Profoundly Pointless

Jaksot

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  Why We Feel Fear and How to Control It with Fear Researcher Dr. Kerry Ressler 17.09.2026 26min

  Fear is one of our most powerful emotions. It keeps us safe but it can also take over every aspect of our lives. Fear Researcher Dr. Kerry Ressler says there is a way to control it. In this Episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore the science of fear. We talk why we feel fear, why the modern world has made us so afraid and the one thing everyone fears. Contact the Show Dr. Kerry Ressler Website Introducing Dr. Kerry Ressler: 00:00 Why We Feel Fear: 01:10 What Happens When We're Afraid: 04:10 Controlling Fear: 07:27 Fear vs. Anxiety: 15:47 Why We're More Afraid: 18:22 Universal Fear: 22:49 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Scary Business of Haunted Houses with Haunted House Designer John Denley 10.09.2026 20min

  Haunted House Designer John Denley has spent the last 30 years creating some of the world’s scariest Haunted Houses. He says there’s one thing that makes a Haunted House truly terrifying, vulnerability. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore the business of Haunted Houses. We talk what makes a Haunted House scary, the world’s scariest Haunted Houses and the one thing people fear most. Contact the Show John Denley Website Introducing John Denley: 00:00 What Makes a Haunted House Scary: 01:31 The Business of Haunted Houses: 04:59 The Scariest Haunted Houses: 07:43 Crowd Reactions: 11:03 The Future of Haunted Houses: 16:21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  How People are Manipulating Prediction Markets with Prediction Market Researcher Dr. Joshua Mitts 03.09.2026 21min

  Sometimes it’s inside information, sometimes it’s changing perceptions with huge amounts of cash, sometimes it’s holding a hair dryer to a weather gage. Prediction Market Researcher Dr. Joshua Mitts says these are just some of the ways Prediction Markets are being manipulated. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore how people are making millions manipulating Prediction Markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. We talk the different ways Prediction Markets are being manipulated, why some market categories are easier to manipulate than others and why only a very small number of people are actually making money on Prediction Markets. Contact the Show Dr. Joshua Mitts 00:00 Introducing Dr. Joshua Mitts 01:21 How Prediction Markets are Manipulated 07:28 The Cost of Prediction Market Manipulation 10:21 Where Prediction Market Manipulation Happens 13:46 Listener Submitted Questions 16:10 Protecting Yourself from Market Manipulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Future of Prediction Markets with Prediction Market Researcher Dr. Koleman Strumpf 27.08.2026 22min

  Right now Prediction Markets are exploding in popularity and controversy. Going from a niche hobby to a market with billions of dollars in trades. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore the future of Prediction Markets with Prediction Market Researcher Dr. Koleman Strumpf. We talk how prediction markets really work, the crazy/brilliant strategies some people are using to make millions and why Prediction Markets could become the Wild West. Contact the Show Dr. Koleman Strumpf Website Dr. Koleman Strumpf Social 00:00 Introducing Dr. Koleman Strumpf 01:20 What are Prediction Markets 04:37 Why Prediction Markets are Becoming More Popular 05:49 Regulating Prediction Markets 08:55 Manipulating Prediction Markets 12:52 The Dangers of Prediction Markets 14:51 Prediction Market Strategies 18:58 The Future of Prediction Markets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  How Animals Get Cast in Movies with Hollywood Animal Agent Joel Norton 20.08.2026 20min

  In Hollywood casting is everything. Movie Producers and Casting Agents have to find just the right person to make movies and TV shows come to life. Even if that person, isn't a person. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore how Hollywood casts animals with Hollywood Animal Agent Joel Norton. We talk what movie producers are looking for in an onscreen animals, why some dog breeds never get case in movies and the most famous movie animals of all time. 00:00 Introducing Hollywood Animal Agent Joel Norton 01:24 How Animals Get Cast in Movies 02:05: What Casting Directors are Looking For 03:51 Hollywood Animal Training 07:46 How Much Animals Get Paid 11:28 The Most and Least Popular Hollywood Dogs 12:24 The Most Famous Hollywood Pet Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Words You Just Don't Say with Language Taboo Linguist Professor Randall Eggert 06.08.2026 19min

  In every language there are words you just don’t say. They can be about sex, religion, food or even your mother-in-law. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore the fascinating history and controversial present of language taboos with Professor Randall Eggert. We talk the biggest current language taboos, historical language taboos and language taboos that are forming today. 00:00 Introducing Professor Randall Eggert 01:28 Language Taboos 06:03 The Biggest Language Taboos 08:33 Language Taboos that Have Faded Away 11:53 Historical Language Taboo 13:58 The Next Language Taboo Contact the Show Professor Randall Eggert YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The History and Meaning of Swear Words with Linguist Professor Randall Eggert 30.07.2026 24min

