Explore every episode of the podcast Profoundly Pointless

Fear is one of our most powerful emotions. It keeps us safe but it can also take over every aspect of our lives. Fear Researcher Dr. Kerry Ressler says there is a way to control it. In this Episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore the science of fear. We talk why we feel fear, why the modern world has made us so afraid and the one thing everyone fears. Contact the Show Dr. Kerry Ressler Website Introducing Dr. Kerry Ressler: 00:00 Why We Feel Fear: 01:10 What Happens When We're Afraid: 04:10 Controlling Fear: 07:27 Fear vs. Anxiety: 15:47 Why We're More Afraid: 18:22 Universal Fear: 22:49 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Haunted House Designer John Denley has spent the last 30 years creating some of the world’s scariest Haunted Houses. He says there’s one thing that makes a Haunted House truly terrifying, vulnerability. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore the business of Haunted Houses. We talk what makes a Haunted House scary, the world’s scariest Haunted Houses and the one thing people fear most. Contact the Show John Denley Website Introducing John Denley: 00:00 What Makes a Haunted House Scary: 01:31 The Business of Haunted Houses: 04:59 The Scariest Haunted Houses: 07:43 Crowd Reactions: 11:03 The Future of Haunted Houses: 16:21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes it’s inside information, sometimes it’s changing perceptions with huge amounts of cash, sometimes it’s holding a hair dryer to a weather gage. Prediction Market Researcher Dr. Joshua Mitts says these are just some of the ways Prediction Markets are being manipulated. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore how people are making millions manipulating Prediction Markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. We talk the different ways Prediction Markets are being manipulated, why some market categories are easier to manipulate than others and why only a very small number of people are actually making money on Prediction Markets. Contact the Show Dr. Joshua Mitts 00:00 Introducing Dr. Joshua Mitts 01:21 How Prediction Markets are Manipulated 07:28 The Cost of Prediction Market Manipulation 10:21 Where Prediction Market Manipulation Happens 13:46 Listener Submitted Questions 16:10 Protecting Yourself from Market Manipulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Right now Prediction Markets are exploding in popularity and controversy. Going from a niche hobby to a market with billions of dollars in trades. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore the future of Prediction Markets with Prediction Market Researcher Dr. Koleman Strumpf. We talk how prediction markets really work, the crazy/brilliant strategies some people are using to make millions and why Prediction Markets could become the Wild West. Contact the Show Dr. Koleman Strumpf Website Dr. Koleman Strumpf Social 00:00 Introducing Dr. Koleman Strumpf 01:20 What are Prediction Markets 04:37 Why Prediction Markets are Becoming More Popular 05:49 Regulating Prediction Markets 08:55 Manipulating Prediction Markets 12:52 The Dangers of Prediction Markets 14:51 Prediction Market Strategies 18:58 The Future of Prediction Markets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Hollywood casting is everything. Movie Producers and Casting Agents have to find just the right person to make movies and TV shows come to life. Even if that person, isn't a person. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore how Hollywood casts animals with Hollywood Animal Agent Joel Norton. We talk what movie producers are looking for in an onscreen animals, why some dog breeds never get case in movies and the most famous movie animals of all time. 00:00 Introducing Hollywood Animal Agent Joel Norton 01:24 How Animals Get Cast in Movies 02:05: What Casting Directors are Looking For 03:51 Hollywood Animal Training 07:46 How Much Animals Get Paid 11:28 The Most and Least Popular Hollywood Dogs 12:24 The Most Famous Hollywood Pet Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In every language there are words you just don’t say. They can be about sex, religion, food or even your mother-in-law. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore the fascinating history and controversial present of language taboos with Professor Randall Eggert. We talk the biggest current language taboos, historical language taboos and language taboos that are forming today. 00:00 Introducing Professor Randall Eggert 01:28 Language Taboos 06:03 The Biggest Language Taboos 08:33 Language Taboos that Have Faded Away 11:53 Historical Language Taboo 13:58 The Next Language Taboo Contact the Show Professor Randall Eggert YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know what the big swear words are, but where did they come from, what do they really mean and what do they say about the things we hold sacred. Linguist Randall Eggert studies swear words. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we look at the history and hidden meaning of swear words. We talk where swear words come from, normal words that used to be swear words and the worst swear words of all time. 00:00 Introducing Professor Randall Eggert 01:11 How Words Become Swear Words 3:00 What All Swear Words Have in Common 07:00 The Worst Swear Words 11:18 The Best Swear Word 15:41 Historical Swear Words 17:16 When Swear Words Become Normal Words 19:57 New Swear Words Contact the Show Professor Randall Eggert YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we cuss? And what happens when we do. Psychologist and Curse Word Researcher Dr. Richard Stephens has spent decades trying to answer those two questions. Dr. Stephens says that while there are many reason why we cuss, such as anger and trying to fit in, when we curse, our body and mind go through significant changes. Changes that can dull pain and even make us stronger. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we talk the unique psychology behind cussing, the power of different curse words and why our brains treat curse words differently than other words. 00:00 Introducing Dr. Richard Stephens 01:11 Why We Cuss 02:30 What Happens When We Cuss 03:57 Cussing and Pain Management 05:31 Cussing Makes Us Stronger 08:09 The Strongest Cuss Words 09:45 Why Some People Cuss More 12:19 Cussing and Honesty 16:39 The Best Cuss Word Contact the Show Dr. Richard Stephens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every word and every language has an origin story. What originally started out as a way to describe a specific type of tree, is now what we call a book. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore how languages change with Research Linguist Dr. Daniel Hieber. We talk how new languages are created, why the meaning of words changes and the chaos unleashed by the Great Vowell Shift. 00:00 Introducing Dr. Daniel Hieber 01:07 How We Learn Language 05:51 The Very First Language 08:44 Words that Don't Change 12:11 How Long it Takes for Languages to Change 14:57 The Great Vowel Shift 19:18 The Hardest and Easiest Languages to Learn 20:43 The Most Unique Language 23:41 The Best Curse Word 26: 29 Language Misconceptions Contact the Show Dr. Daniel Hieber Website Dr. Daniel Hieber Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Treasure Hunter Brent Brisben has found over $4.5 million dollars worth of buried treasure, now he's on the hunt for more. But what does it take to be one of the world's best treasure hunters? In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we go inside the search for buried treasure. We talk finding sunken ship wrecks, black market treasure dealers and the secret to finding buried treasure. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we countdown the Top 5 Meats. Contact the Show Brent Brisben Website 1715 Treasure Fleet 00:00 Introducing Brent Brisben 01:09 How Treasure Hunters Search for Buried Treasure 03:09 The Most I Ever Found 04:35 Can You Keep Buried Treasure 06:37 The Treasure Hunting Industry 08:13 Black Market Treasure Hunting 12:57 The Cost of Treasure Hunting 15:17 The Biggest Treasure Ever Found 19:14 Pointless 39:11 Candle of the Month 47:47 Top 5 Meats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Designing and piloting a drone show is no easy task. It takes hundreds of hours of preparation to control thousands of drones that all need to move in pattern so precise, it comes down to the centimeter. Drone Show Designer Grant Reichardt has worked on some of the world’s biggest drone shows. We talk how drone shows are designed, spending million of dollars on drones and what it takes to create a hologram in the sky. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, it’s Sparklers and Black Cats vs. Bottle Rockets and Roman Candles as we countdown the Top 5 Types of Fireworks. 00:00 Introducing Drone Show Designer Grant Reichardt 01:04 Designing a Drone Show 02:56 A Very Special Type of Drone 06:56 When Something Goes Wrong 10:49 The Future of Drone Shows 15:15 Pointless 39:12 The Top 5 Types of Fireworks Contact the Show Aerial Illuminations Website Aerial Illuminations YouTube Aerial Illuminations Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fireworks explode in an instant of blinding light and thunderous sound. But designing a fireworks show takes months of preparation and years of training. From the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show to Burning Man, Pyrotechnician Steven Yoss has been behind the scenes at some of the world’s biggest fireworks shows. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we talk the art of designing fireworks shows, the science of making fireworks and what happens when things go wrong. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we countdown the Top 5 Actors and Actresses You Know but Can’t Name. 00:00 Introducing Pyrotechnician Steve Yoss 0:59 Designing Fireworks Shows 04:32 How Fireworks are Made 07:41 Fireworks Dangers 09:37 The Best and Worst Fireworks 11:51 Fireworks Colors 13:51 Fireworks Injuries 15:51 The Best Fireworks Shows 19:49 The Future of Fireworks Shows 20:51 Pointless 46:51 Top 5 Actors You Know But Can’t Name Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes the perfect song of the summer? Professor Devon Powers studies summer songs. She says every great summer songs usually has three things: a memorable chorus, a beat that makes you feel good and lyrics anyone can sing. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we look a the last 25 years of Songs of the Summer. We talk making the perfect summer song, the behind the scenes marketing that turn ordinary songs into massive hits and why we sometimes don’t have a song of the summer. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we countdown the Top 5 Summer Songs. 00:00 Introducing Professor Devon Powers 00:58 What Makes a Good Summer Song 06:62 A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey 09:23 Despacito by Daddy Yankee 10:19 Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke 11:55 Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jespen 15:38 The Simple Complexity of Summer Song 18:04 Old Town Road by Lil Nas X 19:30 Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO 21:21 The Best Song of the Summer 22:19 The Worst Song of the Summer 24:20 Timing the Song of the Summer 26:26 2026’s Song of the Summer 27:37 Pointless 46:18 The Top 5 Summer Songs Contact the Show Devon Powers’ Book on Trend Forecasting Devon Powers’ Book on the Birth of Rock Criticism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an Aquaphiliac Raven Lynette loves the water. But this isn't about just swimming around. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore Aquaphilia. We talk why people are attracted to water, the kinds of things Aquaphiliacs like to do in the water and her most interesting requests. 00:00 Introducing Raven Lynette 01;06 What is Aquaphilia 03:08 What Aquaphiliacs are Looking For 05:26 When Water is Sexy 08:20 Why the Type of Water Matters 09:41 How Popular is Aquaphilia 12:20 Aquaphilia and Mermaids 14:28 Most Interesting Requests 16:52 Pointless 37:01 Candle of the Month 42:22 The Top 5 Batteries Contact the Show Raven Lynette Website Raven Lynette TikTok Raven Lynette Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They were born more than 13 billion years ago but ancient stars are still shaping our Universe today. And without them, we wouldn’t be here. Astrophysicist and Stellar Archaeologist Dr. Anna Frebel has discovered some of the Universe’s oldest stars. We talk how ancient stars created life as we know it, the chaotic conditions of the early Universe and what the next generation of stars will look like. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, it’s Just Do It and Where’s the Beef vs. Got Milk and I’m Loving It as we countdown the Top 5 Company Slogans. 00:00 Introducing Astrophysicist Dr. Anna Frebel 01:25 What Ancient Stars Tell Us About the Universe 03:37 How Ancient Stars Created the Universe as We Know It 06:43 The Odds All This Would Happen 07:56 First Generation Stars 10:00 Our Sun 12:16 10,000 Generations of Stars 15:41 The Best Star in the Universe 17:39 What Every Astrophysicist is Trying to Find 21:21 Pointless 42:47 The Top 5 Company Slogans Contact the Show Dr. Anna Frebel Website Searching for the Oldest Stars Dr. Anna Frebel TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sociologist Dr. Linuz Peitz studies the psychology that drives Soccer (Football) Hooligans. He says the rising tide of soccer violence is all about one thing, territory. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we take an indepth look at Soccer (Football) Hooligans. We talk the psychology behind hooliganism, the most dangerous Firms/Ultras, places that aren't safe to go and how Hooligans will impact the World Cup. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we countdown the Top 5 Life Lessons We Learned the Hard Way 00:00 Introducing Soccer Violence Researcher Dr. Linus Petiz 01:11 What Drives Soccer (Football) Hooligans 04:08 Hooligans and Soccer Violence 07:33 Soccer (Football) Hooligans and Organized Crime 10:16 The Most Dangerous Soccer (Football) Firms / Ultras 11:14 Joining a Firm / Ultra 12:34 Where Soccer Violence is the Worst 13:25 Soccer Hooligans and the World Cup 14:41 Pointless 35:26 Top 5 Life Lessons We Learned the Hard Way Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to get into the United States’ best sororities. And why would you want to. As the world’s first Rush Consultant, Trisha Addicks literally wrote the book on getting into sororities. We talk the secret to sorority rush, why sororities are exploding in popularity, the influence of “Rush Tok” and her new book “The Rush Bible”. Then, its the roar of the crowd vs. the crack of the bat as we countdown the Top 5 Sports Sounds. 00:00 Introducing Rush Consultant Trisha Addicks 01:28 Why Do Women Join Sororities 02:18 What Top Sororities are Looking For 04:11 When Women Don’t Get In 06:13 Preparing for Sorority Rush 09:04 Three Big Things Sororities are Looking For 10:06 Dealing with Parents 15:23 How Rush is Different Now 16:30 The Influence of Rush Tok 19:18 The Secret Score 21:34 Fraternity Rush Consultant 23:45 Being a Legacy 26:38 Pointless 44:41 The Top 5 Sports Sounds Contact the Show The Rush Bible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world. But the action on the pitch still pales in comparison to the business going on behind the scenes. Sports Economist Dr. Victor Matheson has studied the economic impact of the World Cup for more than thirty years. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we talk the business behind the World Cup, the corruption inside FIFA and if any of the money generated by the World Cup will trickle down to you. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we unveil a new Candle of the Month and countdown the Top 5 Summer Foods. 00:00 Introducing Dr. Victor Matheson 01:38 The Economic Impact of the World Cup 03:59 FIFA and Corruption 06:36 Will the World Cup Benefit Host Cities 16:17 World Cup Host Cities that Will Lose Money 17:50 How the United States’ Reputation is Hurting the World Cup 24:09 Pointless 40:26 Candle of the Month 49:17 Top 5 Summer Foods Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you tell if someone is lying? Criminology Professor and Lie Detection Researcher Vincent Denault says that while lies are complicated, there's one simple way to get to the truth. We talk signs someone is lying, what makes someone appear credible and if we are living in the age of lies. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, it's Michael Jordan and Patrick Stewart vs. Vin Diesel and the Rock as we countdown the Top 5 Bald Celebrities. 00:00 Introducing Vincent Denault 01:11: How Good are We at Spotting Liars 02:51 Signs Someone is Lying 05:52 The Simple Way to Find Out the Truth 06:49 Do Lie Detectors Work 08:42 Are We Living in the Age of Lies 09:50 Pointless 24:19 The Top 5 Bald Celebrities Contact the Show Vincent Denault Website Vincent Denault LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Tom Cruise and Jared Leto to Allison Mack and Gwyneth Paltrow, Celebrity Cult Expert Cassie Marie says celebrities have a long association with cults and cult-like behavior. We talk why celebrities are drawn to cults, the biggest celebrity cults and the strangest celebrity cult stories. Then, it’s raking the leaves and mowing the lawn vs, weeding and power washing as we countdown the Top 5 Worst Yard Chores. 00:00 Introducing Celebrity Cult Expert Cassie Marie 01:38 Why Celebrities are Drawn to Cults 03:58 How Cults Draw Celebrities In 07:04 Tom Cruise and Cults 11:26 The Biggest Celebrity Cult 12:55 Gwyneth Paltrow and Cults 16:04 Allison Mack and Cults 17:06 Miley Cyrus and Cults 20:59 Jared Leto and Cults 23:50 The Most Dangerous Cult 25:32 Justin Bieber and Cults 29:27 Pointless 51:07 The Five Worst Yard Chores Contact the Show Cassie Marie TikTok Cassie Marie Instagram Cassie Marie YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is Deja Vu, where does it come from and why do we get it? Deja Vu researchers Dr. Christopher Moulin and Dr. Akira O'Connor have spent their lives trying to answer those questions. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we look at the latest science surrounding Deja Vu, Jamais Vu and memory. We talk what causes Deja Vu and Jamais Vu, if Deja Vu is connected to past lives and how different types of Vus explains our lives. Then, it's Darth Vader and Scarface against Thanos and Anton Chigurh as we countdown the Top 5 Movie Villain Quotes. 00:00: Introducing Dr. Christopher Moulin and Dr. Akira O'Connor 01:17: What is Deja Vu 02:00: What's Happening During Deja Vu 05:01: How Long Does Deja Vu Last 06:18: How Deja Vu Helps Us 07:28: Jamais Vu Explained 13:29: Other Types of Vus 15:31: Deja Vu and Past Lives 19:10: Pointless 30:11: Top 5 Movie Villain Quotes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An an NFL Scout, Dan Hatman's job is to predict the future. He's got to sort through hundreds of players and thousands of hours of games because when it comes to drafting players, millions of dollars are on the line. We talk how NFL Scouts evaluate players for the NFL Draft, why teams draft the wrong player and the hardest and easiest positions to draft. Then, we unveil a new Candle of the Month and countdown the Top 5 Most Annoying Ads of All Time. 00:00: Introducing Dan Hatman 01:39: What NFL Scouts Do 04:05: Why Off the Field is as Important as On the Field 05:53: Scouts and the NFL Draft 09:06: Finding the Diamond in the