NO SUCH THING

Are millennials the elite generation? (And are people actually getting dumber?)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we unpack what makes a generation. From the Silent Generation to the Zoomers and beyond, are these groupings only useful to stir up competition and resentment? How did Gen Z become more conservative, more pessimistic AND more empathetic than their predecessors? We also explore recent research on a troubling trend of declining IQ scores. Does this back up an argument that millennials are the group most well-equipped for life in the modern age?

Our guests this week are researcher Elizabeth M. Dworak from Northwestern University and Jean M. Twenge PhD, author of Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America's Future. (Buy the book here.)

Do audiobooks count as reading? (Remastered)

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we're presenting a remastered version of our VERY FIRST EPISODE. Take a walk down NST memory lane, or visit for the first time, and stick around until the end to hear a quick conversation looking back on one of our earliest arguments.

What began as an innocent debate soon devolved into accusations of deception and trickery. Is it misleading to say you read a book if, in actuality, you listened to it as an audiobook? And do you absorb information the same way when listening compared to reading? With some help from Dr. Virginia Clinton-Lisell, Associate Professor at University of North Dakota, we get an answer.

If you liked this episode, you might like NST #59: Kids can't read anymore. Does it matter? (with author Jason Reynolds)

Here’s a link to Dr. Clinton-Lisell’s meta-analysis of reading and listening comprehension comparisons. She’s on TikTok, YouTube, Threads, and Bluesky.

Buy Manny's book Colored People Time here!

For more, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Is soccer a form of human trafficking? (and more World Cup questions)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

It's the World Cup episode. Manny, Noah, and Devan, are joined by two of the hosts of the Soccernomics podcast — Stefan Szymanski and Ashish Malhotra — to discuss the overlap between Soccer, economics, and culture. Is soccer a form of human trafficking? What's the real reason why the English hate the word soccer? Why does the US men's soccer team struggle, historically? All of that and more.

Check out our newsletter at nosuchthing.show and follow us on Instagram @nosuchthing.show.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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What's the best way to split the bill?

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:25:00 +0000

On today’s episode, a special collaboration with Kate Lindsay from ICYMI, we discuss how payment apps like Venmo have changed our relationship with money. We talk through how to navigate different money situations with friends and answer your money etiquette questions.

Our guests this week are:

Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette Podcast and Emily Post's Wedding Stories podcast.
Beth Pinsker, a columnist at MarketWatch, Certified Financial Planner, and author of My Mother's Money.

Listen to ICYMI with Kate Lindsay.

Check out Kate’s other episodes with the NST crew:

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Is Diet Coke killing you… or is it fine?

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

On today’s episode, we dive into the health effects of diet sodas like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Diet Pepsi. Trump has said that Diet Coke actually kills cancer, while other studies have linked these drinks to dementia and one of their artificial sweeteners, aspartame, to cancer. Noah also takes on the Fat Joe challenge, attempting to drink 30–40 Diet Pepsis in a single day.

Our guests this week are:

Michael Easter, diet soda head, journalist, and creator of the Two Percent podcast and newsletter.
Adam Chandler, food columnist at The Wall Street Journal.
Giles Yeo, author of Why Calories Don’t Count and a professor at the University of Cambridge who studies the genetics of body weight and how the brain controls feeding behavior.

If you’re new here, listen to episode 15: Why does Dasani water taste like that and check out our NST starter pack.

Check out our newsletter at nosuchthing.show and follow us on Instagram @nosuchthing.show.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Are personal injury lawyers frauds and scammers?

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

We’re doing a money etiquette episode! Submit your questions, horror stories and other scenarios for us to discuss by leaving a voicemail at 860-325-0286 or sending an email to mannynoahdevan@gmail.com

You can hardly go for a drive, take a walk in the neighborhood, or turn on a television without being bombarded by ridiculous ads for personal injury lawyers. Are these flamboyant characters legitimate legal representation or scammers? This week, we find out how personal injury firms work, why they advertise so heavily, and how to discern a legit lawyer from a scammy "settlement mill" looking for a quick pay-day.

Our guests this week are personal injury lawyer John Morgan (Morgan & Morgan), Stanford legal scholar Nora Freeman Engstrom and journalist Jose Martinez from The City Reporter.

Read about Prof. Engstrom's paper on competition and contingency fees here.

Jose Martinez for The City Reporter: ‘Billboard Lawyers’ Defend Ads and Tactics Amid MTA Push for Lawsuit Reform

You can buy John Morgan's memoir "Life is Luck" here.

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Why aren't people having kids anymore? (ft. Derek Thompson)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Manny asks whether Noah and Devan want kids, as a part of a conversation about the declining birth rate around the world. They hear from Anna Louie Sussman, author of the upcoming book "Inconceivable: The Impossibility of Family in an Age of Uncertainty," about what's actually causing the birth rate to decline, and then Manny has a heartfelt conversation with writer (and fellow dad) Derek Thompson.

Preorder Anna's book here, and check out Derek's Substack here.

Check out our newsletter at nosuchthing.show and follow us on Instagram @nosuchthing.show.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Can YouTubers actually hold police accountable?

