A Useful Fan

A Useful Fan

Author: Popular Mechanics / Panoply September 15, 2017 Duration: 36:42
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

Ever find yourself staring at a tangled mess of cables, a confusing gadget manual, or a household problem that seems to have no logical solution? Most Useful Podcast Ever is here for those moments. Hosted by Popular Mechanics Editor Jacqueline Detwiler and brought to you by Panoply, this is a conversation about the practical side of technology and everyday life. Instead of abstract theory, each episode brings in a different expert-engineers, scientists, makers, and clever thinkers-to tackle the surprisingly tough questions you actually have. You’ll hear clear, actionable advice on everything from maintaining your tools and optimizing your workspace to understanding the tech that shapes your day. The tone is curious and straightforward, cutting through the noise to deliver information that feels immediately applicable. It’s the kind of podcast that makes you nod along, thinking, "Oh, so that’s how that works," and you’ll likely walk away with a tip or a new perspective you can use before the episode even finishes. Think of it as a regular dose of useful clarity, designed to make the world around you just a bit more manageable and interesting.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Most Useful Podcast Ever
Podcast Episodes
Snakes, Bears and the Infinite Scroll [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:25
Our guest on the podcast this week is a very smart, very adventurous dude named Brendan Leonard, a climber, ultrarunner and general outdoorsman who recently wrote a book called The Great Outdoors: A Users Guide. He gives…
The Fate of the Furious [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:57
With the latest installment of The Fast and The Furious out this weekend, Scott Eastwood, who plays a character named Little Nobody in the film, stopped in to the Popular Mechanics office to race the staff with remote co…
Help From The Most Useful Entertainment Ever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:10
Peter and Kevin watched the show "Jungletown" on Viceland this week and wondered how the show's volunteers were doing such a poor job of running a PVC water system to their home site. So they asked Roy, who didn't pull a…
Other Useful Stuff for March (Now That Your Bracket is Busted) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:36
To kick off today's show, we talk to PM Autos Editor, Ezra Dyer, who recently visited the NYPD Fleet Services Division—the guys responsible for keeping the department's 6,000 cop cars in good, running condition. Ezra exp…
The Madness of March [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:43
On today's show, we offer up helpful tips for three things that will likely be driving you mad this March. First up, we talk to Tim Chartier, professor of mathematics and computer science Davidson College, about "March M…
Before the Flood it's Carnival Season [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:39
On today's show, in light of the emergency at the Oroville Dam in California, we talk to Rachel Sears, the director of FEMA’s Floodplain Management Division, to find out what to do if there's a flood risk near you. Then…
M.U.P.E.rbowl! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:25
On today's show we ask: Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya? First, we get the lowdown on all the prop bets for this year's Superbowl. Not who wins, or the number of points scored by the Falcons or the Pats, but the good stuf…
Ask Roy! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:59
Popular Mechanics Senior Home Editor Roy Berendsohn is a font of mechanical knowledge. In this episode, we asked him to give us his top tips for winter, and ended up learning about physics, fans and tumblesnow. On the te…
New Year, New You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:52
Are you ready to turn some of our awesome life tips into full-time habits? Then check out this episode, which includes tricks for changing your life from Stanford researcher BJ Fogg, who studies the ways technology influ…
Popular Mechanics Santa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:50
Popular Mechanics editors spend all day researching cool tech, tools, and toys. We asked a few to stop by the recording studio and tell us what they want for the holidays. The suggestions might just inspire you to spend…