Thu, Mar 17, 2022
Fad diets come and go, and Nikki's tried just about all of them, including intermittent fasting. She talks with someone who has seen weight-loss success by only eating certain hours of the day. Then Nikki goes to the doctor -- Dr. Ethan Weiss, to be precise -- to get to the bottom of whether the benefits of intermittent fasting can be scientifically proven.
Thu, Mar 24, 2022
If you've ever been to a slumber party, chances are you've been weirded out by a Ouija Board. Could this family game-closet classic actually be a landline to the Great Beyond? Nikki and Mr. Malone share a spirited discussion with a historian to get to the bottom of the history of Ouija boards. Then they talk to a medium who believes Ouija boards really work.
Thu, Mar 31, 2022
Zoos have become a controversial topic in modern society. Nikki has long been conflicted about zoos and how they treat animals. Mr. Malone joins Nikki to talk to a zookeeper to figure out whether zoos are an inhumane relic of the past or an important link in the chain of education and conservation?
Thu, Apr 7, 2022
Sugar is everywhere around you. It's a reward, it's baked into every celebration you have. But for some, it becomes a problem when that sweet treat you want turns into something you need. Nikki and Mr. Malone break down the science of your confectionery cravings with a neuroscientist to find out if sugar is more addictive than cocaine. Then a recovering sugar addict spills the sweet tea on her struggles with sugar.
Thu, Apr 14, 2022
Swapping is the new shopping. The Buy Nothing Project was created to reduce the massive impact regular retail shopping has on the environment, and increase a sense of local community. Nikki and Malone chat with the movements founders to find out exactly what they're all about and get the best freecycling tips money CAN'T buy.
Thu, Apr 21, 2022
Everyone seems to be talking about Cryptocurrency these days, but do you really know enough to sink your hard-earned, old-fashioned regular money into it? Nikki is champing at the Bitcoin to learn more. She and Mr. Malone try to decrypt Crypto with the help of economist and 'futurist' Andy Busch.
Thu, Apr 28, 2022
Is finding your soulmate as simple as entering some info into an app? Can romantic chemistry be broken down into 1's and 0's? You've got a date with Nikki Boyer as she talks to dating expert and fellow Wondery podcaster Sydnee Paige (Sydnee in the Sheets) who uses multiple dating apps to find love in New York City. Then Nikki and Malone find out what determines that spark between two people when they talk to a chemistry expert and advisor to Match.com. Plus, an expert on algorithms explains how dating apps use science and math to find you love.
Thu, May 5, 2022
For most Americans, Cinco de Mayo is merely one round in the Holy Trinity of Drinking Holidays - along with St. Patrick's Day and New Year's Eve. But is there more to the story? Nikki Boyer serves up giant, salt-rimmed glasses of history with Dr. David Hayes-Bautista (director of UCLA's Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture) and celebrated artist Lalo Alcaraz (creator of the comic strip "La Cucaracha"). They discuss the true, inspiring, David-and-Goliath story behind this festive annual North American celebration.
Thu, May 12, 2022
How do you recognize the signs of a cultic relationship? Could you already be in over your head and not even realize it? Actor and model Hoyt Richards knows firsthand, and tells Nikki all about his harrowing 20 year experience of being slowly brainwashed by a charasmatic cult leader. Plus, learn the warning signs of how to recognize if you're in a similar toxic relationship and don't even know it.
Thu, May 19, 2022
Psychedelics were originally designed to blow your mind...but new studies suggest they can also help fix it. Can small doses of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) help people manage depression and anxiety better than pharmaceutical remedies? Host Nikki Boyer, Dr. Matt Johnson (professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University), and Keyse Gheret (founder of Microdosing for Healing) discuss how a tiny intake of psilocybin might have powerful, long-lasting, positive effects.
Thu, May 26, 2022
"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day"... but is it really? You've heard that saying so many times you assume it's true. Nikki and Mr. Malone turn to breakfast historian Heather Arndt Anderson to uncover the phrase's unusual origins - and to see if the old adage stays crispy in milk. They're also joined by dietician Connie Weismuller to discover the real health consequences of eating vs. skipping breakfast. PLUS, Cereal mascot pop quiz.
