Adam Ruins Everything

Introducing: Factually! - Adam's new podcast

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 29 May 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Adam has a brand new podcast! Factually! is a show full of fascinating facts that will make you see the world in an entirely new way. Adam sits down with experts, journalists, and Pulitzer Prize winners to talk about topics like big tech, trans issues, and gun control. If you liked this show, you're going to love Factually! Look up Factually! in your podcast app and subscribe now so you don't miss an episode.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Thu, 8 Mar 2018 00:05:00 +0000

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.org

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 00:05:00 +0000

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (Adam Conover) — Fri, 9 Feb 2018 00:05:00 +0000

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 20:00:00 +0000

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 20:00:00 +0000

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.

Ep 42: Professor Ellen Dunham-Jones on Retrofitting Suburbia

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 20:00:00 +0000

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 20:00:00 +0000

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.

Ep 40: Dr. Arjun Srinivasan on Antibiotic Resistance

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 20:11:52 +0000

Is the antibiotic resistance apocalypse approaching? This week's guest, Dr. Arjun Srinivasan, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Hospital, says yes. On the podcast, Adam and Arjun discuss how doctors are overprescribing antibiotics, an incredibly dangerous practice. Overprescription actually makes our bacteria more resistant to antibiotics; if we become immune to these antibiotics, they can't help us fight against mild infections -- let alone extreme ones. Arjun says doctors should be intentional in how often they prescribe antibiotics and patients shouldn't think of them as a cure-all. Additionally, governments should be investing in funding for methods of battling antibiotic resistance, including new drugs and research. Arjun is the Associate Director for Healthcare Associated Infection Prevention Programs at the CDC.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 23:23:24 +0000

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. It takes a significant amount of time and energy, and frankly, it doesn’t make that much sense that we have to calculate what we owe the government. But our guest, Jessica Huseman, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Economy, tells us taxes doesn't have to be so hard. In many other countries around the world, citizens file their taxes through a system called return-free filing. That means instead of citizens calculating what they owe the government, the government will calculate their taxes and essentially send them the bill. Unfortunately, the tax companies like H&R Block and TurboTax prefer the status quo because that means more business for them; they've actually very successfully lobbied the government to keep this system in place. Jessica is a reporter with ProPublica and helped break this story for the organization earlier this year.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 1 Nov 2017 18:09:07 +0000

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. This pattern is known as the reproducibility crisis, and our guest, University of Virginia Professor Brian Nosek, is trying to awaken the scientific community and the public at large to these challenges. Brian says the reproducibility crisis is not a new problem. Because scientists' career advancement is contingent on publication, the community is incentivized to create studies that tell a positive, novel and tidy story, known as publication bias, and leave findings out of publications that don't advance their conclusions. In response, Brian, who appeared on Adam Ruins Science, founded the Reproducibility Project, which tried to replicate the results of 100 psychological experiments published in respected journals in 2008. In 2015, their results were published in Science and found that only 36 out of the 100 replications showed statistically significant results, compared with 97 of the 100 original experiments. Some of this sounds discouraging and might make us doubt science. But the reality is that research is difficult and lab results are often messy and many times don't fit into neat categories. Brian argues that's actually the beauty of science and we should look at this issue as less of a crisis and more as an opportunity. When we realize we're wrong about our ideas about the world, it forces us to realign our worldview and think about our surroundings from a different perspective. Being wrong only gets us closer to being right!

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.

