Question of the Day

How do today's marketing techniques relate to Pavlov's famous experiments involving bells and drooling dogs? In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika make the connection between the two as they explore the psychological concept of classical conditioning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You always needs a little mazel." Join Murray and Tamika on this Flashcast as they explore the Jewish expression "Mazel tov!" Learn a little about its background and how it's used (and be sure stick around for one of Murray's jokes at the end). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hip-hop artist and producer Snoop Dogg has the ultimate American redemption story. In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss Snoop's background and life challenges, and how his grandmother was a major influence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During blackout conditions during World War II, the British got creative in maneuvering around in the dark. In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explore the different strategies used throughout the war, from striped cows and inflatable tanks, to exploding rats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know when giant pandas are born, they're about the size of a stick of butter? In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss all things panda-related, including how pandas spend their time and the panda agreement China has with other countries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foamed milk, the cappuccino is one of the world's favorite coffee beverages. In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explore the history of the cappuccino, how it got its name, and other interesting tidbits about this cup of joe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1960, Brazil moved its capital to a more centralized location, providing an opportunity to plan a new city from the ground up. In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explore the unique design of Brasilia and the life of its lead architect, Oscar Niemeyer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You may know that author Shel Silverstein wrote and illustrated children's books such as The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends, but did you know he was also a songwriter and Grammy Award winner? In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explore the wide range of Silverstein's creativity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Flashcast, we tackle the most pressing question of our time: How do you pronounce "fungi?" Murray and Tamika explore the answer, as well as lots of interesting facts about the world of fungi, which includes mushrooms, yeast, and even mildew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the saxophone considered a woodwind or a brass instrument? In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika answer that question as they explore the history of the saxophone, the range of its quirky family members, and the life of inventor and musician Adolphe Sax. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you share food, music, culture, and philosophies across continents? In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explore the rich history of the so-called Silk Road, which bridged cultures between the East and West. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only two countries in the world use the Swiss franc: Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explore how that came to be, what the relationship is with the euro, and how Liechtenstein seems to benefit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who knew woodpeckers could alter the mission of a group of astronauts? In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explain how some flirtatious birds delayed the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1995. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many hearts and brains does an octopus have? More than you and me. In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika provide the answers, plus more fascinating facts about the animal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Flashcast episode is no joke! Murray and Tamika explore the history of April Fools Day and some of the best practical jokes from around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 28 Olympic medals, American swimmer Michael Phelps has won more Olympic medals than any other athlete in history. In this Flashcast episode, Murray and Tamika explore how that's possible and why swimmers have a better chance of holding this record than other athletes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did J. K. Rowling become the first author to have an estimated net worth of $1 billion? Our award-winning co-hosts Tamika and Murray explore little known facts about how Rowling built an empire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that, in 1917, Germany offered Mexico a piece of the United States? In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika discuss the secret message that Germany sent to Mexico during World War I. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maya Angelou is perhaps best known worldwide for her series of autobiographies, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings from 1969, but her poems can be quite powerful. In this Flashcast, Tamika and Murray discuss the meaning and inspiration behind Angelou's words. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early 20th century, there was much debate in Australia about whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the new capital. In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explore the history of how Australia's capital was selected and eventually built. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before playing the character Donkey in four Shrek films (and counting!), Eddie Murphy actually voiced the role of another animated movie character. Join Tamika and Murray in this Flashcast to learn which one, plus other entertaining tidbits about the Shrek series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story behind Marie Antoinette, the young Queen of France in the late 1700s alongside her husband King Louis XVI, is a fascinating one. In this Flashcast, Tamika and Murray explore Marie Antoinette's background, what she was like as a person, and how her rule came to an end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Caveat Emptor" is one of those Latin phrases we hear often, but do you know why? In this Flashcast, Tamika and Murray discuss the meaning behind the phrase and why it's used so much. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We rely on our big toes more than we realize, and there's a reason they hurt so much when we stub them on something. In this Flashcast, Tamika and Murray explore the wonders of the big toe. Soon, you too will be exclaiming, "Ow! I've stubbed my hallux!" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debuting in 1979, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. Luckily for us, our co-host Murray Horwitz is a Broadway veteran and chats with Tamika Smith about the brilliance and impact of the Demon Barber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.