  We all know what the big swear words are, but where did they come from, what do they really mean and what do they say about the things we hold sacred. Linguist Randall Eggert studies swear words. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we look at the history and hidden meaning of swear words. We talk where swear words come from, normal words that used to be swear words and the worst swear words of all time. 00:00 Introducing Professor Randall Eggert 01:11 How Words Become Swear Words 3:00 What All Swear Words Have in Common 07:00 The Worst Swear Words 11:18 The Best Swear Word 15:41 Historical Swear Words 17:16 When Swear Words Become Normal Words 19:57 New Swear Words Contact the Show Professor Randall Eggert YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Why We Cuss with Cuss Word Researcher Dr. Richard Stephens 23.07.2026 20min

  Why do we cuss? And what happens when we do. Psychologist and Curse Word Researcher Dr. Richard Stephens has spent decades trying to answer those two questions. Dr. Stephens says that while there are many reason why we cuss, such as anger and trying to fit in, when we curse, our body and mind go through significant changes. Changes that can dull pain and even make us stronger. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we talk the unique psychology behind cussing, the power of different curse words and why our brains treat curse words differently than other words. 00:00 Introducing Dr. Richard Stephens 01:11 Why We Cuss 02:30 What Happens When We Cuss 03:57 Cussing and Pain Management 05:31 Cussing Makes Us Stronger 08:09 The Strongest Cuss Words 09:45 Why Some People Cuss More 12:19 Cussing and Honesty 16:39 The Best Cuss Word Contact the Show Dr. Richard Stephens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  How Languages Change with Research Linguist Daniel Hieber 16.07.2026 32min

  Every word and every language has an origin story. What originally started out as a way to describe a specific type of tree, is now what we call a book. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore how languages change with Research Linguist Dr. Daniel Hieber. We talk how new languages are created, why the meaning of words changes and the chaos unleashed by the Great Vowell Shift. 00:00 Introducing Dr. Daniel Hieber 01:07 How We Learn Language 05:51 The Very First Language 08:44 Words that Don't Change 12:11 How Long it Takes for Languages to Change 14:57 The Great Vowel Shift 19:18 The Hardest and Easiest Languages to Learn 20:43 The Most Unique Language 23:41 The Best Curse Word 26: 29 Language Misconceptions Contact the Show Dr. Daniel Hieber Website Dr. Daniel Hieber Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Finding Buried Treasure with Treasure Hunter Brent Brisben 09.07.2026 1t 4min

  Treasure Hunter Brent Brisben has found over $4.5 million dollars worth of buried treasure, now he's on the hunt for more. But what does it take to be one of the world's best treasure hunters? In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we go inside the search for buried treasure. We talk finding sunken ship wrecks, black market treasure dealers and the secret to finding buried treasure. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we countdown the Top 5 Meats. Contact the Show Brent Brisben Website 1715 Treasure Fleet 00:00 Introducing Brent Brisben 01:09 How Treasure Hunters Search for Buried Treasure 03:09 The Most I Ever Found 04:35 Can You Keep Buried Treasure 06:37 The Treasure Hunting Industry 08:13 Black Market Treasure Hunting 12:57 The Cost of Treasure Hunting 15:17 The Biggest Treasure Ever Found 19:14 Pointless 39:11 Candle of the Month 47:47 Top 5 Meats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  How Drone Shows are Made with Drone Show Designer Grant Reichardt 25.06.2026 49min

  Designing and piloting a drone show is no easy task. It takes hundreds of hours of preparation to control thousands of drones that all need to move in pattern so precise, it comes down to the centimeter. Drone Show Designer Grant Reichardt has worked on some of the world’s biggest drone shows. We talk how drone shows are designed, spending million of dollars on drones and what it takes to create a hologram in the sky. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, it’s Sparklers and Black Cats vs. Bottle Rockets and Roman Candles as we countdown the Top 5 Types of Fireworks. 00:00 Introducing Drone Show Designer Grant Reichardt 01:04 Designing a Drone Show 02:56 A Very Special Type of Drone 06:56 When Something Goes Wrong 10:49 The Future of Drone Shows 15:15 Pointless 39:12 The Top 5 Types of Fireworks Contact the Show Aerial Illuminations Website Aerial Illuminations YouTube Aerial Illuminations Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Art and Science of Creating Fireworks Shows with Pyrotechnician Steve Yoss 18.06.2026 1t

