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Adam Ruins Everything

ByMaximumFun.org
48 episodes

Podcast Summary

Dive into the captivating world of "Adam Ruins Everything," where host Adam Conover dismantles common misconceptions that shape our everyday lives. Building on the success of his hit TV show, Adam takes an even deeper look at a wide range of topics, from the overlooked history of video games aimed at girls in the '90s to the ethical complexities of using mice in scientific research. Each episode features insightful discussions with renowned experts and celebrities who bring their unique perspectives to the table. Guests have included actors like Rachel Bloom and scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson, who lend their voices to topics that challenge conventional wisdom. With a blend of humor and rigor, Adam transforms complicated ideas into engaging narratives, ensuring that listeners leave with not just entertainment but also a fresh outlook on the world. Tune in for an enlightening journey that promises to change the way you think about everything!

#1

Ep 47: Rachel Weil on Femicom and the Value of Preserving Classic 'Girl' Video Games

Do you remember all of those video games that were made for girls back in the 90s? Well they're not being archived the same way that stereotypical boy games are being preserved. They don't have value in the gaming community and many of these games are being forgotten even though they were just as creative and innovative for the industry. Our guest Rachel Weil is trying to change that by preserving these 'girl' games by going around the world and collecting these games and talking to the people who made them. She is a software developer for Microsoft and the founder of the Femicom Museum, a hybrid physical/digital museum and archive dedicated to the preservation and reimagination of femininity, girlhood, and the aesthetics of cute within twentieth-century video games, computing, and electronic toys. Rachel did not appear on the Adam Ruins Everything TV show but her work reminded us of the themes we explored in our Adam Ruins Summer Fun episode. And since we're in the off-season of the TV show, we'll be inviting more guests onto the podcast whose work relates to themes we explored on the TV show or who are doing fascinating work or research that's worth discussing anyway. On the podcast Adam and Rachel had a lively discussion about gender expectations, the negative effects of marketing towards girls and boys, their favorite classic games and even their favorite savory breakfasts. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2018-03-08•56mins
#2

Ep 46: Dr. Azra Raza on Mouse Model Misconceptions & Other Ways We Can Improve Cancer Research

When we think of conducting science experiments on subjects, we immediately think of mice models. But today's guest, Dr. Azra Raza, who appeared on Adam Ruins Science, says there's a more effective way. On the TV show Dr. Raza discussed how the mouse model scientists use for their research is actually ineffective; even though a medicine might work well on a rodent, the results don't translate as well as we thought to humans - especially when it comes to cancer research which is what Dr. Raza studies. Even though humans and mice share over 90 percent of their DNA with one another, our bodies still differ in numerous ways; we metabolize food and medicine differently and humans are significantly bigger than mice in size. This wastes money from the limited amount of funding that already exists and encourages clinical trials that ultimately go nowhere. On the podcast, Dr. Raza proposes a different research method that she has used herself, to much success. Dr. Raza is a Professor of Medicine and Director of the MDS Center at Columbia University in New York. Previously she conducted her research at Rush University, Chicago, Illinois in 1992, where she was the Charles Arthur Weaver Professor in Oncology and Director, Division of Myeloid Diseases. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2018-02-22•1hr 10mins
#3

Ep 45: Dr. Kathryn Hall on the Surprising Power of Placebos

Placebos are commonly dismissed as "fake" treatments that have no real power on you or your body. But scientists are realizing more and more that placebos are more powerful than we realized. New research shows that while placebos may not cure diseases, they can reduce symptoms of our ailments like irritable bowel syndrome and even Parkinson's disease, and in the process actually make us feel better. Even traditional medicine takes advantage of the placebo effect, which could mean the placebo effect could play a significant role in treating diseases. On this episode we talk to Dr. Kathryn Hall, who appeared on Adam Ruins Spa Day, about how placebos can have such powerful effects on our brains and how placebos are changing the way we conduct science and treat patients. Kathryn is a molecular biologist and Director of Placebo Genetics at Harvard Medical School's Program in Placebo Studies. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2018-02-09•55mins
#4

Ep 44: Dr. Daniel Jolley on Why Conspiracy Theories Are Harmful

What once seemed like a fringe movement, conspiracy theories appear more pervasive than ever. Our guest Dr. Daniel Jolley points out, conspiracy theories have been around for centuries; social media, however, has given them a wider platform and megaphone. Believing in such theories can seem like harmless speculation. But if enough people accept ideas like the faking of the moon landing or 9/11 being a government inside job, they'll feel they have no agency. This can lead to very dangerous effects like lower voter turnout and less civic engagement at large. Daniel, who appeared on Adam Ruins Conspiracy Theories, explains why people believe in conspiracy theories in the first place, how people can believe in two contradictory conspiracy theories, and how we can combat these theories to create a healthier democracy. He studies conspiracy theories at Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2018-01-24•53mins
#5

