Ants (Not Uncles) and Fungus - June 13, 2025

David's top stories: Man convicted of posing as flight attendant to score over 120 free flights; and Don't be alarmed, but hitting the snooze button is unhealthy. Professor Peter Karl Jonason explains that one's dissatisfaction with their own height predicts jealousy and competitiveness. (Thanks for picking this topic, producer Dani.) Journalist and novelist Sam Graham-Felsen asks where have all the deep male friendships gone? Dr. Brian Fisher – Curator of entomology at The California Academy of Sciences – discusses the amazing (and war-like) nature of ants with David. Mechanical engineer Dr. Debora Lyn Porter shares how mushrooms' microscopic filaments provide a blueprint for better materials. Foreign correspondent Tony Five and David chat about spooky Friday the 13th and superstitions. Professor of leadership Dr. Laurie Barclay reveals why bystanders defend bad behavior at work – even when they know it’s wrong. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (02:29) Fake flight attendant (05:26) Snooze button no good (09:59) Prof. Peter Karl Jonason (19:59) Sam Graham-Felsen (29:59) Dr. Brian Fisher pt. 1 (39:49) Dr. Brian Fisher pt. 2 (49:49) Dr. Debora Lyn Porter (59:49) Tony Five (1:09:49) Dr. Laurie Barclay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices