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DeepSummary
The podcast episode begins with Dan Schreiber introducing the other hosts - Andrew Hunter Murray, James Harkin, and Anna Ptaszynski. The group discusses various facts, starting with Anna's fact about the author Anthony Trollope, who wrote an essay criticizing anonymous publishing but later published a book anonymously himself. They analyze Trollope's writing habits, his family background, and some of his lesser-known works.
The conversation then shifts to Dan's fact about a 2008 incident in India, where a TV channel had to reschedule shows to broadcast a live event of a man attempting to kill another using only his mind, based on tantric practices. The group discusses the concept of tantra, its origins, and the bizarre nature of the event.
James shares a fact about a species of chameleon in Madagascar that is effectively extinct for several months each year, as the adults die after breeding, leaving only the eggs to continue the species. The group delves into the unique life cycle, anatomy, and abilities of chameleons, including their powerful tongues and adaptive mechanisms.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Anthony Trollope, a prolific 19th-century author, had an unconventional approach to writing, maintaining a strict routine and sometimes contradicting his own beliefs.
- In 2008, an Indian TV channel broadcasted a live event involving an attempt to kill a person using tantric mind powers, showcasing the persisting influence of such beliefs.
- The Laborde's chameleon in Madagascar has a unique life cycle, where the adults die after breeding, leaving the species to exist solely as eggs for several months.
- Chameleons possess remarkable adaptations, including powerful tongues capable of incredible acceleration and non-Newtonian saliva properties.
- The rediscovery of species thought to be extinct, like the coelacanth fish, highlights the potential for unexpected biological finds and the importance of scientific observation.
- The hosts engage in witty banter, offering humorous insights and making unexpected connections while discussing the offbeat facts.
- The episode covers a diverse range of topics, from literature and history to biology and cultural practices, showcasing the hosts' broad knowledge base and curiosity.
- The hosts display a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and explore unusual or lesser-known aspects of various subjects, offering a fresh perspective on familiar concepts.
Top Episodes Quotes
“There is no human bliss equal to 12 hours of work with only 6 hours in which to do it.“ by Anthony Trollope
― This quote from Anthony Trollope highlights his intense work ethic and productivity, forming a key part of the discussion about his writing habits.“They got about almost half the world's beach or something.“ by Anna Ptaszynski
― This quote from Anna Ptaszynski, referring to the diversity of chameleon species in Madagascar, underscores the significance of the island's biodiversity and the rarity of the species discussed.“I love it. I think that is exactly how I would write if I was writing novels.“ by Andrew Hunter Murray
― This quote from Andrew Hunter Murray, in response to Trollope's regimented writing routine, provides insight into the hosts' perspectives on the writing process and their admiration for Trollope's discipline.“That's clever. I'd love it if it's paper which eventually came out was about women's intuition.“ by James Harkin
― This quote from James Harkin, in response to the story of the coelacanth's rediscovery, displays the hosts' appreciation for humor and unexpected connections, exemplifying their light-hearted banter.
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Episode Information
No Such Thing As A Fish
No Such Thing As A Fish
2/15/24
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