Rough 10:45: Why Teams Draft the Wrong Player 15:05: The Hardest and Easiest Players to Draft 19:01: Big Schools vs. Small Schools 24:05: Marketability and the Draft 25:24: The Hardest Draft Round to Get Right 27:07: Pointless 42:22: Candle of the Month 47:39: Top 5 Most Annoying Ads Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL Draft is fast approaching and for NFL Agent Evan Brennan that means cloak and dagger storytelling, secretive negotiations and truly odd demands, all in the hopes of moving his clients up in the draft. Go inside the life of an NFL Agent as we talk the NFL Draft, unusual contract demands and the sometimes dirty business of the NFL. Then, we countdown the Top 5 Biggest Events of the Year 00:00: Introducing Evan Brennan 01:11: What the NFL Draft is Like 03:11: What an NFL Agent Really Does 07:01: How NFL Agents Recruit Players 09:29: Negotiating NFL Contracts 11:01: Are College Players Ready for the NFL 13:55: NIL and the NFL 15:21: The Dirty Business of the NFL 17:39: Interesting Contract Demands 21:47: The Salary of an NFL Agent 25:18: Pointless 37:55: The Top 5 Biggest Events of the Year Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oil runs the world. And right now the oil and gas industry is going through a major disruption because of the war in Iran. Oil prices are rising and there’s no end in sight. So, what does this mean for you? Oil, Gas and Energy sector expert Dr. Carole Nakhle joins us to explain where the price of oil is headed, the major factors influencing prices at the pump and more. Then, it’s Club Sandwiches and Grilled Cheese vs. Reubens and Cubans as we countdown the Top 5 Kinds of Sandwiches 00:00: Introducing Dr. Carole Nakhle 01:09: Why Gas Prices are Rising 03:25: How Oil Prices Impact the World Economy 05:54: What $200 a Barrell Would Look Like 08:24: Iran and Oil 09:18: History of Oil Shocks 12:56: How Long Before the Worst Case Scenario 14:05: The Importance of the Straight of Hormuz 16:04: Releasing The Strategic Petroleum Reserves 17:36: Getting Back to Normal 21:02: Pointless 49:34: Top 5 Sanwiches Contact the Show Dr. Carole Nakhle Crystol Energy Dr. Carole Nakhle LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we remember? Why do we forget? What’s making our memories change over time? Memory Researchers Dr. Akira O’Connor and Dr. Christopher Moulin have spent their lives trying to answer memory’s biggest questions. We talk how memory works, why we forget things and the best way to preserve your memories. Then, it’s 67 and 420 vs. 007 and 8675309 as we countdown the Top 5 Meme Number Combinations. 00:00: Introducing Dr. Christopher Moulin and Dr. Akira O’Connor 01:21: How Does Memory Work 03:59: How Good is Our Memory 07:19: How Memories Changes 09:16: Why We Forget 12:42: Reexperiencing Memories 14:17: Are Memories Ever Lost 17:42: Music and Memories 20:01: Pictures and Memories 21:18: The Best Memories 28:05: Pointless 45:16: Top 5 Meme Number Combinations Contact the Show Dr. Akira O’Connor Books and Publications Dr. Christopher Moulin Books and Publications Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever had a brush with death? Whether it's a near-death experience, a message from a deceased love one or simply feeling a presence when you walk into a room, millions of people say they have had some connection to the afterlife. Clinical Psychiatrist Dr. J. Kim Penberthy studies those experiences. She say's there's something they all have in common. We talk near-death experiences, afterlife communications and why we really fear death. Then, in the pointless part of the show, we unveil a new Candle of the Month and countdown the Top 5 Money Slang Terms. Introducing Dr. J. Kim Penberthy: 00:00 How Common are Afterlife Experiences: 01:19 The Pattern Behind Afterlife Experiences: 06:07 The 12 Types of Afterlife Communications: 10:20 The Fear of Death: 13:20 The Craziest Afterlife Experiences: 17:27 Pointless: 20:54 Candle of the Month: 32:41 Top 5 Money Slang Terms: 39:38 ⁠Contact the Show⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we get bored? Boredom Researcher Dr. James Danckert says boredom is a search for meaning. Our brains' way of telling us we need to find something new. We talk why boredom is important, why some people get bored more than others and the most boring thing in the world. Then, it's Hoop Dreams and Caddyshack vs. Miracle and The Karate Kid as we countdown the Top 5 Sports Movies. 