Ep 43: Professor Teresa Ghilarducci on the Future of 401(k)s

As humans, our inclination is to live in the present - not save 40 years down the line - which makes saving money for retirement hard. In the 90s many companies began offering 401(k) programs, a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer which lets workers save and invest a piece of their paycheck before taxes. It seemed like the perfect solution to our retirement woes. But 401(k)s aren't the full proof saving plan we once thought. Even judiciously setting aside money in a 401(k) might not be enough to maintain one's lifestyle into retirement. There are also so many outside factors that can still diminish one's savings, including unexpected healthcare costs, recessions, or lost jobs. So how do we set ourselves up for a secure financial future? Our guest Professor Teresa Ghilarducci, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Future, is going to tell us how we entered into this financial mess and how we can get out of it. She suggests we do the best we can to save through 401(k)s, live within our means, start planning our financial future as young as we can, delay collecting social security as much as we can, and vote for representatives who can help reform this system. Teresa is a labor economist and nationally-recognized expert in retirement security. She's also a professor of economics at The New School for Social Research. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2018-01-10•1hr 3mins
#6

Ep 42: Professor Ellen Dunham-Jones on Retrofitting Suburbia

While they may sport perfectly manicured lawns and beautiful white picket fences, suburbs are not the idyllic neighborhoods we think they are. They make us more sedentary, sometimes less safe, and they can even perpetuate segregation. But instead of leaving the suburbs we can actually address these issues and improve our suburbs through redevelopment and retrofitting neighborhoods to make them greener, healthier, safer and more affordable. Our guest Ellen Dunham-Jones, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Suburbs, tells us all about it. She has spent her career studying how suburbs can adapt to these 21st century challenges. Ellen is a leading authority on suburban redevelopment and is the Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at Georgia Tech. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-12-28•55mins
#7

Ep. 41: Heather Jarvis on the Unsustainability of Student Loans

Student loans are an absolute necessity for many students in today's economy, but they're also among the worst forms of debt you can have, burdening students and sometimes permanently crippling their financial lives. Our guest Heather Jarvis, who appeared on Adam Ruins College, is going to tell us how we got here and give us practical tips on navigating the world of student loans. Heather is an attorney and student loan expert. She has practiced public interest law for more than a dozen years and has contributed to student debt relief policy for the House Education Committee and others in Congress. Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com. Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-12-13•1hr 0mins
#8

Ep 40: Dr. Arjun Srinivasan on Antibiotic Resistance

Is the antibiotic resistance apocalypse approaching? This week's guest, Dr. Arjun Srinivasan, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Hospital, says yes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-11-29•42mins

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#9

Ep 39: Jessica Huseman on Why Filing Taxes Is Unnecessarily Difficult

We all know how filing taxes is a pain. Every April Americans dig through receipts, meet with accountants, claim their expenses, and pray they're not audited.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-11-15•52mins
#10

Ep. 38: Professor Brian Nosek On Science's Reproducibility Crisis and Opportunity

We've seen it time and time again. A journal publishes a seemingly significant scientific study which gains traction in the press only to be subsequently deemed irreproducible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-11-01•50mins
#11

Ep 37: Professor Stephan Lewandowsky on the Backfire Effect

On Adam Ruins Everything, we're all about using persuasive, rational arguments to bring awareness to a topic and hopefully change some minds along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-10-18•52mins
#12

Ep 36: Nikole Hannah-Jones on the Rippling Effects of Redlining and Segregation

Many people have an idyllic view of the suburbs. You can have a lawn! Access to good schools! Safety! But much of that American dream has been historically reserved for white people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-10-04•1hr 1mins
#13

Ep 35: Professor Natasha Dow Schüll On How Casinos & Slot Machines Are Designed to Facilitate Gambling Addiction

When it comes to gambling, there's a perception people get addicted because there's always that glimmer of hope they can hit the big jackpot. But according to our podcast guest, Natasha Dow Schüll, many gamblers, and more specifically many slot machiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-09-20•53mins
#14

See You Soon

We'll be back next week with a brand new Adam Ruins Everything podcast episode. Thanks for tuning in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-09-13•0mins
#15

