Best Coolest Podcast In The Jungle Podcasts (2025)

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Disco Balls are Ridiculous, and We Love Them 38:47

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12h ago38:47

38:47

Human history is absolutely riddled with ridiculous inventions. Some are cartoonishly specific. Others, like the disco ball, serve no purpose other than amusement -- and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the dazzling (get it?) history of the 'myriad reflector.' See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

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MIDWEEKLY: Live From Aerospace Bristol 🎤✈️ 23:58

2d ago23:58

23:58

Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly – Reach for the Sky Special! In today’s podcast, we’re in Bristol, exploring Aerospace Bristol and finding all about this city’s amazing aviation history - you can hear all about a plane that went faster than the speed of sound, and how planes manage to stay in the air! And Amy's in Hull finding out about Amy John…

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The Truth About "Zombies" 50:17

2d ago50:17

50:17

As summer turns and fall begins, Ridiculous History officially enters the most wonderful time of the year. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the legend of a specific kind of 'living dead' -- the zombie. According to the stories, a zombie is a cadaver reanimated through evil magic, and cursed to obey the commands of a powerful bokor (s…

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CLASSIC: The Malleus Maleficarum: A Real-life Witch Hunter's Bible 33:46

6d ago33:46

33:46

During Europe's period of witchcraft hysteria, one enterprising (and failed) witch hunter sought to bolster his reputation by creating an authoritative text on the existence, discovery and persecution of witches. While it may seem silly now, the Malleus Maleficarum was a runaway success, with thousands of copies inundating European society even whi…

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TICKLE SCIENCE: Cracking the Code of Laughter😂👉 31:53

6d ago31:53

31:53

It’s time for another trip around the solar system on the BIGGER and BETTER Science Weekly! In this episode of the Fun Kids Science Weekly, we answer YOUR questions, have scientists battle it out to decide which science is the best, and this week we’re diving into the science of why some spots on our body make us laugh until we squirm — the mystery…

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How the Kentucky Derby Became a Thing 37:49

8d ago37:49

37:49

We’ve all been there, right? You wake up one day, and you say: “You know what? Forget work! It’s so nice outside. I want to put on a fancy hat, watch a bunch of horses run around in a circle, and gamble. Like they do in Europe.” In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn how the volatile, ambitious Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. created a litt…

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MIDWEEKLY: Are Flying Hotels the Future of Flying?! ✈️ 🏨 17:23

9d ago17:23

17:23

Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly – Reach for the Sky Special! This week, we’re taking off into the world of aviation - with your questions as our flight plan! From how airplanes stay in the sky, to flying hotels, to what the future of flight might look like, we’ll be answering everything you’ve been curious about. Buckle up and get ready to soar …

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The Ridiculous History of the 90s and Low Culture, with Ross Benes 43:54

10d ago43:54

43:54

The 1990s were a time of chaos, aspiration, and, above all, ridiculous things. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome returning guest Ross Benes, the author of 1999, for an in-depth exploration of talk shows, crime, transformative media and pop culture forensics. (Ben here: of course we get to films, video games and Juggalos.) See omnystudio…

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CLASSIC: The Great London Beer Flood of 1814 25:58

13d ago25:58

25:58

In 1814, a poor neighborhood in London fell victim to a strange, tragic and boozy disaster -- this calamity would eventually leave eight people dead. So what exactly happened? How could an entire neighborhood flood with a deadly deluge of beer? Join Ben, Noel and Max for a bizarre bit of boozy history in this week's Classic episode. See omnystudio.…

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KING OF THE JUNGLE: Behind The Scenes at a Big Cat Sanctuary 🦁🐯 30:05

13d ago30:05

30:05

It’s time for another trip around the solar system on the BIGGER and BETTER Science Weekly! In this episode of the Fun Kids Science Weekly, we answer YOUR questions, have scientists battle it out to determine which science is the best, and this week we’re on the hunt for the most dangerous food in the world! First up in Science in the News, we blas…

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The True Story of Pac Man -- and a Ton of Weird Theories 37:56

