Would You Go to Mars?

Most Useful Podcast Ever

#Tech #Popular Mechanics / Panoply

35:56

In this premiere episode of "The God Hook," host Carol Costello introduces the chilling story of Richard Beasley, infamously known as the Ohio Craigslist Killer. In previously unreleased jailhouse recordings, Beasley portrays himself as a devout Christian, concealing his manipulative and predatory behavior. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Beasley's deceitfulness extends beyond the victims he buried in shallow graves. Listen to the preview of a bonus conversation between Carol and Emily available after the episode. Additional info at carolcostellopresents.com . Do you have questions about this series? Submit them for future Q&A episodes . Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see additional videos, photos, and conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Doug Oplinger - Former Managing Editor of the Akron Beacon Journal Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Amir Hussain - Professor of Theological Studies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://evergreenpodcasts.supportingcast.fm…

6 years ago 46:27

MP3•Episode home

The Martian author Andy Weir is really into Mars. So much so that National Geographic tapped him to be an expert on their series Mars, about what human colonization of the red planet might be like. In advance of the season two premiere, Andy stops by the office to talk about the biggest challenges to living on Mars, methods we might use to get there, and whether he'd go himself. (Spoiler alert: Heck no) Also on this episode, technology editor Alex George explains the hierarchy of Apple products, and the Testing Table makes Ramen Krispie Treats in the microwave.

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100 episodes

Would You Go to Mars?

Most Useful Podcast Ever

published 6 years ago

MP3•Episode home

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

100 episodes

#Tech #Popular Mechanics / Panoply

All episodes

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Time to Say Goodbye 46:03

6 years ago46:03

46:03

Hi y'all from Jacqui, Peter, Kevin, Eleanor and Roy! We've had an amazing, enlightening time creating this podcast for you for the last four years, but it's time for something new. Listen for our goodbyes and all the fun stuff we learned putting Most Useful together, and keep your eyes peeled for new episodes from a new cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Least Useful Podcast Ever, Part III 45:55

6 years ago45:55

45:55

Every year, the week of April Fool's Day, we take a break from providing our listeners with useful information, and instead do stuff like taste the new orange-vanilla Coke and try to explain movies we've never seen. Do you want to know a whole bunch of unproven home medical treatments invented by our gym manager's Italian dad? We sure hope so. They're hilarious. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Collecting Dust 45:29

6 years ago45:29

45:29

One day, when they were having lunch at their local bar, Rick Kiley and Jeff Boedges had an interesting idea: What if they came back one day and finished this weird old bottle of booze that had been sitting there for years? Well, they did it, and then turned it into a web series called "Collecting Dust." On this week's episode, they talk about weird liquors, including Galliano, which Jacqui has been wondering about for decades. Also on this episode, cognac facts, lawnmower buying tips, and a second trip to Alex's weird desk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Drug Lord 48:22

6 years ago48:22

48:22

We'll be the first to admit that the Most Useful Podcast Ever doesn't pursue a lot of hard-hitting journalism, but that's ok, because this week's guest, Elaine Shannon, certainly does. She came upon the story of criminal mastermind Paul Leroux while tracking the drug trade in Afghanistan, and eventually wrote a book—Hunting LeRoux: The Inside Story of the DEA Takedown of a Criminal Genius and His Empire—with the help of the DEA agents who took him down (two of whom also joined us for this week's podcast). Also on this episode: Sinks and toilets, sawdust, and the Houston rodeo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Dog Days of Winter 45:43

6 years ago45:43

45:43

Deep in the middle of winter, it would be easy to hole up on the couch with a bag of Doritos and watch TV. But wouldn't it be more fun to get outside? On this episode, field editor James Lynch gives us a rundown of all the cool new gear he saw at the Outdoor Retailer show in Denver, Colorado. First-time podcast guest and Popular Mechanics senior articles editor Ross McCammon talks about camping in the winter (yes, outside), and our new intern, who is an Eagle Scout, tells us about some badges you might want to earn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Booze Library and the Ultimate DIY Mindmeld 44:25

6 years ago44:25

44:25

With snow and cold descending across the Midwest and Northeast, we talk to the owner of StilL 630 spirits in St. Louis, about an experimental booze library that sounds like an excellent place to while away the winter. We also test winter jackets and bring in two popular mechanics greats—senior home editor Roy Berendsohn and contributing editor Joseph Truini—to explain how the heck popcorn ceilings happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
All-Testing Tables! 45:30

6 years ago45:30

45:30

Portable table saws, a wash-free gym shirt, a USB-based coffee cup, we'll test anything! Whether you're buying new stuff for yourself or gifts for your friends, you'll leave this episode with a ton of smart new ideas—and no buyers remorse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Myth: The Week Between Christmas and NYE is Boring. Verdict: Busted! 33:54

6 years ago33:54

33:54

With the office nearly empty between Christmas and New Year's, Jacqui and Tech Editor Alex George introduce the only other person in the office: PM's new Video Producer/Editor/Videographer, Todd Bogin. Todd shares some tips on what makes compelling video. Then he helps Jacqui plumb the depths of Alex's junk drawer, where Alex keeps all the stuff he's tested... and super spicy ramen. Next, the kids who will be helping Adam Savage bust myths on the new show Mythbusters Jr. stop by to talk about how much cooler their new job is than being in class. Unfortunately, they don't get to stick around for the final segment, which involves a creme brulee torch. Then again, they blow up cars. Everyone wins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Holiday cocktails and cleaning the house 48:30

6 years ago48:30

48:30

With so many people coming over for the holidays, it's probably wise to make sure your grout is clean and your chimney in working order. You'll also want to stock up on some booze. Perhaps something unexpected, like cachaça? On this episode, we talk to Avuá Cachaça founder, Pete Nevenglosky, about the Brazilian tradition of aging the spirit in all sorts of different woods, giving you tips for what to buy. We also try out beers created by, or for, celebrities, and wax philosophical on both Christmas movies and moustaches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Annual Holiday Shopping Guide 48:40

6 years ago48:40

48:40

Do you know what you're getting all your friends and family for the holidays? If so, good for you, overachiever. For the rest of us, the staff of Popular Mechanics gives a rundown on the hottest shopping tickets for this year, including a Lego Bugatti and a screwdriver that only costs $3. Also on this episode, Roy talks bedbug eradication, Google Fi comes to the iPhone, and the testing table tastes Japanese candy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Popular Mechanics Thanksgiving! 47:56

6 years ago47:56

47:56

In an episode chock-full of things we're thankful for, we start out by speaking with Steven Caple, Jr., the director of the new movie Creed II. We highly recommend checking it out this Thanksgiving--preferably early in the day, before you fall into a tryptophan coma. Another guest, funny car champ Ron Capps, shares how grateful he is to the crew that builds, maintains, and starts the cars he drives, which get to 100 mph in 60 feet and are prone to explosions. Peter Martin and Eleanor Hildebrandt make appearances, mainly to discuss the phenomenon of Black Friday. And finally, Roy Berendsohn weights in on dinner table power tool use. Happy Thanksgiving! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Would You Go to Mars? 46:27

6 years ago46:27

46:27

The Martian author Andy Weir is really into Mars. So much so that National Geographic tapped him to be an expert on their series Mars , about what human colonization of the red planet might be like. In advance of the season two premiere, Andy stops by the office to talk about the biggest challenges to living on Mars, methods we might use to get there, and whether he'd go himself. (Spoiler alert: Heck no) Also on this episode, technology editor Alex George explains the hierarchy of Apple products, and the Testing Table makes Ramen Krispie Treats in the microwave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
THE MARATHON 50:42