  The fireworks explode in an instant of blinding light and thunderous sound. But designing a fireworks show takes months of preparation and years of training. From the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show to Burning Man, Pyrotechnician Steven Yoss has been behind the scenes at some of the world’s biggest fireworks shows. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we talk the art of designing fireworks shows, the science of making fireworks and what happens when things go wrong. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we countdown the Top 5 Actors and Actresses You Know but Can’t Name. 00:00 Introducing Pyrotechnician Steve Yoss 0:59 Designing Fireworks Shows 04:32 How Fireworks are Made 07:41 Fireworks Dangers 09:37 The Best and Worst Fireworks 11:51 Fireworks Colors 13:51 Fireworks Injuries 15:51 The Best Fireworks Shows 19:49 The Future of Fireworks Shows 20:51 Pointless 46:51 Top 5 Actors You Know But Can’t Name Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Songs of Summer with Summer Song Researcher Devon Powers 11.06.2026 1t

  What makes the perfect song of the summer? Professor Devon Powers studies summer songs. She says every great summer songs usually has three things: a memorable chorus, a beat that makes you feel good and lyrics anyone can sing. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we look a the last 25 years of Songs of the Summer. We talk making the perfect summer song, the behind the scenes marketing that turn ordinary songs into massive hits and why we sometimes don’t have a song of the summer. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we countdown the Top 5 Summer Songs. 00:00 Introducing Professor Devon Powers 00:58 What Makes a Good Summer Song 06:62 A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey 09:23 Despacito by Daddy Yankee 10:19 Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke 11:55 Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jespen 15:38 The Simple Complexity of Summer Song 18:04 Old Town Road by Lil Nas X 19:30 Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO 21:21 The Best Song of the Summer 22:19 The Worst Song of the Summer 24:20 Timing the Song of the Summer 26:26 2026’s Song of the Summer 27:37 Pointless 46:18 The Top 5 Summer Songs Contact the Show Devon Powers’ Book on Trend Forecasting Devon Powers’ Book on the Birth of Rock Criticism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  I'm Attracted to Water with Aquaphiliac Raven Lynette 04.06.2026 51min

  As an Aquaphiliac Raven Lynette loves the water. But this isn't about just swimming around. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we explore Aquaphilia. We talk why people are attracted to water, the kinds of things Aquaphiliacs like to do in the water and her most interesting requests. 00:00 Introducing Raven Lynette 01;06 What is Aquaphilia 03:08 What Aquaphiliacs are Looking For 05:26 When Water is Sexy 08:20 Why the Type of Water Matters 09:41 How Popular is Aquaphilia 12:20 Aquaphilia and Mermaids 14:28 Most Interesting Requests 16:52 Pointless 37:01 Candle of the Month 42:22 The Top 5 Batteries Contact the Show Raven Lynette Website Raven Lynette TikTok Raven Lynette Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Universe's Oldest Stars with Stellar Archaeologist Dr. Anna Frebel 28.05.2026 58min

  They were born more than 13 billion years ago but ancient stars are still shaping our Universe today. And without them, we wouldn’t be here. Astrophysicist and Stellar Archaeologist Dr. Anna Frebel has discovered some of the Universe’s oldest stars. We talk how ancient stars created life as we know it, the chaotic conditions of the early Universe and what the next generation of stars will look like. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, it’s Just Do It and Where’s the Beef vs. Got Milk and I’m Loving It as we countdown the Top 5 Company Slogans. 00:00 Introducing Astrophysicist Dr. Anna Frebel 01:25 What Ancient Stars Tell Us About the Universe 03:37 How Ancient Stars Created the Universe as We Know It 06:43 The Odds All This Would Happen 07:56 First Generation Stars 10:00 Our Sun 12:16 10,000 Generations of Stars 15:41 The Best Star in the Universe 17:39 What Every Astrophysicist is Trying to Find 21:21 Pointless 42:47 The Top 5 Company Slogans Contact the Show Dr. Anna Frebel Website Searching for the Oldest Stars Dr. Anna Frebel TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The New Soccer Hooligans with Soccer Violence Researcher Dr. Linus Peitz 21.05.2026 53min

