In this podcast, Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer discuss the following stories to help you get smarter and learn something new in just a few minutes:

Learn about a personality trait called the D Factor that might be behind all the evil in the world; why the Pluto planet debate just won’t go away; and how much time it takes to grow giant, prize-worthy pumpkins.

Learn how moons can have their own moons called moonmoons; how to tell whether you’re a forgiving person; and why you get sick when the seasons change.

Learn about why regular bedtimes aren’t just for kids; a toxin in the pong pong seeds of the Cerbera odollam tree that’s been called the perfect murder weapon; and the best word you can say to convince people you’re not a robot.

Learn about why the universe may have been teeming with life billions of years ago; why NASA’s Mars 2020 Martian rover mission is going to be a huge milestone; and four personality types people fit into, according to new research.

Learn how Spiritualism made Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini fast friends — and how it caused their falling out; how to read food labels in the U.S.; how to keep your jack-o’-lantern from spoiling; and why it’s hard to declare yourself a sovereign nation, even if you buy your own island.

Learn what might happen if mosquitoes disappeared; why music played backward makes you hear hidden messages; and what people can tell about your relationships from your Facebook profile.

Learn where food poisoning comes from (and how to avoid it); why we’re in the Milky Way’s second life.; and whether fruits and vegetables are healthier when they’re fresh or frozen.

Learn about several states of matter beyond the three or four you probably already know about; the military-tested Argonne diet designed to prevent jet lag; and the Near-Death Experience Scale.

Learn about the mysterious 4,000-year-old Phaistos disk; how the necrobiome is helping forensic scientists; and the 7 beliefs of emotionally healthy people.

Learn how much your work suffers when you’re sleep deprived; the scientific reason why some places feel like they’re haunted by ghosts; and how to get the most benefits from being surrounded by nature.

Learn about how to feel less excluded and why it’s so important, with special guest Vivian Zayas, Director of the Personality, Attachment, and Control Laboratory at Cornell University. Plus, learn about a new device that makes sound go one-way.

Learn about whether dark mode really is easier on your eyes, according to research. Then, learn about how new antibiotics are being developed with Dr. Matt McCarthy, author of the new book “Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic.”

Learn about why it could be hard to communicate with humans of the future; how a potted plant can help you boost your productivity; and why coffee makes you poop.

Learn about whether our ancient ancestors were healthier than we are; why Neptune is sometimes further away from the sun than Pluto; and how to know if you’re an echoist, which is the polar opposite of a narcissist.