7 years ago50:42

50:42

Endurance races have gotten substantially more popular over the last several years, which means a lot of people with not a lot of experience are tackling serious miles on foot or by bike. One of those people is your humble host Jacqueline Detwiler, who is running her first marathon in New York City on November 4th. To get ready, she and the rest of the team talked to running experts at New York Road Runners (who also gave some tips on watching a marathon), and went on a trip to Staten Island to check out the New York Sports Science Lab, which has rooms and rooms full of gadgets that can train boxers, runners, football players, even professional bowlers. We also drank some beer specially made for exercise recovery, and learned some pretty wild track facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
How to Invent Everything 47:59

7 years ago47:59

47:59

Ryan North's new book, How to Invent Everything, addresses that question that's probably been sitting in the back of your brain since you were a kid: If you got stuck in a previous time period, could you survive on your wits alone? Ryan says yes, so long as you bring a little advice. Also on this episode, field editor James Lynch talks about riding a Boosted Board between New York City and Philadelphia; Roy talks about chopping and seasoning firewood; tech editor Alex George uses a video game to test drive a Maclaren you can't even buy; and the testing table tries out gravity blankets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
This is Real Life 43:05

7 years ago43:05

43:05

The editors of Popular Mechanics have been crazy busy dealing with real life tasks lately, but what they learned doing their weekend work is great fodder for a podcast that's supposed to make your life easier. First, Roy spruces up a rental apartment in-between tenants. Kevin tries (unsuccessfully) to remove a bunch of stuck bolts from his Jeep. And automotive editor Ezra Dyer waits out hurricane Florence down in North Carolina and then takes a Silverado to harder hit areas to try to help out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Roy and Alex Spectacular! 47:16

7 years ago47:16

47:16

Do you know how many eyes Popular Mechanics home editor Roy Berendsohn has? Two. And that's thanks to his diligent wearing of safety goggles. On this episode, we'll learn what items Roy deems essential to wear when doing work, plus how to make sure your house isn't leaking heat or air conditioning. Meanwhile, technology editor Alex George has some ideas about products you can bring back to school, and we test out a recipe from PM's How to Make Anything issue: Shaking butter in a ball jar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Friday Movie Night 39:19

7 years ago39:19

39:19

In honor of tonight's premiere of the new action flick Kin, starring Myles Truitt, Jack Reynor, James Franco and Zoë Kravitz, we talk to the directors about crazy stunts and shots, as well as how they came up with their high-tech mystery weapon. Also on this episode, Alex George talks gaming computers, Roy Berendsohn helps Peter find the source of a water stain on his ceiling, and we try out some weird glasses that blink when you move your head. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Big Ideas 48:34

7 years ago48:34

48:34

This episode, we decided to delve into some of the more serious, thoughtful, and future-thinking topics Popular Mechanics covers. In keeping with the theme, we interview iceman Wim Hof about how he changes his own autonomic nervous system so he can hang out in freezing temperatures for hours. (If you want to learn even more than what Wim explains in the segment, check out www.wimhofmethod.com.) Not in keeping with the theme, we also test out a soda called kvass, which is sort of like Russian kombucha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Well, that was random 50:28

7 years ago50:28

50:28

Sometimes at the Popular Mechanics office, we have a lot of interesting things to talk about, but none of them have anything to do with each other. We figure that's fine—the smartest people always know enough to be conversant about a lot of different topics. For example: By the end of this episode, you'll know how to take care of a brand new baby, exercise in a rubber band suit, keep plants alive, route a cable around a door, and make brown butter bourbon. Just probably not all at the same time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Road Trip! 50:40

7 years ago50:40

50:40

On today's show, MUPE tackles the most all-American of vacations: The summer road trip. We call up Kevin's mom, who is somewhere in Idaho in the midst of a weeks-long trip around the northern US. We ask Alex George about the best gadgets to take in the car. Sunny Kim tells us about her favorite road trips around the US. And then everyone convenes to eat way... way... way too much junk food in pursuit of an answer to an important question: Best snacks for the road? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Biohacking so you don't have to 49:33

7 years ago49:33

49:33

On this episode of the Most Useful Podcast Ever, Jacqueline Detwiler tries biohacking to (hopefully!) become smarter, healthier, happier, more creative and more productive. Experimenting with specialized diets, float tanks, and microbiome testing, we try to find out what works and what doesn’t. Dr. Molly Maloof calls in to explain the science behind biohacking as a legitimate way to improve our bodies, and tech editor Alex George explains how to train your mind to go back to school. Lastly, we try CBD oil, a chemical in marijuana, to see if we can actually feel it working. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Smart Camping and Backyard Renovation 38:09

7 years ago38:09

38:09

Summer is heating up and the Most Useful Podcast Ever has advice for you for all of it. First, we talk to the authors of Popular Mechanics' investigation into camping in 2018, with advice on site booking, packing food, truck camping and something called packrafting. We talk to Peter Martin about how they made this summer's blockbusters, including a crazy series of stunts Tom Cruise pulled off, and Roy Berendsohn leads a conversation about what we learned working on our boss's backyard, including how to work a mini-rototiller and the best way to burn brush. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
EXTREME!!!! 43:15

7 years ago43:15

43:15

The Most Useful Podcast Ever is tired of being practical. So this week we threw caution to the wind to learn about some bonkers extreme sports. First, Jacqui jumps out of a plane with Red Bull Air Force member Jeff Provenzano. Then, Popular Mechanics tech editor (and former surf instructor) Alex George talks getting started in surfing, Matt Allyn tests gear on a 50k trail race, and Eleanor comes up with some fascinating slack (line) facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Upgrade Your Sleep 43:20

7 years ago43:20

43:20

The latest Blumhouse action movie, Upgrade, is a trip—creepy, adrenaline-pumping, and scarily prescient. On this week's episode, writer and director Leigh Whannell stops by our studio with the film's star Logan Michael Green to tell us how they pulled it all together. After that, we figured y'all might have some trouble getting to sleep, so we talked to a sleep geneticist, a physical therapist, and Peter Martin's dad to help you out. Stay tuned at the end for extra sleep assistance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Summer Beers and Back Pain 41:09

7 years ago41:09

41:09

Did you know that Popular Mechanics editor Matt Allyn is a certified beer judge? Well, he is, and lately, he's been trying truckloads of beer for an article he's working on called 500 Beers of Summer. If he told us about all of them, it would take the next four episodes, so we kept him to five, all of which are exceptionally tasty. Also on this episode, Roy Berendsohn works too much and throws out his lower back, we learn 26 things you can do with a heat gun, and Kevin Dupzyk gets started in sailing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Spice Man 43:24

7 years ago43:24

43:24

Burlap & Barrel founder Ethan Frisch is a cool dude. He travels around the world finding smallholder spice farmers and connecting them with customers so that they're not exploited by huge, impersonal supply chains. He's also a former chef who knows a heck of a lot about how to use the incredible products he brings back to the States. Also on this episode, we learn to stir cocktails properly, technology editor Alex George explains how to block annoying exes and shady robo-calls, and Roy talks stubby screwdrivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Spring Cleaning 42:03

7 years ago42:03

42:03

It's been a LONG winter, which means your place, car, and stuff could probably use a deep clean and some fresh air. On this episode, we talk to the Good Housekeeping Institute about dry cleaning, and visit the Corona Maintenance Facility in Queens to find out how the NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority cleans subway cars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Least Useful Podcast Ever, part 2 35:17

7 years ago35:17

35:17

Do you want to be the most informed person on your block? We sure do. That's why we put together today's episode, full of incredibly useful tips for living the smartest life possible. April Fools! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Choosing Cheese and Making Maple Syrup 42:50

