HeyJaredWhy's That, Dad? | The Science, History & Culture of Everyday Questions for Curious Adults and Kids
Ever been stumped by your child's simple "Why?" question? You're not alone. Why's That, Dad? is the show that dives deep into the profound, complex answers hiding inside common questions.Host Phil and his kids explore fundamental everyday mysteries.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 2
- Latest publication
- Aug 18, 2026
- Audience
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- Earliest in this view
- Jul 21, 2026
Latest episodes
The Battle Inside Your Mouth: Streptococcus Mutans, Fluoride Science, and the Surprisingly Brutal History of Dental Care (opens the original)
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Why do we really brush our teeth twice a day — and does the order of brushing, flossing, and rinsing actually matter? In this episode, we dig into the biofilm biology of Streptococcus mutans (the true "sugar bug"), the contested science behind fluoride's necessity, and the genuinely gruesome history of toothbrushes, dental fillings, and pre-modern oral surgery — from twig chew-sticks to Civil War-era dentures. Let's get started.
What Is Patriotism? Loving America Enough to Question It: The Philosophy, History, and Music of Real American Patriotism (opens the original)
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On the occasion of America's 250th birthday, this episode dismantles the performative version of patriotism and reconstructs something more demanding and more honest in its place. Drawing on George Orwell's landmark distinction between patriotism and nationalism, JFK's 1961 inaugural challenge, Frederick Douglass's prophetic July 5th address, and MLK's "promissory note" framing of the founding documents, we trace what genuine love of country has actually looked like across 250 years of American
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