672. What Makes Judy Faulkner Run?

New York City’s mayor called them “public enemy number one.” History books say they caused the Black Death — although recent scientific evidence disputes that claim. In an updated episode from 2025, we ask: Is the rat a scapegoat? And what does our rat hatred say about us? SOURCE ...  Show more

One possibility: a leading hypothesis pursued by researchers (and funders) was built on science that now appears to be fraudulent. Stephen Dubner speaks with the scientist and the journalist who blew the whistle. SOURCES: Charles Piller, investigative journalist for Science, auth ...  Show more

Why does dating feel so difficult today? It can often seem like it’s a competition to see who can be more “aloof,” who can care less, who can try the least. And when you put in actual effort, it can feel like it even turns people off!  Everyone seems to be looking fo ...

You're not bitchy, you're not mean, you're not asking for too much. You just know your worth and refuse to settle for bad behavior. When you hold your standards, people respect you more. DETACH. FOR REAL. ⁠⁠ACCESS HERE NOW. https://stan.store/dateyourselfinstead/p/daretodetachDARE ...  Show more

Ready or not, let go. This ep was recorded live from my bed (with tea and a hard seltzer), literally an hour before posting. Consider this your late-night voice memo on why we hold on too long, why trusting yourself is the only way forward, and why maybe, just maybe, thank god we ...  Show more

we are all sheep mindlessly shoving and pushing toward the front of the crowd during concerts but has anyone stopped to think about why we want to be there in the first place? probably not. but worry not, as i am here to save you from the brainwashing of big concert and make my c ...  Show more