199 episodes

A weekly podcast about the history, science, lore and surprises that make everyday things secretly incredibly fascinating. Hosted by comedy writer, emoji creator, and ‘Jeopardy!‘ champion Alex Schmidt. Join Alex & his co-host Katie Goldin for a joyful deep dive into seeing the world a whole new way! (For research sources, bonus episodes, and how you can support the podcast, visit sifpod.fun.)

Secretly Incredibly Fascinating Alex Schmidt

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 637 Ratings

A weekly podcast about the history, science, lore and surprises that make everyday things secretly incredibly fascinating. Hosted by comedy writer, emoji creator, and ‘Jeopardy!‘ champion Alex Schmidt. Join Alex & his co-host Katie Goldin for a joyful deep dive into seeing the world a whole new way! (For research sources, bonus episodes, and how you can support the podcast, visit sifpod.fun.)

    The Dollar Sign

    The Dollar Sign

    Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Ross Blocher explore why the dollar sign is secretly incredibly fascinating.

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Go Fact Yourself #MaxFunDrive Kick-off Spectacular featuring Ellen and Christian Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, and Katie Goldin

    Go Fact Yourself #MaxFunDrive Kick-off Spectacular featuring Ellen and Christian Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, and Katie Goldin

    This special network wide event is a celebration of the MaxFunDrive! If you’d like to support podcasts you love for just $5 a month and get bonus gifts in the process, go to maximumfun.org/join.

    • 15 min
    here's what we're doing for the Maximum Fun Drive! (plus a free bonus show for you)

    here's what we're doing for the Maximum Fun Drive! (plus a free bonus show for you)

    Today is the start of Maximum Fun Drive 2024! Alex and Katie are here to talk about the podcasts, live shows, gifts, potential art, potential game nights, and other rad stuff we're doing to celebrate. Then, the rest of this file is last week's bonus show, as a treat for you.

    • 27 min
    Pistachios

    Pistachios

    Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Elliott Kalan explore why pistachios are secretly incredibly fascinating.

    • 58 min
    Caffeine

    Caffeine

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why caffeine is secretly incredibly fascinating.

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Computer Cursors

    Computer Cursors

    Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guests Robert Brockway and Seanbaby explore why computer cursors are secretly incredibly fascinating.

    • 1 hr 3 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
637 Ratings

637 Ratings

Schmophism ,

So silly and cheerful!

I love this podcast! The hosts are just lovely to listen to. They are very silly and funny. They make learning about random topics both entertaining and fun. Give it a listen!

Jcpele ,

Better when it’s just Alex and Katie

Fun show with a great dynamic between the regular hosts. Definitely worth adding to your rotation.

I am not the biggest fan of episodes when “special guests” make an appearance. Adding a third adds nothing more than 10 minutes of obligatory laughter between the hosts as they trade marginally humorous quips.

Daybed8 ,

Actually entertaining and actually educational

It’s rare to find either and truly a delight to find both in one podcast. The hosts charm and friendship shines thru. Neither are professional comedians so they don’t get bogged down in riffs and bits. But they’re still funny!

Alex’s research includes citations and comes from good sources. Katie always has insightful and educated questions - in addition to the levity which she brings.

My fave thing about the podcast is the takeaways - I love the way they organize the episode but the BEST thing abt the takeaways is when Alex repeats them at the end so you remember some fun facts. It feels like this podcast actually prioritizes MY learning rather than just the hosts trying to seem smart.

Check it out!

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