Thu, Jun 2, 2022
The witchy practice of Wicca has been called America's fastest growing religion. On TikTok, the hashtag #WitchTok has racked up over 20 BILLION views and counting. Suddenly it seems like witchcraft is hotter than a bubbling cauldron. This week, Nikki and Mr. Malone search for the source of this sorcery with Dr. Helen Berger, a leading expert on pagan faiths. And they also meet Bri Luna, aka The Hoodwitch, one of social media's most popular and influential practitioners of witchcraft, who shares her thoughts on what it's like to be a witch in the modern world. PLUS: The shocking... and sorta saucy... reason why witches ride brooms.
Thu, Jun 9, 2022
Can you still eat this? You've all been tempted by food that's past its posted freshness date. While many people worry about illness or the yuck-factor and toss food out, others trust their noses and look for ways to not waste food. But seriously - what does 'Best by,' 'Sell by,' and 'Use by' dates even mean? Nikki and Mr. Malone enter the mysterious world of food labeling. And with food safety expert Dr. Robert Brackett as their guide through their refrigerators and cupboards, they'll find out if the dates on the food are really just BS.
Thu, Jun 9, 2022
Is your mailbox flooded with credit card junk mail promising free money? There's cash back, 0% interest, sign-up bonuses, reward points. The come-ons keep on coming. Well, Nikki and Mr. Malone know exactly what you're thinking - 'cause they're thinking it too. Are you missing out on some valuable free stuff? That's where actor and self-described money nerd, Chip Chinery of "Chip's Money Tips," and the founder of Clever Girl Finance, Bola Sokunbi, come in. They'll help put your credit questions in perspective, offering up some amazing financial hacks along with some cool credit wisdom you all can use. Now THAT sounds too good to be true.
Thu, Jun 30, 2022
Ever wonder what that certain "tingle" is you feel every Spring? You know what they mean. The weather gets warmer, the days get longer and suddenly love... or lust... is in the air. Ever wonder why that is? You all know it as Spring Fever. But what is it that turns you on and makes you happier in Springtime? Are your pheromones working overtime? Nikki and Malone are here to make sense of your mysterious yearnings. Joined by behavioral neuroscientist Charles Wysocki and Dr. Norman Rosenthal, the renown researcher who brought you Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), they're out to discover why you're suddenly in the mood for love.
Thu, Jul 7, 2022
Sugar is everywhere around you. It's a reward, it's baked into every celebration you have. But for some, it becomes a problem when that sweet treat you want turns into something you need. Nikki and Mr. Malone break down the science of your confectionery cravings with a neuroscientist to find out if sugar is more addictive than cocaine. Then a recovering sugar addict spills the sweet tea on her struggles with sugar.
Thu, Jul 14, 2022
Are you tired of low pay, long commutes, lots of stress and feeling unappreciated and unfulfilled? Maybe it's time to quit your job. Many Americans are doing just that. It's being called "The Great Resignation." The post-pandemic exodus of workers moving away from unfulfilling jobs in search of an opportunity that gives them a sense of purpose and personal satisfaction. Nikki and Malone talk with a career coach as well as a positive psychology expert to help you decide whether it's time to give notice.
Thu, Jul 21, 2022
Jujubee is everywhere. The amazing drag queen, reality TV personality (Ru Paul's Drag Race) and recording artist stopped by to talk to Nikki and Mr. Malone about her life, her rise to fame, and her new sexy Wondery podcast, Queen of Hearts. The new blind date game show that's anything but a drag. So does Juju think the art of drag is more than just performance? Get ready for the funny, feisty answer.
Thu, Jul 28, 2022
Fad diets come and go, and Nikki's tried just about all of them, including intermittent fasting. She talks with someone who has seen weight-loss success by only eating certain hours of the day. Then Nikki goes to the doctor -- Dr. Ethan Weiss, to be precise -- to get to the bottom of whether the benefits of intermittent fasting can be scientifically proven.
Thu, Aug 4, 2022
How do you recognize the signs of a cultic relationship? Could you already be in over your head and not even realize it? Actor and model Hoyt Richards knows firsthand, and tells Nikki all about his harrowing 20 year experience of being slowly brainwashed by a charismatic cult leader. Plus, learn the warning signs of how to recognize if you're in a similar toxic relationship and don't even know it.
