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NO SUCH THING

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Join Manny, Noah, and Devan — three best friends and journalists — as they settle dumb arguments by actually doing the research.

Each week, they start with a debate or discussion. Why don’t men ask follow up questions? Should schools ban phones? Is dating an AI chatbot cheating? Then, they go out into the world, talk to experts, conduct experiments, and find the answer.

NO SUCH THING is an explainer podcast about pop culture, the internet, and whatever weird thing your group chat can’t agree on. If you’ve ever had a take so strong you had to fact-check it, this show is for you.

New episodes on Wednesdays.

For more information, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show.

And if you have any questions you’d like us to get to the bottom of, email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail: ‪(860) 325-0286.

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Friday · 1 hr
Am I bad at conflict? (from Corner Piece)
Conflict is inevitable, so why are we so bad at it? In this special featured episode from Corner Piece, host Taha investigates the nature of conflict to help his co-hosts, Melissa and Sabrina (and all of us), find healthier ways to handle conflict. He interviews Harville Hendrix, a couples therapist with over 50 years of experience, and Eli J. Finkel, a professor and author of "The All-or-Nothing Marriage". They explain what happens when conflict gets in the way of connection and how to turn it into an opportunity for growth. Corner Piece is a new podcast made by TED and the creators of YouTube channel, Answer in Progress. In each episode, hosts Taha, Melissa and Sabrina follow their curiosities down rabbit holes with help from expert guests to help you, and themselves, understand the world around us a little bit better. Listen to more episodes of Corner Piece here: https://link.mgln.ai/Za4saJ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#85
Wednesday · 39 min
How marathons changed the cities we live in
This weekend, nearly 60,000 runners and millions of spectators will hit the five boroughs for the New York City Marathon. But when, and how, did we all become so obsessed with running? Folks, this episode has it all: the financial and political moves behind the rise of the marathon (and the yuppie), the worldwide impacts of climate change on running races, and what drives a marathon devotee to take on 26.2-mile gauntlets all over the world. Our guests this week are: Historian Dylan Gottlieb Check out his book Yuppies: The Bankers, Lawyers, Joggers, and Gourmands Who Conquered New York Journalist and New Mom Run Club founder Nadia Neophytou Marathon Runners Are Training for a Hotter World Marathoner Amy Leavitt Knepper Check out Team Andi We want to hear from YOU for a couple upcoming episodes! First, TEXTING ETIQUETTE: Do you have a bad texter in your life? What's your philosophy? Send us your texting thoughts and horror stories. And second: we're taking on GENTLE PARENTING: What does it mean to you? Do you think it works? Let us know what you think. Leave us a voicemail at (860) 325-0286 or send us an email at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com And lastly: Subscribe to our newsletter for an exclusive announcement of a new era of the podcast: NST GOLD, coming soon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#84
October 21 · 47 min
Why did the rom-com genre fall off?
On today's episode, Manny, Noah, and Devan are joined by esteemed journalist Emmanuel Dzotsi, host of the Big Lives podcast and producer on This American Life, to break down what happened to the rom-com genre of film. They also hear from repeat-guest Walt Hickey, author of You Are What You Watch, who explains the financial incentive (and lack thereof) of filmmaking. If you like this episode, check out: Why we're sick of franchise movies. Check out our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (860) 325-0286. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#83
October 14 · 44 min
Why do billboards brag that a show is sold out?
Today’s episode is actually a two-parter. In part one, Devan tries to get to the bottom of why he keeps seeing billboards advertising that concerts are "sold out." In part two, we tackle a listener’s question about a scheme to sell your identity so you can commit crimes scot-free. Our guests this week are: Bruce Houghton, founder and president of Skyline and senior advisor at Bandsintown Ethan Beck, culture reporter at The Washington Post Sarah Carver & Jennifer Griffith, Social Security whistleblowers Check out our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (860) 325-0286. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#82
October 7 · 31 min
Why are we addicted to personality tests? (And are they even accurate?)
Today we’re diving into the world of personality tests, more specifically the Enneagram. We’ll take it ourselves, and find out just how accurate these tests are and what our obsession with them says about us. Our guests this week are: Joshua Hook, Professor of Psychology at the University of North Texas Sam Corbin, columnist at The New York Times Take the Enneagram yourself and tag us (@nosuchthing.show) in your results on your IG stories. For links to Joshua and Sam’s work, check out our newsletter. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (860) 325-0286 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#81
September 30 · 39 min
Is new tech making you pay more than everyone else?
In 1999, Coca-Cola’s CEO floated raising prices on hotter days using new technology in their vending machines. This caused an avalanche of bad press and the company backed off their plan. Today, that sort of variable pricing is commonplace, with companies hiding behind algorithms and economic shocks to shield themselves from malicious price-gouging tactics. This week, we find out how we lost control of the concept of a “fair price.” Our guest this week is Lindsay Owens, President and CEO of the Groundwork Collaborative and author of the new book Gouged: The End of a Fair Price — and What That Means for Your Wallet. For links to research and more, check out our newsletter. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 28 · 1 hr 19 min