Wed, 27 May 2026 09:20:00 +0000

Today’s episode was inspired by a question from a listener who goes by Santa: What’s the deal with First Amendment auditors? We trace the history of people who film the police, from the Black Panther Party to Berkeley Copwatch and the rise of auditor culture on YouTube. We also explore the methods and influence of some of the movement’s biggest creators, from Philip Turner (The Battousai) to Jeff Gray of HonorYourOath Civil Rights Investigations and Christopher Ruff (Direct D).

Our guests are Robert Klemko, an investigative journalist at ESPN who previously reported on auditors and cop watchers for The Washington Post, and Dale Hiller, creator of the LackLuster YouTube channel and co-founder of Attorney Shield.

If you’re new here, listen to episode 28: Inside the violent world of online pedophile hunters and check out our NST starter pack.

Check out our newsletter at nosuchthing.show and follow us on Instagram @nosuchthing.show.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Super-Agers: Why do some old people age better than others?

Wed, 20 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

On today's episode of NO SUCH THING, we’re talking about so-called “Super Agers,” the term used to describe people who are at least 80 years old, but are still sharp as a tack. Maury Povich. Joy Behar. Anthony Fauci. Bernie Sanders. Martha Stewart. There are a ton of octogenarians who are cognitively impressive. Of course, there are many who… aren’t. What differentiates these two groups?

A groundbreaking new study endeavors to answer that question, and in today’s episode, we talked to one of the study’s authors, and to one of the super-agers in question.

Check out our newsletter here.

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Should we still circumcise babies?

Wed, 13 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

New data shows that less than half of American newborn boys are circumcised, a major decrease from around 90% in the 1960s. But how and why did circumcision become so common here in the United States? This week, we speak to an epidemiologist, a sociologist, and an anti-circumcision “intactivist” to explore the origins of the procedure, its health impacts, and why attitudes around it are changing.

Our guests this week are Johns Hopkins epidemiologist Dr. Kate Grabowski, Vanderbilt University associate professor of sociology Laura Carpenter, and Intact America founding executive Georganne Chapin.

NOTE: Due to time restraints, not everything can make it into the final episode. We tried our best to represent all sides of the issue fairly and respectfully. With that said, some claims around the African VMMC trials in particular may be misleading. To clarify: these trials produced high quality peer-reviewed studies documenting medical benefits, particularly in relation to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. They were also conducted in partnership with some of the world’s most respected African scientists and research institutions. They are not simply colonial interventions.

For additional information, please go to our newsletter to find links to research and more. NST has no particular agenda here, so please take a look at all the info yourself to decide what’s best for you.

Check out our newsletter here.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Why did Taylor Swift stop singing in a country accent?

Wed, 06 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

On today’s episode, we’re tackling a question from a listener named Joel: Why do singers lose their accents when they sing?

Our guest this week is New Yorker writer Kelefa Sanneh. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore identity in country music, why Taylor Swift stopped singing with a twang, how Drake changed the way people think about authenticity in hip-hop, and why Adele and Harry Styles don’t sound British when they sing.

Want to hear all the music from this episode? Check out our newsletter for a playlist.

Check out Kelefa’s book Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres

If you’re new here, listen to episode 36: Is Taylor Swift bigger than Michael Jackson? and check out our NST starter pack.

Fill out our NST listener survey here.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Does micromanaging actually work?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This week’s topic came from a listener who asked if micromanaging is a more productive work-style than a more “free range” approach. We talk about our own work experiences, and answer a few other miscellaneous work questions about performance improvement plans (“PIPs”), handling an incompetent boss, office odors, and more.

Our guest this week is Erik Baker, historian at Harvard, editor at The Drift, and author of Make Your Own Job: How the Entrepreneurial Work Ethic Exhausted America, who walks us through the history of the corporate work structure and evolution of management styles.

Check out our newsletter for links to research and more.

Fill out our NST listener survey here.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Is recycling a complete scam? (PART 2)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:05:00 +0000

Growing up, we were told to always recycle plastic to save the planet. But does recycling actually do anything? In this special two-part investigation, we explore the history of recycling, the rise of “disposable” plastics, and find out how effective recycling actually is.

In part one (with the help of Nayeema Raza, host of Smart Girl Dumb Questions), we hear from Davis Allen, PhD, Senior Investigative Researcher at the Center for Climate Integrity, who alleges that plastic recycling is a deceptive story engineered by fossil fuel and petrochemical companies to make us feel guilty for using the very plastics they profit from. Davis says recycling is a distraction from the real problem.

Listen to part one: Apple, Spotify, Others

In part two, we visit a recycling center and speak to Kara Napolitano, Education Director at Circular Services to find out how recycling actually works, learn the amount of bottles that actually make it to the recycling facility, and reckon with our own individual impact to determine if recycling is a viable solution to our climate crisis or simply a feel-good placebo in an ever-expanding consumer culture.

For links to research and more, check out our newsletter.

Fill out our NST listener survey here.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Is recycling a complete scam? (PART 1)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Listen to part two: Apple, Spotify, Others

For links to research and more, check out our newsletter.

