The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
by Popular Science
Is this your podcast?Popular Science is a well-established media organization known for its engaging coverage of scientific and technological advancements. With a long history of educating the public, they delve into complex topics and present them in an access…
Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
- science facts and discoveries
- technology trends and insights
Podcast Focus
- sharing weird science facts
- discussing tech stories
Publishing Consistency
- 225 episodes released
- active for eight years
Platform Reach
- available on major podcast platforms
- growing audience base
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Most discussed topics
Brands & references
Total monthly reach
Estimated from 15 chart positions in 15 markets.
By chart position
- 🇺🇸US · Science#48100K to 300K
- 🇨🇦CA · Science#9630K to 100K
- 🇫🇷FR · Science#8610K to 30K
- 🇰🇷KR · Science#1561K to 10K
- 🇮🇳IN · Science#1621K to 10K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
80K to 261K🎙 ~2x weekly·225 episodes·Last published today - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
160K to 521K🇺🇸58%🇨🇦19%🇫🇷6%+12 more - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
48K to 156K18K real followers tracked across platforms
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 16 epsHosts
Recent guests
Recent episodes
Boob Backwash, Nighttime Radio Secrets, 10 Toes Down on Tommy
Jul 29, 2026
55m 25s
The Greatest Con in Mushroom History, Secret Weapon: Normal Dogs, a Bee's Benis
Jul 15, 2026
1h 17m 43s
Fallout Shelter Fads, The Library of Cocaine, Mosquito Nepobaby
Jul 1, 2026
1h 06m 03s
Creativity is Crumbling, Sarcophagus Juice Sourdough, Mycelium Mutual Aid
Jun 17, 2026
51m 26s
Marie Antoinette Wearing Braces, Secret Immortal Cells, Chasing the Tooth Worm
Jun 3, 2026
52m 40s
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/29/26 | Boob Backwash, Nighttime Radio Secrets, 10 Toes Down on Tommy | Sarah Dern and Emma Gommetz join Rachel this week to talk a trio of extra weird things. We've got babies spitting backwash into the boob, radio's biggest op being literal "night", and a gender-bending squirrel beloved by military veterans named Tommy Tucker. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn Link to all of Jess' content: https://www.jesscapricorn.com/ -- Follow our team on Twitter Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ Thanks to our Sponsors Listeners of our show get an additional 35% discount when they go to https://SMILESET.com/weirdest Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/weirdest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices | 55m 25s | ||||||
| 7/15/26 | mushroomsbees+3 | Kit Prendergast | Popular Science | — | mushroomsbees+5 | — | 1h 17m 43s | ||
| 7/1/26 | fallout sheltersmosquitoes+3 | Ben Bradford | Library of CongressAre We Doomed? | — | fallout sheltermosquito royalty+3 | — | 1h 06m 03s | ||
| 6/17/26 | creativityfungi+3 | Pattie GoniaMoiya McTier | Popular Science | — | creativityfungi+3 | — | 51m 26s | ||
| 6/3/26 | ethics in sciencedental history+5 | Hari KondaboluPriyanka Wali | Popular SciencePatreon+2 | — | cellsMarie Antoinette+6 | — | 52m 40s | ||
| 5/20/26 | John SteinbeckJoseph Pilates+3 | Ben LillieSara Kiley+1 | Popular Science | — | SteinbeckPilates+3 | — | 1h 04m 18s | ||
| 5/6/26 | roller coastersGregorian chant+3 | Grant O'Brien | Popular ScienceShrek+1 | — | roller coastersGregorian chant+5 | — | 49m 37s | ||
| 4/22/26 | cannibal cariboucharming worms+3 | Chanda Prescod-Weinstein | Popular ScienceRachel's TikTok+6 | — | cannibal cariboucharming worms+3 | — | 54m 31s | ||
| 4/8/26 | vampire folkloremedical conditions+3 | Jess BoddyClaire Maldarelli | Popular ScienceNaked Founding Fathers+2 | — | vampiresfolklore+5 | — | 44m 42s | ||
| 3/25/26 | Killer Demon CoreVictorian Theater+4 | adefjacksonparodi | Popular Science | — | Demon CoreVictorian Theater+5 | — | 1h 17m 45s | ||
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 3/11/26 | art crimedogs+4 | Josh Gondelman | Popular Science | — | art crimedogs cooking+5 | — | 1h 00m 49s | ||
| 2/25/26 | spacenuclear waste+3 | LindseyMisti | Popular ScienceElden Ring | — | space smellbeef stew+3 | — | 1h 06m 38s | ||
| 2/11/26 | Olympicsweird facts+3 | ClaireSara | Popular Science | — | Olympicsweird facts+3 | — | 1h 03m 23s | ||
| 1/28/26 | beaverswildfires+3 | Ricky PeacockMatty | Popular Science | Australia | beaver skullwildfires+3 | — | 1h 09m 28s | ||
| 12/17/25 | ratsbats+4 | Kendra Pierre-Louis | New England Aquarium | — | ratsbats+5 | — | 58m 22s | ||
| 12/3/25 | horror moviesempathy+3 | Coltan ScrivnerSara Kiley | Popular Science | — | horror flicksbats+3 | — | 56m 31s | ||
| 11/19/25 | murder mysterysex in space+3 | Moiya McTierClaire Maldarelli | Popular Science | CaveatNYC | footless goosesex in space+3 | — | 1h 18m 12s | ||