Ep 37: Professor Stephan Lewandowsky on the Backfire Effect

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 21:08:48 +0000

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. But as our expert Professor Stephan Lewandowsky points out, that can lead to the opposite result, known as the backfire effect. The backfire effect says that the more you try to change someone's mind, the less likely you are to actually change it. What is more effective is to restate facts, provide alternative narratives, and ask questions that poke holes in that person's argument. Stephan appeared on Emily Ruins Adam Ruins Everything and is the Chair in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Bristol in the UK.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 4 Oct 2017 18:55:52 +0000

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. On this week's episode, Nikole Hannah-Jones, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Suburbs, joins us on the podcast to discuss racist federal housing laws like redlining, which prevented African American families from buying homes in certain neighborhoods in post-World War II America. This had disastrous rippling effects on the African American community; these laws made it harder for them to accrue wealth over the years and join the middle class. And even when these laws were ultimately deemed illegal under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, many didn't have the money to move into wealthier, whiter neighborhoods. This continues to have repercussions today - segregated neighborhoods means segregated schools, which means education resources are of course going to the wealthier, whiter school districts. Nikole is an award-winning investigative reporter who covers civil rights and racial injustice for The New York Times Magazine. She currently writes extensively on modern-day school segregation throughout the country. You can find her fantastic story for This American Life, "The Problem We All Live With," on the recent desegregation of the Normandie School District in Missouri here.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 19:35:06 +0000

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 machine gamblers, get addicted because they're in the "zone" - the feeling players describe when they're completely absorbed in a game. They don't really care about winning; rather they want to escape the world and become subsumed in their game. Natasha, who appeared on Adam Ruins Vacations, says casinos also facilitate this addiction by designing the most optimal gambling experience which keeps gamblers playing...and playing...and playing. This ranges from the perambulant layout of the casinos themselves to the ergonomic design of the slot machine chairs, to the games' false wins that create an illusion of winning. Casinos are now even taking advantage of big data systems which track users' gambling preferences to incentivize players to stay in their chairs as long as possible. Like most other serious addictions, gambling addiction has dangerous ramifications; it can lead to divorce, bankruptcy, jail time and even suicide, so it's important that these casinos are monitored in some fashion.

Natasha is a cultural anthropologist and associate professor in the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University. She is also the author of Addiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas.

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 You Soon

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 21:01:14 +0000

We'll be back next week with a brand new Adam Ruins Everything podcast episode. Thanks for tuning in!

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 16:49:44 +0000

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. Dr. Joann Elmore, who appeared on Adam Ruins Hospitals, explains how doctors can do a better job communicating the facts with their patients about mammograms. One in ten women who receive their annual screenings are routinely called back for additional testing. This is part of the screening process in the United States, and a failure to communicate that with patients can cause unnecessary anxiety. Furthermore, many women are also overdiagnosed, meaning they might have cancer but it may not be the aggressive kind and we should discuss appropriate treatment accordingly. Joann recommends that women begin talking to their doctors about breast cancer and mammograms slightly in their 40s and begin routine mammograms, meaning at least every two years, between ages 50-74. Dr. Joann Elmore is a professor of medicine and adjunct professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington, as well as an affiliate investigator with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Group Health Research Institute. She is joined by her colleague Dr. Janie Lee, who is an Associate Professor of Radiology and the Section Chief of Breast Imaging at the University of Washington.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 22:04:50 +0000

We've all done it. Corrected someone for saying 'literally' when they weren't being literal or for saying 'good' instead of 'well'. 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.

Anne, who appeared on Adam Ruins What We Learned in School, explains how grammar rules are not fixed in the English language. Language is constantly evolving and we’re the ones who get to shape it -- not dictionaries! So we can all stop correcting each other and just appreciate our different ways of speaking. On the podcast, Anne and Adam discuss how we should think of the dictionary as a field guide rather than the authority on language, how young people think about language and texting, and how Anne helped choose 2000's word of the millennium! Anne is an English Professor at the University of Michigan where she researches the history of English and lexicography. She is also a member of both the American Heritage Dictionary’s Usage Panel and the American Dialectical Society.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 2 Aug 2017 17:16:12 +0000

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. Kevin's lab investigates how metabolism and the brain adapt in response to a variety of interventions to diet and physical activity. After watching the cast lose dramatic amounts of weight over the show's season, he wondered how that affected their long-term health. Kevin actually visited the set of The Biggest Loser to monitor the contestants' health and six years later, he brought the former contestants to the NIH to research how their body adjusted since the competition. He found they surprisingly maintained a very low metabolic rate even though they regained most of their lost weight. So even if you have the incredible willpower to shed those pounds, it's ultimately really difficult to maintain that weight loss. What we can do is be more forgiving of ourselves and relieve some of the pressure to diet.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 23:09:13 +0000

One of the most controversial topics is whether mothers breastfeed their babies versus formula feed. In a society that is so obsessed with being natural and organic, formula feeding is seen as unhealthy and irresponsible. In fact, the benefits of breastfeeding as compared to formula feeding are pretty marginal. Courtney Jung, who appeared on Adam Ruins Having a Baby, discussed the myths behind breastfeeding and formula feeding on the TV show. Now she's on the podcast to get rid of formula feeding guilt once and for all! Courtney is a Political Science professor at the University of Toronto and the author of Lactivism: How Feminists and Fundamentalists, Hippies and Yuppies and Politicians Made Breastfeeding Big Business and Bad Policy.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 5 Jul 2017 21:07:22 +0000

Jackie Stevens, a Political Theory Professor at Northwestern University, has seen first-hand how detention centers and immigration courts violate every assumption we have about how a fair justice system is supposed to work. Contrary to many people's assumptions, immigration courts are part of the executive branch, instead of the judicial branch like our other courts. That means they're not subject to the same due process, like having a jury and requiring public defenders. On the podcast Jackie describes how the system can even fail U.S. citizens; she tells the long and winding case of U.S. citizen Mark Lyttle who got trapped in the system and was erroneously deported to Mexico. Whatever your political stance may be, it's pretty clear this system fails not only the most vulnerable living in our country but even our very own citizens. 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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 21:42:19 +0000

On Adam Ruins Hollywood, Pete Hammond explained how behind every award show is a whole lot of campaigning. TV networks can spend between two to four million dollars on 'For Your Consideration' shipping costs alone. Pete now joins us on the podcast today to tell us how far TV networks go to campaign for their shows and how on-demand networks like Netflix and Amazon are flushing the Academies with cash and changing the entertainment industry. Pete is the Awards Columnist for Deadline Hollywood, where he covers the Oscar and Emmy Seasons. Before joining Deadline, he was a regular contributing awards columnist for the online and print editions of The Los Angeles Times. 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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 7 Jun 2017 22:28:07 +0000

Professor Jean Twenge appears on the upcoming season two premiere of the Adam Ruins Everything TV show called Adam Ruins Having a Baby. But the reason Jean's on this week's podcast is to talk about something very different: generations. Last year Adam gave a talk called 'Millenials Don't Exist', which sought to prove generational narratives can be inaccurate and reductive. The presentation actually referred to Jean's career-long work on the subject matter and may have made some jokes at her expense. A year later, when Adam and his team were researching on Adam Ruins Having a Baby, they came across Jean's work in a very different context - she's conducted extensive research on fertility patterns for women in their later 30s. So they invited her to be an expert on the TV show! While she and Adam were on set, they discussed their differences on generations and decided to continue the conversation on the podcast. Jean is a psychology professor at San Diego State University and is the author of Generation Me and the upcoming iGen.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 24 May 2017 20:28:11 +0000

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! And she's just as charming in person as she is on the show. On the episode, the two talk about Hayley's successful career, from getting discovered by Cindy Crawford to her stint on Deal or No Deal, and how Hayley's TV death made her consider her mortality. 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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 10 May 2017 17:23:11 +0000

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 and told us all about the shadiness of herbal supplements. Josh is the Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Previously, Josh served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Principal Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as Commissioner of Health for Baltimore City, and as health policy advisor for Congressman Henry A. Waxman. On the TV show, Josh discussed how herbal supplements are completely unregulated by the FDA and can sometimes be dangerous! But because Josh is such a leading figure in the public health world, Adam dove into other topics with him - like his work to bring down drug prices in Louisiana and transform the hospital payment system in Maryland. 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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 18:54:18 +0000