15d ago37:56

37:56

As one of the most iconic games in all of arcade history, Pac Man is recognized across the planet. But how did it get here -- and why are there so many in-depth fan theories about what it means? Is Pac Man a Sisyphean immortal cursed with endless toil? Is he underwater, stealing errant Pong balls? Is he himself a ghost, or on drugs? In today's epis…

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MIDWEEKLY: Flying Taxis Are On Their Way!✈️🚕 31:22

16d ago31:22

31:22

Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly – Reach for the Sky Special! This week, we’re blasting off into the world of VTOLs — that stands for Vertical Take-Off and Landing! These incredible aircraft can soar straight up into the air like a helicopter, then fly forward like a plane. From flying taxis to futuristic rescue vehicles, discover how VTOLs work,…

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The Ridiculous Origin of the the Word "Ridiculous" 38:54

17d ago38:54

38:54

With nearly one thousand episodes out in the world over the years, Ben, Noel and Max realized they've never asked about the origin of the word "ridiculous." In this rollicking, cartoonishly meta episode, the gang learns the history of this specific word -- and why, since before the dawn of recorded history, humans have always been all about a good …

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CLASSIC: Dr. Seuss Wrote His Most Famous Book On A Bet 34:57

20d ago34:57

34:57

What are your favorite children's books? In this Classic episode, Ben and the gang acknowledge Dr. Seuss is one of the most well-known writers on the planet. "Green Eggs and Ham", one of his most successful books, sold over 8 million copies by 2016 -- but would you believe he wrote it based entirely on a bet? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

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THE IMPOSSIBLE SCIENCE: Invisible Tunnels & Parallel Universes 🌠🌀 29:53

20d ago29:53

29:53

It’s time for another mind-bending adventure on the Fun Kids Science Weekly! In this episode, we answer YOUR questions, discover why laughter is contagious, and dive into the strange world of quantum tunnelling. First up in Science in the News, unusual rocks discovered on Mars could be evidence that life once existed on the Red Planet, scientists h…

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The Terrifying Science of Tiny Subs and D-Day, Part Two: The Rise of the Chamber Divers 46:53

22d ago46:53

46:53

As Axis powers swarm across Europe in the lead-up to D-Day, a small group of scientists refuse to leave their lab, throwing a fair amount of modern ethics out the window (or the sub, if you like) as they race to complete vital experiments in hyperbaric chambers -- the results of which may just change the course of the war. Tune in for part two of t…

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MIDWEEKLY: The Most Important Job at the Airport (Hint: It’s Not the Pilot!)🗺️🗼 32:02

23d ago32:02

32:02

Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly – Reach for the Sky Special! Ever wondered how airplanes stay safe in the sky? In this episode, we meet a real-life air traffic controller — the person responsible for guiding planes through take-off, landing, and everything in between! From busy control towers to high-tech radar screens, discover the secrets of h…

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The Terrifying Science of Tiny Subs and D-Day, Part One: The Return of Dr. Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance 43:16

24d ago43:16

43:16

Years after their initial conversation with the world's foremost expert on underwater explosions, Ben still sings the praises of Dr. Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max welcome Dr. Lance back to learn more about the phenomenal -- and, frankly, inspiring -- story of a ragtag crew of rogue …

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CLASSIC: Feral Children and the True Story Behind The Jungle Book 29:37

27d ago29:37

29:37

Now, let's be honest. Rudyard Kipling was a cartoonishly problematic guy. Yet his work made a permanent impression on global literature -- and, to a surprising degree, he based a lot of his writing on real-world events. In today's Classic episode, Ben and Noel ask: What inspired Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book? Join the guys as they explor…

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COLD WORLDS: Why Some Planets Freeze And Others Burn ❄️🔥 29:57

27d ago29:57

29:57

It’s time for another trip through the solar system and beyond on the Fun Kids Science Weekly! In this episode, we answer YOUR questions, meet a prehistoric-looking reptile in Dangerous Dan, and uncover the science behind invasion biology. In Science in the News, SpaceX has pulled off a nail-biting test flight that could change the future of space …

