WikiListen

Rachel Teichman, LCSW, and Victor Varnado, KSN, click through the quirky digital attachment known as the Tamagotchi Effect. This psychological phenomenon describes the emotional bond people form with virtual pets and even robots. First sparked by the late-'90s toy craze, the effect has implications for our growing relationships with AI and technology. It's a nostalgic yet timely look at how tech tugs on our heartstrings.Produced and hosted by Victor Varnado & Rachel TeichmanFull Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamagotchi_effectSubscribe to our new newsletter, WikiWeekly at https://newsletter.wikilisten.com/ for a fun fact every week to feel smart and impress your friends, and MORE! https://www.patreon.com/wikilistenpodcastFind us on social media!https://www.facebook.com/WikiListenInstagram @WikiListenTwitter @Wiki_ListenGet bonus content on Patreon

Get ready to fidget as Victor Varnado, KSN, and Rachel Teichman, LCSW, pop into the viral toy sensation known as "Pop It." They trace the toy’s rise to fame through TikTok trends and pandemic boredom. Originally patented in 1975, it took decades for the toy to hit mainstream popularity. Whether you've used one for stress relief or just enjoy the satisfying pops, this episode is a tactile treat.Produced and hosted by Victor Varnado & Rachel TeichmanFull Wikipedia article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_itSubscribe to our new newsletter, WikiWeekly at https://newsletter.wikilisten.com/ for a fun fact every week to feel smart and impress your friends, and MORE!  https://www.patreon.com/wikilistenpodcastFind us on social media!https://www.facebook.com/WikiListenInstagram @WikiListenTwitter @Wiki_ListenGet bonus content on Patreon

Rachel Teichman, LCSW, and Victor Varnado, KSN, explore the surprisingly complicated world of cow poop and environmental policy in this stinky but serious episode. The Dutch manure crisis refers to the overproduction of animal waste due to intensive farming, leading to major ecological and political challenges. In fact, the Netherlands had to implement strict nitrogen regulations in response. It’s a smelly situation with very real consequences—and plenty to learn.Full Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_manure_crisisSubscribe to our new newsletter, WikiWeekly at https://newsletter.wikilisten.com/ for a fun fact every week to feel smart and impress your friends, and MORE! https://www.patreon.com/wikilistenpodcastFind us on social media!https://www.facebook.com/WikiListenInstagram @WikiListenTwitter @Wiki_ListenYoutubeGet bonus content on Patreon

Victor Varnado, KSN, and Rachel Teichman, LCSW, dive into the fascinating world of "Indigo Children," a New Age concept describing kids who are believed to possess special, sometimes supernatural traits. The hosts explore the origins of the idea and how it's been embraced—and criticized—by various communities. Did you know the term gained popularity in the 1970s thanks to parapsychologist Nancy Ann Tappe? Whether you're a skeptic or curious believer, this episode brings the mystery to life.Produced and hosted by Victor Varnado & Rachel TeichmanFull Wikipedia article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigo_childrenSubscribe to our new newsletter, WikiWeekly at https://newsletter.wikilisten.com/ for a fun fact every week to feel smart and impress your friends, and MORE! https://www.patreon.com/wikilistenpodcastFind us on social media!https://www.facebook.com/WikiListenInstagram @WikiListenTwitter @Wiki_ListenGet bonus content on Patreon

With the recent passing of Pope Francis, Victor Varnado, KSN, and Rachel Teichman, LMSW, turn to Wikipedia to read about the solemn and detailed traditions that follow the death of a reigning pope. The episode offers a look at how the Catholic Church honors its highest spiritual leader. The hosts highlight fascinating elements like the sealing of the papal apartments and the role of the camerlengo. It's an informative tribute episode with plenty of historical context and ritual insight.Produced and hosted by Victor Varnado & Rachel TeichmanFull Wikipedia article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_funeral_of_Pope_FrancisSubscribe to our new newsletter, WikiWeekly at https://newsletter.wikilisten.com/ for a fun fact every week to feel smart and impress your friends, and MORE! https://www.patreon.com/wikilistenpodcastFind us on social media!https://www.facebook.com/WikiListenInstagram @WikiListenTwitter @Wiki_ListenGet bonus content on Patreon

Did you know that parakeets are literally just small parrots? No, seriously, it’s true. Listen to more about cute birds as hosted by Victor Varnado, KSN and Rachel Teichman, LMSW. Produced and hosted by Victor Varnado & Rachel Teichman Full Wikipedia article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parakeet WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT ON PATREON!https://www.patreon.com/wikilistenpodcast Find us on social media! https://www.facebook.com/WikiListen Instagram @WikiListen Twitter @Wiki_Listen Get bonus content on Patreon 

Explore the fascinating world of control freaks in this episode read by Victor Varnado, KSN and Rachel Teichman, LMSW. Did you know that the term "control freak" originated in the 1970s and is used to describe individuals with an excessive need for control in various aspects of their lives? Now listen to this episode or else.WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT ON PATREON! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_freakFind us on social media!https://www.facebook.com/WikiListenInstagram @WikiListenTwitter @Wiki_ListenYoutubeGet bonus content on Patreon

From Montana to Michigan, Testicle Festivals celebrate a very specific delicacy: deep-fried bull testicles! Victor Varnado, KSN, and Rachel Teichman, LMSW, take a closer look at these quirky events, where adventurous eaters gather for a taste of the unexpected. Would you give them a try?Full Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testicle_festivalSubscribe to our new newsletter, WikiWeekly at https://newsletter.wikilisten.com/ for a fun fact every week to feel smart and impress your friends, and MORE! https://www.patreon.com/wikilistenpodcastFind us on social media!https://www.facebook.com/WikiListenInstagram @WikiListenTwitter @Wiki_ListenYoutubeGet bonus content on Patreon