Fill out our NST listener survey here.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Kids can’t read anymore. Does it matter? (with author Jason Reynolds)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Are we in the midst of a reading crisis? News outlets are constantly reporting on the death of reading. School test scores by measures like the “Nation’s Report Card” say math and literacy levels are down to their lowest rates since the early 1990s. Schools aren’t even assigning full books in class anymore. We talk to children’s book author Jason Reynolds, an active teacher in Chicago public schools, and a professor who’s looked into the actual research and says the literacy crisis doesn’t even exist.

Our guests this week are author Jason Reynolds (buy his new book Soundtrack here), professor Paul Thomas, and teacher Kelsey Clodfelter.

For links to research and more, check out our newsletter.

If you liked this episode, check out: Do audiobooks count as reading? and Should schools ban phones?

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Eggs in the fridge, expired meds, loud sneezes, and more (Mailbag)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

On today's episode of NO SUCH THING, Manny, Noah, and Devan, jump into the mailbag. Should you keep your eggs in the fridge? Why do some people sneeze so loudly? Where did we get the 24 hour day from? Why and how does medicine expire? And what's the traditional jelly in a PB&J: grape or strawberry?

ICYMI: Manny wrote a book and you can check it out here! It's called Colored People Time: A Case for (Casual) Rebellion, and it's a collection of essays about the ways that time wraps itself around our most personal moments.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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TINY CAMERAS!?! We found out what those customer satisfaction buttons actually do

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This week we’re answering a question from a listener named Emma: What do those smiley-face customer-satisfaction buttons you see in airport bathrooms actually do?

We track down the Finland-based company behind them, HappyOrNot, and uncover a hidden world of analytics, cameras, and AI.

Our guest this week is Scott Erickson, HappyOrNot’s VP of US Sales and Global Channels.

For links to research and more, check out our newsletter.

Like this episode? Check out Is your phone listening to you ... and should you care?

DEV-ITORS NOTE: After the interview, HappyOrNot clarified that cameras are standard on their touchscreen devices, but the button devices don’t have them.

ICYMI: Manny wrote a book and you can check it out here! It's called Colored People Time: A Case for (Casual) Rebellion, and it's a collection of essays about the ways that time wraps itself around our most personal moments.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Should athletes be allowed to bet on themselves?

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Manny wrote a book and you can check it out here! It's called Colored People Time: A Case for (Casual) Rebellion, and it's a collection of essays about the ways that time wraps itself around our most personal moments. If you're around NYC, the boys will be discussing the book in a live event on March 29th, order tickets here.

Now, on today's episode, Manny, Noah, and Devan discuss the sports betting takeover happening in the United States and around the world, and are joined by Danny Funt, the author of Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling. They also debate whether athletes should be allowed to bet on themselves, since they're already incentivized to win their games.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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Was Benjamin Franklin a fraud?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

We know Benjamin Franklin as a founding father, crucial in the establishment of the United States, discoverer of electricity, kooky writer of almanacs, and inventor of much, much more. But is it possible that good old Benny is actually a complete scammer? We investigate a conspiracy theory that Mr. $100 is not all he’s cracked up to be.

Our guest this week is Claire Aubin, historian and host of This Guy Sucked, with a special thanks to our instigating debaters Kelsey and Rich.

Buy Manny's Book, Colored People Time, and see NO SUCH THING in conversation about the book on March 29 in NYC.

For links to research and more, check out our newsletter.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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Are dentists scamming us? We investigate

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

On today’s episode, we tackle a question we’ve all wondered: Are dentists scamming us? We dive into the dark history of dentistry, find out why dental insurance sucks, hear from someone who uncovered a dentist drilling teeth for profit, and talk to a startup founder who’s looking to upend the whole industry.

Lilly Kaplan — licensed therapist and Reality Test newsletter author — sits in for Manny this week.

Listen to: Do you need therapy? (ft. Lilly)

Our guests this week are:

AJ Jacobs, journalist and New York Times bestseller.
Dr. Sarah Stuefen, general dentist in Iowa and spokesperson for the American Dental Association.
Dr. Cheryline Pezzullo, general dentist and clinical associate professor.
Dr. Brandon Zeidler, doctor of dental surgery.
Tyler Burnett, cofounder of Wally Health.

For links to research and more, check out our newsletter.

Have a question you want us to answer or a dentist story you want to share? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Why are there so many twin films?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

On this week's episode, the boys chat with Chris and Lizzie, the hosts of the What Went Wrong podcast about why Hollywood produces so many "twin films," movies that have very similar concepts and that release within a year of each other. They also debate whether A Bug's Life or ANTZ is the better movie, and talk through some controversial Hollywood development rumors.

For links to research and more, check out our newsletter.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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Should the internet be a public utility?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Why is it such a hassle to deal with internet service providers? Spotty service, hidden price increases, and only one company servicing my neighborhood. Am I up against a local monopoly? And what’s the deal with 5G home internet? I’ve been battling my ISP for years, and it’s time to find some answers.

Our guest this week is Emily Stewart, senior correspondent at Business Insider.

Also featuring guest co-host Rachel Askenazi, journalist and founder of Throwing Spaghetti Media.

For links to research and more, check out our newsletter.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Will AI take our jobs?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Is AI actually coming for your job? This week, we take a peek under the hood of autonomous AI tools. What they do well, where they still fall short, and how much we can expect them to improve in the future.

Investigative reporter and Shell Game host Evan Ratliff joins us alongside AI researcher and Shell Game technical advisor Maty Bohacek to break it all down.

Listen to Shell Game >>

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Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Why do divorced guys act like that?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

What happens to our brains and bodies after a breakup? Semafor media reporter and Mixed Signals co-host Max Tani joins the pod to unpack “Divorced Guy Energy,” from Justin Trudeau and Kanye West to Breaking Bad’s Walter White — and what psychology and sociology say about how men change after divorce.

Our guests this week are psychologist and YouTuber Maika Steinborn and sociologist Jessica Calarco, author of Holding It Together: How Women Became America’s Safety Net, we dig into the science, sociology, and cultural forces behind divorce, masculinity, and midlife reinvention.

The Cut: The Most Divorced Guys of 2025, in Order

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Are outdoor cats happier than indoor cats?

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This week, Kate Lindsay—ICYMI host, Embedded author, and proud cat lover—sits in for Manny, and we go deep on everything you’ve ever wanted to know about cats.

Our expert this week is Dr. Mikel Delgado, a cat behaviorist, scientist, and author of Play With Your Cat!

Listen to:
• Are suburban dogs happier than city dogs?
• Why can’t adults order from the kids’ menu?

For pics of Kate’s very cute cats, check out our newsletter — and follow us on Instagram for video clips and behind-the-scenes moments.

Have a question you want us to answer or have feedback for the show? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Can humans be cloned?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Why are there so many celebrity clone conspiracy theories? Is there really a Melania Trump body double? Have scientists actually tried to clone humans? And, how does cloning actually work? We hear from an alleged clone himself, and talk to a biosciences expert to find out how feasible these theories actually are.

This week features Chelsey Weber-Smith, whose show American Hysteria covers all sorts of strange hoaxes, moral panics, and odd misunderstandings.

Also featuring Hank T. Greely, director of Stanford University’s Center for Law and the Biosciences.

For links to research and more, check out our newsletter.

And listen to our clone playlist on Apple Music or Spotify.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Presenting Mind Games | The Guru’s Guru

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

We’ll be back next week. In the meantime, check out the first episode of a show we’re super excited about. Listen to Mind Games

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Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Should politicians be funny? (with Mike Birbiglia)

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Manny, Noah, and Devan chat about the use of humor in politics. Using Gavin Newsom's recent mocking of Donald Trump as a jumping off point, the boys assess how effective humor can be as a political strategy. They hear from humor historian Mark Rolfe, of the University of New South Wales in Australia, and then Manny talks to Mike Birbiglia, host of the Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out podcast, to get thoughts from an actual comedian.

Be sure to check our website for more about each episode, and if you have a question you'd like us to answer, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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NST Picks: The best of 2025 (and our best arguments)

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

2025 is coming to a close, which means it’s time for our second annual end-of-year wrap-up. Here are our favorite music, movies, TV shows, and NST moments of the year.

Head to nosuchthing.show where you’ll find links to everything we reference in this episode, along with an NST-curated playlist in Devan–Noah–Manny order.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Do horses actually hate running? (Remastered)

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Today, we're throwing a NST classic back in your feed. This time remastered.

What if this ONE thing we’ve always been told about horses isn’t true at all? What if it’s a lie we’ve told ourselves so that we can enjoy our horseback riding vacations and Kentucky Derbies without guilt?

To answer this question we speak with Ren Hurst, a former professional horse trainer and author of “The Wisdom of Wilderness.” And we venture to New Jersey to spend some time with horses at the Bergen County Horse Rescue.

The end credits music is "I’ve Always Been the First (to Say I Love you)" by Certain Self.

For more, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Does religion make you happier?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week, the boys grapple with the big questions: Is there a God? What happens after you die? Does bowling make you happier than Catholic Mass? We speak to a researcher who’s studied health outcomes of faith-based practices to find out if religious people are happier than others, and what it means for worldwide wellbeing when religiosity is on the decline overall.

Our guests this week are Dr. Harold G. Koenig, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University, and Rabbi Jason Klein of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah.

For more, check out our newsletter.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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NST Hotline: B-list wedding invites, hallway storage, and more

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode of NO SUCH THING, it's the NST Hotline. Listeners have called in to the show asking for advice, and the boys hand out some sage wisdom. Is it bad to send B-list wedding invites? Should you side with your family or your spouse in a conflict? Is it okay to store things in the hallway outside of your apartment? That, and more, followed by the NST Holiday Gift Guide for 2025.

For more, check out our newsletter.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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Why do Tesla door handles suck? (Devan Design Week)

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Devan Design Week, a one-episode celebration of the stuff Devan cannot stand the design of. From Tesla’s confusing door handles, to microwaves with too many buttons, and sad modern couches.

Our guests this week are: WIRED’s Aarian Marshall, Kill Switch host and part-time microwave engineer Dexter Thomas, and design expert and Snake newsletter writer Sami Reiss.

We reached out to Tesla about the claims that its electronic door handles are dangerous, but we haven't heard back.

Head over to nosuchthing.show to see some of the visuals from this episode and follow us on Instagram. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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Why can’t men find anything?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Why do men have so much trouble finding everyday items in their own homes? It’s a common sitcom trope, but is there actually something to it. This week, for the sake of the women in our lives, we dig into the research to find out if “male refrigerator blindness” is real, explore if it dates all the way back to our hunter-gatherer roots, and find out what we can do about it.

Our guest this week is Dr. Albert Postma, leader of the Memory & Space Lab at Utrecht University.

For more, check out our newsletter.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Could you get away with murder?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Nearly half of homicide cases go unsolved in the US, and in today's episode, the boys try and get to the bottom of why that is. Joining NO SUCH THING this week are criminologist Dr. Brian Forst and homicide detective Chris McDonough. After learning about the importance of "community policing," Manny makes Noah and Devan concoct plans to whack each other, and presents said plans to the detective to see if they might get away with it.

For more, check out our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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Are you doing your laundry wrong?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

By popular demand, we answered all of your laundry questions: Do you really need to separate lights from darks? How much detergent should you use? Are front-loading machines better than top-loading? What do dry cleaners actually do? And much, much more.

Our guest this week is Patric Richardson, author of Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore.

For more, check out our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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How did celebrity rumors spread before social media?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

For this week’s episode, we collaborated with Ryan Broderick and Grant Irving from Panic World to go deep on three middle school rumors. We’ll investigate the false rumor that Ciara announced she was intersex, the “jenkem” panic of the 90s, and the rumor that Marilyn Manson had a rib removed so that he could…you know.

Listen to Panic World and subscribe to Garbage Day.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How often do you actually need to shower?

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

For this episode, we make our way back into the bathroom as we go deep on showering. How often should you actually shower? What’s the proper way to do it? Do you actually need to wash your legs every time? How long should your shower last? Should you be using a loofah — or are they actually bad for you?

Our guests this week are Katherine Ashenberg, author of The Dirty on Clean: An Unsanitized History and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lisa Akintilo.

For more, check out our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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What happens to a property after a murder?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, we're putting on our true crime hats to get to the bottom of what happens to properties after high-profile murders occur inside of them. We talk to journalist Catherine Fenollosa, who shared with us her interview with Randall Bell, A.K.A. the “Master of Disaster.” For decades, it’s been Randall’s job to manage and help sell the property where these kind of tragedies happen. From Nicole Brown Simpson’s condo, to the “Heaven’s Gate” mansion, to the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Randall has seen it all, and shared some incredible insights into this kind of work.

This episode was produced with the help of America’s Crime Lab, a podcast on our network at Kaleidoscope.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286.

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Is Taylor Swift bigger than Michael Jackson?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

So everyone knows Taylor Swift is one of the most popular musicians of all time, but how does she stack up to giants of the past like Michael Jackson and The Beatles? No matter how many reports of new chart records, we can’t shake the feeling that someone like MJ just had a larger cultural impact worldwide. This week, we crunch the numbers to see the true size of the Swiftdom we live in.

Our guest this week is Chris Dalla Riva, author of Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us about the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves.

For more, check out our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Origin Stories: Yousef Srouji on Three Promises

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hey, folks. This week, NO SUCH THING is hosting Origin Stories, a new podcast from Campside Media. Each week, veteran journalist Matthew Shaer talks to a different writer or director about the creation of a work close to their own hearts, and this episode is the perfect example. Palestinian filmmaker Yousef Srouji is the creator of the critically-acclaimed documentary "Three Promises," which uses his mother’s old home video footage to tell an intimate story of life during the Second Intifada. Srouji talks to Matthew about coming to documentary film as a newbie and learning the tools of the trade on the job. He also discusses the difficulty of finding distribution for “Three Promises,” despite the project being largely apolitical. Listen to Origin Stories.

NO SUCH THING will be back next week!

Don't forget to cast your votes for the Signal Awards. We've been nominated for: Best Buddy Podcast and Activism, Public Service, & Social Impact for our episode about Online Pedophile Hunters.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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What happened to Kanye West?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re asking: what do you do when your favorite artist becomes a self-proclaimed N*zi? And we dive into the new documentary In Whose Name?, which claims to show Kanye in a new light.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Why are modern statues so bad?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Why does it seem so common that modern sculptures of iconic figures look so bad? Soccer star Ronaldo, NBA legend Dwyane Wade, and even the great Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. have been frankly disgraced by sub-par and strange renditions. Is creating a great statue a lost art, or are we being unfair? This week, we talk to a real sculptor to find out.

Our guest this week is John Belardo.

To follow along with the sculptures in the episode, check out our newsletter or Instagram.

Some exciting news, we’ve been nominated for two (2) Signal Awards: Best Buddy Podcast and Activism, Public Service, & Social Impact for our episode about Online Pedophile Hunters. If you’re feeling generous, head over to those links and vote for us :))

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286

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Do you need therapy?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

What is therapy exactly, and what is it supposed to do? How do you know if you need therapy? If you’re in therapy, how do you know if it’s working? NO SUCH THING talks to Lilly Kaplan, therapist and author of the Reality Test newsletter, who gracefully demystifies the practice of therapy for us and answers a barrage of questions.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286‬

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Was that actually food poisoning?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Why do some people seem to suffer the ills of foodborne illness at an alarming frequency, while others cruise through rare steaks unimpeded? In this episode, we bravely (or foolishly) ask: does food poisoning actually exist? This week, we talk to food safety experts to find out what food poisoning actually is, where it comes from, and what you can do to avoid it. Also discussed: Did your family have a dedicated bowl to vomit in? Will leftover rice kill you? And do you have to wash your chicken?