Presenting Who’s With Me? W. Kamau Bell interviews Daveed Diggs
We’re sharing an episode of W. Kamau Bell’s new show, Who’s With Me?. Kamau—a stand-up comedian, activist, and author—sits down with someone he admires deeply to give them their flowers, ask his most burning questions, and invite his guest to give him homework on how we can all make the world a better place. Daveed Diggs joins Kamau to talk about his hip-hop career, the anxiety of parenthood, starring in Hamilton, and pursuing creative projects with friends. Find more episodes of Who’s With Me? on Youtube or wherever you get podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#80
September 23 · 55 min
Should white people use skin tone emojis? & more (NST Mailbag)
This week, we have one of the greatest mailbags of all time. Will cracking your knuckles give you arthritis? Should white people use skin-tone emojis? Why do dogs love Lamb Chop? And more plane-related questions, including does the middle seat get both armrests? Our guests this week are: Rachel, E. Hein, M.D. Kate Lindsay, listen to ICYMI and follow her Substack Embedded Check out Kate's Atlantic article: Why Are Dogs So Obsessed With Lamb Chop? Check out Kate’s other episodes with the NST crew: What’s the best way to split the bill? Why can’t adults order from the kids’ menu? Are outdoor cats happier than indoor cats? Buy Manny's book “Colored People Time: A Case for (Casual) Rebellion here. For more, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#79
September 16 · 46 min
Should ugly people be a protected class?
This week, Manny, Noah, and Devan debate whether there's a such thing as an "ugly tax," social penalties for being unattractive. The more academic term for this is "lookism," which is the discrimination against people for the way that they look. Should less attractive people be a protected class of minority? Manny interviews Thomas Spiegel, professor of philosophy at the Miyazaki International University in Tokyo, and Stephanie Fairyington, author of "Ugly: A Letter to My Daughter." If you liked this episode, check out: How many people are actually 7 feet tall? For more, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#78
September 11 · 38 min
A musician defends using AI in his music (Part 2)
In part 2 of our series on AI music, Devan confronts 1010benja on his use of generative AI on his new EP 1010: Time Has Nothing To Do With What You Choose… ICYMI listen to part 1: Can AI music be good? Listen to 1010benja on Apple Music and Spotify and check out his website demetriusproduction.com Read 1010benja's Hearing Things interview Tell us your thoughts about 1010benja’s use of AI: Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (860) 325-0286. For more, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#77
September 9 · 46 min
Can AI music be good? (Part 1)
On today's episode, the boys discuss the many various goings on in AI music generation. Manny "creates" a few different versions of the NO SUCH THING theme song (that he actually produced without AI) using generative AI, and asks Noah and Devan to compare and contrast original songs with their AI cover counterparts. Finally, we hear from Charlie Harding, audio engineer and host of the Switched on Pop podcast, to learn just how much AI is being used in the music industry today, and where he sees it all heading in the future. Listen to Part 2 where Devan confronts an artist about the use of AI in his music. For more, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#76
August 31 · 51 min
Are cops stalking you with a nationwide camera network? (Inside Flock)
Today’s episode is all about Flock, the controversial nationwide network of artificial-intelligence roadside cameras. Drew Harwell, a tech reporter at The Washington Post, explains his reporting on cops using the technology as a tool for stalking and the victims and advocates fighting for change. Check out Drew’s reporting: How rogue officers turned a nationwide camera network into a tool for stalking Police departments weren’t looking for officers abusing Flock. We did it for them. Flock unveils changes after Post report on police misuse of vast camera network 404 Media has also done some great reporting on Flock and The New York Times also recently did a deep dive on the tech. ICYMI NST 66: Can YouTubers actually hold police accountable? For more, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 26 · 51 min
Are suburban dogs happier than city dogs? (Remastered)
On this week’s episode, we're revisiting one of our favorite questions: Are suburban dogs happier than city dogs? To find out, we spoke with one of the leading dog cognition experts, Alexandra Horowitz. She heads the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard and is the author of Inside of a Dog. We'll be back next week with a new episode. The credit song is Big Dog by Maurice featuring Kenny Ning and Certain Self, who also provided additional music for this episode. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#75
August 19 · 53 min
What is "Colored People Time?"
In a special live-taped episode, the boys discuss Manny's new book "Colored People Time: A Case for (Casual) Rebellion, a collection of humorous essays about the way time wraps itself around all of our lives. If you like this podcast, you'll love this book, and buying it will mean that Manny can finally pay back Devan and Noah in approximately $7 million in sports betting debt. Buy Manny's book here. For more, subscribe to our newsletter. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 12 · 1 hr 1 min
Presenting Smart Girl Dumb Questions: What Does Love Hurt? with Dr. Justin Garcia
