In just 15 minutes, the coolest stuff that happened in the world today. Science, progress, life-hacks, memes, exciting art and hope. The antidote to depressing headlines. Smart stuff in podcast form. Cool news, as a service.
The ancient forest that was discovered at the bottom of a giant sinkhole in China. Plus, a moth species not seen since 1912 was f…
The history of the humble shopping cart, and why people absolutely did not like them when they first came out. Plus, a parasite t…
Why do we judge each other so harshly for saying “like,” even though most of us say it way more often than we’d admit to? Plus, B…
The history and future of making music out of DNA sequences, particle vibrations, and more. Plus, a new study indicates that cats…
Scientists created a microcomputer powered by photosynthetic algae. Plus, a smart pacifier that could monitor the health of prema…
Plants have successfully been grown in moon dust for the first time. Plus, McDonald’s is officially closing all of their restaura…
A deep dive into the multiverse––what it actually is, why it’s become such a popular trope, what its popularity says about where …
Everything you need to know about the just-released first-ever image of the black hole at the center of our galaxy. Plus, is ther…
How data can help us find happiness in romantic relationships, or at least tell us why we’re dating all wrong. Plus, it turns out…
How the summer of 1982 changed movies forever––for better or worse. Plus, a study justifying why teenagers suck at listening to t…
How the 50’s sci-fi horror film The Blob was actually a ripped-from-the-headlines story. Plus, potential cancer treatments involv…
How much can we blame Charles Dickens for the persisting archetype of creepy clowns? Who and what other cultural factors over the…
A deep dive into the question of whether pop culture has become completely dominated by franchises and the same superstars; and, …
Did Margaret Thatcher play a role in the origins of Star Wars Day? Plus, why human hibernation for long-distance space travel mig…
Host, Kottke Ride Home
Jackson Bird is a writer and internet creator dedicated to demystifying the transgender experience. A YouTube NextUp Creator and GLAAD Rising Star Digital Innovator, Jackson shares his and others’ stories on his YouTube channel, jackisnotabird, and in his debut book Sorted: Growing Up, Coming Out, and Finding My Place. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Vulture, The Advocate, and more, and his TED Talk "How to talk (and listen) to transgender people" has been viewed over one and a half million times. Jackson lives in New York City, where he hosts the daily podcast Kottke Ride Home. You can follow him online @jackisnotabird.