Our guests this week are Dr. Ben Chapman, Extension Food Safety Specialist at North Carolina State University, and food safety lawyer Bill Marler.

Check out Ben’s podcast Food Safety Talk.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286‬

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Are the weather apps getting worse?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re turning our attention to our weather apps. Are they getting worse? Are Trump’s DOGE cuts to blame? Why don’t we use feels like as the default temp? And what does the percentage of precipitation (PoP) actually mean?

Then, we answer a listener's question on how Spotify’s shuffle feature actually works.

Check out Heather McCalden’s “The Observable Universe.”

The last track in this week’s episode is from Certain Self’s “Girl in the Walls” from his new EP You Look Tired.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286‬

For more, subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show and follow us on Instagram.

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NST Mailbag: The RIGHT way to load a dishwasher (& more)

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week we settle your dumb arguments. Yup, it’s mailbag time. We’ll argue about the RIGHT way to load a dishwasher, revisit a right-wing conspiracy theory about cat litter in schools, solve an intersection conundrum involving a funeral procession and a school bus, and finally reveal how this beautiful friendship actually began.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286‬

For more, subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show and follow us on Instagram.

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Is dating an AI chatbot cheating?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Manny, Noah, and Devan revive a debate from almost a decade ago, albeit with modern framing: if you're in a relationship, and you're romancing an AI chatbot, should that be considered cheating? They chat to Tatum Hunter, tech reporter for the Washington Post, and couples therapist Jeff Guenther, better known as Therapy Jeff. And finally, they decide to try it for themselves, and go on a date with an AI chatbot.

Check out Tatum's work here, and scroll through Therapy Jeff's Instagram for wisdom and advice.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286‬

For more, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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Inside the violent world of online pedophile hunters

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

You might remember To Catch a Predator with Chris Hansen, but now streamers are making their own version, and they’re a lot more violent. New York Times reporter Aric Toler takes us inside the world of modern-day “pedophile hunters,” while Stefan Turkheimer, VP of Public Policy at RAINN, shares what justice could—and should—look like for survivors.

Check out Aric's visual investigation on online pedophile hunters.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673), chat at hotline.RAINN.org, or text "HOPE" to 64673.

Additional music for this episode by Zeno Pittarelli, check out his new project You Look Tired.

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286‬

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Why can’t adults order from the kids menu?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, we take a deep dive into the frustrating conundrum of the kids menu. Why would a restaurant show me they’re capable of making a delicious and adorably small offering of chicken nuggets, only to restrict it to those fortunate to be 12 years old or younger? Are these restrictions an economic necessity, a moralizing judgment, or something else? We speak with a few industry insiders to learn the history of the kids menu and put these limits to the test.

Our guest this week is Kate Lindsay, longtime sufferer at the hands of Big Kids Menu, host of Slate’s internet culture podcast ICYMI and writer of the newsletter Embedded. Thank you to our restaurant industry expert Lori Rakoczy from Technomic, and our anonymous movie theater server.

If you liked this episode, check out Ep. 11: Can you cure picky eating? (w/ Search Engine)

Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286‬

For more, subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show

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Why we're sick of franchise movies

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

On this episode, we discuss the fatigue people have been feeling around franchise movies, particularly the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But where did franchise movies come from, and how did virtually all of Hollywood become so fixated on this kind of film? Walt Hickey, author of You Are What You Watch: How Movies and TV Affect Everything, walks us through the weeds on this, and gets to the bottom of our questions. Walt is also the author of Numlock News.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and bonus content. Have a question you want us to tackle? Email us: mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail: ‪(860) 325-0286.

NO SUCH THING is a production of Kaleidoscope Content, executive produced by Kate Osborn and Mangesh Hattikudur.

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Are siblings more influential than parents?

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode was inspired by Susan Dominus’ new book “The Family Dynamic.” The book profiles six families with multiple successful siblings and analyzes the factors that have contributed to their success.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and bonus content: www.nosuchthing.show

Have a question you want us to tackle? Email us: mannynoahdevan@gmail.com Or leave a voicemail: ‪(860) 325-0286

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How many people are actually 7 feet tall?

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

There’s a wild stat that’s floated around basketball circles for a long time: A 7-foot (or taller) American man has a 17% likelihood of being an NBA player. Are there hundreds of Victor Wembanyamas and Yao Mings walking among us? This week, we try to find out if this statistic holds true, and along the way we learn how extremely rare it is to be so tall, why the number of seven-footers in the league saw a dip, and… the case for socialized medicine?

Our guests this week are Barry Bogin, Björn Quanjer, Guillaume Lettre, Stereogum’s Tom Breihan, and The F5’s Owen Phillips.

Check out Owen’s basketball newsletter, The F5: https://thef5.substack.com/

Tom Breihan, “On Being a Giant” & his book: The Number Ones

For more, please subscribe to our newsletter www.nosuchthing.show

Have a question you want us to tackle? Email us: mannynoahdevan@gmail.com

Or leave a voicemail: ‪(860) 325-0286‬

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Ask NST: Coupon etiquette, plus ones, and bad dogs

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Many of you called our hotline and sent emails seeking our advice, and we are here to help. From party invitation etiquette, to a coupon fiasco straight out of a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode, the boys give their takes and dole out some help.

And for more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show. If you have a question you want us to answer or want to be featured in our next advice episode, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or give us a call at (860) 325-0286‬.

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Why did people used to look older?

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

It’s not just nostalgia or low-res photos—there may actually be biological and cultural reasons why people in the past looked so old. To get to the bottom of it, I spoke with Dr. Caroline Hudson, a facial plastic surgeon based in Chicago and co-author of Analysis and Assessment of Facial Aging.

To see the images we reference, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show. Want advice from Manny, Noah, and Devan? Leave a message at (860) 325-0286‬ or email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

Like this episode? Check out Why does Dasani water taste like that?

Follow Dr. Caroline Hudson on Instagram. Original music for this episode produced by Zeno Pittarelli.

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Can you change the mind of a conspiracy theorist?

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Some conspiracy theories are fun, but many end up being dark and concerning. When someone is in too deep, what would it take to pull them out of the rabbit hole? Journalist Zach Mack ventured to find out in his show, Alternate Realities over at NPR, and on today's episode, he debriefs us.

Listen to Zach's show Alternate Realities on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

And for more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show. If you have a question you want us to answer, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

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Is the pullout method fine actually?

Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Our whole lives, we’ve been told the pullout or withdrawal method is not a legitimate form of birth control and a fast-track way to becoming a parent. Some have even referred to it as the pull-and-pray method.

But reproductive health researcher Andréa Becker makes the argument that the pullout method “is not the enemy of public health it’s been made out to be” if done correctly.

Pre-order Andréa’s book Get It Out: On the Politics of Hysterectomy.

For more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show, and if you have an argument you want us to settle, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

Like this episode? Check out Episode 3: Why are slurs making a comeback?

Original music for this episode produced by Zeno Pittarelli.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your phone listening to you… and should you care?

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Most people have experienced the creepy feeling of getting ads that feel a little bit too targeted, for products they haven’t ever searched for but have maybe talked about IRL. With Amazon announcing a rollback on privacy protections, and the Trump administration ramping up mass surveillance as a scare tactic, it might be time to take stock of what privacy even means anymore. With some help from Andrew Couts, senior editor of security and investigations at WIRED, we get a clear-eyed view of how voice-assisted tech actually works, and why you should care.

For more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show, and if you have an argument you want us to settle, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

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Is RFK Jr. right about anything?

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is about RFK Jr., a man who has a completely baffling political trajectory. How does a guy go from “champion of the environment” to joining the most anti-environment administration ever? Thanks to our guest, Derek Beres, that pipeline becomes much clearer, as RFK Jr’s worldview has a lot of overlap with science that is at best, shoddy, and at worst, straight up disinformation.

For more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show, and if you have an argument you want us to settle, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

Original music for this episode produced by Zeno Pittarelli

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Why are TSA rules so confusing?

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 16:03:09 +0000

We just got back from a little weekend trip, which got us thinking once again about how confusing and terrible it is to deal with the TSA. Despite all their yelling—the TSA does not make it clear about what you can or cannot bring on a plane, or what items you actually have to take out of your bag. So I spoke with Darryl Campbell, an aviation safety writer for The Verge and author of Fatal Abstraction, who did a deep dive on The Humiliating History of the TSA.

For more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show, and if you have an argument you want us to settle, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

Original music for this episode produced by Zeno Pittarelli!

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NST Mailbag: Taking photos in movie theaters (& more)

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:09:00 +0000

This week, we tackle movie theater photographers, black coffee, dirty jeans, trebuchets, and more as we answer questions submitted by listeners.

For more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show, and if you have an argument you want us to settle, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

We’ll be off next week, so take advantage of the free time by leaving us a five-star rating wherever you listen to podcasts and sharing the show with your friends!

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Why does Dasani water taste like that?

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:10:00 +0000

This week, we investigate a shocking conspiracy theory that might explain why Dasani stands out among the titans of bottled water, with the help of water sommelier Martin Riese and Tap Score CEO Johnny Pujol.

For more, check out our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show, and if you have an argument you want us to settle, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why don't men ask follow up questions?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

It’s been known for years now that men aren’t the best at asking follow-up questions on dates with women. But a more specific version of this phenomenon has emerged: men aren’t even asking other men follow-up questions, even their good friends! With the help of “mindful masculinity” expert Liz Plank, we get to the bottom of why men don’t know anything about their male friends, and we put our own friendship to the test.

For more, including links to some of the research cited in this episode, visit our website.

Have an argument you want us to settle? Shoot us an email at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are headlights so bright?

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:15:00 +0000

This week, we look into why car headlights seem like they've gotten so much brighter in recent years than they used to be. And, is there any hope for a shift back to a more reasonable brightness level? Our guest today is Daniel Stern, a lighting expert and chief editor of Driving Vision News.

Additional music by Certain Self.

For more, including links to some of the research cited in this episode, visit our website.

