Profoundly Pointless

Epizódok

• 
  Words You Just Don't Say with Language Taboo Linguist Professor Randall Eggert 06.08.2026 19p

  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
• 
  The History and Meaning of Swear Words with Linguist Professor Randall Eggert 30.07.2026 24p

  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
• 
  Why We Cuss with Cuss Word Researcher Dr. Richard Stephens 23.07.2026 20p

  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
• 
  How Languages Change with Research Linguist Daniel Hieber 16.07.2026 32p

  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
• 
  Finding Buried Treasure with Treasure Hunter Brent Brisben 09.07.2026 1ó 4p

  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
• 
  How Drone Shows are Made with Drone Show Designer Grant Reichardt 25.06.2026 49p

  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
• 
  The Art and Science of Creating Fireworks Shows with Pyrotechnician Steve Yoss 18.06.2026 1ó

  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
• 
  The Songs of Summer with Summer Song Researcher Devon Powers 11.06.2026 1ó

  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
• 
  I'm Attracted to Water with Aquaphiliac Raven Lynette 04.06.2026 51p

  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
• 
  The Universe's Oldest Stars with Stellar Archaeologist Dr. Anna Frebel 28.05.2026 58p

  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
• 
  The New Soccer Hooligans with Soccer Violence Researcher Dr. Linus Peitz 21.05.2026 53p

  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
• 
  Secrets of Sorority Rush with Rush Consultant Trisha Addicks 14.05.2026 57p

  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
• 
  The Business of the World Cup with Sports Economist Dr. Victor Matheson 07.05.2026 1ó 3p

  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
• 
  How to Tell if Someone is Lying with Lie Detection Researcher Vincent Denault 30.04.2026 37p

  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
• 
  Celebrities and Cults with Celebrity Cult Expert Cassie Marie 23.04.2026 1ó 11p

  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
• 
  The Science and Meaning of Deja Vu 16.04.2026 44p

  What is Deja Vu, where does it come from and why do we get it? Deja Vu researchers Dr. Christopher Moulin and Dr. Akira O'Connor have spent their lives trying to answer those questions. In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we look at the latest science surrounding Deja Vu, Jamais Vu and memory. We talk what causes Deja Vu and Jamais Vu, if Deja Vu is connected to past lives and how different types of Vus explains our lives. Then, it's Darth Vader and Scarface against Thanos and Anton Chigurh as we countdown the Top 5 Movie Villain Quotes. 00:00: Introducing Dr. Christopher Moulin and Dr. Akira O'Connor 01:17: What is Deja Vu 02:00: What's Happening During Deja Vu 05:01: How Long Does Deja Vu Last 06:18: How Deja Vu Helps Us 07:28: Jamais Vu Explained 13:29: Other Types of Vus 15:31: Deja Vu and Past Lives 19:10: Pointless 30:11: Top 5 Movie Villain Quotes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  How the NFL Draft Really Works with NFL Scout Dan Hatman 02.04.2026 57p

  An an NFL Scout, Dan Hatman's job is to predict the future. He's got to sort through hundreds of players and thousands of hours of games because when it comes to drafting players, millions of dollars are on the line. We talk how NFL Scouts evaluate players for the NFL Draft, why teams draft the wrong player and the hardest and easiest positions to draft. Then, we unveil a new Candle of the Month and countdown the Top 5 Most Annoying Ads of All Time. 00:00: Introducing Dan Hatman 01:39: What NFL Scouts Do 04:05: Why Off the Field is as Important as On the Field 05:53: Scouts and the NFL Draft 09:06: Finding the Diamond in the Rough 10:45: Why Teams Draft the Wrong Player 15:05: The Hardest and Easiest Players to Draft 19:01: Big Schools vs. Small Schools 24:05: Marketability and the Draft 25:24: The Hardest Draft Round to Get Right 27:07: Pointless 42:22: Candle of the Month 47:39: Top 5 Most Annoying Ads Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  The Life of An NFL Agent with NFL Agent Evan Brennan 26.03.2026 47p

  The NFL Draft is fast approaching and for NFL Agent Evan Brennan that means cloak and dagger storytelling, secretive negotiations and truly odd demands, all in the hopes of moving his clients up in the draft. Go inside the life of an NFL Agent as we talk the NFL Draft, unusual contract demands and the sometimes dirty business of the NFL. Then, we countdown the Top 5 Biggest Events of the Year 00:00: Introducing Evan Brennan 01:11: What the NFL Draft is Like 03:11: What an NFL Agent Really Does 07:01: How NFL Agents Recruit Players 09:29: Negotiating NFL Contracts 11:01: Are College Players Ready for the NFL 13:55: NIL and the NFL 15:21: The Dirty Business of the NFL 17:39: Interesting Contract Demands 21:47: The Salary of an NFL Agent 25:18: Pointless 37:55: The Top 5 Biggest Events of the Year Contact the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Oil and Gas Industry Expert Dr. Carole Nakhle 19.03.2026 1ó 1p

  Oil runs the world. And right now the oil and gas industry is going through a major disruption because of the war in Iran. Oil prices are rising and there’s no end in sight. So, what does this mean for you? Oil, Gas and Energy sector expert Dr. Carole Nakhle joins us to explain where the price of oil is headed, the major factors influencing prices at the pump and more. Then, it’s Club Sandwiches and Grilled Cheese vs. Reubens and Cubans as we countdown the Top 5 Kinds of Sandwiches 00:00: Introducing Dr. Carole Nakhle 01:09: Why Gas Prices are Rising 03:25: How Oil Prices Impact the World Economy 05:54: What $200 a Barrell Would Look Like 08:24: Iran and Oil 09:18: History of Oil Shocks 12:56: How Long Before the Worst Case Scenario 14:05: The Importance of the Straight of Hormuz 16:04: Releasing The Strategic Petroleum Reserves 17:36: Getting Back to Normal 21:02: Pointless 49:34: Top 5 Sanwiches Contact the Show Dr. Carole Nakhle Crystol Energy Dr. Carole Nakhle LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  How Memory Works with Memory Researcher Dr. Akira O'Connor and Dr. Christopher Moulin 12.03.2026 54p

  How do we remember? Why do we forget? What’s making our memories change over time? Memory Researchers Dr. Akira O’Connor and Dr. Christopher Moulin have spent their lives trying to answer memory’s biggest questions. We talk how memory works, why we forget things and the best way to preserve your memories. Then, it’s 67 and 420 vs. 007 and 8675309 as we countdown the Top 5 Meme Number Combinations. 00:00: Introducing Dr. Christopher Moulin and Dr. Akira O’Connor 01:21: How Does Memory Work 03:59: How Good is Our Memory 07:19: How Memories Changes 09:16: Why We Forget 12:42: Reexperiencing Memories 14:17: Are Memories Ever Lost 17:42: Music and Memories 20:01: Pictures and Memories 21:18: The Best Memories 28:05: Pointless 45:16: Top 5 Meme Number Combinations Contact the Show Dr. Akira O’Connor Books and Publications Dr. Christopher Moulin Books and Publications Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices