News Sidequest

Being wrong is actually good for you / Touch grass, literally / Sometimes the voices are right

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

New research confirms what trial-and-error learners have always suspected: getting something wrong first — and then learning the right answer — produces significantly better retention than memorizing correctly from the start. Also: a study from Norway finds that solo time in nature has a measurable protective effect against loneliness, and the mechanism is more interesting than just "fresh air." And a case study from the BMJ that went viral this week: a woman in 1980s England heard voices telling her she had a brain tumor, her doctors initially dismissed it, and the scan proved the voices right. Plus the Lego pasta swap, a Florida driver who thought a Supra was a license, and a paraglider with very poor aim.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Middle-aged Americans are struggling / Feeling good isn't enough / The world is running out of people

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A major new study finds that Americans in midlife are lonelier, more depressed, physically weaker, and showing worse memory than earlier generations — and the gap between the US and most of the rest of the wealthy world is significant and growing. Also: a Simon Fraser University study finds that life satisfaction isn't just about feeling good — autonomy, the sense that your choices are genuinely your own, turns out to be a stronger predictor than positive emotions. And demographers are increasingly clear: the world is running out of people, and it's not because of war or disease — it's because prosperity itself is changing the math. Plus humanoid robots beating humans in a half-marathon, a skydiver hitting a scoreboard, and a bear costume that did not hold up to scrutiny.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's in your nightmare / The airplane seat that might actually work / The world needs more Dan Simpsons

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Researchers have a new model for treating chronic nightmares in kids — and the key insight is that it's not the nightmare itself that keeps them coming back, it's the child's response to waking up. Also: a double-level airplane seat concept called the Chaise Longue is back with its "final statement" design, and honestly the economics of it make more sense than you might expect. And Dan the Pizza Man, a 68-year-old Domino's driver in Idaho who stopped at a convenience store to buy a customer's Diet Coke out of his own pocket, is heading into retirement with over $150,000 raised by strangers on the internet. Plus a Florida surgeon who removed the wrong organ, a Louisiana fugitive tracking his own escape stats, and a Japanese fire official whose idea of workplace fun went very badly.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parents spending $50K to land their kid a job / Loneliness linked to suicide risk / AI can predict your diseases 20 years out

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Bloomberg reports that anxious parents are spending $50,000 or more to hire career coaches for their college-age kids — starting as early as freshman year. It raises a real question: is this a generational shift, a symptom of a brutal job market, or both? Also: a Vanderbilt study of 633,000 people finds loneliness is a critical step on the road to suicidal ideation — and the finding has direct implications for how we think about mental health treatment. Plus, a tool called Delphi-2M can now predict more than 1,000 diseases up to 20 years before symptoms appear, using nothing but your medical history. And a man declared dead who wasn't, a deputy on a dating app during a SWAT operation, a Disney stroller scheme, and an Ohio man who won the lottery twice in one day.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They're home from the Moon / The pet debt crisis is real / Gen Z thinks AI is rotting their brain

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

After ten days, 695,000 miles, and one crater named Carroll, the Artemis II crew splashed down safely in the Pacific on Friday — and the reaction was everything NASA needed it to be. Also: veterinary costs are up 43% since 2021, the average dog will cost you $50,000 over its lifetime, and the pet debt crisis is quietly becoming a breaking point for a lot of families. Plus, a new Gallup survey finds Gen Z's excitement about AI has collapsed while anger has surged — and the worry underneath it is actually pretty legitimate. And three men, a million dollars worth of Lego, a chimpanzee civil war, and a cow that apparently had an appointment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gen Z packed an anxiety bag / Put the phone down for a week / Workers are sabotaging AI

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A survey finds 61% of Gen Z have a diagnosed anxiety condition and 43% have a panic attack at least once a month — and they're building curated "anxiety bags" to manage it on the go. Also: a new study finds that blocking internet on your phone for just two weeks reversed the cognitive equivalent of ten years of aging. And nearly half of Gen Z workers admit to actively sabotaging their company's AI rollout — and the fear driving it is more understandable than it sounds. Plus the world chess champion's perfectly executed selfie trap, two men and 96 stolen bananas, and a funeral brawl nobody planned for.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Depression costs more than you think / Marriage might save your life / Your $22 smoothie is actually rational

