PODCAST · education
Be More Specific
by Teagan Mulford and Bekah Page
Can you...be more specific? An entomologist and a film student walk into a podcast, and come out with a question answered. Teagan (the entomologist) and Bekah (the film student) are asking the important (and unimportant) questions. Why do we laugh? What's a meme? Why can't we get rid of all mosquitoes? And whatever else tickles their fancy. New episodes every month!
Episodes
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What's Going On With Glasses?
When did glasses first get made? Who started making glasses and who started wearing them? What show has Teagan and Bekah been obsessed with? Answers to these questions and much much more, this time on Be More Specific! Show notes and more information can be found on our instagram or at...
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Why Does Everyone Wear Jeans?
“This one garment can be universal and individual at the same time. There’s nothing else like that in the history of clothing” Join Bekah and Teagan on a fabulous walk through the history of these fantastic pants! Show notes, citations, and more can be found at www.bemorespecificpod.org!
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What Makes Food Spicy?
What makes a pepper spicy? Why do we like a spicy pepper? How long have humans liked a spicy pepper? Learn all about this, and about the miraculous origin story of Fly Man in this episode of Be More Specific! Show notes, supplementary photos, and citations can all be found at bemorespecific.org
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Why Do We Polish Our Nails?
Learn all about the art of the manicure with Teagan and Bekah as we investigate when we started painting our nails, why we paint our nails, and how manicures have changed over time! Check us out on insta @bemorespecificpod or at bemorespecific.org for show notes and photos to go along with the ep!
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Why Do Waffles Have Shapes?
Why don’t Waffle Houses close? Why is there a waffle iron in every bargain hotel? And why do we care so much? Join Bekah and Teagan as they decide once and for all whether waffles emerge triumphant in an ancient debate. See www.bemorespecific.org for show notes, photos and more!
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What's going on with Ping Pong?
When did we start playing Ping Pong? Why is it an Olympic sport? How did Ping Pong Diplomacy work? Answers to these questions and MORE in this episode of Be More Specific! Show notes, photos, and more on bemorespecific.org
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Why Do We Bond with Virtual Pets?
Virtual pets! Either you love them or you don't understand them. Join Teagan and Bekah as we explore the world of virtual companions, from early desktop buddies and Tamagotchis to modern apps like Neko Atsume and Pokémon Go, as well as investigating the psychology of bonding with pixels on a...
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What is a Rodeo?
Join Bekah and Teagan as they learn more about rodeos and think really critically about our relationships with horses! Show notes, resources, and pictures can be found at bemorespecific.org!
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How Many Types of Spiders Are There?
Ah, spiders. Either you love or hate them, and today Teagan will be trying her darndest to convince everyone they are deserving of our affection, while Bekah tries to recall every spider she's seen in a movie! Come to learn about spiders, stay for an unhinged Doctor Who rant! Episode notes,...
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What Makes Soda So Special?
Fizzy water, pop, lolly water, soda, coke, pepsi...when did this bubbly beverage come into our lives and our hearts? Show notes and more at bemorespecific.org! Pardon the volume differential between Bekah and Teagan, this is our first time with this new recording setup!
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Why Do We Buy Bottled Water?
Ah, the water bottle. A staple of news anchors desks, comic-con panels, sports camps, the floor of your car, etc! When did water bottles get so popular? Why plastic? How many water bottles are out there??? Answers to all these questions and more in this months episode of Be More Specific! Show...
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What is Hair?
What is hair? What's it made of? Why do we have so much of it? Why don't chimps have as much? Why is some hair curly? All this and more are answered this month on Be More Specific! For full notes, photos, and extras, visit bemorespecific.org
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What Is Shampoo?
We lather our scalps with it, but what IS shampoo? When did it come to be, and why is Teagan insistent she needs a special one? What makes this "poo" so special? Sources and more on www.bemorespecific.org
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How Were Cats Domesticated?
How did humans domesticate cats...or did we? What's so great about these furry friends, and how long have they been man's best "animal that lives in my house I guess"? Find sources, photos, and more on bemorespecific.org
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When Did Blacksmithing Begin?
When did humans start heating up and manipulating metal? Turns out it was a long time ago, and we're still doing it now! Join us as we learn all about blacksmithing and the art of metal work! Go to bemorespecific.org for notes, photos, and more fun!
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Are You Liking Lichens?
Teagan and Bekah learn all about these fantastic symbiotic, pioneer, and super beautiful organisms! Come explore the wonderfully weird world of lichens! Lichen photos, full references, and more on bemorespecific.org! Follow us on instagram @bemorespecificpod and follow the Leavitt Lab Lichen Page...