Death is one of the hardest things to talk about, but our guest today encourages us to get real about the end. Bud Hammes joins us on today's episode to discuss his work with advanced care planning - the idea that as we get older, we should have discussions with our doctors and our loved ones on how we want to end our lives. Having such systems in place not only gives us control over our deaths but it also clarifies our final wishes for our family and friends. Bud is one of the foremost thought leaders on advanced care planning. In his hometown of La Crosse, Wisconsin alone, some 96 percent of people who die there have some sort of advance directive. On the episode, Adam and Bud discuss what constitutes a 'good death', the potential misuses of these planning processes, and its success in La Crosse and cities across the country. 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

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 15:22:19 +0000

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 rental companies like Airbnb. On this week's podcast, Roy Samaan of LAANE, the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, tells us how shady landlords can use Airbnb to buy up multiple housing units in neighborhoods and lease them at much higher prices on the website, which drives up the prices of entire neighborhoods. And because these rentals are so much more expensive than the original rental prices, these renters can also let these units sit vacant for months without filling them, preventing new tenants from having access to affordable housing and moving into these neighborhoods. 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.

Ep 23: Susan Crawford On Investing in Internet Infrastructure

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 22:54:00 +0000

Today's Adam Ruins Everything podcast guest is the go-to person when it comes to internet infrastructure: Susan Crawford. Susan is a professor at Harvard Law School and the author of Captive Audience: The Telecom Industry and Monopoly Power in the New Gilded Age and the co-author of The Responsive City: Engaging Communities Through Data-Smart Governance. On the podcast Susan tells us why the internet in the U.S. isn't as good as it should be; it's much slower than many other countries around the world because our cable conglomerates can control markets around the country. And unfortunately, these are leaving many of our communities in the technology dark ages. Susan tells Adam what we can do to promote internet infrastructure and how she's already seen that activism first-hand around the country. 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.

Ep 22: Why Fast Fashion Fails Us

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 22:46:01 +0000

If you wear clothes, you're going to love this Adam Ruins Everything podcast. Our guest, Professor Laura McAndrews, appeared on Adam Ruins Shopping Malls where she discussed the deceptions surrounding outlets malls. But on the podcast, Laura really goes into depth about the inner-workings of fast fashion. And she would know - she lived it! Laura worked in retail for years, primarily for Gap and Urban Outfitters. She traveled to factories all over the world to oversee fashion production. The clothes might have been cute, but the rest wasn't pretty. Laura recalls many of these experiences on the podcast - from noticing the poor construction of these clothes to the awful working conditions for the factory workers. Eventually, Laura left fashion for academia. She now teaches textiles, merchandising and interiors at the University of Georgia, and she encourages her students to speak up about working conditions once they enter the workforce. 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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 1 Mar 2017 23:24:31 +0000

So much of what we've seen on TV and 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. In fact, many of the towns in the Wild West thrived because of the women who ran the towns - specifically women in the prostitution industry. While prostitution was at times extremely dangerous, it also gave women economic agency which was rare for the period. It allowed them to build brothels, schools, and stores and even yield political influence in the region. Jan MacKell Collins, who appeared on Adam Ruins The Wild West, joins us on this week's episode to unpack this 'not so polite' (although just as crucial) section of our history books. Jan is the author of six books and is the contributor to Backwoodsman Magazine, Colorado Central Magazine, Frontier Gazette and True West Magazine. 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.