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A new study finds depression hits personal finances harder than cancer or stroke — and the income gap doesn't close for a decade. Also: marriage is linked to dramatically lower cancer rates, and the study raises a question worth sitting with: is it the ring, or the connection? Plus, there's actually a name for why people buy $22 smoothies when they can't afford a house — and it's more psychologically interesting than it sounds. And a Nutella jar in space, a whole Australian town for sale, automatic military draft registration, and a dead alligator strapped to a car roof.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your brain needs more than Netflix / The housing dream is fading / We say we give but we don't

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A new study finds it's not just how much time you spend sitting — it's what you're doing while you sit. Passive screen time is linked to significantly higher dementia risk, and swapping one hour of TV for something that actually uses your brain could make a real difference. Also: the housing market is stuck in a slow grind that's locking out first-time buyers and trapping everyone else in place, and there's no quick fix in sight. Plus, nine in ten Americans say giving is a priority — but the share who actually donate has been falling for 25 years. And a banana emergency, a Tennessee Congressman hinting at aliens, and an April Fools' Day 911 call that did not land well.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farther than any human in history / Should we ban kids from social media? / How do you know what's real?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Four astronauts flew farther from Earth than any person in history — broke a 56-year-old record, named a crater after a commander's late wife, and heard a wake-up message from Jim Lovell recorded just before he died. Also: experts say banning kids from social media is politically popular but scientifically weak, and the evidence points toward something harder than a ban. Plus, the question I've been wanting to ask for a while: what is your actual system for deciding whether a news story is real? And a samurai sword stolen by a guy on a bike, a cat stuck in a recliner, and a cruise ship that ran aground next to where Cast Away was filmed.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Training your robot replacement / Seniors can't afford to live alone / Kids or financial freedom

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Gig workers in 50 countries are strapping phones to their foreheads and filming their chores to train humanoid robots — while openly acknowledging they're probably building their own replacements. Also: the number of seniors seeking roommates has tripled as housing costs crush retirement budgets, and a growing number of young couples say they want kids but simply can't make the math work. Plus, the Artemis II crew already had to call Houston about Microsoft Outlook, Trump wants to reopen Alcatraz while cutting NASA's budget, and a man stopped for gas and left with $100,000.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The girl who remembers everything / We've stopped talking / Humans have always gambled

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A teenager in France can mentally revisit any moment of her life in vivid detail — and scientists say it's as much burden as gift. Also: a new study finds people are speaking 338 fewer words every day than they were 15 years ago, and researchers say those missing words are the small moments of human contact quietly disappearing from daily life. Plus, ancient bone dice confirm humans have been gambling since the Ice Age — 6,000 years before anyone thought. And Paul McCartney got banned from his own subreddit, Jonathan the tortoise survived a crypto scam, and a company wants to block the sun.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three months from broke / Gas hits four dollars / Is your degree worth it?

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A new survey finds most Americans are just three months away from financial collapse — and it only takes about $6,000 in extra debt to push a household toward bankruptcy. Also: gas just crossed four dollars a gallon for the first time since 2022, driven by the war in Iran, and experts say relief isn't coming anytime soon. Plus, a new study says the most popular graduate degrees aren't worth the money. And NASA just launched four astronauts to the Moon for the first time in 54 years

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kids won't fix your happiness / Work feels like a funeral / Gen Z is napping through lunch

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A new study confirms what a lot of people already suspected: having kids doesn't make you happier — but it does strain your relationship. Also: the Wall Street Journal says the American workplace has become so joyless it feels like a funeral, and Dell charging for coffee is Exhibit A. Plus, Gen Z workers are escaping the 9-to-5 for nap pods and cry rooms around New York City. And identical twins, a DNA mix-up, a camel smuggling operation, and an Amber Alert for a child who never existed.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kids just want to be free / Social media is making college lonely / Your seat could save your life

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A new study asked kids what makes play feel like play — and their answer has nothing to do with anything adults have been building for them. Also: more than half of college students are lonely, and the heaviest social media users are the most isolated. Plus, your airplane seat row may determine whether you walk away from a crash. And a three-minute art heist, a Powerball winner who keeps committing crimes, and an underwater supervolcano nobody asked for.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your AI is lying to you / Reproducing in space is complicated / Egypt just got weirder

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A new study finds AI chatbots are making people less likely to apologize — and more likely to double down. Also: why having babies in space is harder than anyone expected, and why there might be a second Sphinx buried under the sand at Giza.Plus: portals to the fifth dimension, frozen brain tissue, a KitKat heist, and a Florida man who took his horse through a Chick-fil-A drive-thru.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can school houses build belonging? / When connections beat merit / One incredible career journey

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Can you actually design a sense of belonging?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at schools adopting Hogwarts-style house systems—and whether that kind of structure really works in the real world.