7 years ago42:50

42:50

Did you know that frequent Most Useful Podcast Ever guest Eric Gunnar Rochow of Gardenfork.tv makes amazing maple syrup? Well, he does. We tasted it last fall, when he came by the office to teach us how to tap a maple tree. Now that its spring, it's perfect time to follow his instructions and try it yourself (although, unfortunately, you won't be able to taste his maple syrup through your headphones). As for what you should you eat with your syrup—how about some cheese? Also on this episode, Kevin visits the headquarters of Murray's cheese and to figure out every fromage fact you could possibly need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Wanna be a Secret Agent? 43:00

7 years ago43:00

43:00

Excited to go see Red Sparrow tonight? Find out how Jason Matthews, the movie's author, used his own experience as a CIA agent to make the story realistic. Also on this episode, we visit a brand new Spy museum in midtown Manhattan, and attempt an escape method that appears in former CIA officer Jason Hanson's new book, Survive Like a Spy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
How to Get Rich on Bitcoin (maybe?) 41:23

7 years ago41:23

41:23

Do you know what the heck people are talking about when they say they got rich on Bitcoin? We didn't either. Thankfully, technology editor Alex George has been doing a deep dive on cryptocurrencies, from Bitcoin to Ethereum. Also on this episode: The dark side of LED lights, and a guide to the new Apple Homepod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Homemade Donuts with Wylie Dufresne 36:54

7 years ago36:54

36:54

Founder of molecular gastronomy Wylie Dufresne is making donuts these days, so we asked him to come by the studio and make us some. They turned out super tasty—topped with crazy flavored sugars combined with chemistry ingredients. Also on this episode, Roy talks road salt, our Vermont correspondent calls in to explain boot care, and we test last minute Superbowl snacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
2018 Tech Preview (Plus the Wood Whisperer!) 38:07

7 years ago38:07

38:07

Who knew there were so many hinge-impaired people in the Popular Mechanics office? Jacqui and Kevin have both hung cabinet doors poorly over the years, which is why today, Marc Spagnuolo of The WoodWhisperer.com calls in to tell us everything we did wrong, and how to fix it. Also on this episode: Tech editor Alex George tells us all the cool stuff he saw at CES, we test weird new slippers, and Jacqui makes homemade amaro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Fighting the Freeze 37:54

7 years ago37:54

37:54

Ever wondered about the scientific reasons behind drafty rooms and overactive boilers? Wonder no more! On this episode, Henry Gifford, author of Buildings Don't Lie, explains how humidity affects a cold room, why your thermostat has a tough time accounting for wind, and how restaurant cooling systems account for hot bowls of soup. Also on this episode: Cleaning up the holiday decorations, anti-virus software for phones, and smart tips for surviving a nuclear apocalypse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
All We Want for Christmas 35:56

7 years ago35:56

35:56

On today's episode, we spend a lot of time on gifts. In the latest iteration of our annual tradition, Matt, Peter, Jacqui, and Kevin share their holiday wish lists. Plus Jacqui tests a new pair of headphones that she gifted herself, and Peter Martin explains how to fake elation when you get a bad gift. (And how to spot people who are faking love for what they got from you.) But before we get to that, Carolyn Forte from the Good Housekeeping Institute talks us through caring for cast iron cookware, and Matt Allyn explains cross country skiing. Happy holidays, ya'll! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Winter Coat Spectacular 36:29

7 years ago36:29

36:29

We've said it before and we'll say it again: There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. In that spirit, we called two experts to help you pick out the perfect winter coat, Nick Meyers, director of the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center, and Gary Smith, the CEO of Polartec. On this episode, Kevin also calls the real Orkin man to try to catch a "super mouse," and we test a fitness device we nicknamed "The Muscle Puncher." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Struggle Thanksgiving (Plus the Points Guy!) 32:46

7 years ago32:46

32:46

This week's episode features three special guests to kick off the beginning of the holiday season: Frankie Celenza of Tastemade.com stops by to use his Struggle Thanksgiving techniques to help us make holiday dinner on the cheap; We talk to The Points Guy Brian Kelly about maximizing credit card points on travel and gift purchases; and we actually call the TSA to ask which Thanksgiving leftovers you're allowed to bring on a plane (Hint: not cranberry sauce, even if it's still in that cool can shape.) Also featuring the craziest Testing Table ever: A beer pong game between a Roomba and "The Pongbot." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
A Technology Showdown! 41:26