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What is the History of Prosthetics?
Today, Bekah explains the history of prosthetics and how they've changed over time! Teagan listens, and is a bit of a class clown... To help with prosthetic access, consider donating to one of these charities: LIMBS International The Prosthetic Foundation Sources, photos, and more can be found on...
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Why Do People Wear Wigs?
Why do humans wear wigs, and when did this particular fashion trend come to be? Come with Teagan and Bekah as they go on a journey through the history of wigs and learn all about these odd hair hats! Images, Sources, and more on bemorespecific.org
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Where Did Snowmen Come From?
Snowmen! They're everywhere, even if there isn't snow around! Join Teagan & Bekah as they talk about our snow friends and their origins! Also, a Winter Giveaway from now to January 30th 2023! Rate us on iTunes, follow us on Instagram or Facebook, post a photo of your favorite snowman (any…
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What is a Spelling Bee?
Surprisingly, the entomologist is fresh out of knowledge for this one, as Bekah explains spelling bees (and their decidedly unbuggy) origins! Full episode sources and notes can be found at bemorespecific.org
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Holiday Special: Haunted Houses- Origins, Past, and Present!
Content Warnings in this episode for mention of torture, horror, and discussions related to darker topics. We don't get too in the weeds, but thought you might want a heads up! Ah, the air is crisp, and the spooks are about! It's Haunted House season, but where did these sometimes delightful (and...
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Why Haven't We Eradicated Lice Yet?
What is a louse? What can lice tell us about ourselves? Does Teagan have them? (Spoiler: she didn't!) Answers to these queries and more will be answered in this episode of Be More Specific! Sources, images, and notes can be found at bemorespecific.org :)
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Why Do We Sweat?
Why do we sweat and shiver? Turns out keeping your body running is way more difficult than you might imagine. Teagan answers all of our burning (get it?) questions about thermoregulation! Sources and notes can be found on bemorespecific.org
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What is a Firework?
What makes up a firework? Why do we feel the need to explode things in the sky? Learn all about these sparkly, loud, sky explosions today! Please drop us a review on whatever platform you prefer: https://www.bemorespecific.org/rate/ Sources:...
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What is the Most Dangerous Toy?
Toys are safe right? Wr-well actually, yeah, most of the time. But sometimes, manufacturers forgot to notice some little (and big) problems before sending their creations to the masses! Also: Please don't forget to like and review us on Apple Podcasts! Toy photos will be posted on instagram but...
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Where Does Chocolate Come From?
What goes into that oh so delicious brown stuff? Why do people like it so much? How long has it been around? Get yourself a little treat, and settle in for this episode- all about Chocolate! Recommended Reading, but TW: https://foodispower.org/human-labor-slavery/slavery-chocolate/ Sources:...
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What Makes Bears So Great?
What makes bears so cool? Well, time to go camping and think about what makes bears so unbelievably perfect! These fluffy beasts are the best, so prepare to be swooned by their little ears. Sources: https://bear.org/bears-as-imaginary-dragons/ https://northamericannature.com/how-did-bears-evolve/...
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Why Do People Wear Perfume?
Why be smelly? How long have humans applied smelly water to themselves? What's the weirdest scent? How can you buy the best perfume for you? Teagan and Bekah answer all these questions and MORE in this particularly fragrant episode! Sources...
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What Are Tongues?
What are tongues? How did we get them? How do animals use them? How much does Bekah hate them? (A lot). Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue https://www.thecut.com/2016/05/the-complicated-reasons-why-you-like-some-foods-and-hate-others.html...
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Why Are Movie Credits So Long?
The movie is over, but the fun has just begun! Join Bekah and Teagan as we learn about movie credits: their origins, their idiosyncrasies, and why they’re so important! Sources: https://www.peerspace.com/resources/movie-credits/...
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Holiday Special: Winter Treats!
Come with Teagan and Bekah as they discuss the history and deliciousness of various winter treats! Gingerbread, Fruitcake, and much more! Spoiler alert: These treats are OLD OLD. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_cookie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gingerbread...
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What Makes a Mime?
It turns out that mimes are pretty cool! Join Teagan and Bekah as Teagan learns about mimes (for the second time) and as they both fall in love with one Marcel Marceau! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mime_artist https://members.tripod.com/~kiko_mime/history.html...
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Why Do We Hiccup?
What makes us hiccup? Why does Anna hiccup so much? Will you review us on iTunes? Follow us on Instagram!! @bemorespecificpod Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AdQLkUkui8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0oELHA6EvM...
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Why Do We Ritualize Death?