We also explore why connections may matter more than merit in some systems, and one incredible story of persistence from a woman who went from janitor to doctor at the same hospital.

Plus: an “alien” potato in space, a million-year-old time capsule, Opening Day debates, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How colleges are adapting to AI / Why everything feels more expensive / What we get better at with age

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

How do you prove you actually know something in the age of AI?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at how colleges are turning to oral exams as a way to verify learning—and what that says about how education is changing.

We also explore why more Americans are struggling with credit card debt, and a more optimistic finding about what people actually get better at as they age.

Plus: rogue robots in Chicago, cocaine sharks, giant spiders, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this a dating green flag? / The tough reality for new grads / How people actually change their minds

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

What’s the biggest green flag you’ve ever seen on a first date?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we start with a surprisingly controversial Olive Garden moment—and what it says about how we judge people.

We also look at the reality facing young graduates entering today’s job market, and a fascinating insight into how people actually change their minds.

Plus: rising Easter candy prices, fake carpool passengers, antimatter on the move, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why we love finding Easter eggs / Why we give our side a pass / The real cost of owning a pet

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:56:20 GMT

Why does finding a hidden detail in a movie feel so satisfying?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore the psychology behind why Easter eggs make us feel smart—and how that connects to the way we process information more broadly.

We also look at why people tend to lower their standards for “their side,” and what that says about how we judge others.

Plus: the rising cost of owning a pet, robots in fast food, coffee and brain health, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doctors may prescribe nature / Why HOAs feel like a second mortgage / When does wealth feel like too much?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

What if one of the best things for your mental health… is simply going outside?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore why doctors may soon start prescribing time in nature—and what people already do to disconnect and recharge.

We also look at how HOA fees are starting to feel like a second mortgage for many homeowners, and a growing debate over whether extreme wealth is something to admire… or question.

Plus: a possible meteorite crash, a very determined baseball fan, a fried chicken lottery win, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI brings actors back to life / The meaning of 867-5309 changes / Proof people have always been sarcastic

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:19:31 GMT

What happens when technology starts bringing people back from the dead?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore the growing use of AI to recreate actors like Val Kilmer—and where the line might be between tribute and something else.

We also look at how the famous number 867-5309 has taken on a completely different meaning over time, and what a 2,000-year-old sarcastic message reveals about how little human behavior has actually changed.

Plus: exploding comets, questionable lawsuits, bank robbers with poor returns, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why bad behavior sticks around in Congress / How common dark thoughts really are / A robot goes berserk

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Why do people keep doing things that don’t work—and never seem to face consequences?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore why personal attacks in politics continue despite failing to persuade voters, and what that says about how behavior actually changes.

We also look at a striking survey showing how common dark thoughts really are—and why most people never act on them.

Plus: a restaurant robot goes off the rails, a 2,000-year-old coin used as bus fare, rising stamp prices, and more from around the edges of the news.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gen Z discovers the benefits of being bored / AI is changing our opinions about things / Do you close your eyes to hear better?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Gen Z has a new “viral hack” to fix attention spans — and it’s surprisingly simple: put the phone down and do nothing.

In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore why boredom might actually be the reset our brains need.

We also look at a new survey finding that 58% of people say AI chatbots have influenced their opinions — and what that means for how we form ideas in 2026.

Plus: a hospital patient who won’t leave, a 12-year-old building a nuclear reactor, tipping culture reaching the courtroom, and why even sharks might have a social life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reading the reviews can re-wire your brain / Bad news for fans of corporate synergy / Flying might become more of an ordeal

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A new study suggests reading negative reviews can actually make painful experiences feel worse — because our brains tend to believe the crowd.

In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at how expectations shape the way we experience things.

We also dive into research suggesting people who rely heavily on corporate buzzwords like “circle back” and “synergy” may actually be worse at their jobs.