00:00: Introducing Boredom Researcher Dr. James Danckert 01:07: Why We Get Bored 02:11: Why Boredom is Good 03:56: What Happens When We Get Bored 04:49: Why Some People Get Bored Faster 07:59: Boredom and Intelligence 11:10: The Flow State 12:42: Only Boring People are Boring 15:13: The Most Boring Type of Person 16:59: When Boredom Becomes a Problem 18:52: The Boredom Pattern 20:57: Social Media and Boredom 24:49: Pointless 40:42: The Top 5 Sports Movies Contact the Show Our of My Skull: The Science of Boredom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is consciousness and where does it come from? These are two questions Consciousness Researcher Dr. Ned Block has spent his entire life trying to answers. In this episode we talk the origin of consciousness, what happens to our consciousness when we die and if AI (artificial intelligence) is already conscious. Then, it’s grape and cherry vs. mango and pineapple as we countdown the Top 5 Drink Flavors. 00:00: Introducing Dr. Ned Block 01:02: What is Consciousness 04:01: How We Study Consciousness 06:26: Consciousness in Humans 07:47: What We Know About Consciousness 09:50: Why is Consciousness Important 11:15: AI and Consciousness 14:19: Consciousness and the Subsconscious 16:45: Consciousness In Other Animals 17:44: What Happens to Your Consciousness when You Die 20:01: Misconceptions About Consciousness 21:05: When We Developed Consciousness 25:02: Wild Consciousness Theories 26:06: Pointless 55:42: Top 5 Drink Flavors Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rocketing down the track at more than 100mph, Olympic Bobsleigh Pilot Chris Spring knows that the difference between winning Gold and crashing is measured in fractions of an inch. We talk becoming a Bobsled/Bobsleigh Pilot, the crash that almost ended his career and every bobsledders love/hate relationship with Cool Runnings. Then, it's Queso and Spinach vs. Salsa and Hummus as we countdown the Top 5 Best Dips. 00:00: Introducing Chris Spring 01:03: What Bobsledding is Really Like 03:40: Steering a Bobsled 05:58: Bobsled Crashes 08:31: Bobsled Tracks 10:54: Bobsled Teams 11:35: Getting in the Bobsled 13:43: Cool Runnings 14:53: Bobsled Lingo 15:33: Worst Bobsled Crash 18:29: Bobsled Chants 21:31: Pointless 45:37: Top 5 Dips Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Ski Jumping every little detail matters. And no American has flown farther than 3x Olympian Kevin Bickner. We talk what really happens on a Ski Jump, the secret to flying farther and Ski Jumping scandals that have rocked the sport. Then, we unveil a new Candle of the Month and it’s airports vs. shopping malls as we countdown the Top 5 Best Places for People Watching. 00:00: Introducing Olympian Kevin Bickner 01:14: How Scary is Ski Jumping 03:40: How Ski Jumpers Fly Farther 05:33: What Makes Someone Good at Ski Jumping 07:41: Can You Back Off a Ski Jump 08:14: Ski Jumping Scandals 12:49: Ski Jumping on a Snowboard 14:47: Where Ski Jumping is the Most Popular 16:07: Ski Jumping and Intrusive Thoughts 19:47: Pointless 44:29: Candle of the Month 51:21: Best Places for People Watching Kevin Bickner Instagram Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olympic Curling is all about precision. It’s a sport where less than half and inch can mean the difference between winning a Gold Medal and getting last place. Team USA Curling Olympians Ben Richardson and Korey Dropkin join us to talk Curling basics, the unique strategy behind each throw and falling on ice. Then, it’s Curling and Ski Jumping vs. Figure Skating and Bobsled as we countdown the Top 5 Winter Olympic Sports. 00:00 Introducing Curling Olympians Ben Richardson and Korey Dropkin 01:16: The Extreme Precision of Olympic Curling 03:41: Curling Strategy 06:57: No Mistakes 09:03: Sweeping and Throwing in Curling 11:26: Curling Gold Medal Favorites 12:18: Curling Popularity 13:53: Curling Falls and Fails 17:30: Pointless 40:03: The Top 5 Winter Olympic Sports Korey Dropkin Instagram Korey Dropkin TikTok Ben Richardson Instagram Team Casper Instagram Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ski Mountaineering is the only new sport at the 2026 Winter Olympics and Team USA Olympian Cam Smith has a chance to win the sports first Gold Medal. We talk what makes Ski Mountaineering special, what it's like competing in a new Olympic Sport and the 2026 Winter Olympics. Then, it's Civics and Odysseys vs. Cybertrucks and Tacomas as we countdown the Top 5 Worst Car Names. 00:00: Introducing Olympian Cam Smith 01:11: What is Ski Mountaineering 05: 19: Competing in a New Olympic Sport 06:47: Getting Started in Ski Mountaineering 08:59: The 2026 Winter Olympics 10:20: Ski Mountaineering Crashes 15:07: The Future of Ski Mountaineering 18:15: Pointless 38:34: To5 Worst Car Names Contact the Show Cam Smith Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI Slop is taking over the internet. But how can you tell what’s real and what’s AI. AI Media Expert Jeremy Carrasco joins us to talk sorting through AI Slop, how AI content is eroding public trust and why AI Slop could be the end of social media. Then, it’s Toaster Ovens and Microwaves vs. Stoves and Refrigerators as we countdown the Top 5 Most Important Appliances 00:00: Jeremy Carrasco 01:22: How to Spot AI Slop 02:46: AI Slop and the End of Social Media 05:13: The Spread of AI Slop 08:41: Who's Making AI Slop 10:27: AI Slop and Political Propaganda 13:01: What Social Media Platforms are Doing about AI Slop 16:59: Tips for Spotting AI Slop Pointless: 28:19 Top 5 Appliances: 52:45 Contact the Show Jeremy Carrasco YouTube Jeremy Carrasco TikTok Jeremy Carrasco Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When will AI (artificial intelligence) take our jobs. Technology Futurist and AI Employment Researcher Adam Dorr says it might be much sooner than you think. We talk how AI will affect the job market in 2026, why politicians are lying to you about AI and the one thing that will guarantee you a job. Then, it’s knee pain vs. collecting coupons as we countdown the Top 5 Signs You’re Getting Old. 00:00: Introducing Adam Dorr 01:18: When Will AI Take Our Jobs 06:55: The AI Arms Race 11:04: Can AI Be Stopped 12:26: The Jobs AI Will Take First 15:54: Where AI will have the Biggest Impact 18:37: How Long Before AI and Robots Take Over 20:47: AI vs. Other Disruptive Technologies 22:13: Are We Ready for an AI Takeover 23:22: The One Skill that Will Keep You Employed Pointless:: 29:14 Top 5 Signs You’re Getting Older: 56:46 Contact the Show RethinkX Website Adam Dorr LinkedIn Adam Dorr BlueSky Adam Dorr Books: Brighter, The Degrowth Delusion and More than the Sun and Stars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From “Christmas on Cherry Lane” to “Oy! to the World”, Screenwriter Rick Garman has written more than 40 Christmas movies. We talk writing a Christmas movie, why people both love and love to hate Hallmark Christmas movies and the best Christmas movie of all time. Then, it’s Chocolate Chip and Snickerdoodle vs. Macaroons and Gingerbread Men as we countdown the Top 5 Cookies. 00:00: Introducing Rick Garman 01:14: What Makes a Good Christmas Movie 04:26: Why People Love Hallmark Movies 06:22: How Hallmark Christmas Movies are Made 11:30: The Christmas Movie Genre 13:37: Christmas Movie Tropes 16:37: Career Girl Comes Home 22:48: The Best and Worst Christmas Movies 28:56: Pointless 47:53: The Best Christmas Cookies Contact the Show Rick Garman Website Rick Garman Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sofia Somer has a thing for Santa Claus. Ever since she first discovered her sexuality, Sofia has been attracted to Santa (Santaphilia). We talk Santa fantasies, what makes Santa attractive and the sexiest depiction of Santa. Then, it’s lollygagging and skedaddle vs. bamboozled and fartlek as we countdown the Top 5 Funniest Words. Sofia Somer: 01:13 Pointless: 17:28 Top 5 Funniest Words: 39:13 Contact the Show Sofia Somer Website Sofia Somer Instagram Sofia Somer Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Santa and gingerbread cookies to Christmas trees and the colors of red and green, Dr. Katherine Walker studies the history of our favorite Christmas traditions. We talk the real origin of Santa Claus, the scandalous history of gingerbread cookies and the time we nearly lost Christmas. Then, we unveil a new Candle of the Month and countdown the Top 5 Best Christmas Themed Foods. Dr. Katherine Walker: 01:16 Pointless: 31:37 Candle of the Month: 49:19 Top 5 Christmas Foods: 59:26 Contact the Show Katherine Walker Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for our annual Thanksgiving Special. We talk waiting, the decline of Thanksgiving and countdown the Top 5 Worst Christmas Songs. We hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving, thank you so much for all of your support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Terminator and Superman to Sicario and Face/Off, Movie Pyrotechnician and Stunt Coordinator has been blowing stuff up in movies for more than 30 years. We talk how movie explosions are made, the biggest explosions in movies and blowing up the Death Star. Then, it’s Dallas and Charlotte vs. Madison and Lincoln as we countdown the Top 5 Cities to be Named After. Anthony Simonaitis: 01:06 Pointless: 40:12 Top 5 Cities to be Named After: 01:04:46 Contact the Show Integral-fx,Inc Anthony Simonaitis LinkedIn Anthony Simonaitis IMDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Jeffrey Epstein and faking the moon landing, to chemtrails and who really killed JFK, Social Psychologist Dr. Daniel Jolley has spent his life studying conspiracy theories. We talk why people are drawn to conspiracy theories, what all major conspiracy theories have in common and the wildest conspiracy theories he’s ever heard. Then, in the pointless part of the show, we countdown the Top 5 Life Lessons We Learned the Hard Way. Dr. Daniel Jolley: 01:08 Pointless: 26:23 Top 5 Life Lessons: 50:11 Contact the Show Dr. Daniel Jolley Website Dr. Daniel Jolley BlueSky How to Talk to Someone about Conspiracy Theories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Illuminati, Freemasons, the Bilderberg Group, Historian Dr. Rick Spence has spent decades studying secret societies. We talk how secret societies have changed history, the most influential