Thu, Aug 11, 2022
Can getting a song stuck in your head actually be a good thing? It sure doesn't feel that way... as you sing the Hot Pockets jingle for the 2000th time. But new studies suggest "earworms" can actually be a boon to your brain. Today Nikki and Malone welcome cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Petr Janata to find out how those annoying musical loops that will.not.go.away affect your memory and your overall psychological health. Plus: tips on flushing an earworm out when, to paraphrase Kylie Minogue, you just can't get it out of your head.
Thu, Aug 18, 2022
You've been hearing it for-ev-er: Get 8 hours of sleep. It's been drilled into your head for so long that you just accept it, right? But maybe you shouldn't. Like, that's a 1/3 of your day spent unconscious. Do you really need that much shut-eye? Would it be healthier to get less - or maybe more? Well, Nikki and comedian Dax Jordan are wide awake to the fact they have no idea what the truth is. And that's why they're joined by sleep expert (SleepSpace founder) Dr. Dan Gartenberg - AKA Doctor Snooze - to explore the science of sleep, and get some dreamy tips for improving your slumber.
Thu, Aug 25, 2022
Is that really my soul-mate across the room?. Go on, admit it. You've asked yourself this question before. Most of you have been struck by the electric sensation of powerful instant attraction. You lock eyes, the music rises, butterflies take flight in your stomach, and you just know. But is it love? Or is it just good old lust -- mixed with a little imagination and a whole lot of wishful thinking? Well, that's the question today. Does 'love at first sight' really exist? To find some answers, Nikki and Malone explore the possibilities with relationship expert Dr. Marisa Cohen, and interview an amazing love struck couple who have a love at first sight story to share.
Thu, Sep 1, 2022
In a galaxy far, far away - something AMAZING is happening. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is beaming back to you un-be-liev-able photos of deep space. And you don't have to be someone with a light saber and a cape to appreciate what you're learning about the big, beautiful universe. What you're all seeing for the first time makes it pretty hard to believe there isn't some kind of intelligent life out there in the stars somewhere. So are you alone? Is Earth the only game in town? Nikki and Malone ponder the possibilities with astrophysicist and Webb Telescope team member Dr. Marcia Rieke, and science comedian (yes... he is!) Brian Malow.
Thu, Sep 8, 2022
Is finding your soulmate as simple as entering some info into an app? Can romantic chemistry be broken down into 1's and 0's? You've got a date with Nikki Boyer as she talks to dating expert and fellow Wondery podcaster Sydnee Paige (Sydnee in the Sheets) who uses multiple dating apps to find love in New York City. Then Nikki and Malone find out what determines that spark between two people when they talk to a chemistry expert and advisor. Plus, an expert on algorithms explains how dating apps use science and math to find you love.
Wed, Sep 21, 2022
When Starbuck's introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte nearly two decades ago, no one knew it would ignite such a major cultural firestorm (albeit a very cozy, comforting one). How did a seasonal drink, which almost got nixed in the planning stages, get so popular? And after years of copycat product fatigue, is America's love affair with Pumpkin Spice finally over? Nikki and Malone get spicy with food historian Heather Arndt Anderson. They're also joined by dietician Connie Weissmuller to see if there are health benefits to the PSL. And journalist Jael Goldfine stirs it up with the steamy cultural impact of the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Thu, Sep 22, 2022
Let the good vibes roll. Sex toys are a global phenomena, racking up more than $35 BILLION dollars in annual sales and... well... growing. They've gone from deep in the back of mom's closet, right into the mainstream spotlight. And sexperts say using one can be like waving a magic wand over your sex life. Nikki and Malone get the buzzzz on all-things sex toys with author, sociologist and sexologist Dr. Carol Queen and find out - can sex toys help or harm your sex life?
Thu, Sep 29, 2022
There's a new number in town. One that's so needed, and so ready to be there for you when you need it most. It's 9-8-8. The brand new nationwide hotline number for those in emergency mental health crisis. Just three simple numbers are the lifeline you won't forget - and that won't forget you. Nikki and Malone talk to Chief Officer of the new 988 Lifeline, Dr. John Draper, and mental health activist Dior Vargas about the hardships of mental health crisis, the power of crisis support, and the creation of a brand new way to make a healthy connection day or night. Let's get the 4-1-1 on 9-8-8.