7 years ago41:26

41:26

We puzzled over what to call this week's guest segment—the Dork Debate seemed too mean, so we went with Future of Technology Free-for-all. In fairness though, Popular Mechanics technology editor Alex George and CNET senior editor Dan Ackerman are neither dorks nor particularly pugnacious. They got along surprisingly well, often agreeing on the best ways to buy laptops, select phone plans, and play in virtual reality. Also on this episode, Peter Martin gets a too-late lesson from Roy in applying mortar to his bluestone patio (whoops), automotive editor Ezra Dyer tries out a jet ski that can go 70 mph, and we unearth a RIDICULOUSLY cool fact about parrotfish poop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Happy Halloween! 37:01

8 years ago37:01

37:01

No costume? Have no fear! Eric Gunnar Rochow of GardenFork.TV has some great ideas based on stuff you probably have in your garage. We also check back in on the jack o lanterns we carved and preserved last week, and *spoiler alert* some of them did not fare well at all. Later on the episode, Matt Allen gives tips for running fall marathons, Roy Berendsohn explains how to get egg off your house, and we test (ew) the new flavors of Soylent. After listening to the episode, make sure to fill out our host Panoply's survey about your podcast preferences, which you can find here: survey.megaphone.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Make Your Own Luck! 40:58

8 years ago40:58

40:58

There's a lot of superstition about Friday the 13th, but here at the Most Useful Podcast Ever, we believe that it's preparedness that creates luck. First up, we carve pumpkins with Hugh Mcmahon, who creates faces, animals and even ads in gourds. Mcmahon brings his tools and teaches us the secrets to carving (and preserving) a beautiful pumpkin. Later, Roy Berendsohn tells home renovation ghost stories, we fix back-breaking cracks in the sidewalk, and we try out a super difficult hand-drawn videogame that is taking the country by storm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Cooking with your Shop Vac 38:53

8 years ago38:53

38:53

The managing culinary director of Serious Eats, J. Kenji López-Alt, has some crazy ideas about tools you can use for cooking. Like, he uses actual tools that you might find in the garage. Also on this episode, tech editor Alex George does not get eaten by a shark, Peter Martin learns to sew on a button, and Roy Berendsohn rates instruction manuals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
A Useful Fan 37:42

8 years ago37:42

37:42

What do you do when a fan sends a huge jar of honey to the office? You invite him on the podcast, of course! This week we interview our fan, Eric Rochow of Gardenfork.tv, about all his DIY hobbies, including beekeeping and making a pot of beans in the dirt. Later on, Kevin tries to find a stud in a plaster wall, and the staff tries out the first videogame that's supposed to give you a sixpack, instead of the other way around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
How To Watch Football If You Can't Fix Your Broken TV 35:28

8 years ago35:28

35:28

It's that time of year again--football is coming back. Kevin tries to fix up a TV he found on the side of the road, and calls up technician from ShopJimmy.com for help. Meanwhile Peter Martin explains all the non-traditional ways to watch football this season, like with PlayStation, which doesn't require a PlayStation. Plus: Roy teaches us to clean our gutters, and Eleanor teaches us how to win at bocce (and other outdoor games). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
Bzzz SLAP! 37:33

8 years ago37:33

37:33

Mosquitos suck, particularly in August, when people are still eating outside and the camping is just starting to get good. On this episode, we talk to Joe Conlon, technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association, about DEET, citronella, and how to avoid getting bit. Thus provisioned, we spend most of the episode out in Central Park, testing pedal-assist E-bikes on a huge hill, and getting Frisbee lessons from an editor who went to college in Vermont. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Most Useful Podcast Ever

1
The Great Car Noise Challenge 39:00

8 years ago39:00