NO SUCH THING is looking for questions for an upcoming LAUNDRY MAILBAG. Leave us a voicemail by calling (860) 325-0286 or email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com We're taking a quick break for August to work on upcoming episodes, so this week we're sharing an episode of Smart Girl Dumb Questions. The show is hosted by our friend Nayeema Raza, who listeners might remember from episode #60: Is recycling a complete scam? This episode is a lot of fun, we hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Nayeema sits down with evolutionary biologist Dr. Justin Garcia, Director of the world-famous Kinsey Institute, to unpack the science of love, sex and attraction. Why are there more single peoplethan ever? Are we still having sex? Why do breakups … feel like withdrawal? And what do pandas, penguins and pigs have to teach us about modern relationships? Also on the agenda: if kissing is “normal,” short kings and what makes someone a great long-term partner. For more from Justin check out his awesome book, The Intimate Animal. Follow Smart Girl Dumb Questions on Apple or Spotify. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 5 · 35 min
Could you land a plane in an emergency? (Remastered)
This week, we present a remixed and remastered version of our third ever episode. Do you think you’d be able to successfully land a plane, with no prior pilot experience and relying only on air traffic control assistance? A YouGov survey found 13% of people are “very confident” that they could. In this episode, we explore why some people (like Manny) are prone to overconfidence, with help from social psychologist and professor David Dunning. And then, the boys take a trip to the Manhattan Flight Club to play around with a flight simulator. Stream Nothing Ever Happens by Darry Rahn For more, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#74
July 29 · 50 min
Should you recline your airplane seat?
This week, we unpack the moral chaos of air travel. When flying, is it ever acceptable to recline your seat and claim those precious extra inches of space? Is there an ethical argument for reclining? Ergonomically, what is the most comfortable position? Why do we act like completely different people when we’re up in the air? And is this all a distraction from the real villains, greedy airlines? Our guest this week is Joshua Rothman, staff writer at The New Yorker. Read Josh’s New Yorker column: Should you recline your airplane seat? Travel + Leisure: Then vs. Now: The Evolution of Airfare Costs Over the Years AP: Scott Mayerowitz’s story on the” Knee Defender” flight diversion For more, subscribe to our newsletter. NST will be taking August off to work on some new episodes. We’ll be keeping the feed going with a few remastered classics and episodes of other shows we love. Thanks for listening and you’ll hear from us again in September! Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#73
July 22 · 54 min
Why are public bathrooms designed so poorly? (Devan Design Week)
For this edition of Devan Design Week, Devan Design Week II, we're going deep on bathrooms. We'll explore why hotels are getting rid of bathroom doors and walls, the movement to Bring Back Doors, whether bathroom sensors are actually racist, and if they're better for the environment and cleaner. Finally, we'll rank our favorite and least favorite bathroom locks. Our guests this week are: Sadie from Bring Back Doors Katie Deighton from The Wall Street Journal, who reported on hotels removing bathroom doors earlier this year Charlotte Gartenberg from the upcoming podcast Welcome to the Bathroom Julia Lindsay, lock aficionado ICYMI listen to Devan Design Week I (Tesla door handles, microwave buttons, modern-day couches) Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#72
July 15 · 45 min
Are millennials the elite generation? (And are people actually getting dumber?)
This week, we unpack what makes a generation. From the Silent Generation to the Zoomers and beyond, are these groupings only useful to stir up competition and resentment? How did Gen Z become more conservative, more pessimistic AND more empathetic than their predecessors? We also explore recent research on a troubling trend of declining IQ scores. Does this back up an argument that millennials are the group most well-equipped for life in the modern age? Our guests this week are researcher Elizabeth M. Dworak from Northwestern University and Jean M. Twenge PhD, author of Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America's Future. (Buy the book here.) Related links: Dr. Dworak’s IQ research: Looking for Flynn effects in a recent online U.S. adult sample: Examining shifts within the SAPA Project James Flynn’s TED Talk: Why our IQ levels are higher than our grandparents' The New Yorker on Jean Twenge: Where Millennials Come From (2017) Tom Wolfe for New York Magazine: The “Me” Decade (1976) An interesting counterpoint, on Bobby Duffy’s “The Generation Myth”: It’s Time to Stop Talking About Generations More on the Reverse Flynn Effect from New York Mag: A Theory of Dumb You might also like NST #59: Kids can’t read anymore. Does it matter? (with author Jason Reynolds) Subscribe to our newsletter. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 8 · 38 min
Do audiobooks count as reading? (Remastered)
This week, we're presenting a remastered version of our VERY FIRST EPISODE. Take a walk down NST memory lane, or visit for the first time, and stick around until the end to hear a quick conversation looking back on one of our earliest arguments. What began as an innocent debate soon devolved into accusations of deception and trickery. Is it misleading to say you read a book if, in actuality, you listened to it as an audiobook? And do you absorb information the same way when listening compared to reading? With some help from Dr. Virginia Clinton-Lisell, Associate Professor at University of North Dakota, we get an answer. If you liked this episode, you might like NST #59: Kids can't read anymore. Does it matter? (with author Jason Reynolds) Here’s a link to Dr. Clinton-Lisell’s meta-analysis of reading and listening comprehension comparisons. She’s on TikTok, YouTube, Threads, and Bluesky. Buy Manny's book Colored People Time here! For more, please subscribe to our newsletter at www.nosuchthing.show. Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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