FULL EPISODE: Surely You're Eating That, Mr. Feynman! - June 8, 2026

What this episode covers

Communication researcher Sofia Rhea explains that most people listen to true crime podcasts to learn, but that people with dark personality traits have different motives. Computer science researcher Brian Christian outlines how a Richard Feynman formula could explain your dining habits in a new city. Professor of psychology Brett Laursen reveals how forbidden friends can become former friends after moms voice disapproval. Media and communications professor Adam Peruta shares his findings that AI ads are almost indistinguishable from human-made ones, but don't perform as well. Psychology professor Curtis Puryear goes over how diversifying your social feeds can cut exposure to toxic content and preserve enjoyment. Marketing professor Varad Deolankar covers what happens when people get downvoted on Reddit. Expletive enthusiast and psychology professor Timothy Jay discusses why swearing is so important and how it has a place in the office. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (00:59) Sofia Rhea (10:00) Brian Christian (20:00) Brett Laursen (30:00) Adam Peruta (39:50) Curtis Puryear (49:50) Varad Deolankar (59:50) Timothy Jay pt. 1 (1:09:50) Timothy Jay pt. 2 (1:19:12) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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