Did you know that Elden Ring’s corpse wax is real? Or that chickens used to be treated as exotic pets before people turned them into Chick-fil-A? Congratulations, you just learned something new today! Yes, even though these facts may seem really weird, they are actually backed by facts.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week started broadcasting in April 2018 by Popular Science. Its hosted by editors who share the strangest facts they can find from the history of science, health and technology they stumble across while writing weekly science reports. This podcast offers an intellectual and humorous observation of various eclectic themes with a unique blend of brilliance and amusement.
Popular Science (also known as PopSci) – as you can tell by its name, means science for the public. Founded by Edward L. Youmans, Popular Science published its first issue in 1872 as a scientific journal covering a range of stories related to the fields of science, technology, and nature. However, after a change in ownership in the early 1900s, the publication started to focus on a more concise and accessible approach to science and technology news, as well as how-to guides and illustrations.
Hosted by the engaging and witty team from PopSci, the podcast follows a roundtable discussion format where each host brings forth their weirdest discovery of the week. The banter and camaraderie among the hosts, Claire Maldarelli, Eleanor Cummins and Rachel Feltman add a lively and entertaining touch to the show. Their chemistry creates an enjoyable atmosphere that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish.
One of the standout features that I love from “The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week” podcast is its incredible range of topics. From historical stories, biology facts, technology curiosities and bizarre trivia, the podcast covers a vast spectrum of weird and wonderful subjects. Whether it is an unusual habit of a historical figure from thousands of years ago or how jellyfish can learn from their mistakes without a brain, each episode promises a unique and surprising exploration.
Another note-worthy feature of this podcast is its storytelling approach, where the hosts skillfully weave narratives around the unique facts they present, creating a friendly conversation that ensures the information shared is both accurate and easy to understand. Their impressive research and expertise in their respective fields are evident throughout each episode. The combination of humor and factual content strikes a perfect balance, making the podcast accessible to both casual listeners and those with a more profound interest in the topics discussed.
“The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week” is a delightful journey into the obscure and fascinating world, making it a must-listen for anyone with an insatiable appetite for the bizarre. I would give this podcast an 8/10, because there are still some filler words (such as “umm,” “ahh,” “like,” etc.) which is bothersome to keep track of the podcast content due to the lack of consistency during the show. Otherwise, “The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week” manages to educate, entertain, and leave listeners with a sense of wonder about the world’s quirkiest aspects. Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or just looking for a break from the ordinary, this podcast is a delightful escape.
