Well, that was random

Well, that was random

Author: Popular Mechanics / Panoply August 9, 2018 Duration: 49:28
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

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
Homemade Donuts with Wylie Dufresne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:54
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 in…
2018 Tech Preview (Plus the Wood Whisperer!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:07
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…
Fighting the Freeze [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:54
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 th…
All We Want for Christmas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:56
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 gif…
The Winter Coat Spectacular [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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. S…
Struggle Thanksgiving (Plus the Points Guy!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 t…
A Technology Showdown! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:26
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 seni…
Happy Halloween! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:01
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 *spo…
Make Your Own Luck! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:58
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, animal…
Cooking with your Shop Vac [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
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 edito…