Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring Community Connections and Financial SavvyBuilding strong community bonds and being financially savvy are crucial for personal growth and preparedness. Connect with neighbors through networks like Neighbor to Neighbor, financially unlearn limiting beliefs, and stay informed about AI's impact on our future.

      Building strong community connections and being financially savvy are essential for personal growth and preparedness. Doctor Laurie Santos introduced Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteers network, emphasizing the importance of forging meaningful social bonds and being prepared for emergencies through helping neighbors. Meanwhile, State Farm and DJ Ramos from Life as a Gringo discussed the significance of financially unlearning limiting beliefs to achieve financial freedom. Additionally, the future will be shaped by artificial intelligence, as explored in the Technically Speaking podcast. Lastly, Stuff to Blow Your Mind discussed the human fascination with nails and how they often become a focus of attention when we're idle. Overall, these discussions highlight the importance of community, financial literacy, and self-awareness in our daily lives.

    • Exploring the Functional and Ornamental Aspects of FingernailsFingernails, made of keratinized cells, serve protective and communicative functions while also being a form of self-expression and cultural significance

      Our fingernails, although a part of our body, exhibit unique characteristics that make them both functional and ornamental. They serve various purposes, from protection to communication about our personal hygiene and even our social status. Despite their functional role, they are also a form of self-expression, as seen in various cultural practices and even in science fiction. The anatomy of a nail is made up of the hard nail plate, which is made of keratinized cells, the same protective protein found in our hair. Our nails, with their intersection of functionality and aesthetics, offer a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of the human condition.

    • Understanding Nails: A Window into Biomechanical EngineeringNails are strong, flexible, and anisotropic, designed for tasks like scraping, prying, and tweezing, with their translucent quality offering a glimpse into the body's capillary blood flow.

      Nails are a fascinating example of biomechanical engineering. They are made up of three layers of fibrous keratin and originate from the nail matrix at the base. The translucent quality of nails allows us to see the delicate capillary blood flow beneath, creating a unique window into the body. Nails are anisotropic, meaning they have different values when measured in different directions, making them stronger along the growth direction and more resistant to lateral cracks. This structural design aligns well with the way we use nails for tasks like scraping, prying, and tweezing. Despite their strength, nails also exhibit some flexibility, allowing us to apply pressure without easily breaking. Understanding the unique properties of nails provides insight into their evolution and function in our bodies.

    • Nails: A Source of Discomfort and VulnerabilityHumans and dogs share a psychological contradiction where our defensive mechanisms, like nails, can cause discomfort and vulnerability

      Our bodies, specifically our nails and toes, present an intriguing psychological contradiction. Despite being our body's defensive mechanisms, they are often the source of discomfort and vulnerability for us. Dogs exhibit similar behavior, resisting nail trimming despite their toughness. This contradiction extends to human psychology, as images of harm to nails or teeth can evoke a sense of vulnerability and obsession. The sensitivity of fingertips, enhanced by nails, adds to this vulnerability. Personal experiences, such as ingrown toenails, can further emphasize the discomfort nails can cause. Throughout history, nail torture has been used, involving methods like pulling nails out or heating nails before removal. While some may find this information disturbing, it's essential to remember the importance of seeking professional help when dealing with nail issues to prevent further pain and complications. Ultimately, our nails, despite their defensive role, can be a source of discomfort and vulnerability, highlighting the complex relationship between our bodies and our psyches.

    • Nail Biting: A Common Habit with Negative ConsequencesNail biting, affecting 20-30% of the population, can lead to dental issues and infections due to bacterial exchange, and may be linked to stress and anxiety.

      Habitual nail biting, or onychophagia, is a common behavior affecting around 20-30% of the population, with higher rates among teenagers. Despite the name, most people do not swallow their nails. However, nail biting can have negative consequences for both oral and nail health. The constant chewing can lead to dental issues and additional dental bills, and the exchange of bacteria between the mouth and under the nails can cause infections. The reasons behind this repetitive behavior are not fully understood, but it has been linked to psychological factors, including stress and anxiety. While stopping nail biting can be challenging, understanding the potential health risks may serve as motivation to break the habit.

    • Nail biting as a form of emotion regulationNail biting and other repetitive behaviors can help regulate emotions during under or over stimulated conditions, but quitting can be achieved through replacement activities, gloves, tape, or nasty tasting nail polish.

      Nail biting, as well as other body focused repetitive behaviors like hair pulling and skin picking, can serve as a form of emotion regulation. A study from 2015 found that people were more likely to engage in these behaviors during stressful or boring situations. Psychologist Fred Penzel explains that in understimulated conditions, these behaviors provide stimulation, while in overstimulated conditions, they help calm down the individual. The comparison is drawn to nicotine, which can act as a stimulant or relaxant depending on the situation. To quit nail biting, some suggestions include replacing the behavior with an incompatible activity, wearing gloves or putting tape on fingers, or using nasty tasting clear nail polish.

