Best Popcorn Effect Podcasts (2025)

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What's the Difference Between Socialism and Communism? 11:09

Play Pause

10h ago11:09

11:09

Socialism and communism are often mentioned in the same breath, and they do share a common history, but socialists aren't necessarily communists -- and vice versa. Learn more about both concepts and how they've been put into practice in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/socialism-vs-communism.htm Se…

1
How Do Vaccines Prevent Diseases? 13:39

1d ago13:39

13:39

Our bodies can often prevent us from catching the same illness twice, and vaccines use that bodily system to prevent us from getting sick in the first place. Learn how the immune response works, what goes into vaccines, and why vaccines are safe for kids in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness…

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IUDs + Jewelry 45:38

3d ago45:38

45:38

Doesn't life just feel like an indie movie? This week we address escape room culture and separating the art from the artist. Before we, of course, get into what we ride for. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial intere…

1
Active Listening + Ice Breakers Ice Cubes 50:51

10d ago50:51

50:51

Thank you for the overwhelming response to COME ON KERPLUNK! We could've never imagined it would touch so many lives. Might be a good way to get someone's attention if they are tuning you out... or ask them for a piece of gum. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on th…

1
BrainStuff Classics: How Did Sealab Work? 6:15

14d ago6:15

6:15

In the 1960s, advances in technology allowed brave aquanauts to explore deeper into the ocean than ever before, but the project was shut down. Learn how Sealab worked -- and how that technology is still used today -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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How Do Slow Lorises Work? 8:50

15d ago8:50

8:50

The slow loris is the world's only venomous primate, but it looks like a cuddly plush toy. Learn why you shouldn't go in for a snuggle in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/slow-loris.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

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How Do Venus Flytraps Work? 11:14

16d ago11:14

11:14

Venus flytraps can photosynthesize like most other plants, but they supplement their diet by catching insects and arachnids. Learn what we know (and don't know!) about how they accomplish this feat in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/venus-flytrap.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for…

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Chill Restaurants + Conversation Starters 54:16

17d ago54:16

54:16

Mary Beth provides a State of the Union from the Geneva Convention and then we get into the art of dinner/hanging out! Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.…

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Benny as a Matchmaker + That Arm Vein that Guys Have 48:40

24d ago48:40

48:40

We address the lost episode of Ride which will remain in the Disney vault and the extension of gas leak era once again. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode…

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Dancing + Pop Stars Talking in Songs 48:26

1M ago48:26

48:26

Benny debuts his stunt, we chat bot comments and the limitations of artificial intelligence. We're each riding for one thing this week, just like the good old days! Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in pro…

1
How Did Jerry Lawson Change the Course of Video Gaming? 10:19

1M ago10:19

10:19

In the 1970s, Jerry Lawson was instrumental in creating the first cartridge-based video game console and the first digital joystick -- and he did it as one of the only Black engineers in Silicon Valley at that time. Learn about Lawson and the Fairchild Channel F in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com…

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Why Is Glass Transparent? 9:01

1M ago9:01

9:01

Glass windows are as solid as the materials that surround them, yet they let light through. Learn the physics of why glass can be so transparent -- and why it took humans thousands of years to create totally clear glass -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/question404.htm See omnystudio.com/list…

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BrainStuff Classics: Should We Retest Licensed Drivers Periodically? 7:03

1M ago7:03

7:03

Although some driving skills can deteriorate with age, experienced drivers tend to be the safest drivers. To an extent. Learn when and how experts think drivers should be retested in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/auto-safety-testing/should-licensed-drivers-be-tested-peri…

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How Did President Jimmy Carter Work? 10:25

1M ago10:25

10:25

As a U.S. President, Jimmy Carter championed education and renewable energy as keystones of a healthy nation. Outside of office, he helped other nations grow democracy, built afforadable housing with his own hands, nearly eradicated guinea worm disease -- and still found time to teach Sunday school. Learn about Jimmy and Roselynn Carter in this epi…

1
Why Are Truffles So Expensive? 10:27

1M ago10:27

10:27

Truffles are fungi that grow underground, are almost exclusively foraged, and taste best extremely fresh. Learn about truffle biology, truffle flavoring, and truffle crime in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/truffles.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
How Do Alligator Snapping Turtles Work? 7:25

1M ago7:25

7:25

This positively prehistoric-looking freshwater turtle is the largest in North America -- and it catches fish by wiggling a worm-like lure. Learn more about alligator snappers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/alligator-snapping-turtle.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat…

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Please Welcome… HOLMES 53:56