Thu, Oct 13, 2022
Creaks, moans, and eerie shivers down your spine keeping you up? With Halloween coming fast, it's the perfect time to reconsider whether "the house is settling" - or if the neighbors are at it again. Just maybe there's something truly spooooooky afoot. That's why Nikki and Malone are talking to a couple with a real-life ghost story to tell. And they'll try to get to the bottom of it all with renown paranormal investigator and former star of TV's "Ghost Stalkers," John E.L. Tenney. So, are you all living with ghosts?
Thu, Oct 20, 2022
So what are you gonna be for Halloween? For adults in the not-too-distant past, the answer was easy: Nothing. But wow have things changed, right? Grade-schoolers trick-or-treating in rubber masks and homemade costumes are being replaced by grown-ups getting their full Halloween on. Well, Nikki and Malone have noticed. So they're asking sociology professor Linus Owens (who's currently working on a book on the cultural history of Halloween!) and Goth comedian and Halloween expert Virginia Jones to scare up an answer to the creepy question: Is Halloween for kids anymore?
Thu, Oct 27, 2022
Wait. Surviving doomsday isn't just about hoarding toilet paper?. The practice of prepping for disasters is a real thing. And that fellow shopper with a cart full of water, batteries, and canned food? Well, they could be a prepper. Even if they're not the stereotypical macho dude who wants "The Walking Dead" to be non-fiction. So with everything going on in the world right now, it's a great time for Nikki and Malone to talk to author Diane Vukovic about safe and sane prep for the next big emergency. Are you prepared to survive the Apocalypse?
Thu, Nov 3, 2022
You've got the meats. Don't look now, but your favorite burger, steak, turkey dinner, and fried chicken are poised to go full-on sci-fi in the not-so-distant future. Lab grown meat is coming for you, carnivores. But are you ready for it? Nikki and Malone investigate the pros, the cons, and the sorta creepy possibilities with reporter Joe Fassler and UC Davis biotech researcher Dr. Denneal Jamison-McClung. Is lab grown meat really the future of what's for dinner?
Thu, Nov 10, 2022
Everybody ready to play holiday family feud?. There's just no way around it - holidays with the fam can be overwhelming, unnerving, and sometimes just downright explosive. Why do you go at it with the ones you love and how can you survive the minefield of raw emotions, loose cannons, and inappropriate attitudes? Well, Nikki and Malone are getting professional help on the age-old tradition of walking on holiday eggshells with Associate Professor of Couple and Family Counseling, Dr. Laura Tejada. And your own Dax Jordan and his wife Kristin Wall join the convo, too, for a wild ride through their own holiday hoopla.
Thu, Nov 17, 2022
"Imagine there's no hunger. It's easy if you try." Well, you actually don't have to imagine places where the gift of food is available to all - whoever you are and whenever you need it. They actually exist. Community fridges are an amazing grassroots-y answer to the food insecurity that many people experience every day. Join Nikki and Malone along with the founder of Denver's Community Fridge Project, Eli Zain, and LA restaurant owner, Ana Perez, to dig into how hunger's being tackled with love, trust and respect one neighborhood at a time.
Thu, Nov 24, 2022
Can you still eat this? They've all been tempted by food that's past its posted freshness date. While many people worry about illness or the yuck-factor and toss food out, others trust their noses and look for ways to not waste food. But seriously - what does 'Best by,' 'Sell by,' and 'Use by' dates even mean? Nikki and Mr. Malone enter the mysterious world of food labeling. And with food safety expert Dr. Robert Brackett as their guide through your refrigerators and cupboards, they'll find out if the dates on your food are really just BS.
Thu, Dec 1, 2022
Talk about a brain freeze. There was a time when "cryonics" - the technology of freezing human brains (and other body parts) - was the latest craze to preserve their minds in the hope of one day being defrosted and put into a younger body. That's some weird science. But they all understand why, right? The average 70+ years most of them have on this earth just isn't enough... and it sucks that their minds and bodies break down along the way. Yet some lucky ones stay mentally sharp into their 80s, 90s... even to 100. But it's not luck that keeps some healthy and mentally fit. And that's got Nikki and Malone asking the burning question: How can you keep your brains young? With a little help from healthy brain researcher Dr. Ana Daugherty and octogenarian comedian and lawyer Anita Milner, they'll find out how to keep their beautiful minds humming along.