Why do we mourn? Why does death matter? What children’s TV Show will make Teagan cry this episode? All of this and more, answered in this week’s episode! Follow us on instagram! @bemorespecificpod Sources https://www.funeralwise.com/digital-dying/the-spectacular-death-rituals-of-the-philippines/...
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How Real is Reality TV?
What makes a show a "Reality" TV Show? Why do we love them? How did they come to be? Sources: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/reality-tv.htm https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-reality-tv-fans-real_b_7803534...
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What is an "Old Wives Tale"?
Old Wives Tales and some common misconceptions! This has been a rough start to a semester, so we're going low-effort today. Enjoy! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_common_misconceptions https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking-health/old-wives-tales-and-truths...
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How Are Movies Rated?
Who rates movies? Who decides what children should and shouldn't watch? Is Be More Specific Rated G? Sources: R. Leone, 2002,Contemplating Ratings: An Examination of What the MPAA Considers “Too Far for R” and Why https://www.filmratings.com/History...
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Why Do We Dream?
What are dreams? Why do we dream? Do they mean anything? Teagan and Bekah talk dreams (and LaCroix and English Miners and Tuna Chips and a lot of other chaos) in this episode! Also, in this episode we use the terms “Deaf” and “blind” as opposed to “hard of hearing” or “vision impaired”, here is...
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Why Do We Sleep?
What makes us sleepy? What happens when you don't sleep? How do you sleep better? Avoid sleep anxiety and listen to Teagan and Bekah explain the intricacies of sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ an evidence based website I recommend for the layperson. https://www.thensf.org/...
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Why Do We Have Signatures?
What's in a signature? Turns out: A lot of history! Everything from identity verification to slaps are what makes signatures so valuable. https://legalesign.com/blog/history-of-signatures/?amp=1...
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How Do Sunburns Work?
Getting crispy is most people's least favorite part of the summer. But why does it happen? Why is skin so gross? Why does Teagan insist on choosing topics that make most people nauseated? https://medlineplus.gov/sunexposure.html...
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Got Milk?
Bekah is a milk fiend and Teagan is lactose intolerant, but both were pressured into consuming lots of the stuff in elementary school. What gives? Why is there so much milk? Why is it so yummy? Got Milk? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whole-vs-skim-milk#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4...
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Movie Watch: Foodfight! (The Worst Animated Film, Ever!)
Teagan forces Bekah to watch Foodfight. Bekah will never trust Teagan's recommendations EVER...
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What is a Meme?
What's a meme? Ooga chaka baby. Bekah explains the ancient history of memes, and they discuss the intricacies of internet culture today!...
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What is the Cloud?
What is the Cloud? Where is all that data being kept? Why keep it not on a USB in a box under your mattress?? Teagan explains the intricacies of the Cloud, while Bekah ponders the singularity. https://digital.hbs.edu/platform-rctom/submission/cloud-based-rendering-for-the-animation-industry/...
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How Hard IS it to Climb Mount Everest?
Teagan and Bekah climb Mount Everest! Just Kidding! Turns out that Everest is...
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Why Can't We Get Rid of All Mosquitoes?
Teagan launches a passionate defense for her mosquito friends. Bekah is forced to listen and engage with Teagan's BugTalk....
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What Makes a Cult Classic?
Teagan and Bekah talk Cult Classics! What gives some movies a second wind? Why are most cult classics...
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How Did We Get Barbie?
Oh Barbie, that plastic representation of a lot of challenging ideas? How did Barbie come to be? Why is she so popular?
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Why Are There So Many (Bad) Sequels?
What makes a sequel? Why are there so many? Why did Teagan have an enchilada mistake?Podcast Sequel Sources: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-hollywood-makes-more-sequels-every-year-even-though-shane-snow...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Can you...be more specific? An entomologist and a film student walk into a podcast, and come out with a question answered. Teagan (the entomologist) and Bekah (the film student) are asking the important (and unimportant) questions. Why do we laugh? What's a meme? Why can't we get rid of all mosquitoes? And whatever else tickles their fancy. New episodes every month!
HOSTED BY
Teagan Mulford and Bekah Page
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Be More Specific have?
Be More Specific currently has 56 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Be More Specific about?
Can you...be more specific? An entomologist and a film student walk into a podcast, and come out with a question answered. Teagan (the entomologist) and Bekah (the film student) are asking the important (and unimportant) questions. Why do we laugh? What's a meme? Why can't we get rid of all...
How often does Be More Specific release new episodes?
Be More Specific has 56 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Be More Specific?
You can listen to Be More Specific on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Be More Specific?
Be More Specific is created and hosted by Teagan Mulford and Bekah Page.
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