| 11/12/25 | Check it out: 'Ask Us Anything' from Popular Science. On this episode, GOOSEBUMPS | Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions—from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. On this episode: Goosebumps are a valuable tool for many animals. They keep mammals with thick fur warm by trapping air near their skin, or help make them look bigger when facing off against a rival. However, in humans a wide range of emotions can also induce goosebumps. BUT WHY? Join PopSci Editor Sarah Durn and Editor-in-Chief Annie Colbert as they explain the science AND chat with Goosebumps legend, RL Stine. Read the full story that inspired this episode: https://www.popsci.com/science/why-goosebumps-happen/ If you have a question for a future episode, go to: PopSci.com/ask Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices | 14m 50s | ||||||
| 11/5/25 | What Rats are REALLY Saying, Cosmic Caffeine, Lamarck was RIGHT?! | Tom Lum joins the show to reveal what rats are ACTUALLY saying to each other. Plus, Rachel talks about the color of the Universe, and Lauren explains one evolutionary exception. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn Link to all of Jess' content: https://www.jesscapricorn.com/ -- Follow our team on Twitter Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ Find your fall staples at Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices | 1h 04m 04s | ||||||
| 10/22/25 | Ant Yogurt, Bunny Horns, Deadly Feather Fashion | Liz Clayton Fuller joins the show to talk about the deadly feather trade. Plus, Jess hops in to explain the strange virus causing bunnies to sprout horns, and Rachel gets into the way some folks are using ants to make yogurt. (It's actually kinda good...) Check out all of Liz's art: https://lizclaytonfuller.com/ The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn Link to all of Jess' content: https://www.jesscapricorn.com/ -- Follow our team on Twitter Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ Thanks to our Sponsors: Visit https://GrowTherapy.com/WEIRDEST today to get started. Make the switch at https://MINTMOBILE.com/weirdest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices | 57m 10s | ||||||
| 10/15/25 |  Check out: On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti from WBUR! | We're sharing an episode of On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti. On Point is a rare public space where you hear nuanced explorations of complex topics live and in real time. Host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world, with urgency, timeliness and depth. In this episode: If you feel like car headlights have gotten too bright, you’re not alone. The National Highway Traffic Administration receives more consumer complaints about headlight brightness than any other topic. Meghna explores: How did this happen? And can we fix it? You can hear more episodes of On Point at https://link.mgln.ai/weirdestthing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices | 39m 22s | ||||||
| 10/8/25 | Drunk Monkeys, Heroic Rats, Forehead Teeth | Carly York joins the show to talk about the most heroic rats you'll ever meet. Plus, Sara Kiley talks about some drunk monkeys, and Rachel gets into sharks' toothy foreheads. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn -- Follow our team on Twitter Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ Thanks to our Sponsors: Visit https://GrowTherapy.com/WEIRDEST today to get started. Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices | 45m 39s | ||||||
| 9/24/25 | Skateboard Archeology, Dire Wolf Bones, The Great Fear | Annalee Newitz joins the show to talk all about how 18th century gossip spread like an actual infectious disease. Plus, Laura delves into how dire wolf bones could help our modern pups, and Rachel talks about the archaeologists who are studying more modern stuff, like skate parks from the 1970s and 1980s. (It's worthwhile!!) Check out Annalee's new science fiction book! https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250357465/automaticnoodle/ The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Go check out Mary Roach's new book, Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy! https://maryroach.net/replaceable.html Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn -- Follow our team on Twitter Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ Thanks to our Sponsors: Make the switch at https://MINTMOBILE.com/weirdest Visit https://GrowTherapy.com/WEIRDEST today to get started. Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices | 54m 44s | ||||||
| 9/10/25 | Airborne Butt Cam, Snake Panic, Oops! All Cloacas | Sarah Gailey joins the show to discuss why one scientist put the cutest little monocles on a bunch of chameleons. (And also to talk about their new book, Spread Me, out now wherever you buy books!) Plus, Rachel talks about the great Missouri snake panic, and Lauren talks about an accidental butt cam that lead to some very useful science. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Go check out Mary Roach's new book, Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy! https://maryroach.net/replaceable.html Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn -- Follow our team on Twitter Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ Thanks to our Sponsors: Go to https://Quince.com/weirdest for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Buy or sell your next car today with Car Gurus at https://cargurus.com Visit https://GrowTherapy.com/WEIRDEST today to get started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices | 1h 02m 04s | ||||||
| 8/27/25 | Thank Your Local Horse, OG Canners, Busting Bird Gender Norms | Nathan H. Lents joins the show to discuss why some birds are extra loud in bed, along with his new book: The Sexual Evolution: How 500 Million Years of Sex, Gender and Mating Shape Modern Relationships. Plus, Sara Kiley explains how horses are used to create snake anti-venom, and Rachel talks about how Napoleon played a part in instigating the art of canning food. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us! Click here to learn more about all of our stories! Go check out Mary Roach's new book, Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy! https://maryroach.net/replaceable.html Links to Rachel's TikTok, Newsletter, Merch Store and More: https://linktr.ee/RachelFeltman Rachel now has a Patreon, too! Follow her for exclusive bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman Link to Jess' Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jesscapricorn -- Follow our team on Twitter Rachel Feltman: www.twitter.com/RachelFeltman Produced by Jess Boddy: www.twitter.com/JessicaBoddy Popular Science: www.twitter.com/PopSci Theme music by Billy Cadden: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LqT4DCuAXlBzX8XlNy4Wq?si=5VF2r2XiQoGepRsMTBsDAQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices | 1h 01m 34s | ||||||
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Distribution & Reach
About the show, platforms, and key insights.
Distribution & Reach
About the show, platforms, and key insights.
Popular Science is a well-established media organization known for its engaging coverage of scientific and technological advancements. With a long history of educating the public, they delve into complex topics and present them in an accessible manner, making science relatable and enjoyable for a broad audience. "The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week" sets itself apart by focusing on the quirky and unusual facts that surface during the reporting process. Each episode explores a variety of subjects within the realms of science, education, society, and culture, presented in a conversational format that encourages curiosity and discussion among listeners. The podcast attracts a diverse audience, likely comprising science enthusiasts, students, and lifelong learners who appreciate intriguing tidbits of knowledge. Listeners gain value through entertaining insights and lesser-known facts that stimulate their interest in the world around them, making science feel approachable and fun.
By the numbers
- Total followers: 18K
- Total plays: 383K
- Total reviews: 2.2K
Platforms
TuneIn
- Followers: 445
Castbox
- Followers: 14K
- Plays: 366K
- Reviews: 52
YouTube
- Subscribers: 1.4K
- Views: 17K
- Videos: 76
Podcast App
- Followers: 2.2K
- Reviews: 2.2K
Find them online
Audience
family, professionals
Key insights
What the show covers
- sharing weird science facts
- discussing tech stories
- exploring cultural topics
- highlighting interesting discoveries
Audience interests
- science facts and discoveries
- technology trends and insights
- cultural phenomena exploration
- educational content and learning
Platform reach
- available on major podcast platforms
- growing audience base
- potential for advertising partnerships
- unknown total follower count
Publishing consistency
- 225 episodes released
- active for eight years
- weekly or more frequent cadence
- consistent episode production
Chart history for The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
Peaked at #23 in SA, currently #23 in SA.
| Market | Genre | Peak | Current | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA | — | #23 | #23 | — |
| United States | — | #48 | #48 | — |
| IS | — | #71 | #71 | — |
| France | — | #86 | #86 | — |
| Canada | — | #96 | #96 | — |
| TW | — | #105 | #105 | — |
| Finland | — | #141 | #141 | — |
| AT | — | #143 | #143 | — |
| South Africa | — | #147 | #147 | — |
| South Korea | — | #156 | #156 | — |
| India | — | #162 | #162 | — |
| Mexico | — | #176 | #176 | — |
| HU | — | #185 | #185 | — |
| New Zealand | — | #195 | #195 | — |
| AE | — | #195 | #195 | — |
Chart Positions
15 placements across 15 markets.
Chart Positions
15 placements across 15 markets.