    • Discover Fast-Acting Allergy Relief with Astepro and Explore the Future of AI with Intel's PodcastAstepro offers fast-acting allergy relief, while Intel's podcast discusses AI's potential to transform industries

      Astepro is a fast-acting, steroid-free nasal allergy spray providing full prescription strength relief from nasal congestion, runny and itchy nose, and sneezing. It starts working in 30 minutes, making it the fastest 24-hour over-the-counter allergy spray. For those looking for adventure, Nissan Pathfinder offers intelligent 4x4 and 7 drive modes to help navigate various terrains. In the realm of technology, artificial intelligence is expected to be a game-changer in our future. Intel's Technically Speaking podcast explores the potential of AI in transforming industries like medicine, retail, entertainment, and personal computing. Lastly, did you know that fingernails grow approximately 0.1 millimeters per day? If grown at this rate, they could reach the length of a 6-meter saltwater crocodile in about 164 years. An intriguing fact, but unfortunately, nails don't keep growing at a dependable rate indefinitely. William Bean, a physician and medical historian, once embarked on an astonishing feat of self-experimentation to understand fingernail growth, contributing significantly to our understanding of this phenomenon.

    • The value of dedication and meticulous observation in scientific researchThrough studying a seemingly insignificant aspect of the natural world, Dr. William Bean discovered the importance of taking notice and the value of persistence in scientific research.

      The wisdom we gain from books and the careful study of the natural world can lead us to appreciate the fleeting nature of life and inspire us to make meaningful contributions to our fields. Dr. William Bean's 35-year study of his own nail growth, published in scientific papers, serves as an example of this dedication and meticulousness. To track nail growth, Bean made a monthly indentation at the edge of his cuticle and measured the length when the mark reached the free margin of the nail. He found that not only does the length of the nail wear away, but so does a significant portion of its mass through regular wear and tear. This discovery highlights the importance of taking notice of seemingly insignificant aspects of the world around us and the value of persistence and careful observation in scientific research.

    • Studying Fingernail Growth Reveals Unique Insights into AgingDr. Bean's research on fingernail growth uncovered that each nail grows at a distinct pace, with the middle finger growing fastest. His long-term observations led him to a deeper understanding of the body's aging process.

      Dr. Bean's meticulous research on fingernail growth revealed that each nail grows at a unique pace, with the middle finger growing the fastest. He also discovered that nail growth slows down with age. Dr. Bean's dedication to accuracy and his long-term observation led him to a profound realization that studying the growth of his nails provided a record of his body's aging process. Despite the disappearance of the appreciation for natural history in contemporary teaching institutions, Dr. Bean continued his observations as a testament to the importance of observing and understanding the human body in its natural state.

    • Exploring community connections and fingernail growthCommunity organizations like Neighbor to Neighbor foster relationships. Fingernails grow faster than toenails, peak in our youth, and growth rate differs based on handedness.

      Community connection is important, and organizations like Neighbor to Neighbor are helping to foster meaningful relationships between neighbors. Fingernail growth is another interesting topic that was discussed, with the consensus being that fingernails grow about three times faster than toenails. This finding, which was confirmed by several experts, contradicts the assumption that the growth rates of fingernails and toenails are similar. Additionally, fingernail growth peaks in our teenage and twenties, and declines with age. Another intriguing factor that influences fingernail growth is handedness, with left-handed individuals reportedly experiencing slower growth in their dominant hand. Overall, the discussion touched on various topics, from community building to scientific discoveries, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and exploration.

    • Factors affecting fingernail growth: usage, handedness, season, and genderLeft-handed individuals often have faster growing nails on their left hand due to increased usage, while injury or damage can slow down growth. Fingernail growth is influenced by various factors including handedness, season, gender, and usage.

      The rate of fingernail growth can be influenced by various factors, including handedness, season, gender, and usage. For left-handed individuals, the nails on their left hand tend to grow faster due to increased usage. This phenomenon was observed in a study conducted by Rodney Dawber in the 1980s after he injured his left ring finger. Dawber's findings supported the "terminal trauma" theory, which suggests that the nails grow faster in response to pressure or damage on the fingertips. The study showed that the left ring finger, which was immobilized during the healing process, grew more slowly than the right ring finger. Overall, this research highlights the adaptive nature of fingernail growth in response to environmental and physiological factors.

    • Effect of use and shoes on toenail growthFingernails grow faster due to more wear and pressure, while toenail growth may be affected by shoes and being barefoot

      The growth rate of toenails compared to fingernails may not be a universal trait, but rather an effect of how we use our limbs and the use of shoes. Fingernails grow faster when the fingertips are subjected to more wear and tear through manipulation and pressure. On the other hand, the impact of shoes on toenail growth is an open question, as shoes change the shape of our feet and could potentially apply constant pressure on the nails. The idea that being barefoot could lead to faster toenail growth is also worth exploring. Additionally, nails evolved from claw-like organs and serve as diminished claws for humans, allowing us to perform fine motor movements and manipulate small objects, which are essential motor activities for humans.

    • The evolution of human hand shape influenced by tool use and fist-makingTool use led to the development of flat, broader fingertips for better grip and tool manipulation, while the ability to form a fist may have also played a role in hand evolution.

      The use of tools and the ability to form a fist played significant roles in the evolution of human hand shape. Our primate ancestors had more pronounced claws, but as tool use became more common, the advantages of flat, broader fingertips for better grip and tool manipulation outweighed the benefits of claws. Additionally, the ability to throw a punch may have also influenced the hand's development, as a delicate balance was required to maintain the hand's integrity for tool use while also being able to form a fist. However, the practicality of sharpened nails as a weapon in a physical fight is debated, as the potential trauma to the nails could outweigh any potential advantages. This is an example of the complex interplay between different adaptations in evolution.

    • Exploring the mythology of nails, corpses, magic, and religionNails may not be effective for self-defense in high-pressure situations due to their potential to bend backward and difficulty in forming a fist.

      While nails can be used for self-defense by scratching and clawing, there is limited evidence to suggest that they are significantly beneficial in high-pressure situations. In fact, long nails can bend backward instead of gouging, and forming a fist may be more difficult. It's also worth noting that Danzig, known for his long fingernails, may have grown them for aesthetic reasons, inspired by the portrayal of vampires and other creepy characters in films. As we move on to the next episode, we will explore beliefs and mythology surrounding nails, corpses, magic, and religion. If you have any experiences, information, or insights related to this topic, please share them with us through our Facebook group, Stuffed Above Your Mind discussion module. Don't forget to check out other episodes of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to our audio producer, Seth Nicholas Johnson.

    • Building Connections: Neighbor to Neighbor, Technology, and Shared InterestsNeighbor to Neighbor encourages social bonds and disaster preparedness through community outreach. Modern solutions like Visible and Xumo Play offer entertainment and connection via technology. NASCAR's Motor Racing Network keeps fans engaged with live race coverage.

      There are various ways to build stronger connections within communities. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteers network, emphasizes the importance of reaching out to neighbors for social bonds and disaster preparedness. Meanwhile, platforms like Visible and Xumo Play offer modern solutions for staying connected and entertained. In the realm of sports, NASCAR's Motor Racing Network keeps fans engaged with live coverage of races. Overall, whether it's through community initiatives, technology, or shared interests, there are numerous opportunities to foster meaningful relationships and connections. For those interested in getting involved with Neighbor to Neighbor, visit c a neighbors dot com. To switch to Visible's wireless plan, go to visible.com. Tune in to NASCAR races on the Motor Racing Network or nascar.com. For endless entertainment on Xumo Play, start streaming at play.x xum0.com or download the app from Google Play stores. Additionally, listeners can reach out to Stuff to Blow Your Mind with feedback, suggestions, or just to say hello at contact@stufftoblowyourmind.com. The podcast is produced by iHeartRadio, and for more iHeartRadio podcasts, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

    Recent Episodes from Stuff To Blow Your Mind

    Smart Talks with IBM: AI & the Productivity Paradox

    Smart Talks with IBM: AI & the Productivity Paradox

    In a rapidly evolving world, we need to balance the fear surrounding AI and its role in the workplace with its potential to drive productivity growth. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage by Rob Thomas, senior vice president of software and chief commercial officer at IBM, during NY Tech Week. They discuss “the productivity paradox,” the importance of open-source AI, and a future where AI will touch every industry.

    This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

    Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Dungeonmaster

    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Dungeonmaster

    In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the glorious world of 80s Charles Band productions with 1984’s “The Dungeonmaster,” a supernatural dreamscape with eight directors starring Jeffrey Byron, Richard Moll and Leslie Wing. It’s time to reject the devil’s reality and substitute your own! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Related Episodes

    Halloween Hangover Listener Mail, Part 1

    Halloween Hangover Listener Mail, Part 1

    Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean all the ghosts and ghouls are banished to the cellar. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they bust dive into the listener mail bag from October 2018.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    MTGM EXTRA! "I once went out with a witch..."

    MTGM EXTRA! "I once went out with a witch..."
    Vogue's asking a question that Joanne would do well to get right, but what has changed?? Plus a shady lad with a thirsty Insta and a witch man...

    If you’d like to get in touch, you can send an email to hello@MTGMpod.com

    Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

    MTGM is going on tour in Ireland & The UK! Remember to check the venue websites as well as Ticketmaster!

    For more information about Joanne's gigs, just visit www.joannemcnally.com

    Thank you!

    Police Terrorize a Family in Phoenix & George Stephanopoulos Interviews Trump | Christine Lagarde

    Police Terrorize a Family in Phoenix & George Stephanopoulos Interviews Trump | Christine Lagarde

    Phoenix cops spark outrage for threatening a family, George Stephanopoulos interviews President Trump, and Trevor talks to the managing director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde. 

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.