Ep 20: Doug Massey Gives Us the Facts on Immigration

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 20:08:24 +0000

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 Massey. Doug is a Princeton Sociology Professor who appeared on Adam Ruins Immigration. 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 negative 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.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 1 Feb 2017 20:55:10 +0000

On Adam Ruins Hollywood, Adam shattered the facade of awards shows, red carpets, and reality TV. So now that we're steeped in the awards show season, we brought Rachel Bloom onto the podcast, who appeared on the TV show, and is a red carpet expert! She is the Star and Co-Creator of the fantastic CW show, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which actually won her a Golden Globe last year. Rachel tells us what really goes on at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards - how red carpets are really a marketing strategy for fashion designers and how campaigning for awards is integral to the awards show process.

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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 20:18:33 +0000

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. We are going to start bringing guests onto the show who may or may not have appeared on the show, but who are just as thoughtful and groundbreaking in their work. Today's guest is Jonathan Blow, the indie game developer who is best known as the creator of Braid and The Witness. In The Witness, which was released last year to rave reviews, a player walks around a picturesque island solving complex puzzles. The puzzles themselves are not only incredibly challenging and quite philosophical, but they're almost a glimpse into the highly intelligent mind of Jonathan himself. Jonathan attended the University of California at Berkeley, and worked several jobs including Game Developer Magazine, before releasing Braid in 2008.On the podcast, Jonathan and Adam discuss The Witness at length... including, SPOILER ALERT, the solutions to puzzles and the game's ending! (Don't worry, spoilers will be clearly marked, so you have time to pause.) Within the game, they discuss architecture's role in gaming, how the game raises questions about religion and the self, and much more. If you're planning on playing the game, we encourage you to pause the episode before it gets spoilery and play the game yourself before finishing the episode.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 4 Jan 2017 23:20:29 +0000

On the season finale of Adam Ruins Everything, Adam ruins 'going green', the idea that individual choices such as recycling, driving hybrid cars, or reusing plastic bags are not enough to combat climate change. Today's podcast guest, Dale Jamieson, who appeared on Adam Ruins Going Green, says those choices on their own will not stop global warming and instead we need to make larger, systemic changes and work together with other countries to curb our carbon emissions. Dale is a Professor of Environmental Studies and Philosophy and Chair of the Environmental Studies Department at New York University. On the podcast, he and Adam discuss why individual choices of going green are ineffective, the actual science of the global temperature increases and its implications, and what the incoming administration means for the United States' role in fighting climate change.

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.

Ep 16: The Failure of the War on Drugs

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 20:50:16 +0000

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. John is the sheriff for all of King County, Washington, which includes Seattle. He has seen the War on Drugs' failures firsthand as an undercover narcotics investigator and has since developed views on the drug crisis that are refreshing for a law enforcement officer. On this week's episode, Adam and Sheriff Urquhart discuss the implications of the heroin epidemic in the country, the racialization of the War on Drugs, the controversial idea of safe injection sites, and much more. 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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 7 Dec 2016 20:25:28 +0000

While you're using the internet to stream this podcast, Adam and this week's guest Ethan Zuckerman are talking about how we're actually ruining the internet. Things are getting meta here. Ethan, who appeared on Adam Ruins the Internet, is a fascinating person who has studied the internet and its affects for years. He's currently the director of the Center for Civic Media at MIT, and associate professor of the practice in the Program in Media Arts and Sciences at the MIT Media Lab. His research focuses on the distribution of attention in mainstream and new media, the use of technology for international development, and the use of new media technologies by activists. On the podcast, Adam and Ethan discuss how people are the products of free services like Facebook and Google, not the consumers. They also go into Ethan's early days working at Tripod where he invented the pop-up ad, and why we need more weirdness like the hamster dance on the internet. 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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 21:08:53 +0000

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, but he's currently on leave with them to work with the Department of Justice to work with the Obama administration on criminal justice reform. Daryl has a fascinating personal story. He was convicted of a non-violent drug offense, spent forty months in prison, and went on to get his bachelor and law degrees. Now he is eligible to practice law in two states, travels all around the country on behalf of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, but he still can't even vote in his home state of Alabama. On the podcast, Daryl and Adam discuss felony disenfranchisement and other rights that are stripped away from the formerly incarcerated, the ban the box policy, and how privilege and specifically white privilege play into the war on drugs.

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.

Ep 13: Trophy Hunting with Rosie Cooney

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 18:18:02 +0000

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. Rosie, who appeared on Adam Ruins Animals, is chair of the IUCN's Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP)/Species Survival Commission (SSC) Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group. On the podcast, she and Adam discuss how trophy hunting can benefit conservation efforts, where it works and where it has failed, and whether there's hope for wild species.

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.

Ep 12: Solving Homelessness with Rudy Salinas and Dorothy Edwards

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 22:32:25 +0000

Homelessness is a chronic problem we see everyday, and we might feel hopeless in our efforts to fix it. But today's guests actually have a solution that has been proven to curb homelessness. And it's been right in front of the whole time -- literally give people homes! Rudy Salinas and Dorothy Edwards, who appeared on Adam Ruins Housing, 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.

Rudy is Housing Works' Program Director, and Dorothy is a Homeless Advocate who was homeless herself for 15 years. On the podcast, Dorothy shares her inspiring personal story from being homeless to now working for Housing Works, how Housing Works selects the most vulnerable people, how giving people homes is economically the best option for all of us.

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.

Ep 11: Bad Forensic Science with Chris Fabricant

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 22:48:31 +0000

If it weren't for the Innocence Project's Chris Fabricant, we might not even have an Adam Ruins Everything Podcast! After he and Adam met of the set of Adam Ruins Forensic Science, Adam found his work so fascinating that he felt he had to talk to Chris in a longer format, and thus the original idea for the podcast was born.

As the Innocence Project's Director of Strategic Litigation, Chris develops and executes strategies to address the leading causes of wrongful conviction, including eyewitness misidentification, the misapplication of forensic sciences and false confessions. His cases take him all across the country to help exonerate the wrongfully accused.

On the podcast, Adam and Chris discuss outdated forensic science techniques such as bite mark analysis, why DNA analysis works, and Chris' bizarre deposition with bite mark "expert" Michael West, which was recently profiled in The Washington Post.

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.

Ep 10: Parking with Donald "Shoup Dogg" Shoup

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 19:52:23 +0000

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 policies affect cities, the economy, and the environment.

Donald and his cartoon alter ego appeared on Adam Ruins Cars, and on the podcast he and Adam discuss the problems with free parking, how meter revenue can finance public services in metered neighborhoods, and Donald's endless similarities with Snoop Dogg.

Adam Conover is on Twitter @AdamConover and is currently touring the US.

You can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com.

Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org

Ep 9: Matrimony Myths with Stephanie Coontz

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:01:55 +0000

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 entities for centuries, and this week's podcast guest, Professor Stephanie Coontz, tells us all about it.

Stephanie Coontz, who appeared on Adam Ruins Weddings teaches history and family studies at The Evergreen State College. Her book, Marriage, a History: How Love Conquered Marriage traces the history of marriage from a union based on alliances and financial gain to today's notion of finding our 'other half'.

Adam and Stephanie discuss how the Enlightenment altered our idea of marriage, how the media covers love, and how equality is erotic.

Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover and is currently touring the US.

You can find past episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com.

Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 8: Hydration and Hyponatremia with Tamara Hew-Butler

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:35:06 +0000

You've heard the phrase plenty of times in your life: "Drink more water!" But our guest on this week's show dispels that myth.

Professor Tamara Hew-Butler, who appears on the Adam Ruins Football episode of the TV show, studies how too much water while exercising can actually be dangerous. Her research at Oakland University specifically focuses on excess water and hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition when your body holds too much water.

Adam and Tamara discuss the myth of drinking eight glasses of water a day, Adam's lessons from his very long, first marathon, and Tamara's hilariously unorthodox lab experiments.

