
ELI5 Explain Like I'm 5: Bite sized answers to stuff you should know about - in a mini podcast
Education Podcasts
Location:
United States
Genres:
Education Podcasts
Description:
Explain Like I'm Five, aka ELI5, is the mini-podcast series where we take the questions you always wanted to ask, and talk about them in a way that is easy to understand. Made possible by the amazing reddit community at r/explainlikeimfive. See episode show notes for user credits.
Language:
English
Episodes
ELI5 Invisalign – are they better than braces?
5/2/2025
Could jaw surgery be the faster solution for realigning teeth, and what are the risks? How exactly does wearing Invisalign gradually shift your teeth into the desired position? What’s the biggest misconception people have about Invisalign compared to traditional braces? How has aggressive direct-to-consumer marketing made Invisalign a household name despite its origins? What role does 3D printing technology play in the production of custom Invisalign aligners? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: doggoisniceo, skunkrider, professional_row8960, zahnsaw, gothiclg, zimagotchi, foximus_91, flipmode_squad To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:13
ELI5 Stoicism - what are the four Stoic values?
4/25/2025
What is Stoicism, and how does it apply to our modern lives today? How does Stoicism differ from popular self-help interpretations of its principles? Can you explain the four key Stoic virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Temperance, and Justice? What makes Stoicism relevant during challenging times, such as the recent pandemic? How can mastering emotions enhance our practice of Stoicism in daily life? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: monk_cat, timmibal, germino1227, tclark5193. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:08:33
ELI5 Panama Canal - why did the original French attempt fail?
4/18/2025
What makes the Panama Canal’s lock system so essential compared to the Suez Canal’s lack of locks? How do locks help manage the canal’s significant elevation change across mountainous terrain? Why was constructing a wide trench connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans deemed too complicated and risky? Why did the U.S. ultimately choose Panama for the canal after initially considering Nicaragua as a better option? What historical challenges did the French face while attempting to build the Panama Canal before the U.S. took over? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: taimo-kun, jamesthejust1, regularnormaladult, aj_mexico, misappliedreference, bettinafairchild, lazy-equivalent1028, and breckenridgeback. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:54
ELI5 Blood Types - do animals have different blood types just like humans?
4/11/2025
What fascinating adaptations led to the evolution of diverse blood types in humans over millennia? How does our immune system interact with foreign entities to determine blood type responsiveness? Why is Type AB blood considered rare, and how does intermixing populations contribute to its existence? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: greengulred, foxtofu, darthrado, ezekielraiden. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:57
ELI5 Fish Oil - if it’s so good for you, why not use it more for cooking?
4/4/2025
Does fish oil actually help? What makes it help? What are the specific types of Omega-3 that are good for you? If it’s so good for us why not use it more for cooking? Why are there some eggs that have Omega-3 on the label? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: adapid, baggier, dvlpr404, ridcullylivces, siznit, mandolele and scarydare5. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:06:53
ELI5 GPUs - why are they better than CPUs for artificial intelligence?
3/28/2025
What distinguishes CPUs from GPUs in architecture, and how does this impact their performance in computing tasks? Why are GPUs considered better at handling tasks like graphics rendering compared to CPUs? How do different rendering techniques in games versus offline programs affect the processing demands on CPUs and GPUs? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: insane_eraser, popejustice, warlocktx, pourliver, dmartis, and arentol. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:57
ELI5 Sunrise - why do sunrise and sunset look different?
3/21/2025
What makes sunrises and sunsets visually unique experiences despite being technically the same phenomenon? Why do atmospheric conditions lead to warmer reds during sunsets and cooler blues during sunrises? How do variations in dust, humidity, and pollution change the colors we perceive at sunrise versus sunset? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: username1, username2, username3, username4, username5, and username6. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:54
ELI5 Sliced Bread - why is it the greatest thing since…
3/14/2025
What makes sliced bread the “greatest thing since” anything? How did the invention of sliced bread in 1928 change consumer habits? Why do traditional French and Italian breads mold faster than commercially sliced bread? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: zeusthunder369, fallenjoe, much-apricot, de-bunker, lyd_euh, glm409, lordginger_, immortal_azrael. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:38
ELI5 Nautical Miles - why are they different from the regular mile?
3/7/2025
We explain the fascinating concept of nautical miles, an essential unit for navigating our oceans. What exactly is a nautical mile, and how does it relate to the way we navigate? How does a nautical mile differ from the standard road mile we’re used to, and why does this difference matter for sailors and pilots? What practical advantages does using nautical miles provide in terms of ease of navigation, especially when using coordinates and charts? Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: throwawayoregon12, nephroidofdoom, asscrap69, carlfazu, kalyugikangaroo, and keizzer. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:54
ELI5 AA Batteries - how did AA type batteries become standard and what about the A battery?
2/28/2025
What makes AA batteries the go-to choice for so many devices when alternatives exist? Why do we have so many different battery sizes like AA, AAA, C, and D? What led to the standardization of battery sizes in the 1920s? Why do some devices require two AA batteries instead of just one? What factors contribute to the performance difference between name-brand and generic batteries? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: tmahfan117, twotall88, brianbell_, ccsica, jwink3101, reddit1651, wrsaunders, santhonyh To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:25
ELI5 Meditation - Can meditation really change your brain?
2/21/2025
How does meditation physically alter our brain’s grey matter? Is it true that the amygdala shrinks after mindfulness meditation? How do Tibetan monks increase body temperature through meditation? What training techniques enhance focus and mental stamina through meditation? How does meditation compare to other stress-relief practices, like exercise or art? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: klockwerk, historical_elf, dim7altone, prieztiano, towerss, kotama, ozy193, force3vo To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:08:04
ELI5 Wolves - why are there big cats but not big dogs in the wild?
2/14/2025
Why are there big cats but not big dogs in the wild while there are lots of big cats? Why are wolves so hard to tame? How were prehistoric men able to domesticate wild wolves? How have wolves been portrayed in different cultures and mythologies throughout history? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: minntyy, avec_serif, fiendishrabbit, logicalbasher, lithuim, agilepersonality2058, copperpoint, mrmikejj, good-mcrn-ing and fimbulwinter91 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:56
ELI5 E. Coli - what is it and why isn’t it all bad?
2/7/2025
What exactly is E. coli, and why should we care about it? Why is it used a lot in scientific research? What does E. coli pop up often in food contamination cases? What are the symptoms? What are some notable outbreaks? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: pckman, jacksmith8001, coldpizzza4, mistercortez, cutegun, likesmoonpies and ehcksit To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:06:21
ELI5 Schrödinger's Cat - is the cat both dead and alive and why does it matter in quantum mechanics?
1/31/2025
Explain Schrödinger's Cat in simple terms. Why did Erwin Schrödinger propose this thought experiment in the first place? What was Schrödinger trying to argue against with his cat example? Which other scientist inspired Schrödinger to devise the cat? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: culturedgoat, flurb4, use-paragon, tenor1, hackey_sack, western_ground7478 and burnoutbrigheter6 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:06:22
ELI5 Rare Earth Metals - why they aren’t actually rare?
1/24/2025
What makes these metals so special and why are they called ‘rare’? What technologies are they used in? Why are they so hard to substitute? Where are they found geographically? What about unobtanium and adamantium? .. we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: wookiebadass, wrsaunders, commentingrobot, chauncy_prime, undyingcorn and diavolo_rosso_ To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:06:55
ELI5 LASIK - how exactly does it fix your vision?
1/17/2025
What exactly is LASIK, and how does it differ from other vision correction procedures? Is it painful? How does it differ from PRK as a procedure? How does the cornea heal after a LASIK procedure if there is no blood flow going to the cornea? Which celebrities have famously had LASIK surgery? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: aggressive_elevator, razzbaronz, vladimyrputin, just_a_pyro, lakefargo and iamkeerock To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail. ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:18
ELI5 Ligers, Lions and Tigers - who would win in a fight?
1/10/2025
Why are Ligers larger in size than both Tigers and Lions? Why can only certain species interbreed? Why are Lions and Tigers polar opposites in terms of their character and physical attributes? Lions and tigers have a significant cultural presence in art, literature, and media. How do these representations influence public perception in different countries? Who would win in a 1 on 1 fight between a lion and tiger? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: pigthewise, mistersixfold, sohamp97, culturalappropriator and kingofthekingpeople To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:08:00
Introducing American Masters: Creative Spark
1/9/2025
We explain why we've been listening to the American Masters: Creative Podcast from PBS. Hope you enjoy it too.
Duration:00:02:45
Sleepwalking - is it dangerous to wake someone in the middle of a sleep walk?
1/3/2025
How does sleepwalking work exactly? Are certain people more prone to it? What types of activities can sleepwalkers get up to? Are there specific triggers that cause sleepwalking? Is it true that waking a sleepwalker can be dangerous? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: lindsey1151, xsnr, happycapsule, bandito21dema and reshkayden To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
Duration:00:07:11
Introducing American Masters: Creative Spark
1/3/2025
We explain why we've been listening to the American Masters: Creative Podcast from PBS. Hope you enjoy it too.
Duration:00:02:45