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What makes us sneeze? Discover the fascinating science behind this common reflex, including endorphin release and the mysteries of sneezeless mice. Learn about the quirky triggers like light and even pleasure. Then, dive into Parable MythBusters, where popular metaphors like the boiling frog and wartime statistics are debunked, revealing the surprising truths beneath. The hosts explore the cultural significance of sneezes and challenge misconceptions around Easter Island's moai while shedding light on the importance of critical thinking.

Discover how animals like moles have uniquely adapted for digging, exploring the fascinating Devil's Corkscrew and its implications. The discussion dives into the specialized anatomy and behaviors of these fossorial creatures. On the flip side, the podcast examines the complex world of movie censorship, from the UK’s video nasties moral panic to the U.S. Hays Code. The conversation reveals how cultural, political, and commercial interests shape our cinematic experience, illustrating the delicate balance between freedom and regulation.

It's the podcast's birthday!! So Tom has a few ideas he wants to pitch to Caroline and Ella... but first! Ella and Caroline finally revisit the topics they promised! What are the WILD stories behind the race to discover new elements, and what are the real nuancy nuances of craftivism?Images we Talk About:William Morris' PrintTerrero's HankieHankie Given to TerreroMadres de Plaza de MayoPussyhatTom's GiftsTimestamps:(00:00:00) Intro(00:06:43) Superheavy Elements 2(01:17:58) Craftivism 2(02:01:28) Tom’s ListSupport us with a Max Fun Membership!Join our Discord!We also learn about: How do we prove this is real, we pinky promise, a refresher in the form of a pop quiz, we didn’t make the elements - except for some we did make, is the gift plutonium? we never thought we’d have another element heavier - and then you happened! the quizkids element reveal, the increasing specificity of Stan’s Apartmentium, just keep adding and smashing its just math - really expensive math, the long island ice tea of nuclear materials is in the bomb, scraping new elements off the filters of flying through a mushroom cloud, the edge of the periodic table was a cold war battle field, the feuds of the transfermium wars, perhaps sodium seaborgate, while they were bickering over naming Germany discovered 5 new elements, it’s like a railgun you nerd, linear vs circular accelerators, it’s like hotwheels tracks, we could’ve designed this! “how can we differently smash this stuff?”, I’m hype about a filter, only Victor Ninov could run GOOSY, “the most audacious fraud in scientific history”, lying about discovering an element and then discovering it before people catch on to the lie, 3 elements wasn’t enough, Oganessian co discovered 14 elements - the most of anyone, I mean really we all co-discovered this topic, “we hit this wall of super heavy elements being bastards”, Goosy 2 Electric Goosyloo, you’re smashing billions of particles per second over months to hopefully get 1 atom, calcium beam of milk, the theoretical island of stability, superstable superheavy elements, disappointment on the horizon, domestic arts for political and social change, I sure wish someone had done research into this nuance, oh fuck that was supposed to be me! the arts and crafts movement was activism for crafts not crafts for activism, fucking up golf courses for women’s suffrage, some suffragettes didn’t want to include working class women, imprisoned women were given sewing needles to reform but they just made incredible protest art, Madres de Plaza de Mayo, a sense of solidarity through craft, lets tonally tokyo drift this episode baby, comparing and contrasting with the pussy hat, craft ins and yarn bombing, craftivism defies expectations and engages community, “appealing” activism, craftivism is a piece of the puzzle not the whole solution, it’s a useful tool in the toolkit, Hoisin Duck Wrap - Irn Bru - Yogurt, Tom gets a tattoo and regrets it, stopping by Tom Scott’s spinoff podcast show, Tom’s gifts, putting it to the test who’s the strongest cohost, the podcast can officially hop!Sources:Kit Chapman's "Super Heavy: Making and Breaking the Periodic Table"Ella's Superheavy Documentary---Britannica: Arts and Crafts MovementTextile Society of America: The benefits and pitfalls of craftivismMuseum of English Rural lift: Suffrage and the Sewing MachineAmerican Golfer 1912: The British Suffragettes Attack Golf CoursesTextile Society of America: The Political Stitch: Voicing Resistance in a Suffrage TextileThe Thread Blog: Historical Craftivism: From Suffragettes to Gandhi to ArgentinaThe Association of the Madres de Plaza de MayoLearning for Justice: Madres de Plaza de MayoV&A: The PussyhatThe Morning Crafter Blog: Craftivism: Empowerment, Resistance, and Activism Through HistoryBook: How To Be A Craftivist by Sarah Corbett2022 Paper: Negotiating the Art of Protest through Craftivism2017 Paper: KNIT + RESIST: placing the Pussyhat Project in the context of craft activism2018 Paper: Knitting Activism, Knitting Gender, Knitting RaceJ. Feliz: An Open Letter to the Craftivism MovementBBC: Police to get broader powers to restrict repeated protests

Dive into the fascinating world of paranormal psychology and discover why our brains love to create spooky experiences. Explore old Halloween traditions, like the wild antics of Mischief Night and the peculiar 'Silent Supper' game. Learn how suggestion can shape our perceptions, making us feel haunted by the unseeable. Marvel at quirky pumpkin-carving rituals and the history behind bobbing for apples. This episode blends science and the supernatural with laughs and reflections on how to reclaim forgotten festivities for a modern Halloween!

Ellen Weatherford, a dynamic producer and podcaster, dives into the fascinating realms of unsolved math problems and video game controllers. She shares the legacy of Fermat's claims and highlights the captivating history behind perfect numbers. Then, Ellen explores the evolution of gaming controllers, discussing iconic innovations from the Magnavox Odyssey to modern ergonomics. With personal anecdotes peppered throughout, listeners will enjoy a nostalgic journey through gaming's tech evolution, sparking curiosity about both math and gaming history!

Discover how chemistry explains the inner workings of computers, from semiconductors to transistors, showcasing the evolution from bulky vacuum tubes to sleek integrated circuits. Dive deep into the Great Moon Hoax of 1835, a satirical series that led many to believe in fantastical lunar discoveries, fueled by intrigue in extraterrestrial life. Learn about the clever techniques used to lend credibility to the hoax and its lasting impact on science fiction and media responsibility.

In this discussion, Lauren Gawne, a senior lecturer and gesture researcher, delves into the complexities of pointing. Is it truly rude? Lauren explores cultural perceptions, revealing that index-finger pointing can feel aggressive due to its associations. The conversation also highlights diverse pointing methods across cultures, such as lip and chin pointing, and discusses the fascinating role of gesture in language—a key component of sign languages. Plus, learn how gestures enhance memory and storytelling. Where will pointing lead us next?

Dive into the quirky world of octopuses, where their alien-like intelligence and decentralized nervous systems challenge our understanding of animal behavior. Explore their playful antics, like navigating mazes and forming social groups, revealing a surprising depth. Shift gears to the Paralympics, tracing its roots and the ongoing struggles for representation and fairness in sports. Discover the inspiring histories, the complexities of competition, and the societal impacts of visibility for disabled athletes, making this a captivating blend of science and sports.

Dive into the fascinating world of blood and percussion! Explore ancient medical theories like humoral theory and the quirky history of bloodletting with leeches. Discover how blood science evolved from ancient understandings to modern transfusions. Shift gears to unique percussion instruments, including the quijada and cymbals, reflecting their cultural significance. Enjoy anecdotes and a playful quiz that connects blood and music, blending science and art in an engaging discussion!

Discover the fascinating world of placebos and their evolution in science and ethics. Learn about the placebo effect's mysterious workings and even its impact on animals. The podcast also dives into the captivating realm of postage stamp art, exploring its rich history and cultural significance. From the first UK stamp to the competitive Duck Stamp Competition, the discussion highlights the artistry and storytelling behind these tiny pieces of communication. Plus, enjoy whimsical tales that blend nutrition and adventure!