1M ago53:56

53:56

This week, we are joined by the one and only Holmes. HMM Supremacy. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Sponsors: For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering…

1
The Great Dyson Debate 47:02

2M ago47:02

47:02

Mark your calendar for Benny's 40th birthday party (in 20-50 years). The gals are chatting all about Dyson products this week. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this …

1
Ssense Sale + Panty Lines 52:09

2M ago52:09

52:09

You can truly never predict the type of shit we will get into. New era alert! And oh yeah... Alan Cumming is FLOOP!! Smells like heritage. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred…

1
Did Victorians Really Have a Language of Flowers? 10:48

2M ago10:48

10:48

In floriography, flowers and other plants are associated with meanings or sentiments (like physical emoji) -- but could you really send a message with a bouquet? Learn about the fad of floriography in Victorian England in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/cultural-traditions/flori…

1
CARPOOL: GOTHS 41:00

2M ago41:00

41:00

The intros keep getting longer. Deal with it! Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Sponsors: Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first …

1
How Did the Cowboy Gallop into American History? 6:00

2M ago6:00

6:00

Cowboy culture didn't start in the Wild West. Learn about the Spanish, Indigenous, and Black history of cowboys in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/cowboys.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
How Does Skin Tan and Burn? 10:29

2M ago10:29

10:29

When our skin deepens in color after sun exposure, it's trying to protect us from damage. Learn how it works -- plus why you should help it out with sunscreen, and why some people burn instead -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/sun-care/sunscreen.htm See omnystudio.com/listener…

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Opossums Awesome? 6:38

2M ago6:38

6:38

They eat trash and they look a little freaky, but the North American opossum is a smart, clean, disease-fighting, and all-around fascinating creature. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/opossums-so-darn-ugly-theyre-adorable.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf…

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BrainStuff Classics: What Happens to Donated Blood? 5:24

2M ago5:24

5:24

After you donate blood, it goes through a complex system of testing, processing, and storage before it can be delivered to patients who need it. Learn how the system works in this classic episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
6 Historical Words That Don't Mean What You Think 9:50

2M ago9:50

9:50

Originally, Hedonists believed in moderation and Luddites were just looking to protect their job security. Learn about these and other words that've changed their meaning in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/10-historical-words-that-dont-mean-what-you-think.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privac…

1
How Do HeLa Cells Work? 11:34

2M ago11:34

11:34

Most of the human cells grown in labs that are used for scientific research come from samples taken from one woman in the 1950s. Learn about the amazing yet nonconsenting contribution of Henrietta Lacks in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/hela-cell.htm See omnystudio.com/…

1
THE HOME EDIT 47:02

2M ago47:02

47:02

Mary Beth and Benny do what they do best - talk! There is a lot to catch up on which doesn't leave much time to get into what we are riding for. But we make it work as Tim Gunn once said. Benny rides for fan edits. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may h…

1
IT'S A HITCHHIKE PART 3 49:16

2M ago49:16

49:16

WE LET OUR GIRLS HAVE THEIR MOMENT THIS WEEK. WELCOME TO THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF HITCHHIKE! Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Sponsors: Go to cokeurl.c…

1
Basic Manners + Puss in Boots 40:21

3M ago40:21

40:21

We edited this a while ago so not exactly sure what we say here <3 Mary Beth recounts her moment with queen mother boot, Miley Cyrus while Benny reflects on his history with Equus. Benny rides for the adorable Puss in Boots and Mary Beth rides for basic manners. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for prod…

1
Why Is North Sentinel Island Totally Off-Limits? 9:41

3M ago9:41

9:41

This small island in the Bay of Bengal is home to one of the last uncontacted peoples on the planet -- and they seem to want to keep it that way. Learn how North Sentinel Island has remained independent in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/world-history/north-sentinel-island.htm See omnystudio.com/…

1
How Have Obituaries Changed? 8:20

3M ago8:20

8:20

Public death notices about common people are a fairly recent development, and they've changed a lot since their inception. Learn how obituaries went from dry statements to tributes to truth in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/funerals/obituary-history.htm See omnystudio.com/liste…

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BrainStuff Classics: What Is the Mandela Effect? 6:35

3M ago6:35

6:35

When many people share a false memory, that's the Mandela Effect in action -- but how does it happen? Learn how our individual brains misremember stuff and how false memories can spread in this classic episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

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BrainStuff Classics: What's the History (and Future) of Toilets? 6:04

3M ago6:04

6:04

The 'modern' toilet was invented in the 1700s. So what was it like in the past, and how could we improve on it in the future? Learn more about waste technologies in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/toilets-past-future-flush.htm See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