Plus: flying gets more expensive, a side hustle negotiating with car dealers, mice sent into space, possible UFO revelations, and a man who has spent 73 years digging graves.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More young people are having memory issues / Scientists learned nothing from Jurassic Park / Your annoying relatives might be killing you

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A new study suggests memory and cognitive disability rates are rising among younger people — which raises an uncomfortable question: are modern distractions making it harder for all of us to focus?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at what might be happening to our attention spans and share some practical ways people are trying to stay focused in a world full of notifications.

We also explore the growing scientific effort to resurrect extinct animals like the dodo — and whether bringing species back from extinction is a brilliant idea or a Jurassic Park sequel waiting to happen.

Plus: CIA spy cats, an asteroid that flew closer than the Moon, karaoke rage, a spicy salsa lawsuit, and a Florida man who claims he was abducted by dolphins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People just aren't going to movie theaters anymore / The Tooth Fairy is super expensive / Scientists make a Google Map for the body

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:40:51 GMT

Only about half of Americans went to a movie theater in 2025, according to a new Pew study — and some people say they’ve never seen a movie in a theater at all. In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at what might be driving the shift away from theaters and ask listeners about their most memorable movie-going experiences.

We also explore the surprising rise in Tooth Fairy payouts, which now average nearly six dollars per tooth.

Plus: a “Google Maps” for the human body, Bigfoot sightings in Ohio, a 10-year-old college student, a possible April Fools’ moon launch from NASA, and a man accused of trying to smuggle 2,000 queen ants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1/3 of Americans believe they'll see the end of the world / Get ready for flying cars / Hot weather doesn't bother you as much as you think

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Nearly a third of Americans say they believe the world will end in their lifetime. But what does that actually say about how we think about the future?

In this episode of News Sidequest, we take a closer look at that surprising survey and ask listeners whether they feel more optimistic or pessimistic about the future than they did 10 or 20 years ago.

We also explore the FAA’s plan to test flying “air taxis” across the United States — and whether anyone is actually ready for thousands of drone-style vehicles buzzing over our cities.

Plus: a Florida man accused of stealing $600,000 worth of onions and potatoes, a missing Russian gold coin treasure, scam losses hitting $119 billion a year, and the very unfortunate moment when police lose the password to $5 million in seized cryptocurrency.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teens are spending most of the school day on their phones / Why you can't remember where the remote is / Why haven't we heard from aliens?

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Teens are spending hours on their phones during the school day—and it’s raising a big question about whether schools should ban them entirely. In this episode of News Sidequest, we look at what a new study found about phone use in classrooms and ask teachers, parents, and students to weigh in.

We also explore the strange reason you can remember song lyrics from 25 years ago but forget why you walked into a room.

Plus: raccoons solving puzzles for fun, a treasure hunter who still won’t reveal where the gold is, cheating in a fishing tournament, and a little long-overdue justice for the Titanic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Young people are taking up "Old People" hobbies / Open offices might cause bullying / Certain people are more drawn to conspiracy theories

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Young people are rediscovering old-school hobbies to escape their phones, and a new study suggests open-plan offices might actually encourage workplace bullying. In this episode of News Sidequest, we explore why hobbies like gardening and woodworking might be making a comeback—and why the office layout designed for “collaboration” might be doing the exact opposite.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dealing with jerks might be shortening your life / It's important to be able to laugh at yourself / Forgiveness might be overrated

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:01:00 GMT

A new study suggests difficult people in your life might actually make you age faster — which raises the question: who’s the most difficult person you’ve ever had to deal with? Meanwhile, research shows people who can laugh at their own mistakes tend to be more likable and easier to work with. Plus: taco seasoning used in a $40K theft, a couple trying to claim land with a garden gnome, salamanders shutting down roads in New Jersey, and why climbing around on an active volcano is still a bad idea.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No one hates Americans more than... other Americans / United Airlines wants you to use headphones. Or else / One third of Gen Z men kind of suck

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:01:00 GMT

A new international survey finds Americans are especially likely to view their fellow citizens as morally bad — raising the question of when we started becoming more suspicious of each other. Meanwhile, United Airlines is cracking down on passengers who blast audio without headphones, highlighting the growing problem of public etiquette. Plus: Girl Scouts selling cookies outside a dispensary, moon-grown chickpeas, lottery lightning striking twice, and why “Swiftie” is finally in the dictionary.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More evidence you're probably never going to be able to retire / People are seeing aliens on drugs / Betting on nuclear detonations

