Episodes

  • Dogs: How Did They Win Our Hearts (And Our Snacks)?
    Nov 15 2024
    Welcome to the doggone truth! This week on The Bare Facts, we sniff out the science and sweet stories that make our pups so much more than pets. From Hachiko, the world’s most loyal dog (even if it was the ultimate case of ghosting), to the mind-boggling history of how wild wolves became our lovable floofs.

    Ever wonder why just gazing into your dog’s eyes feels so magical? Turns out it’s more than puppy love—it's science! And for those with their own naughty pup fear not. We’ll share how dog behavior specialist Nathan Williams’ genius techniques are (finally) helping us turn down the bark-o-meter on our own reactive rescues.
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    20 mins
  • There's No Bad Dogs Only Bad Owners
    Nov 9 2024
    We're diving into the age-old debate: is there really no such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners?

    We sit down with dog behavior specialist Nathan Williams, who’s here to shake up everything you thought you knew about dog training. Forget what you’ve heard about treats, stress-free playtime, or steering clear of stressful situations—Nathan’s approach involves not playing with your dog, skipping the snack bribes, and even taking a page out of the horse whisperer’s playbook.

    Whether your fur baby’s a barker, a chewer, or just a little too attached, Nathan’s got some wild advice that just might make you see your four-legged friend in a whole new way. Prepare for a few laughs, a few “aha” moments, and maybe a moment of awkward eye contact with your dog as you wonder… is it really you?
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Lab-Grown Steak? The Juicy Truth About Cultured Meat
    Nov 1 2024
    We're sinking our teeth into the brave new world of lab-grown meat. From petri dishes to dinner plates, we explore the step-by-step process of how cultured meat is made, where you can get your hands on it (yes, it’s really available!), and just how much a lab-grown burger will set you back.

    We’ll weigh the potential perks, like saving the planet one meatball at a time, along with the not-so-appetizing hurdles facing this futuristic food. Is it a flash in the pan, or the filet of the future? Tune in to find out!
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    25 mins
  • Vegan Meat Isn't Vegan
    Oct 26 2024
    We’re peeling back the layers on a juicy topic: is vegan meat… actually vegan? Sounds dumb, right? But there’s more to it than meets the taste buds.

    Joined by Chris McCallum, COO and CFO of Fable Food Co, we dive into the meaty details behind plant-based “meat”—what’s really in it, how it stacks up nutritionally to the real deal, and whether it’s as green as advertised. Are we biting into the future of food or just another overcooked trend?

    Tune in as we tackle the surprising pros and cons, dish up some myths, and find out if vegan meat is as plant-powered as we think!
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    42 mins
  • Shakespeare Unmasked: Tragedies, Secrets, and the Inspirations Behind the Bard’s Greatest Hits
    Oct 18 2024
    In this episode of The Bare Facts, we dive deep into the fascinating life of William Shakespeare.

    We kick off with his background, shedding light on the man behind the legend, from his Stratford beginnings to his rise as a literary giant in London. We then explore the darker side of his work, investigating real-life tragedies that may have inspired some of his most haunting plays.

    We also reveal some lesser-known facts about the Bard that will surprise you, and dig into the inspiration behind his popular works. You’ll learn how plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Othello drew from mythology, history, and other sources to become the timeless classics we know today.

    Perfect for anyone wanting a deeper look at the world of Shakespeare—tune in for a dose of literary intrigue!
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    17 mins
  • Macbeth: Witches, Murder, and a Whole Lotta Guilt - The Full Story with SFX!
    Oct 16 2024
    Think you know the story of Macbeth? You might be familiar with the witches, the murder, and the whole "out, damn spot!" bit, but how well do you really know the plot? In this minisode, we dive deep into the twisted tale of ambition, betrayal, and guilt that is Macbeth.

    Join us as we walk through the story, complete with sound effects to immerse you in the eerie Scottish moors, the bloody hallways of Macbeth’s castle, and the chilling prophecies of the three witches. Whether you’re refreshing your Shakespeare knowledge or hearing the full plot for the first time, this episode has you covered.

    It’s Shakespeare, but with more drama (and laughs)—and you don’t have to sit through any awkward high school performances!
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    16 mins
  • Shakespeare Stole His Plots
    Oct 11 2024
    We unravel one of the Bard’s most persistent myths: Was Shakespeare a literary genius—or just really good at "borrowing" other people’s ideas?

    Joining us is Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Oxford University and author of This Is Shakespeare, to help us dig through the drama.

    We explore how Shakespeare's background and the era he lived in set him up for legendary success, why his works have stood the test of time (even though he didn’t invent any new words—sorry, Shakespeare fans), and what modern movies and stories are secretly based on his plays.

    Tune in to find out whether Shakespeare was more remix artist than original thinker, and why, 400 years later, we still can’t stop talking about him!
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    38 mins
  • Vaccines: A Shot in the Arm or a Shot in the Dark?
    Oct 4 2024
    Ever wonder how vaccines go from a lab experiment to a jab in your arm? In this episode of The Bare Facts, we dive into the rigorous (and surprisingly slow) process vaccines undergo before they’re approved for use. We’ll break down all the science-y stuff into bite-sized, brain-friendly pieces—because who really knows what “clinical trials” even mean?

    But wait, there’s more! We’ll also tackle the hot topic of the Covid vaccine. How did they manage to roll it out so fast? Is it really different from all the others? And, of course, we’ll address the elephant in the room: the conspiracy theories swirling around. Spoiler alert: the truth might not be as wild as you think, but we promise, it’s way more fascinating.
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    30 mins