1
What Does Habeas Corpus Mean? 11:13

3M ago11:13

11:13

Habeas corpus is a centuries-old legal concept that basically means that the government has to have a valid legal reason if it's going to detain you. Learn why habeas corpus is so important -- and when it's been suspended in the U.S. -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/habeas-corpus-important.ht…

1
Who Named the Planet Earth? 5:32

3M ago5:32

5:32

In most European languages, the planets are all named after Roman gods -- except for the planet you're hanging out on right now. Learn how Earth and the other planets got their names in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/who-named-planet-earth.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Does the Bunyip Really Roam Austraila's Wetlands? 6:07

3M ago6:07

6:07

A cryptid with a fearsome bellow, the bunyip is said to stalk the unwary who swim or walk alone at night in parts of Austraila and New Zealand. Learn about the potential real-life inspirations for the bunyip in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/australian-bunyip.ht…

1
Pavlovian Dog + Spontaneous Generation 38:11

3M ago38:11

38:11

We've long admired Schrodinger's cat here on ride, but today we're talking about two new scientific concepts - the Pavlovian dog and spontaneous generation. Mary Beth opens up about her time working in the service industry and Benny revisits Powell's candy shoppe (sp?). Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements …

1
Driving School + Kenergy 47:31

3M ago47:31

47:31

A humbling and harrowing tale of survival meets a trip down memory LANE. Benny tells his story of finding his own Kenergy and Mary Beth fondly remembers driving school. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in…

1
Owning Your History + Bald Guys 47:08

4M ago47:08

47:08

We've got a LOT to catch up on before we get into what we ride for. NEW ERA ALERT! Benny rides for owning your history and Mary Beth rides for bald guys. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or se…

1
How Does Foreign Accent Syndrome Work? 9:29

4M ago9:29

9:29

Patients with Foreign Accent Syndrome seem to develop a whole new accent overnight. Learn how it can happen in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/neurological-conditions/foreign-accent-syndrome.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
How Did Tetris Go from Soviet Passtime to Smashing Success? 9:08

4M ago9:08

9:08

During the Cold War, a programmer in the USSR created Tetris as a fun break for his coworkers. Learn how it became one of the best-selling video games of all time in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tetris.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
BrainStuff Classics: Why Is Our Galaxy Warped? 4:10

4M ago4:10

4:10

Our galaxy isn't a flat disk -- it's warped like melted vinyl record. Learn how researchers discovered this and why they think it happened in this classic episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Having 1 Labubu + Letting People Pay 44:42

4M ago44:42

44:42

The Baronies asked us anything and WE ANSWERED! Welcome to episode 2 of season 3. Benny is riding for having 1 Labubu and MB is riding for letting people pay. Cha-ching!!! Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest…

1
BrainStuff Classics: How Long Can Animals Hold Their Breath? 4:14

4M ago4:14

4:14

Humans tend to max out at a couple minutes of breath holding, but some air-breathing reptiles and even mammals have evolved to spend extreme lengths of time underwater. Learn how long (and how they manage it) in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/what-animal-can-hold-its-breath-…

1
How Did the Dawes Act Steal 90 Million Acres of Land from Native Americans? 10:25

4M ago10:25

10:25

In the 1880s, an unlikely collaboration between land-hungry capitalists and social progressives ended in the sale of over 60 percent of Native American lands to non-Native people and corporations. Learn how it happened in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/dawes-act.htm See omnystud…

1
Stating the Obvious + 50 Shades Soundtracks 46:56

4M ago46:56

46:56

Overcompensating's Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone bring you season 3 of RIDE! And they haven't changed a bit. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Spo…

1
How Do You Make Hummingbird Food Safely? 6:29

4M ago6:29

6:29

A hummingbird feeder can help out your local birds (and allow you some prime birdwatching), but it's important to keep one safely and responsibly. Learn how to make hummingbird food with sugar and water, and keep a feeder clean, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/hummingbird-food-recipe.htm…

1
How Do Ghana's Fabulous 'Fantasy' Coffins Work? 7:00

4M ago7:00

7:00

In parts of Ghana and Togo, it's common to send the deceased off in style with coffins carved and brightly painted to resemble anything from chili peppers to taxi cabs to brand-name shoes. Learn about abebu adekai, also known as fantasy coffins, in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-tradition…

1
How Did Frances Perkins Create America's Social Safety Net? 12:34

4M ago12:34

12:34

FDR's Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins, pushed to create Social Security and expand workers' rights -- and she was the first woman to serve in a U.S. president's cabinet. Learn about her life and work in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/frances-perkins.htm See omnystudio.com/…