Ep 34: Dr. Joann Elmore and Dr. Janie Lee on Why Mammogram Screenings are More Complex Than We Imagined

For decades women have been told that they should start getting yearly mammograms at age 35. We think of it as a no-brainer, and mammograms do save lives. But their effects are much more complicated than we originally anticipated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-08-30•58mins
#16

Ep 33: Anne Curzan Talks Grammar and the Flexibility of Language

Professor Anne Curzan, who is this week's podcast guest, says it's normal to notice dialectical differences between different communities but we shouldn't shame people for talking as they do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-08-16•1hr 8mins
#17

Ep 32: Kevin Hall Gives Us the Skinny - Losing Weight and Keeping it Off is Hard

It's rare to hear about a researcher from the National Institute of Health collaborating with a reality TV show. But that's exactly what Dr. Kevin Hall, a clinical researcher at the NIH, did after watching episodes of The Biggest Loser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-08-02•52mins
#18

Ep 31: Courtney Jung on the History of Formula Feeding and Why It Gets a Bad Rap

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-07-19•59mins
#19

Ep 30: Jackie Stevens Exposes the Bizarre World of Immigrations Courts and Detention Centers

Immigration is such a hot topic these days, but it's rare we actually get into the logistics of how the system works (or doesn't).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-07-05•1hr 19mins
#20

Ep 29: Pete Hammond Pulls Back the Curtain on Awards Shows

On Adam Ruins Hollywood, Pete Hammond explained how behind every award show is a whole lot of campaigning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-06-21•56mins
#21

Ep 28: Jean Twenge and Adam Discuss Their Differences on Generational Differences

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-06-07•1hr 2mins
#22

Ep 27: Hayley Marie Norman Gets Existential After her TV Death

On season one of the Adam Ruins Everything TV show, Hayley Marie Norman played Adam's foil and budding love interest until she faced her untimely TV death in the season finale. But on this week's podcast, Hayley is back!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-05-24•47mins
#23

EP 26: Dr. Josh Sharfstein on the Dangers of Supplements and Why Health Regulation is Important

Dr. Josh Sharfstein has been working for decades to keep Americans safe - he's the guy who took Four Loko off the market and ensured transparency at the FDA. He also appeared on Adam Ruins Shopping Malls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-05-10•51mins

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#24

Ep 25: Bud Hammes on Why Talking About Death Is Life-Changing

Death is one of the hardest things to talk about, but our guest today encourages us to get real about the end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-04-26•1hr 3mins
#25

Ep 24: Roy Samaan on Why Airbnb is Bad for Housing Markets

As our country is mired in a nation-wide housing crisis right now, we decided to dive into one of the many causes of this crisis: short-term housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-04-12•1hr 2mins
#26

Ep 23: Susan Crawford On Investing in Internet Infrastructure

Today's Adam Ruins Everything podcast guest is the go-to person when it comes to internet infrastructure: Susan Crawford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-03-29•54mins
#27

Ep 22: Why Fast Fashion Fails Us

If you wear clothes, you're going to love this Adam Ruins Everything podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-03-15•54mins
#28

Ep 21: Jan MacKell Collins On How Prostitution Built The Wild West

So much of what we've seen on TV and in film about the Wild West depicts the rugged cowboy who is always ready for a showdown. But the Wild West was much more nuanced than that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-03-01•51mins
#29

Ep 20: Doug Massey Gives Us the Facts on Immigration

From the push to build a border wall to the recent executive order temporarily banning immigrants from Muslim-majority countries, there are so many emotions associated with the current immigration policy proposals. But what are the real facts regarding immigration history in this country? And what are immigrants' actual impacts on our society? Today we try to answer those questions with our guest Professor . Doug is a Sociology Professor who appeared on His research focuses on international migration, race and housing, discrimination, education, urban poverty, and Latin America, especially Mexico. On the episode, Doug and Adam discuss the net migration flow of immigrants coming into United States from Mexico, the United States' reliance on migrant labor, and what reasonable immigration policy looks like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-02-15•58mins
#30

Ep 19: Rachel Bloom On Why Awards Shows and Red Carpets Aren't As Glamorous As You Think

On Adam Ruins Hollywood, Adam shattered the facade of awards shows, red carpets, and reality TV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-02-01•45mins
#31

Ep 18: Game Designer Jonathan Blow Unpacks 'The Witness'

On the Adam Ruins Everything podcast, Adam typically brings experts who appeared on the TV show to further expand on the arguments they make on the show. But during the off-season of the TV show, we thought we'd try something new.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-01-18•1hr 35mins
#32