Thu, Dec 8, 2022
Have you ever written a letter to Santa and sent it off to the North Pole, hoping he gets it? Well, Nikki and Malone have a little gift for you. They welcome filmmaker Dana Nachman, whose documentary film "Dear Santa" dives into just how the United States Postal Service makes sure those letters reach Santa each year. And 'tis the season to... yep!... talk to an "elf." One of Santa's best helpers, Michael Munoz, talks about his magical experience making sure children's wishes make it to the North Pole - and under the Christmas tree. Find out how you can help Santa, too.
Thu, Dec 15, 2022
So what's up with eggnog? And why is there a tree in my living room? Christmas is overflowing with traditions. Things you do, eat, drink, sing and wear. Things you look forward to all year long. (Unless, of course, you've been naughty!) But why? Most Christmastime rituals are things they just go with. No questions asked, right? Join Nikki and Malone, with the help of "Christmas Past" podcaster Brian Earl and journalist/writer/historian Alex Palmer as they unpack Christmas traditions here and around the world. Please pass the Italian fried eel.
Thu, Dec 29, 2022
Is your mailbox flooded with credit card junk mail promising free money? There's cash back, 0% interest, sign-up bonuses, reward points. The come-ons keep on coming. Well, Nikki and Mr. Malone know exactly what you're thinking - 'cause they're thinking it too. Are you missing out on some valuable free stuff? That's where character actor and self-described money nerd, Chip Chinery of "Chip's Money Tips," and the founder of Clever Girl Finance, Bola Sokunbi, come in. They'll help put your credit questions in perspective, offering up some amazing financial hacks along with some cool credit wisdom you all can use.
Thu, Dec 29, 2022
Are you tired of low pay, long commutes, lots of stress and feeling unappreciated and unfulfilled? Maybe it's time to quit your job. Many Americans are doing just that. It's being called "The Great Resignation." The post-pandemic exodus of workers moving away from unfulfilling jobs in search of an opportunity that gives them a sense of purpose and personal satisfaction. Nikki and Malone talk with career coach Jess Wass as well as a positive psychology expert Robert Mack to help you decide whether it's time to give notice.
Thu, Jan 5, 2023
Psychedelics were originally designed to blow your mind, but new studies suggest they can also help fix it. Can small doses of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) help people manage depression and anxiety better than pharmaceutical remedies? Host Nikki Boyer, Dr. Matt Johnson and Kayse Gheret discuss how a tiny intake of psilocybin can have powerful, long-lasting, positive effects.
Thu, Jan 12, 2023
It's a new year and time to make resolutions. Are you thinking about giving up alcohol for the month of January? If you like the idea of more energy, better sleep, weight loss and a lot more dollars in your pocket - then "Dry January" might just be the resolution you're looking for. Nikki and Malone talk with author Hilary Sheinbaum to learn about her first hand experience of booting the booze for January. And Dr. Joseph Volpicelli from the Volpicelli Center for Addiction joins the mix to talk about the mental and physical benefits of a sober new year.
Thu, Jan 19, 2023
Are you one of the 4.7 billion people who use social media on a daily basis? While some people still keep a diary, others feel compelled to announce and show every detail of their life on social media. They are curious and interested in the lives of friends and family but do they really need to tell them what they had for lunch or how horrible their breakup was - with photos. How much is okay to share? Host Nikki Boyer and Co-Host Mr. Malone talk with Sarah Bregel, a writer, and self-described oversharer whose article about the end of her marriage went viral. Then they speak with Dr. Nina Vasan, a psychiatrist, and pioneer in digital mental health innovation, to get to bottom of why people overshare and how to use social media in a healthy way.
Thu, Jan 26, 2023
Love. Everybody wants to find it. However, keeping up a relationship can sometimes be just as difficult as finding one. They try everything to stoke the fire that might be burning out - so could the answer be to throw another log on the fire? Nikki and Malone ask the burning question: "Can an open relationship save your marriage?" They speak with a polyamorous couple who share how an open relationship works for them. They are joined by Dr. Amy Moors, an assistant professor of psychology and a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, who is an expert on consensual nonmonogamy.