NO SUCH THING
Society & Culture
About
Join Manny, Noah, and Devan — three best friends and journalists — as they settle dumb arguments by actually doing the research. Each week, they start with a debate or discussion. Why don’t men ask follow up questions? Should schools ban phones? Is dating an AI chatbot cheating? Then, they go out into the world, talk to experts, conduct experiments, and find the answer. NO SUCH THING is an explainer podcast about pop culture, the internet, and whatever weird thing your group chat can’t agree on. If you’ve ever had a take so strong you had to fact-check it, this show i...
Episodes
- Why did Taylor Swift stop singing in a country accent?
This episode discusses why singers like Taylor Swift lose their accents when they sing, exploring identity in country music and how artists like Drake, Adele, and Harry Styles approach authenticity in their vocal performances. It addresses…
- Does micromanaging actually work?
This episode discusses whether micromanaging is an effective work-style, along with other work-related questions. Guest Erik Baker, a historian and author, delves into the history of corporate work structures and management styles.
- Is recycling a complete scam? (PART 2)
This episode, Part 2 of a two-part investigation by NO SUCH THING, explores the effectiveness of plastic recycling. It includes a visit to a recycling center and a discussion on individual impact.
- Is recycling a complete scam? (PART 1)
This episode, part one of a two-part investigation, explores the history and effectiveness of plastic recycling. It features Nayeema Raza and Davis Allen, PhD, who alleges that plastic recycling is a deceptive story engineered by fossil fu…
- Kids can’t read anymore. Does it matter? (with author Jason Reynolds)
This episode of NO SUCH THING discusses the reported reading crisis, examining claims about declining literacy rates and school assignments. Guests include author Jason Reynolds and other experts who share different perspectives on the iss…
- Eggs in the fridge, expired meds, loud sneezes, and more (Mailbag)
Manny, Noah, and Devan answer listeners' questions about eggs, sneezing, the origin of the 24-hour day, medicine expiration, and PB&J preferences. The episode also highlights Manny's book, Colored People Time: A Case for (Casual) Rebellion.
- TINY CAMERAS!?! We found out what those customer satisfaction buttons actually do
This episode of NO SUCH THING explores the functionality behind airport customer satisfaction buttons by interviewing Scott Erickson of the company HappyOrNot. The discussion covers the analytics and technology associated with these data-c…
- Should athletes be allowed to bet on themselves?
Manny, Noah, and Devan are joined by Danny Funt, author of Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, to discuss the growth of sports betting. The group also debates whether athletes should be permitted to bet on the…
- Was Benjamin Franklin a fraud?
This episode of NO SUCH THING investigates a conspiracy theory suggesting that Benjamin Franklin may not be the historical figure popularized in history. The program features guest historian Claire Aubin to examine these claims.
- Are dentists scamming us? We investigate
This episode examines concerns regarding the dental industry, exploring its history, the challenges of dental insurance, and allegations of unnecessary procedures. The hosts and guests discuss industry practices and innovative solutions fr…
- Why are there so many twin films?
The hosts discuss the Hollywood phenomenon of "twin films," where movies with similar concepts are released in the same year. They also debate which film is better between A Bug's Life and ANTZ, and review various Hollywood development rum…
- Should the internet be a public utility?
This episode examines internet service provider issues, including monopolies and service quality. Guest Emily Stewart and co-host Rachel Askenazi discuss whether the internet should be considered a public utility.
- Will AI take our jobs?
This episode of NO SUCH THING examines autonomous AI tools, exploring their current capabilities, limitations, and future outlook. Guests Evan Ratliff and Maty Bohacek join the hosts to discuss whether AI will significantly impact the job…
- Why do divorced guys act like that?
Max Tani, Maika Steinborn, and Jessica Calarco discuss the psychological and sociological factors influencing men post-divorce. The episode explores the concept of 'Divorced Guy Energy' and how cultural forces impact masculinity and midlif…
- Are outdoor cats happier than indoor cats?
Guest host Kate Lindsay and cat behaviorist Dr. Mikel Delgado discuss cat behavior and welfare, including questions about outdoor versus indoor living. The episode also explores topics regarding dog environments and social norms around chi…
- Can humans be cloned?
This episode of NO SUCH THING examines celebrity clone conspiracy theories and the scientific feasibility of human cloning. The discussion includes insights from biosciences expert Hank T. Greely and Chelsey Weber-Smith of American Hysteri…
- Presenting Mind Games | The Guru’s Guru
The hosts announce a break for one week and recommend the first episode of the podcast Mind Games.
- Should politicians be funny? (with Mike Birbiglia)
Manny, Noah, and Devan discuss the role of humor in politics, examining its effectiveness as a strategy. The episode features insights from humor historian Mark Rolfe and comedian Mike Birbiglia.
- NST Picks: The best of 2025 (and our best arguments)
The hosts of NO SUCH THING review their favorite music, movies, TV shows, and show highlights from 2025 in their second annual end-of-year episode. They also provide links to referenced content and a curated playlist on their website.
- Do horses actually hate running? (Remastered)
In this remastered episode of NO SUCH THING, the team explores whether horses actually enjoy running. They interview author and former trainer Ren Hurst and visit the Bergen County Horse Rescue to examine common beliefs about horseback rid…
- Does religion make you happier?
In this episode, the hosts explore the relationship between religion and happiness. They interview Dr. Harold G. Koenig and Rabbi Jason Klein to discuss research on the health outcomes of faith-based practices and the global trends of decl…
- NST Hotline: B-list wedding invites, hallway storage, and more
In this episode of NO SUCH THING, the hosts answer listener questions regarding wedding invitations, family conflicts, and hallway storage. The episode concludes with the 2025 holiday gift guide.
- Why do Tesla door handles suck? (Devan Design Week)
This episode of NO SUCH THING features guests Aarian Marshall, Dexter Thomas, and Sami Reiss discussing design elements they find frustrating. Topics include the confusing door handles on Tesla vehicles, microwaves with too many buttons, a…
- Why can’t men find anything?
This episode of NO SUCH THING explores the concept of "male refrigerator blindness," examining research on why men struggle to find everyday items, its possible connection to hunter-gatherer behaviors, and potential solutions, featuring gu…
- Could you get away with murder?
The podcast discusses why many US homicide cases remain unsolved. Guests Dr. Brian Forst and Chris McDonough join the hosts to explore this topic, with the hosts presenting hypothetical scenarios.
- Are you doing your laundry wrong?
This episode of NO SUCH THING addresses listener questions about laundry practices, including sorting, detergent amounts, machine efficiency, and the services of dry cleaners. Author Patric Richardson, from Laundry Love, is the guest.
- How did celebrity rumors spread before social media?
This episode of NO SUCH THING explores pre-social media celebrity rumors, collaborating with Ryan Broderick and Grant Irving from Panic World to examine the false rumor about Ciara, the 1990s jenkem panic, and the persistent rumor about Ma…
- How often do you actually need to shower?
This episode of NO SUCH THING explores showering habits, discussing how often one should shower, the correct method, and the necessity of washing legs daily. Dermatologist Dr. Lisa Akintilo and author Katherine Ashenberg also weigh in on s…
- What happens to a property after a murder?
This episode explores what happens to properties after murders occur, featuring journalist Catherine Fenollosa's interview with Randall Bell. Bell, known as the 'Master of Disaster,' discusses his experience managing and selling properties…
- Is Taylor Swift bigger than Michael Jackson?
This episode of NO SUCH THING, featuring guest Chris Dalla Riva, compares Taylor Swift's current popularity and cultural impact to music legends like Michael Jackson and The Beatles. The analysis uses data to quantify the phenomenon of "Sw…
- Origin Stories: Yousef Srouji on Three Promises
Palestinian filmmaker Yousef Srouji discusses the creation of his documentary "Three Promises," which uses his mother's home video footage to depict life during the Second Intifada. He shares his journey into filmmaking and the difficultie…
- What happened to Kanye West?
This episode of NO SUCH THING examines the controversy surrounding Kanye West's alleged Nazi associations and explores the documentary "In Whose Name?", which purports to present him in a different light. The hosts also mention their Signa…
- Why are modern statues so bad?
This episode of NO SUCH THING questions the perceived poor quality of modern statues, featuring sculptor John Belardo. The discussion covers whether the art of creating great statues is declining or if current interpretations are simply be…
- Do you need therapy?
This episode of NO SUCH THING features therapist Lilly Kaplan discussing the nature of therapy, its intended outcomes, and how to determine if one needs it or if it is working. Kaplan aims to demystify the practice.
- Was that actually food poisoning?
This episode of NO SUCH THING explores the nature of foodborne illness, featuring insights from food safety experts Dr. Ben Chapman and Bill Marler. They discuss how food poisoning occurs, methods for prevention, and common kitchen myths r…
- Are the weather apps getting worse?
This episode of NO SUCH THING investigates whether weather apps are becoming less accurate, touching on potential reasons and explaining common weather terms. It also addresses a listener question about Spotify's shuffle functionality.
- NST Mailbag: The RIGHT way to load a dishwasher (& more)
The NST Mailbag addresses listener questions, including the correct way to load a dishwasher, a conspiracy theory about cat litter in schools, and a traffic intersection dilemma. The episode also reveals the origin of the hosts' friendship.
- Is dating an AI chatbot cheating?
In this episode, hosts Manny, Noah, and Devan revisit the question of whether dating an AI chatbot is cheating, joined by tech reporter Tatum Hunter and therapist Jeff Guenther. The hosts also share their own experiences dating an AI chatb…
- Inside the violent world of online pedophile hunters
This episode delves into the violent online activities of 'pedophile hunters,' contrasting them with 'To Catch a Predator.' New York Times reporter Aric Toler provides an inside look, and Stefan Turkheimer from RAINN discusses restorative…
- Why can’t adults order from the kids menu?
This episode examines the rules surrounding kids menus, questioning why adults are excluded. The discussion includes insights from industry professionals about the history and rationale behind these age restrictions.
- Why we're sick of franchise movies
This episode of NO SUCH THING discusses the growing fatigue surrounding franchise movies, using the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a key example. Author Walt Hickey explains the origins of franchise films and Hollywood's focus on them.
- Are siblings more influential than parents?
This episode of NO SUCH THING discusses whether siblings are more influential than parents, drawing inspiration from Susan Dominus's book "The Family Dynamic." The book examines families with multiple successful siblings and the factors be…
- 7-footers & the case for universal healthcare
This episode investigates the claim that 7-footers have a 17% chance of being NBA players, exploring the rarity of extreme height and why the number of 7-footers in the NBA has decreased. The discussion also includes arguments for universa…
- Ask NST: Coupon etiquette, plus ones, and bad dogs
The hosts answer listener questions on various topics including coupon etiquette, party invitations, and managing dogs. Listeners can submit their own questions via email or phone.
- Why did people used to look older?
The episode discusses potential biological and cultural factors contributing to why people historically appeared older, with insights from facial plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Hudson.
- Can you change the mind of a conspiracy theorist?
Journalist Zach Mack shares insights on whether and how one can change the mind of a conspiracy theorist, based on his work with NPR's 'Alternate Realities'. The episode explores the challenges of pulling individuals out of deep-seated con…
- Is the pullout method fine actually?
Reproductive health researcher Andréa Becker argues that the withdrawal method of birth control is not the public health enemy it's often portrayed as, provided it is used correctly.
- Is your phone listening to you… and should you care?
This episode discusses concerns about phones listening and targeted advertising, referencing privacy changes from Amazon and the Trump administration. Andrew Couts from WIRED explains how voice-assisted technology functions and why it matt…
- Is RFK Jr. right about anything?
This episode examines Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s political evolution, questioning his current stances by linking his worldview to questionable science and disinformation, with insights from guest Derek Beres.
- Why are TSA rules so confusing?
This episode of NO SUCH THING explores the confusion surrounding TSA regulations regarding items allowed on planes and what needs to be removed from bags. Host spoke with aviation safety writer Darryl Campbell, author of 'Fatal Abstraction…