Have an argument you want us to settle? Shoot us an email at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should schools ban phones?

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:15:00 +0000

This week, we take a look into a rather divisive issue: school cell phone bans. With more and more states introducing legislature to ban mobile devices in schools, we take a look at the cases for and against the restrictions. Our guests today are Sabine Polak from the Phone-Free Schools Movement and Keri Rodrigues from the National Parents Union.

For more, including links to some of the research cited in this episode, visit our website.

Have an argument you want us to settle? Shoot us an email at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

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Can you cure picky eating? (w/ Search Engine)

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:20:00 +0000

In collaboration with our friends at Search Engine, we seek to find a cure for Manny's deep aversion to seafood, for the sake of our friendship.

For more, visit www.nosuchthing.show. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, feel free to email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should men sit when they pee?

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week, we bravely interrogate the male practice of standing while peeing. Why do we do it? And why stand when you can sit? We speak with urologist Gerald collins to find out if there are any hidden benefits to sitting while peeing.

For more, visit www.nosuchthing.show. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, feel free to email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are suburban dogs happier than city dogs?

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

On this week’s episode we tackle a question Devan has been grappling with while living with a dog in the city: Are suburban dogs happier than city dogs? To find out, we spoke with one of the leading dog cognition experts, Alexandra Horowitz. She heads the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard and is the author of Inside of a Dog.

The credit song is Big Dog by Maurice featuring Kenny Ning and Certain Self, who also provided additional music for this episode.

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Is Letterboxd ruining movies?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Letterboxd is a great tool for keeping track of movies and seeing what your friends and others are watching. But does constant logging, rating, and reviewing actually help us enjoy films? To find out, we spoke to Dr. Ruud Jacobs, who actually researched the impact of consumer movie reviews, and professional movie critic Tasha Robinson.

Dr. Jacobs' research can be found here, and you can hear Tasha on her own podcast, The Next Picture Show.

For more, visit www.nosuchthing.show

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it OK to wear outside clothes on your bed?

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:00:44 +0000

On this week’s episode, we tackle our first listener-submitted question: is it OK to wear outside clothes on your bed? Everyone has strong opinions, but what does the science say? We speak with microbiologist Dr. Lisa Cuchara of Quinnipiac University and ran a swab test to get some answers.

For more, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show.

If you have any questions you’d like us to get to the bottom of, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

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NST Chat: 2024 Year in Review

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 10:10:46 +0000

This week, we take a break from our regular format to discuss some of our favorite things from the past year. This is the first of a new format we're calling NST Chats: loose, informal, and much more casual than our typical rigorous reporting, fine editing, and high-powered analysis. We promise to hit the ground running in 2025 with a return to our usual style, next Tuesday!

NST Selects: 2024 Playlist on Spotify and Apple Music

For more, visit www.nosuchthing.show.

If you have any questions you’d like us to get to the bottom of, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

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Why are assassinations on the rise?

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:00:43 +0000

The past decade has seen a resurgence of political violence: January 6, multiple attempts on Trump’s life, and of course the killing of United Healthcare’s CEO are just a few notable examples. We spoke with University of Chicago Professor Robert A. Pape, who has studied political violence for decades, to understand this disturbing trend, the public’s reaction to it, and why he thinks it's here to stay.

Read Pape’s New York Times Op-Ed: What the Glorification of Luigi Mangione Reveals About America

For more, visit www.nosuchthing.show.

If you have any questions you’d like us to get to the bottom of, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

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Do horses hate running?

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:00:28 +0000

What if this ONE thing we’ve always been told about horses isn’t true at all? What if it’s a lie we’ve told ourselves so that we can enjoy our horseback riding vacations and Kentucky Derbies without guilt?

The end credits music is "I’ve Always Been the First (to Say I Love you)" by Certain Self.

For more, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show.

If you have any questions you’d like us to get to the bottom of, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

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Why are slurs making a comeback?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:00:26 +0000

Certain taboo words have recently crept back into common use across private conversation, on social media, and in mainstream entertainment, seemingly all along the political spectrum. In this episode, we explore why slurs are making a comeback, featuring Business Insider deputy executive editor Mia de Graaf.

Business Insider: The return of the slur

For more, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show.

If you have any questions you’d like us to get to the bottom of, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

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Could you land a plane in an emergency?

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:10:07 +0000

Do you think you’d be able to successfully land a plane, with no prior pilot experience and relying only on air traffic control assistance? A YouGov survey found 13% of people are “very confident” that they could. In this episode, we explore why some people (like Manny) are prone to overconfidence, with help from social psychologist and professor David Dunning.

Outro song is "Nothing Ever Happens" by Darryl Rahn

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Do audiobooks count as reading?

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:00:48 +0000

Here’s a link to Dr. Clinton-Lisell’s meta-analysis of reading and listening comprehension comparisons. She’s on TikTok, YouTube, Threads, and Bluesky.

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Introducing NO SUCH THING

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:08:55 +0000

This is the trailer for NO SUCH THING, a new podcast by Manny Fidel, Noah Friedman, and Devan Joseph. Our two-episode premiere drops on Tuesday, November 26.

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If you have any questions you’d like us to get to the bottom of, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com.

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