Adam Conover is on Twitter @AdamConover and you can find full episodes and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com.

Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 7: Elections and Voting Rights with Ed Ayers

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:24:29 +0000

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.

Since we're experiencing one of the most interesting elections in modern history, we needed to know what it all means. So on this week's podcast we talk to historian Ed Ayers.

Ed, who appeared on the voting episode of Adam Ruins Everything, is the host of the brilliant podcast and public radio show BackStory with the American History Guys. He's also the President Emeritus of the University of Richmond, where he now serves as Tucker-Boatwright Professor of the Humanities.

Adam Conover 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.

Ep 6: The Malleability of Memory with Elizabeth Loftus

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 3 Aug 2016 18:01:12 +0000

Professor Elizabeth Loftus is a pioneering and legendary cognitive psychologist who first appeared on the forensic science episode of Adam Ruins Everything.

Her ground-breaking work studies how memories can be changed and altered. She's specifically focused on the weaknesses of eyewitness testimony.

What makes Elizabeth's work even more interesting is that she's ventured beyond academia to understand human memory, testifying and consulting in over 250 legal cases.

Adam and Elizabeth discuss collective memory, repressed memory, and even some of Adam's own memories.

Adam Conover is on Twitter @AdamConover.

You can find past episodes of Adam Ruins Everything and bonus content from the TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com.

Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 5: Science Journalism with John Bohannon

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 23:56:38 +0000

Science journalist John Bohannon, who appeared on the nutrition episode of Adam Ruins Everything, joins us on this week's podcast!

John is fascinating - he's a contributing correspondent for Science magazine and has a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Oxford University. His experience in both academia and journalism has led to an inventive approach to exposing the flaws of science journalism and specifically nutrition journalism.

On the episode, John and Adam discuss John's fake chocolate study, his latest expose on Sci-Hub, and much more.

Adam Conover 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.

Ep 4: Security and Big Data with Bruce Schneier

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 6 Jul 2016 02:04:44 +0000

Adam is joined by Bruce Schneier to talk about current problems facing the TSA, gun control, and how data and security intersect.

One of the topics that resonated deeply with last season's Adam Ruins Everything viewers was Bruce Schneier's take on security and "security theater". So we had to bring Bruce on the podcast.

Bruce is a brilliant cryptographer and security expert, who's written countless articles and academic papers and published 13 books, including Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World.

Adam Conover 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.

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

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 20:53:32 +0000

Emily Axford plays Adam's foil on Adam Ruins Everything, but on this week's podcast, Emily's front and center. She also happens to be just as hilarious and charming in person as she is on the show.

Adam and Emily go way back -- they began working together at College Humor -- and the laughs never stopped.

On the episode, the two go from deep discussions on aliens and dreams to Emily's yet-to-be-created video game called Space Bears.

You can find more of Emily's comedy over on her YouTube channel. 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.

Ep 2: Death Acceptance with Caitlin Doughty

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Wed, 8 Jun 2016 03:16:28 +0000

Adam talks to Caitlin Doughty, who appeared on the Death episode of the TV show.

Caitlin is a mortician, a death acceptance advocate, and the founder of the non-profit funeral home, Undertaking L.A. She's also the author of The New York Times bestseller Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.

Adam and Caitlin discuss the bizarre world of funeral conventions, body compositing, and get deep about the afterlife.

Adam Conover 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.

Ep 1: Municipal Transit with Seleta Reynolds

christian@maximumfun.org (MaximumFun.org) — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:49:22 +0000

Adam is joined by general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Seleta Reynolds to talk about municipal transit and reducing our reliance on cars.

Seleta appears on the Cars episode of the Adam Ruins Everything TV show. You can find out more about Seleta and her work here.

Adam is on Twitter @AdamConover. You can find past episodes and bonus content from his TruTV show at AdamRuinsEverything.com.

Produced by Shara Morris for MaximumFun.org.