Episodes

  • ELI5 Schrödinger's Cat - is the cat both dead and alive and why does it matter in quantum mechanics?

    ELI5 Schrödinger's Cat - is the cat both dead and alive and why does it matter in quantum mechanics?
    Jan 31 2025
    Explain Schrödinger's Cat in simple terms. Why did Erwin Schrödinger propose this thought experiment in the first place? What was Schrödinger trying to argue against with his cat example? Which other scientist inspired Schrödinger to devise the cat?  ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: culturedgoat, flurb4, use-paragon, tenor1, hackey_sack, western_ground7478 and burnoutbrigheter6 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    6 mins
  • ELI5 Rare Earth Metals - why they aren’t actually rare?

    ELI5 Rare Earth Metals - why they aren’t actually rare?
    Jan 24 2025
    What makes these metals so special and why are they called ‘rare’? What technologies are they used in? Why are they so hard to substitute? Where are they found geographically? What about unobtanium and adamantium?  .. we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: wookiebadass, wrsaunders, commentingrobot, chauncy_prime, undyingcorn and diavolo_rosso_ To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    7 mins
  • ELI5 LASIK - how exactly does it fix your vision?

    ELI5 LASIK - how exactly does it fix your vision?
    Jan 17 2025
    What exactly is LASIK, and how does it differ from other vision correction procedures? Is it painful? How does it differ from PRK as a procedure? How does the cornea heal after a LASIK procedure if there is no blood flow going to the cornea? Which celebrities have famously had LASIK surgery? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: aggressive_elevator, razzbaronz, vladimyrputin, just_a_pyro, lakefargo and iamkeerock To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail. ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    7 mins
  • Introducing American Masters: Creative Spark

    Introducing American Masters: Creative Spark
    Jan 17 2025
    We explain why we've been listening to the American Masters: Creative Podcast from PBS. Hope you enjoy it too.
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    3 mins
  • ELI5 Ligers, Lions and Tigers - who would win in a fight?

    ELI5 Ligers, Lions and Tigers - who would win in a fight?
    Jan 10 2025
    Why are Ligers larger in size than both Tigers and Lions? Why can only certain species interbreed? Why are Lions and Tigers polar opposites in terms of their character and physical attributes? Lions and tigers have a significant cultural presence in art, literature, and media. How do these representations influence public perception in different countries? Who would win in a 1 on 1 fight between a lion and tiger? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: pigthewise, mistersixfold, sohamp97, culturalappropriator and kingofthekingpeople To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    8 mins
  • ELI5 Sleepwalking - is it dangerous to wake someone in the middle of a sleep walk?

    ELI5 Sleepwalking - is it dangerous to wake someone in the middle of a sleep walk?
    Jan 3 2025
    How does sleepwalking work exactly? Are certain people more prone to it? What types of activities can sleepwalkers get up to? Are there specific triggers that cause sleepwalking? Is it true that waking a sleepwalker can be dangerous? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: lindsey1151, xsnr, happycapsule, bandito21dema and reshkayden To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    7 mins
  • ELI5 Wasabi - is most wasabi really “fake” outside of Japan?

    ELI5 Wasabi - is most wasabi really “fake” outside of Japan?
    Dec 27 2024
    What exactly is that sensation we feel with wasabi? Is it the same as the heat from chili peppers? Why does it go straight to the nose? How does it differ from similar foods like mustard and horseradish? Is wasabi outside Japan really fake? How do you tell if it’s real? Why is it paired with sushi? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: stuthulhu, followups, suffaluffapussycat, jeffboyardean, infinity__now, reese_tora, abaday789 and mike_zzzzz To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    8 mins
  • ELI5 Spicy Food - if water is not a good antidote, what is?

    ELI5 Spicy Food - if water is not a good antidote, what is?
    Dec 20 2024
    Ever wondered why biting into a chili feels like setting your mouth on fire? Is it a taste or is it something else entirely? Why do some people seek out this fiery sensation? Can you build spicy food tolerance? Does drinking water help deal with the spice? Is there a limit to how spicy food can get? What are the hottest peppers out there? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: racoononbeers, vadered, rapafon, copnonymous, gramoun-kal and mathikaru To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    6 mins