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Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Colossus of Rhodes 28:37

29d ago28:37

28:37

Imagine you're an ancient traveler, visiting Rhodes for the first time in 280 BCE. As you approach the famed city, a singular object dominates the horizon: a huge statue of the Greek sun god Helios, popularly known as the "Colossus of Rhodes." In the fourth part of this series on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ben, Noel and Max explore how…

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MIDWEEKLY: How Planes Are Made – With Airbus’ Chief Engineer ✈️👷‍♂️ 40:49

1M ago40:49

40:49

Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly – Reach for the Sky Special! Ever wondered how airplanes are built? In this episode, we meet a former Airbus Chief Engineer — the person who helps design and create real-life planes! From giant wings to super-strong engines, discover the secrets of how airplanes are made and what it takes to make them fly. And Amy…

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Unlucky Numbers Across The Globe -- And Why They Are Ridiculous 41:13

1M ago41:13

41:13

Do you have a number you love, or a number you hate? As Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode, people have always assigned symbolic meaning to the everpresent existence of math -- and created some frankly ridiculous associations along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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CLASSIC: The Ridiculously Laxative-laden Journey of Lewis and Clark 31:17

1M ago31:17

31:17

In today's Classic episode, Ben and Noel reluctantly sing the praises of poop research. You see, folks, before Lewis and Clark set out to explore the western side of the continent, they tried to prepare for every possible contingency — including medical conditions like constipation. Join the guys as they explore how a dangerous laxative didn’t just…

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INFINITY OR NOT: Where the Universe Actually Ends! ✨🛸 28:09

1M ago28:09

28:09

It’s time for another adventure into the world of science on the Fun Kids Science Weekly! In this episode, we answer YOUR questions, dive into the science of recycling, and explore the most advanced computer in the world. First up, we learn about how Coral Reefs in Australia have suffered their worst bleaching on record, then discover about the mos…

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Moon Rock Heists, Part Two: The Romantic Misadventures of Thad Roberts 40:27

1M ago40:27

40:27

Let's say you're a love-struck NASA intern -- your professional career holds a lot of promise, but your family life back home is in shambles... and you fall in love with a fellow intern. How can you impress your new paramour? Forget flowers, chocolates and all those other silly earth-bound romantic gestures: this is the story of Thad Roberts. From …

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Moon Rock Heists, Part One: Lunatic Heists and Space Law 49:32

1M ago49:32

49:32

Is it legal to own a moon rock? Well... that depends. If it's a piece of the moon that made it to Earth naturally, then all good. If, however, it's a sample retrieved on purpose by NASA's Apollo program, you can get in some serious trouble for trying to snag it. In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore what happens when powerf…

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MIDWEEKLY: Inside Rolls-Royce's Jet Engines ✈️🔧🔥 34:55

1M ago34:55

34:55

Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly – Reach for the Sky Special! In this episode, we meet Rolls Royce. Now, you might have seen some amazing Rolls-Royce cars around and about… but Rolls-Royce isn’t just a car brand… it’s also a world leader in making mega-powerful engines for airplanes, ships and even space projects! And Amy and Zac swoop through a …

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CLASSIC: The Strange and Spectacularly Disgusting Story of the Great Kentucky Meat Shower 35:55

1M ago35:55

35:55

On March 3rd, 1876, residents of Bath County, Kentucky were startled to see what appeared to be chunks and flakes of meat falling from the clear, cloudless sky. The rain, which only lasted a few minutes, captured national attention. People across the country proposed various theories explaining the deluge. In today's Classic episode, the guys belie…

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TIGER STRIPES: Their CRAZY Camouflage Trick 🐯🔍 32:54

1M ago32:54

32:54

It’s time for another journey through the weirdest, wildest, and most wonderful parts of science on the Fun Kids Science Weekly! In this episode, we answer YOUR questions, crown a new champion in Battle of the Sciences, and uncover the amazing science hiding in animal patterns. First up, we discover that a meteorite which landed in the USA is actua…