Ep 17: Dale Jamieson Tells Us Why 'Going Green' Won't Stop Global Warming (And Why He Still Has Hope for Our Planet)

Professor Dale Jamieson debunks the myth that 'going green' will stop global warming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2017-01-04•56mins
#33

Ep 16: The Failure of the War on Drugs

Just say no...to the War on Drugs! On this week's Adam Ruins Everything, we talk to Sheriff John Urquhart who appeared on the Drugs episode of the TV show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-12-21•47mins
#34

Ep 15: Ethan Zuckerman On Why the Internet is a Less Creative Place

On this week's podcast, Adam talks to Ethan Zuckerman from the MIT Media Lab.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-12-07•40mins
#35

Ep 14: Voting Rights and Criminal Justice Reform with Daryl Atkinson

On this week's podcast Adam talks to Daryl Atkinson, who appeared on not one but two episodes of Adam Ruins Everything the TV show - Adam Ruins Voting and Adam Ruins Prison! Daryl is a Staff Attorney for the Southern Coalition for Social Justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-11-23•1hr 1mins
#36

Ep 13: Trophy Hunting with Rosie Cooney

On this week's podcast, Adam and guest Rosie Cooney discuss how trophy hunting can actually preserve wild species. It sounds insane and paradoxical, but countries that actually manage trophy hunting well can save species like rhinos from extinction....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-11-11•52mins
#37

Ep 12: Solving Homelessness with Rudy Salinas and Dorothy Edwards

Rudy Salinas and Dorothy Edwards work for Housing Works LA, an organization which creates accessible housing and service options by actually giving people homes and ensuring they can stay in those homes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-10-26•44mins
#38

Ep 11: Bad Forensic Science with Chris Fabricant

Chris Fabricant is Director of Strategic Litigation at the Innocence Project. Adam and Chris discuss outdated forensic techniques such as bite mark analysis, why DNA analysis works, and Chris' bizarre deposition with bite mark "expert" Michael West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-10-12•52mins
#39

Ep 10: Parking with Donald "Shoup Dogg" Shoup

If you have any questions about parking, Donald Shoup will definitely know the answer. The Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA's Department of Urban Planning is the author of The High Cost of Free Parking and studies how parking...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-09-28•54mins
#40

Ep 9: Matrimony Myths with Stephanie Coontz

You've seen it from rom-coms to Hallmark cards - our society is obsessed with everyone finding their soulmate. But did you know the idea of 'the one' is a relatively new concept in our culture? In fact, marriage and love were completely separate entitiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-09-15•47mins
#41

Ep 8: Hydration and Hyponatremia with Tamara Hew-Butler

Professor Tamara Hew-Butler, who appears on the Adam Ruins Football episode of the TV show, explains why too much water while exercising can actually be dangerous.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-08-31•48mins
#42

Ep 7: Elections and Voting Rights with Ed Ayers

Adam is joined by historian Ed Ayers to talk about our forefathers' democratic vision for the United States, the historical implications of our current election, and misconceptions about the discipline of history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-08-17•59mins
#43

Ep 6: The Malleability of Memory with Elizabeth Loftus

Professor Elizabeth Loftus joins Adam to discuss collective memory, repressed memory, and even some of Adam's own memories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-08-03•53mins
#44

Ep 5: Science Journalism with John Bohannon

Science journalist John Bohannon is a contributing correspondent for Science magazine and has a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Oxford University. John discusses his fake chocolate study, his latest expose on Sci-Hub, and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-07-20•49mins
#45

Ep 4: Security and Big Data with Bruce Schneier

Bruce is a brilliant cryptographer and security expert. He and Adam talk about current problems facing the TSA, gun control, and how data and security intersect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-07-06•53mins
#46

Ep 3: Mass Extinction and Video Game Music with Emily Axford

Emily Axford of Adam Ruins Everything Talks Mass Extinction and Video Game Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-06-22•46mins
#47

Ep 2: Death Acceptance with Caitlin Doughty

Adam talks to Caitlin Doughty, a death acceptance advocate, and the founder of the non-profit funeral home, Undertaking L.A. The two discuss the bizarre world of funeral conventions, body compositing, and get deep about the afterlife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-06-08•53mins
#48

Ep 1: Municipal Transit with Seleta Reynolds

Adam is joined by Seleta Reynolds to talk about municipal transit and reducing our reliance on cars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2016-05-24•46mins

Listen to your favourite podcasts.

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