secret societies and what secret societies really want. Then, we unveil a new Candle of the Month and countdown the Top 5 Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies. Dr. Rick Spence: 01:19 Pointless: 31:22 Candle of the Month: 57:36 Top 5 Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies: 01:03:45 Contact the Show Dr. Rick Spence: Great Courses Dr. Rick Spence Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Author of A Head Full of Ghosts, The Cabin at the End of the World and Horror Movie, horror writer Paul Tremblay knows what scares people. We talk the psychology behind horror, the scariest things he’s ever read and turning books into movies. Then, it’s hootenanny vs. shindig as we countdown the Top 5 Party Words. Paul Tremblay: 01:14 Pointless: 29:01 Top 5 Party Words: 53:33 Contact the Show Paul Tremblay Website Paul Tremblay Instagram Paul Tremblay BlueSky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ghosts, Monsters, Alien Abductions, Secret Societies, New York Times Bestselling Author Colin Dickey studies them all. His goal is to discover why we’re so fascinated with things we can’t explain. We talk the most haunted places in America, how Secret Societies have shaped our lives and what our obsession with Bigfoot and other cryptids really means. Then, it’s Wall Runs and Grappling Hooks vs. Double Jumps and Magic as we countdown the Top 5 Video Game Powers. Colin Dickey: 01:11 Pointless: 26:34 Top 5 Video Game Powers: 48:44 Contact the Show Colin Dickey’s Website Colin Dickey Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Ed Gein and Ted Bundy, to BTK and Jeffrey Dahmer, Criminologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland has spent the last 30 years studying serial killers - trying to find out what drives them to kill. We talk the mind of a serial killer, the worst serial killers you’ve never heard of and why we’re fascinated by them. Then, we countdown the Top 5 Worst Sports Cities Dr. Katherine Ramsland: 01:11 Pointless: 33:40 Top 5 Worst Sports Cities: 55:00 Contact the Show Dr. Katherine Ramsland Website Dr. Katherine Ramsland Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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They want her to humiliate them, embarrass them and make them feel small, all because they’re a Republican. Krystal is a dominatrix who specializes in Political Humiliation. We talk the rise of political humiliation as a kink, why her clients want to be humilated because of their politics and her most unusual requets. Then, it’s salt and pepper vs. peanut butter and jelly as we countdown the Top 5 Flavor Combinations. Krystal: 01:20 Pointless: 28:03 Candle of the Month: 47:05 Top 5 Flavor Combinations: 52:42 Contact the Show I Want Krystal Submit to Krystal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between money laundering scams, pig butchering cons and ransomware attacks, Professor Moyara Ruehsen says we are in the middle of an epidemic of scams. Scams that are costing people billions of dollars every year. We talk how money laundering really works, the organized crime gangs behind pig butchering scams and what you can do to protect yourself. Then, it’s every state for itself as we countdown the Top 5 Best State Names. Professor Moyara Ruehsen: 01:09 Pointless: Top 5 State Names Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has an accent. Yes, even you. And your accent says so much more than simply where you are from. It's a window into who you really are. Erik Singer studies accents and has taught some of Hollywood's biggest actors how to speak with a new voice. We talk how accents develop, America's most famous accents and where new accents are appearing and old ones are disappearing. Then, we talk becoming our parents and countdown the Top 5 Foods that are Better as Leftovers. Erik Singer: 01:24 Pointless: 26:53 Top 5 Leftovers: 48:27 Contact the Show Erik Singer Website Erik Singer YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the son of Timothy Leary, Zach Leary has spent his life at the forefront of the psychedelics movement. We talk the growing legalization of psychedelics, the use of psychedelics in therapy and psychedelic experiences that changed him forever. Then, it’s Halle Berry and Don Cherry vs, Bob Lemon and Julius Peppers as we countdown the Top 5 Celebrities with fruit names. 00:00: Intro 01:16: What are Psychedelics 03:57: How Psychedelics are Changing 06:06: Psychedelics Legalization 11:01: What Magic Mushroom are Like 12:30: What Ayahuasca is Like 15:28: How Psychedelics Changed Me 16:56: What Ketamine is Like 18:06: States where Legalization is Likely 20:33: Being Timothy Leary's Son 22:00: Finding Yourself 25:36: Pointless 51:02: Top 5 Fruit Celebrities Contact the Show Zach Leary’s Website Zach Leary’s New Book Zach Leary Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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