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The Ridiculously Energetic History of Energy Drinks! 47:01

1M ago47:01

47:01

This episode is brought to you by our favorite cohost: coffee. These days, if you stroll into any convenience store across the planet, you're going to run into a selection of energy drinks -- whether we're talking Red Bull, NOS, Monster, or our favorite pal, the humble cup of joe, one thing's for certain: people love this stuff... even if it's not …

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Japan is Overrun By Raccoons Entirely Due to a Single Cartoon 40:57

1M ago40:57

40:57

While the legendary Japanese raccoon dog -- or tanuki -- may look like a raccoon, it's a very different beast. However, these days Japan is home to actual raccoons: they're considered an invasive species, wreaking havoc across the country as they destroy temples, consume crops, and threaten indigenous wildlife. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max…

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MIDWEEKLY: Airport Jobs You Never Knew Existed 🚒🐦 32:07

2M ago32:07

32:07

Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly – Reach for the Sky Special! In this episode, we’re meeting some of the team at East Midlands Airport to meet some of the brilliant people who help keep it all running smoothly. Airports aren’t just about planes and passengers, they’re buzzing with different jobs and exciting roles... And Amy and Zac explore the w…

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CLASSIC: The Bizarre Origin of the Oxford English Dictionary 44:44

2M ago44:44

44:44

With 600,000 words and 3 million quotations, the Oxford English Dictionary is a massive tome. Work began on the dictionary in 1857, but the first edition wasn't published until 1884. Compiling the dictionary was a Herculean task, and James Murray, the editor of the dictionary, put out a call for assistance. This early crowdsourcing strategy worked …

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SUPER ATHLETES: How Cristiano Ronaldo Stays in Peak Condition⚽💪 29:45

2M ago29:45

29:45

It’s time for another adventure into the world of science on the Fun Kids Science Weekly! In this episode, we answer YOUR questions, dive into the science of sports, and explore how microscopes let us see the tiniest details of our world. First up, we learn about the largest loss of coral on the Barrier Reef since records began, then discover how a…

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Hoax! With Dana Schwartz and Lizzie Logan 47:00

2M ago47:00

47:00

Did you know England's first newspaper was fake? Or that King Arthur is more or less completely made up? The deeper we look into human history, the more we see that civilization is utterly riddled with bizarre hoaxes -- some of which are laughable, and some of which are downright dangerous. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome the legendar…

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MIDWEEKLY: Life Behind the Scenes at British Airways ✈️👨‍✈️ 31:07

2M ago31:07

31:07

Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly – Reach for the Sky Special! In this episode, we meet British Airways. An iconic British company - chances you’ve seen their livery on planes at all the big British airports and maybe travelled on one yourself – but what do you know about them? Let's find out! And Amy and Zac explore what the passenger experience …

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Fabergé Eggs Are Ridiculous (And Fascinating) 45:19

2M ago45:19

45:19

Imagine you are beyond wealthy. You no longer dream of the average "rich people" flexes -- you've got all the diamonds, all the mansions, all the ordinary baubles of the elite. How can you distinguish yourself? What can you buy when you can buy literally anything? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the astonishing, ridiculous origin stor…

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GRAVITY'S GRIP: How It Shapes Our Planets 🌍🚀 28:40

2M ago28:40

28:40

It’s time for another trip around the solar system on the BIGGER and BETTER Science Weekly! In this episode of the Fun Kids Science Weekly, we answer YOUR questions, have scientists battle it out to determine which science is the best, and this week we're learning all about why planets are round-shaped! First up, we investigate NASA's plan to put a…

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The World of Non-Gregorian Calendars: What Day Is It, Really? 39:29

2M ago39:29

39:29

Human civilization is far from perfect. Still, it's pretty cool humanity overall agreed on how to measure time (for now). In today's follow-up to an earlier exploration of the Gregorian calendar, Ben, Noel and Max admire the many alternative, non-Gregorian calendars with their own ancient provenance, all of which exist in the modern day. Or modern …

