Podcast Summary
The timing of asteroid impacts and their impact on species survival: During catastrophic events like asteroid impacts, the timing can significantly affect which species survive. Springtime impacts may be more survivable for animals taking care of young and staying inside, while extroverted species like dinosaurs may be disproportionately affected.
The timing of a catastrophic event, such as the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs, can have a significant impact on which species survive. According to a recent discovery, the asteroid hit during the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, a time when many animals were taking care of their young and staying inside. This meant that those animals were more likely to survive the impact, while dinosaurs, who were more extroverted and outdoorsy, were disproportionately wiped out. This finding sheds new light on the reasons behind one of the most catastrophic events in Earth's history. Additionally, in other news, Planet Oat offers a rich and creamy oat milk that is an excellent source of calcium, vitamins A and D, and unsweetened varieties have 0 grams of sugar. Apple Card rewards users with up to 3% daily cash on every purchase. And the StoryCorps podcast shares stories of people who found a rhythm all their own and marched to it throughout their lives. This week on Everyone and Their Mom, we delve deeper into Wait Wait stories with comedian and beloved panelist Adam Burt. We'll be discussing a fascinating theory that suggests spring break may have played a role in the extinction of the dinosaurs. Stay tuned for a magical and chaotic journey filled with geniuses, weirdos, and unexpected discoveries.
The extinction of dinosaurs: A disruptive event: The asteroid's impact led to the extinction of dinosaurs, creating opportunities for mammals to thrive and adapt, much like unexpected events can present challenges and opportunities in life
The extinction of the dinosaurs can be compared to a disruptive event, like spring break gone wrong. Just as college students might be caught off guard by unexpected circumstances, dinosaurs were likely taken by surprise when the asteroid struck. The aftermath brought about significant changes, with mammals, like humans, emerging as the new dominant species. Sam Malcolm, a professional comedian and juggler, imagines this moment as a turning point in Earth's history, where the absence of dinosaurs and the onset of nuclear winter presented both challenges and opportunities for new life to thrive. If the world were ending, and one could only bring a few items to start a new civilization, Malcolm suggests considering the unexpected and whimsical, such as jugglers, who might bring creativity and adaptability to the new society.
Discovering the Power of Juggling: Juggling, an art form known for entertainment, can foster creativity and problem-solving. A society of jugglers could innovate and adapt, approaching challenges with precision and versatility.
Juggling, an art form often seen as a simple entertainment, can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and creativity. Sam, a world-renowned juggler, shared his story of discovering juggling in a small, isolated town. He was drawn to the intricacy and challenge of the skill, and this mindset could translate to a unique and functional society. Imagine a space colony of only jugglers. With a culture rooted in creativity and engineering, this society would approach problem-solving in innovative ways, often finding the most complex solutions. Juggling's focus on precision and timing could lead to advancements in various fields. During our conversation, we played a game called "Will It Juggle?" to demonstrate the versatility of juggling. The answer: almost anything can be juggled with the right preparation and mindset. This game showcased the adaptability and creativity of jugglers, making it an excellent metaphor for how this society would tackle challenges. In essence, the juggling mindset, with its emphasis on problem-solving and creativity, could lead to a thriving and innovative civilization.
Juggling life's complexities with creativity and humor: Maintain a positive attitude and find humor in unexpected situations to successfully manage life's complexities
With creativity and emotional effort, even the most complex situations in life, such as juggling work, family, and dating, can be managed. Sam's insightful discussion about managing intramural sports for three kids as a single parent and considering dating again, demonstrates that everything can be juggled. Furthermore, the conversation about the end of the world, whether it be a heavy metal apocalypse or a syrup flood, highlights the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and finding humor in unexpected circumstances. The Boston molasses disaster, a real historical event, serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly impossible situations can be survived with creativity and a good sense of humor.
Debate over dinosaur era oxygen levels: Scientists argue about the oxygen levels during the time of dinosaurs, which could impact their respiratory health and our understanding of their existence.
The oxygen levels during the time of dinosaurs is still a topic of debate among scientists. Jigme O'Connor, the associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum of Natural History, shared that some believe there was more oxygen, while others think there was less. This question of oxygen levels is important because it could impact whether dinosaurs, like those in Jurassic Park, would have had respiratory issues. O'Connor also shared that stereotypes of paleontologists being old white men in khakis or button-up shirts hold true for many, but he broke the mold by going to China where appearance didn't matter. He jokingly wished he could name dinosaur species after his favorite celebrities, and even joked about fighting a T-Rex with a switchblade and can of mace. Despite his punk rock persona, O'Connor admitted he hadn't given much thought to the feasibility of winning such a fight. Overall, the discussion highlighted the ongoing debates and unique perspectives within the field of paleontology.
Misconception about dinosaurs and oxygen levels: Despite popular belief, dinosaurs did not suffer from asthma due to oxygen levels, as oxygen levels during their time had less relation to asthma than previously thought.
During the age of the dinosaurs, there was less oxygen in the atmosphere compared to present times. However, oxygen levels have always fluctuated throughout Earth's history. Contrary to popular belief, asthma is not related to oxygen levels but rather the constriction of airways. Some species of parrots are known to have asthma-like symptoms, but there is no evidence suggesting that dinosaurs suffered from asthma. A paleontologist confirmed that there was more oxygen now than during the dinosaur era, meaning that dinosaurs would not have experienced breathing difficulties in modern times. It's important to note that oxygen levels have no connection to asthma, and the misconception might have originated from a combination of factors, including Jurassic Park-inspired imagination and a general misunderstanding of asthma and oxygen levels.
Exploring life's biggest questions through a game of cards: Wildcard offers unconventional interviews, using a deck of cards to prompt deep conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds.
Key takeaway from this episode of Wildcard is the unique and unconventional interview format. Host Rachel Martin invites guests from various backgrounds to engage in deep and thought-provoking conversations using a special deck of cards. The game prompts guests to discuss life's biggest questions, leading to unexpected and insightful conversations. Throughout the episode, listeners met the team behind the podcast, including the supervising producer Jennifer Mills and the "malevolent overlord" Mike Danforth. They also heard from experts like Doctor Jigme O'Connor, who shared his work as a paleontologist and showed off his cool tattoos. Comedian Adam Burke made an appearance, sharing his upcoming performances and contact information. The episode also featured a segment on the juggle struggle, where Sam Malcolm discussed the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities. Additionally, there were shoutouts to NPR sponsors Shopify and Bombas, offering listeners special discounts. Overall, Wildcard offers a fresh take on the interview podcast format, providing listeners with thought-provoking conversations and unexpected insights. Tune in to Wildcard wherever you get your podcasts for more unique and engaging interviews.