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:01:00 GMT

Record numbers of Americans are dipping into their 401(k) retirement savings just to get through the present — what does retirement planning actually look like for people right now? Plus, scientists are studying why people who take the psychedelic DMT often report seeing similar “entities,” raising fascinating questions about how the human brain constructs reality. We also cover Renaissance art mysteries, a hotel coffee maker controversy, Pokémon-style crime stories, and why the Brady Bunch house is now a historic landmark.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a good life at 95 look like to you? / What completely unreasonable fear do you have? / Civilization is probably doomed

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:01:00 GMT

A 95-year-old traveler says staying curious and exploring the world is the secret to staying sharp — which raises the question: what does a good life at 95 actually look like? Plus, a new poll finds most Americans admit to being nervous about flying, even though it’s statistically one of the safest ways to travel. We also cover alien civilizations, Pokémon card heists, a baby spider monkey naming contest, and a Yellowstone geyser waking up after years of silence.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is having two jobs just the normal thing now? / Blood test could tell you how long you have left / Get ready for deepfake spam calls

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Teachers are working second jobs just to stay afloat — but is this really a teacher crisis, or a broader middle-class reality? Plus, a new blood test claims it can predict whether you’ll still be alive in two years. Would you want to know? We also cover deepfake phone calls, Gen Z finding love at wrestling matches, and a sinkhole that accidentally revealed a wine cellar.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not just houses, no one can afford anything / People feel good about their lives but bad about everyone else's / They're taking bets on aliens

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:47:21 GMT

With major global headlines dominating the news cycle, today’s News Sidequest offers a brief detour. A new poll says more than half of Americans now consider health care, a weeklong vacation, and even a new car unaffordable — so what quietly feels out of reach in your life? Meanwhile, most Americans say they feel fine personally… but think the country is falling apart. Is that media-driven anxiety or something deeper? Plus lab-grown brains, popcorn-scented tomatoes, and microwave lasers in space.Take a look at Justin Robert Young’s podcast on everything that happened in the middle east this weekend: War with Iran. What Happened and What's Next?

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should be in America's time capsule? / Feel free to wear pajamas at the airport / You probably have a little Neanderthal in you

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:01:00 GMT

If America buried a time capsule for 250 years, what should go inside? A smartphone? A meme? A Costco receipt? And while we’re at it — should airports draw the line at pajama pants? Today on News Sidequest: how we want to be remembered, the great airport dress code debate, Neanderthal ancestry surprises, and why podcasts officially beat talk radio. We want your answers — email us at newssidequest@gmail.com or weigh in in the comments.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does having children make you happier? / Dating in 2026 is basically a minefield / Get ready for adult gym class

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Does having kids actually make you happier — or are we doing a terrible job selling parenthood? And in the dating world, is “ghostlighting” a real trend or just flaky behavior with better branding? Today on News Sidequest: parenting, modern romance chaos, dodgeball fitness for adults, why podcasts just beat talk radio, and a rare Florida nudist real estate opportunity. Parents and single people — this one’s for you.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than half of teens are using chatbots for schoolwork / Grandpa probably should hold office / Get ready for a big announcement from Bigfoot?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

A new study says you’d need $400,000 a year to make childcare “affordable” — so is parenthood becoming a luxury item? Meanwhile, police are increasingly using Google search histories to identify suspects, raising big questions about privacy in 2026. Today on News Sidequest: the cost of kids, searchable curiosity, rogue AI real estate monsters, and why Waffle House remains undefeated.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You need to make how much to afford kids? / Police are on the look out for suspicious Googling / Reading will help you in old age

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:01:00 GMT

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gen Z is delaying everything in life / Single men might need to re-think their lives / How to know if a chimp is flirting with you

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:01:00 GMT

Gen Z is hitting life milestones later — and more women are choosing to stay single by choice. What does “adulthood” even mean anymore? Today on News Sidequest: redefining grown-up life, the new relationship calculus, flirty chimpanzees, rogue robot vacuums, and why you should live your life in a way that doesn’t make jury selection impossible.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you vote for family in the "other" political party? / Fighter jets can be 'jailbroken' like an iPhone / Trump vs Obama on aliens

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

A Republican senator backs his Democrat wife for office — and somehow that’s national news. Meanwhile, U.S. fighter jets can apparently be “jailbroken” like an iPhone. Today on News Sidequest: loyalty vs. party, military software at Mach 2, and why stealing an ambulance is harder to get away with than you’d think.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Too much time on social media might make you lonely / Would you retire to a cruise ship? / Get ready for the global coffee shortage

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

A new study says college students who spend 16 hours a week on social media are more likely to feel lonely — which raises an important question: what are you all doing for two hours a day? Meanwhile, a 32-year-old couple retired to live full-time on cruise ships for less than $10K a year. Today on News Sidequest: loneliness, logging off, boneless wing justice, pickle assault, kung fu robots, and the growing threat of a coffee shortage.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adults need to make time to play / You're still never going to get to retire / Start planning your next Sleepcation, which is apparently a thing

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Adults who still “play” are happier and less stressed — which is great news, because apparently we also need $2 million to retire. Today on News Sidequest, we talk about burnout, play, the future of retirement, and why waiting until you’re 70 to enjoy life might be a risky strategy. Plus: spicy chicken crimes, city-killer asteroids, automation anxiety, and one very good dog.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We might be causing AI to hallucinate / Is it a good idea to "Protect" kids from technology? / How would you react to aliens?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Gird your loins for Friday the 13th. Naturally we’re talking about happiness and the American Dream. New research says the secret to happiness is feeling loved — while another study suggests more Americans feel the Dream is slipping out of reach.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

75% of us are suffering from burnout / Worrying about aging makes you age faster / Pres. Obama says aliens are real

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Three out of four people are burned out… and apparently stressing about aging makes you age faster. Cool. On today’s News Sidequest, we talk survival strategies, mindset hacks, and the strange headlines that help us reset — from alien commentary to Olympic hockey fugitives.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scientists find the secret to happiness / Is the American Dream dead / Social media exec has shocking stance on social media addiction

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 02:48:10 GMT

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Facebook wants you to keep posting after you're dead / Get ready for AI therapists / You really can bet on everything

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:34:27 GMT

Meta’s plan to let AI “digital stand-ins” keep posting after you die — because apparently logging off forever is no longer an option. Then we look at the growing number of Americans turning to AI for emotional therapy and what that means for real human connection. Plus, the usual strange headlines

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American optimism hits a new low / What should people know how to do when they leave high school? / Don't use ChatGPT as a doctor

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:08:36 GMT

American optimism has hit a record low, according to a new Gallup poll—but what does that actually feel like in everyday life? Plus, a high school in Taiwan that’s making students climb a wall to graduate, sparking a bigger conversation about the life skills school never taught us.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paying people to navigate the hellish job market / Get ready for "Polyworking" / Gen Z doesn't know how to meet people

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we look at why job seekers are paying recruiters just to get hired, how “polyworking” is becoming a survival strategy, and what it all says about the modern economy—plus the usual strange, funny, and slightly alarming headlines along the way.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gird your loins for the affordability crisis / The national debt is less than ideal / Age really does beat beauty

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 01:55:29 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we look at why nearly all Americans feel stuck in a cost-of-living crisis, what soaring national debt says about where we are right now, and the strange headlines people are using to cope with it all.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we undergoing a process of generational dumbening? / Can money buy happiness? / Attack of the baseball player chatbots

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 02:35:49 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we look at claims of an intergenerational drop in intelligence, Elon Musk’s comments on money and happiness, and the strange mix of headlines that rounded out the week.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a giant freaking red flag for the economy waving around right now / No one wants to be alone on Valentine's Day / Attack of the brain-eating amoebas

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:10:04 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we look at renters turning to “rent now, pay later” services, the annual February rush back to dating apps, and the quieter anxieties hiding inside today’s headlines.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blame your dad for your bad health / Should we ban kids from using social media? / You might be ruining your sleep

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:37:24 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we look at a surprising study linking fathers’ interactions to children’s long-term health, the growing push to ban social media for kids, and the quieter questions hiding inside today’s headlines.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is AI Making Us Lonely or Are We Using AI Because We're Lonely? / How Much Control Does Your Employer Have Over Your Daily Life? / Enough with the Remakes

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 01:43:00 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we talk about losing years of work with one wrong click, finding meaning in failure, and a collection of headlines meant to give you a short break from the heavier news.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you lock yourself away for a whole year? / You're not going to live forever / It might be a good idea to take your passport everywhere

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 01:28:02 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we take a break from the heavier news to talk about how Americans are actually using AI at work, the airport behaviors that drive travelers insane, and a collection of stories that earned a well-timed eye roll.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life expectancy hits a new high / Get ready for robot teachers / Astronomers might have found a new neighbor

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:00:45 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we talk about rising life expectancy in the U.S., whether AI should really be teaching kids, and a collection of headlines that close out the week with a well-earned eye roll.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Men are feigning interest in things to get dates... shocking / How about getting rid of property taxes? / They have prediction markets for everything

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:02:19 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we talk about “attraction hobbies,” the push to eliminate property taxes, and a collection of headlines that made today’s news quietly absurd.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What antiquated technology should we bring back? / Embarrassing childhood memories / Slightly closer to doomsday

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:01:08 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we talk about stepping back from modern tech, childhood mistakes we somehow survived, and a collection of headlines meant to give you a brief break from the heavier news.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's your exhibit in the Museum of Personal Failure? / Getting paid to make friends / Would you want to live to be 150?

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:27:29 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we talk about losing years of work with one wrong click, finding meaning in failure, and a collection of headlines meant to give you a short break from the heavier news.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How are you using AI at work? / The airport behavior that makes everybody mad / How to be kind at work

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:16:28 GMT

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your cell phone killing you? (Probably not) / Remember that you're always on camera / Watch out for exploding trees

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 02:27:55 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we look at a new study on cellphone radiation, an Amazon driver caught stealing a cat on camera, and a collection of headlines that earned a well-deserved eye roll.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should there be an age limit for politicians? / How much of your life do you lose to your commute? / PETA tries to ruin Groundhog Day

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:24:41 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we talk about a proposed age limit for elected officials, the time and money lost to traffic, and a collection of headlines that earned a well-deserved eye roll.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Education doesn't make you immune to conspiracy theories / How much money is 23 years of your life worth? / Get ready for the era of cheap weddings

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we talk about compensation after wrongful imprisonment, why education doesn’t stop conspiracy thinking, and a collection of headlines that earned a well-deserved eye roll.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Short attention span theater / Learn the age your body starts falling apart / Cows have learned how to use tools

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

On today’s News Sidequest: Netflix movies built for phone distraction, aging and fitness reality checks, and the strange confidence behind today’s headlines.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's your mundane bucket list item? / Letter writing is making a comeback / Aliens might have an impact on your back account

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we talk about a terminally ill fan getting early access to GTA 6, the quiet revival of letter writing, and a collection of headlines that deserved at least one good eye roll.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gemini AI is going to remember everything you do / Horses can smell your fear / Some scientists haven't seen Jurassic Park and it shows

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 03:37:30 GMT

Today’s News Sidequest covers AI memory, horses sensing fear, and the stories that made today’s news hard to take seriously.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Young Americans are unplugging / Is it a good idea to ban cell phones in schools? / You need to get up and do some jumping jacks right now

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:45:57 GMT

On today’s News Sidequest, we talk about young Americans unplugging from their phones, the push to ban cell phones in classrooms, and a mix of headlines that earned a well-deserved eye roll — from dog poop DNA tests to late-night pizza requests.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flying in space really messes with your brain / You can book a hotel stay on the Moon / Let's ban politicians from lying

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 01:07:54 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we look at what space travel actually does to the human brain, why people are already putting down deposits for a hotel on the Moon, and a handful of headlines that deserve a skeptical eye roll. Plus: cancer survival milestones, productivity myths, Bigfoot sightings, White Castle romance, and a very futuristic ketchup box.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What helps you get through the workday slog? / Would you rather have a better job title or more money? / App does a wellness check on remote workers

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Today on News Sidequest, we talk about workday survival rituals, why some people would rather have a fancy job title than more money, and the small choices that help us get through the day. Plus, monkeys on the loose, an OnlyFans side hustle controversy, AI stress, cruise ship illness, and other stories that made the news feel slightly more ridiculous than usual.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you refuse to spend money on? / Learning about your spouse before you get married / Sending a Rubik's cube to space

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

On today’s News Sidequest, we explore the things people refuse to spend money on, how someone apparently made it to marriage without noticing their spouse was bald, and the small revelations that come after the wedding. Along the way: aliens and Rubik’s Cubes, a $15 million Superman comic, traumatized AI chatbots, outhouse-level hotel service, and a stadium urinal you can now call your own.

Get full access to News Sidequest at newssidequest.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.