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MIDWEEKLY: A Chimp in the Cargo Hold?! Exploring the Weird World of Plane Cargo 🧳✈️ 29:03

2M ago29:03

29:03

Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly – Reach for the Sky Special! We're diving into the future of flight – from cool plane designs and greener skies to the people who keep everything running smoothly. Plus, find out how your luggage gets where it’s going and uncover the secret world of airborne cargo! And Amy and Zac lift the curtain on the world of …

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The Ridiculous Origin of the Modern Calendar 39:30

2M ago39:30

39:30

The calendar is... ridiculous. Since the earliest days of civilization, humanity has tried to measure the passage of time on Earth through any number of systems. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max discover how millennia of trial and error led to the modern Gregorian calendar, which we all still just pretend is a normal thing in the modern day. S…

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CLASSIC: George Carlin Gets Quoted in the Supreme Court: Ridiculous Stand-up Stories with Wayne Federman 26:04

2M ago26:04

26:04

In the second part of this two-part series, special guest Wayne Federman explores the strange, curse-word-riddled stand-up bit that resulted in George Carlin setting a legal precedent with the Supreme Court. Listen in to learn how curse words changed the world and sparked a debate that continues today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…

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Dinner in Zero Gravity: The Weird Science of Space Food 🍕👨‍🚀 30:22

2M ago30:22

30:22

It’s time for another trip around the solar system on the BIGGER and BETTER Science Weekly! In this episode of the Fun Kids Science Weekly, we answer YOUR questions, have scientists battle it out to determine which science is the best, and this week we're learning what would happen if the Sun disappeared! We start with Science in the News... First …

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The Ridiculous History of Fantasy Sports, Part Two 35:20

2M ago35:20

35:20

As local fantasy sports initiatives grew into larger, more organized pursuits, technology improved as well. Access to online statistics made it much easier for casual sports fans to enter the realm of fantasy playing -- and also, arguably, made it easier to gamble on sports as well. In the second part of this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and M…

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MIDWEEKLY: Hydrogen-Powered Planes?! The Future of Flying Revealed ✈️🔋 32:22

2M ago32:22

32:22

Welcome to FUN KIDS SCIENCE WEEKLY - REACH FOR THE SKY SPECIAL – the podcast that explores the future of aviation – from the design and sustainability of future planes to the people who keep them flying and make sure our experience special. One of those people is Helen Leadbetter who works for the Civil Aviation Authority as the Zero Emissions Flig…

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The Ridiculous History of Fantasy Sports, Part One 32:24

2M ago32:24

32:24

To outsiders, fantasy sports and fantasy leagues may sound like a bizarre proposition: you get together with a bunch of friends and leverage statistics to predict outcomes in your favorite sports, but it's not... gambling? In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origins of fantasy leagues, and how they grew into a b…

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CLASSIC: The People vs. Lenny Bruce: Ridiculous Stand-up Stories with Wayne Federman 33:10

2M ago33:10

33:10

Lenny Bruce is a legend in the history of stand-up comedy, and while his use of explicit language thrilled audience members, it didn't win him any friends in law enforcement. In fact, Bruce was arrested multiple times for his use of 'obscenities', sparking a larger, continuing debate about the nature of free speech. Join the guys as they learn more…

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OUCH! Cracking the Mystery of Pain 🤕💥 29:17

2M ago29:17

29:17

It’s time for another trip around the solar system on the BIGGER and BETTER Science Weekly! In this episode of the Fun Kids Science Weekly, we answer YOUR questions, have scientists battle it out to determine which science is the best, and this week we're learning all pain! First up, scientists have cracked the code on how and why we sweat—get read…

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First Ladies Who Weren't Wives, Part Two, Part Two: Some Folks Didn't Want The Job 27:48

2M ago27:48

27:48

Imagine one of your family members attains the highest political position in American history -- your uncle or sibling becomes the President of the United States! And, as Ben, Noel and Max learn in today's episode: many people were called to play the role of First Lady. Turns out: several people genuinely didn't want the job. See omnystudio.com/lis…