  Sociologist Dr. Linuz Peitz studies the psychology that drives Soccer (Football) Hooligans. He says the rising tide of soccer violence is all about one thing, territory. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we take an indepth look at Soccer (Football) Hooligans. We talk the psychology behind hooliganism, the most dangerous Firms/Ultras, places that aren't safe to go and how Hooligans will impact the World Cup. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we countdown the Top 5 Life Lessons We Learned the Hard Way 00:00 Introducing Soccer Violence Researcher Dr. Linus Petiz 01:11 What Drives Soccer (Football) Hooligans 04:08 Hooligans and Soccer Violence 07:33 Soccer (Football) Hooligans and Organized Crime 10:16 The Most Dangerous Soccer (Football) Firms / Ultras 11:14 Joining a Firm / Ultra 12:34 Where Soccer Violence is the Worst 13:25 Soccer Hooligans and the World Cup 14:41 Pointless 35:26 Top 5 Life Lessons We Learned the Hard Way Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Secrets of Sorority Rush with Rush Consultant Trisha Addicks 14.05.2026 57min

  What does it take to get into the United States’ best sororities. And why would you want to. As the world’s first Rush Consultant, Trisha Addicks literally wrote the book on getting into sororities. We talk the secret to sorority rush, why sororities are exploding in popularity, the influence of “Rush Tok” and her new book “The Rush Bible”. Then, its the roar of the crowd vs. the crack of the bat as we countdown the Top 5 Sports Sounds. 00:00 Introducing Rush Consultant Trisha Addicks 01:28 Why Do Women Join Sororities 02:18 What Top Sororities are Looking For 04:11 When Women Don’t Get In 06:13 Preparing for Sorority Rush 09:04 Three Big Things Sororities are Looking For 10:06 Dealing with Parents 15:23 How Rush is Different Now 16:30 The Influence of Rush Tok 19:18 The Secret Score 21:34 Fraternity Rush Consultant 23:45 Being a Legacy 26:38 Pointless 44:41 The Top 5 Sports Sounds Contact the Show The Rush Bible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Business of the World Cup with Sports Economist Dr. Victor Matheson 07.05.2026 1t 3min

  The World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world. But the action on the pitch still pales in comparison to the business going on behind the scenes. Sports Economist Dr. Victor Matheson has studied the economic impact of the World Cup for more than thirty years. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we talk the business behind the World Cup, the corruption inside FIFA and if any of the money generated by the World Cup will trickle down to you. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, we unveil a new Candle of the Month and countdown the Top 5 Summer Foods. 00:00 Introducing Dr. Victor Matheson 01:38 The Economic Impact of the World Cup 03:59 FIFA and Corruption 06:36 Will the World Cup Benefit Host Cities 16:17 World Cup Host Cities that Will Lose Money 17:50 How the United States’ Reputation is Hurting the World Cup 24:09 Pointless 40:26 Candle of the Month 49:17 Top 5 Summer Foods Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  How to Tell if Someone is Lying with Lie Detection Researcher Vincent Denault 30.04.2026 37min

  How can you tell if someone is lying? Criminology Professor and Lie Detection Researcher Vincent Denault says that while lies are complicated, there's one simple way to get to the truth. We talk signs someone is lying, what makes someone appear credible and if we are living in the age of lies. Then, in the Pointless part of the show, it's Michael Jordan and Patrick Stewart vs. Vin Diesel and the Rock as we countdown the Top 5 Bald Celebrities. 00:00 Introducing Vincent Denault 01:11: How Good are We at Spotting Liars 02:51 Signs Someone is Lying 05:52 The Simple Way to Find Out the Truth 06:49 Do Lie Detectors Work 08:42 Are We Living in the Age of Lies 09:50 Pointless 24:19 The Top 5 Bald Celebrities Contact the Show Vincent Denault Website Vincent Denault LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Celebrities and Cults with Celebrity Cult Expert Cassie Marie 23.04.2026 1t 11min

  From Tom Cruise and Jared Leto to Allison Mack and Gwyneth Paltrow, Celebrity Cult Expert Cassie Marie says celebrities have a long association with cults and cult-like behavior. We talk why celebrities are drawn to cults, the biggest celebrity cults and the strangest celebrity cult stories. Then, it’s raking the leaves and mowing the lawn vs, weeding and power washing as we countdown the Top 5 Worst Yard Chores. 00:00 Introducing Celebrity Cult Expert Cassie Marie 01:38 Why Celebrities are Drawn to Cults 03:58 How Cults Draw Celebrities In 07:04 Tom Cruise and Cults 11:26 The Biggest Celebrity Cult 12:55 Gwyneth Paltrow and Cults 16:04 Allison Mack and Cults 17:06 Miley Cyrus and Cults 20:59 Jared Leto and Cults 23:50 The Most Dangerous Cult 25:32 Justin Bieber and Cults 29:27 Pointless 51:07 The Five Worst Yard Chores Contact the Show Cassie Marie TikTok Cassie Marie Instagram Cassie Marie YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices