Miss Information: A Trivia Podcast

It's another "Series on Series" here at Missinfopod Inc. Today, learn all about the hit YA trilogy  The Hunger Games, including of course, its plot and influences. [This goes without saying, but: Spoilers ahead.] Later, take a quiz about songbirds [who are way more violent than you'd think]! . . [Music: 1) James Newton Howard for The Hunger Games Original Motion Picture Score, "CS3 - Capitol...

Unless you live with a teenager [or possibly a professional football player?], you may be blissfully unaware of the massive multiplayer online cooperative game Fortnite . Alas, it's time to learn all about battles royal, the three game modes of Fortnite , Loot Llamas, esports, and emotes. Later, take a quiz called "Two Weeks' Notice"! . . . [Music: 1) Fortnite, "Default Vibe Lobby," from Fortnite...

Addy Lewis (a.k.a. The Quizzing Ronin) becomes our guide through the history of the Warring States period of Japan. Together, let's learn about the Three Unifiers (Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu), along with clans, shōgun ,   daimyo , samurai (and their weapons!), and so much more. Later, take a quiz about famous servants! . . [Music: 1) RŮDE, "Eternal Youth," 2017; 2)...

Miss Information hosted a special themed trivia night for the attendees of the New York Library Association (NYLA) 2018 Conference in Rochester-- and we happened to be recording! In this all-quiz episode, pit your knowledge about New York and libraries against some formidable librarians [and pretend you're back in a crowded bar]. Cheers! . [Music: 1) Xylo-Ziko, "Unguja," 2021; Courtesy of Xylo-Zik...

It's time for a second installment of Lauren's Series on Senses! Today, learn all about the uncomfortable truths about our tongues, what the five tastes mean for us as mammals, and some cool facts about flavors. Later, take a quiz all about famous restaurants and celebrity chefs! . [Music: 1) The Cramps, "You Got Good Taste," 1983; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau...

The former Queen of ABC is now the Queen of Netflix! Shonda Rhimes, the first Black woman to create and executive produce a top network series, is so much more than Grey's Anatomy [though, that had a little something to do with her success]. Take a trip to shondaland as we chat all about Rhimes, her production company, and of course, those addictive, soapy, sexy, dramatic shows of hers. Later, enj...

This week, we're joined by the majestic Master Mind Muffy Marracco for an emotionally charged trip back to the 19th century and a tale all about that face on the U.S. fifty dollar bill. Get ready to perhaps see Civil War General and the 18th POTUS, Ulysses S. Grant, in a new light. Later, enjoy a quiz called "True Blue"! . . . [Music: 1) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "I Won't Back Down," 1989;...

It’s time for a new series: all about the senses! We kick things off with Hearing; learn all about the tiny parts of your ears, how sound gets to your brain, and a little about Deaf culture! Later, take a quiz called “The Sound of Silence”! . . . [Music: 1) Liisi La Fontaine and Amber Riley, "Listen," from Dreamgirls (Original London Cast Recording) , 2017; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017....

In today's episode, we honor the legacy of Wilma Mankiller -- the first woman to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. From her early life in Oklahoma and San Francisco to her return to Cherokee Nation, you'll learn all about her incredible career and the many obstacles she faced. Later, enjoy a quiz called "This Ain't It, Chief"! . . . [Music: 1) Joy Harjo, "Mankiller Honor Song," from...

So how did a nice guy in Japan turn his childhood love of bug collecting into one of the biggest media franchises of all time? This week, we're joined by the magnificent Michael Helmbrecht for a journey into the Pokémon universe. Start filling in your Pokédex as we discuss generations of the game, how Pokémon have infiltrated pretty much every aspect of pop culture, and of course, Pokémon You Shou...

Want to hear Lauren absolutely geek out on an extremely influential, 70-year-old British musician? Today's the day! Learn all about Peter Gabriel, his time in Genesis and his solo work, as well as some of Lauren's favorite songs. Later, take a quiz on Prog Rock Acts! . . . [Music: 1) Peter Gabriel, "In Your Eyes (Secret World Live)," 1993; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau H...

You know how some people [...including us...] confuse which Brontë sister wrote which novel, or always mess up which guy with "Lewis" in his name is famous for what, or can't keep all those famous pesky Russian authors straight? Then, my friend, this episode is for you. Later, enjoy a quiz called "Hi, My Name Is..."! . . . [Music: 1) Luca Stricagnoli - Fingerstyle Guitar, "Eminem on Guitar (The Re...

This week, we're joined by the delightful Christine Whelchel who covers an author near and dear to her heart: L.M. Montgomery. While you may know her best for the cheery Anne of Green Gables series, Maud [as she called herself] had a remarkably interesting [and sometimes sad] life. Learn all about her personal life, published works, and lasting impact on Prince Edward Island. Later, take a quiz on...

It's time for another art history class! Today learn all about the groundbreaking and tragic life of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Learn all about his style, love of NYC, and friendship with Andy Warhol. Later, take a quiz on Jeans and Michels! . . . [Music: 1) Gray (Jean-Michel Basquiat and Michael Holman), "I Wanna Go Back," c. 1981; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle,...

It's about time for a new series within our podcast series, eh? Today, Julia teaches us the difference between five historic dudes named Thomas and how to keep them all straight. Later, enjoy a quiz called "The Origin of the Tom-Tom Club"! . . . [Music: 1) Komiku, "I'm in the Not-A-Club," 2019; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

If all you know about Australia comes from Outback Steakhouse commercials [and Paul Hogan movies], then you're in for a right treat! Zoë Peate, an expat Aussie and travel blogger now living in the U.S., joins us to talk all about the Land Down Under. From its history and geography, to pop culture and Animals That Can Kill You, Zoë has Australia covered. Later, enjoy a quiz called "Waltzing Matilda...

Have you ever wondered who started the Internet? Or what TCP/IP stands for? Or when the Internet's birthday is? Well, today's episode is for you, since Lauren has a--shall we say-- personal connection to the World Wide Web. Later, stay tuned for a quiz called "Not-So-Famous Brothers in Law"! . . . [Music: 1) The Internet, "Hold On," 2018; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Ho...

You are about to enter another dimension-- of science fiction literature by the groundbreaking author Octavia E. Butler! Learn all about her path to success, fantastical works, and common literary themes. Later, enjoy a quiz called "The Butler Did It!" . . . [Music: 1) lo-fi is sci-fi, "Phase IV," 2013. Courtesy of lo-fi is sci-fi, CC BY 4.0 license; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtes...

By popular demand! Enjoy a full sensory experience with this episode that's all about everyone's favorite dairy product: CHEESE. To eat along with us while you learn, make sure you have: gouda, asiago, cheddar, brie, and of course, some accompaniments. Later, take a quiz called "Workin' on My Night Cheese!" . . . [Music: 1) Bob Seger, "Night Moves," 1976; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Co...

How many temporary organs can you name...? If the answer isn't "one," then you have plenty to learn from our special guest Sonya Kouthouridis, a graduate researcher from McMaster University working on placental stem cell research. We discuss the female reproductive system, placental mammals, stem cells, and of course, the miracle of birth. Later, take a quiz called "Trust Me, I'm *NOT* a Doctor!"...

Sure, we all know about Elvis--but what about the queer black woman whose style and showmanship he basically copied ?! Today, learn all about Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her incredible talent that inspired several generations of musicians. Later, take a quiz called "Mothers of Rock 'n' Roll"! . . . [Music: 1) Sister Rosetta Tharpe, "Rock Me," 1938; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of...

Let's take a quick breather from current events and head down memory lane instead. Julia spins her day job as Archivist at The Strong National Museum of Play into an entire episode on the National Toy Hall of Fame! It's a real sensory experience as we talk about toys inducted into the Hall of Fame based on their icon status and innovation. Oh, and the 2020 class will be announced on Thursday, Nove...

You know what they say-- the bigger they are, the harder they fall. GUESTOBER concludes with the radiant Hannah McIntyre, who recaps four centuries of Roman history and highlights the people, places, and things we should remember about the once-powerful Roman Empire. Later, enjoy an incredible quiz called "Vini, V.D., Vichy!" . . . [Music: 1)  Coldplay, "Viva La Vida," 2008; 2) Frau Holle, “A...

We're just bubbling with excitement over this week's special guest, Sam Pike of the Urban Farm Fermentory in Portland, Maine. He brews up a batch of fun fermentation facts and pickling particulars [and assures us that kombucha is not as gross as Julia thinks it is]. Later, enjoy a quiz called "Green Eggs with Sam"! . . . [Music: 1) The Kills, "Sour Cherry," 2008; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,”...

To continue GUESTOBER, Eric Siy returns with a second installment of math trivia as he teaches us about algebra, philosophy, and another Mathematician You Should Know. [By the way, René Descartes may begin to haunt your dreams...] Later, enjoy a delightful quiz called "Eric Always Forgets About the Lesbians"! . . . [Music: 1)  Tom Lehrer, "New Math," 1965; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 20...