15 Available Episodes (15 Total)Average duration: 00:29:01
Oct 14, 2017
Does Boardwalk Make You a Jerk?
00:36:39
Researchers learn that a game of Monopoly can turn a normal person into Gordon Gekko. Also, can a pissing contest create a great Physicist? And, the legendary Lily Tomlin takes the Poundstone Personality Psurvey.
Oct 07, 2017
Is Poochy Stealing the Covers?
00:33:06
This week, new research determines whether dogs sleep better on the floor, or in your giant new sleigh bed. Also, should you feel sorry for telling someone you're sorry? And, Visiting Scholar Ed Begley, Jr. peer reviews research that suggests an unlikely candidate for history's greatest environmentalist.
Sep 30, 2017
How Long Can You Dunk?
00:32:54
This week we find out if money can buy happiness and is there a science to Oreo dunking. Plus country music superstar Trisha Yearwood joins us to share her expertise on kissing.
Sep 16, 2017
What the BLEEP are you doing?
00:34:45
This week we talk to a researcher who has determined the key to happiness is talking to strangers on the subway. (We do not talk to him on the subway.) Also, we learn how curse words might make you stronger. All that plus filmmaker John Waters joins us to take our personality test.
Sep 09, 2017
Who Started the Super Soaker Arms Race?
00:24:23
This week, former NASA engineer Mark Rober invents the world's largest Super Soaker water gun, along with other projects that make him the Most Admired Man among 7-year-olds everywhere. Also, Comedian Kevin Nealon takes the Poundstone Personality Psurvey to find out what trail snack he'd be.
Sep 02, 2017
Our Test Tube Runneth Over: A Bonus Mini-Episode
00:02:31
Dick Cavett shares a great story about the legendary Jack Benny, while the Institute is closed for Freshman Orientation. We'll be back with a full new episode next week.
Aug 26, 2017
Am I Wishing For a Germ Bath?
00:33:04
This week, researchers measure how much bacteria is generated by blowing out birthday candles, handling restaurant menus, and double dipping chips. Also, why a banana may never smell the same again; and Girls Trip star Tiffany Haddish takes the Poundstone Personality Psurvey.
Aug 19, 2017
Are You a Boy or a Girl, Yertle?
00:34:25
This week, scientists discover a stimulating way to determine a turtle's gender. Also, an Eclipse Chaser helps prepare for this week's total solar eclipse, and Pixar Director Pete Docter takes the Poundstone Personality Psurvey.
Aug 12, 2017
Why Is Fluffy Looking At Me Like That?
00:32:37
This week, we talk to a scientist who does feline personality profiling--also known as purrsonality profiling--and we learn what big cats and small cats have in common. Plus: we talk to a man who's getting implanted with a microchip to make purchasing snacks easier. And comedian Tig Notaro joins us to take our personality test.
Aug 05, 2017
Can I Eat That?
00:27:38
We talk to a scientist who has determined once and for all if the Five Second Rule really works, and we discuss the latest findings on sexy scientists. Plus: the great David Sedaris joins us to take our personality test.
Oct 14 | 00:36:39
Does Boardwalk Make You a Jerk?
Oct 07 | 00:33:06
Is Poochy Stealing the Covers?
Sep 30 | 00:32:54
How Long Can You Dunk?
Sep 16 | 00:34:45
What the BLEEP are you doing?
Sep 09 | 00:24:23
Who Started the Super Soaker Arms Race?
Sep 02 | 00:02:31
Our Test Tube Runneth Over: A Bonus Mini-Episode
Aug 26 | 00:33:04
Am I Wishing For a Germ Bath?
Aug 19 | 00:34:25
Are You a Boy or a Girl, Yertle?
Aug 12 | 00:32:37
Why Is Fluffy Looking At Me Like That?
Aug 05 | 00:27:38
Can I Eat That?
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