Dear Hank & John

459: Electric Meat (w/ Kal McRaven!)

From the ancient origins of fart humor to the science of high-altitude baking and being made of meat, we explore all.

458: Ancient vs. Hyper-Mortal (w/ Paige Lewis!)

Poet Paige Lewis joins to discuss the vulnerability of artistic growth, the burden of fame, and the realities of aging.

457: Big Ball Curators

Explore the history of child headstones in backyards, the science behind migraine auras, and how to quit smoking.

456: Talking About a Book No One Can Read

John and Hank discuss the process of writing, the mystery of itchy scabs, and the strange physics of airplane clouds.

Jumping Pews

John Green reflects on the tension between earnestness and sentimentality, religious community, and secular preaching.

455: The Grocery Store Baseball Theory

A grocery store is only good if you can imagine throwing a baseball from one corner to the other.

454: Flippin’ Heck

The brothers explore the existential point of it all while tackling questions about garden guilt, ducks, and puzzles.

453: Nobody Is as Good as Me

Unpack the burden of maintaining big projects, the difficulty of acting, and why some mirrors are never truly used.

452: The Brotherhood is Broken

In episode 452 of Dear Hank and John, titled The Brotherhood is Broken, the hosts tackle a diverse array of listener questions with their signature blend of humor and insight. Throughout the episode, Hank and John delve into the biological and cultural inquiries posed by their audience, exploring topics ranging from whether humans truly possess instincts to the historical origins of various French culinary traditions. The brothers also offer advice on bridging the gap between Formula 1 enthusiasts and Indy 500 fans, while contemplating the scientific mystery behind why beautiful music triggers physical sensations like goosebumps. Between the serious discussions and lighthearted inquiries—including the ever-important distinction between Hank Green and Tom Hanks—listeners can expect the usual mix of dubious advice and thoughtful commentary that defines the show. It is an engaging listen for anyone curious about the quirks of the human experience.

451: We’re Synced, Baby!

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the brothers dive into a wide range of listener questions that balance the philosophical with the mundane. The hosts explore American attitudes toward public transportation, offer practical suggestions for organizing digital files, and share creative ideas for making summer camping trips more memorable. The conversation also takes a curious turn toward meteorological history as they discuss why the clouds over a listener’s town might have changed, followed by a fascinating look at the historical origins of the modern weekend. As always, Hank and John provide their signature blend of humor and insightful, albeit occasionally dubious, advice. Whether they are tackling societal trends or everyday dilemmas, the brothers deliver an engaging discussion that promises to entertain and inform listeners throughout the entire episode.

450: Diet Coke is Tea (w/ Keith Habersberger!)

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the hosts are joined by guest Keith Habersberger for a lively session of dubious advice and curious existential inquiries. The trio tackles a wide range of topics, including the search for a new term to describe people who avoid AI-generated content and strategies for overcoming creative blocks to stop doomspiraling. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as they debate the merits of various beverages, the necessity of checkbooks, and the strange habit banks have of displaying outdoor temperatures. Listeners can also look forward to a thoughtful discussion on the unique beauty of parking lot sunsets, specifically those at Meijer, as the hosts explore why these urban spaces offer a better view than the shores of Lake Michigan. It is an engaging mix of practical questions and humorous philosophical debates that define the show.

449: It Will Go Well And It Will End (w/ Sarah Urist Green!)

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, hosts Hank and John Green are joined by special guest Sarah Urist Green to tackle a wide variety of listener questions centered on the world of art and creativity. The trio provides thoughtful and humorous guidance on how to navigate the art world, including tips on visiting museums, overcoming performance anxiety, and learning how to discuss one’s own creative projects with confidence. Beyond the arts, the conversation shifts to broader life challenges, such as the age-old dilemma of balancing personal dreams with practical career choices, managing the desire for external validation, and finding inspiration during a creative rut. They also offer a personal look at how to maintain a creative practice while navigating the demands of parenthood. It is an engaging session filled with insightful advice for anyone seeking a more inspired life.

448: Doogie Howser, Boy Chaplin

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the brothers tackle a wide array of fascinating questions that range from the cosmic to the mundane. The hosts delve into hypothetical scenarios, such as choosing a single representative to speak for Earth at an interplanetary summit and curating a museum exhibit to explain the intricacies of life in the 2020s to future generations. Throughout the conversation, they provide their signature brand of dubious advice while addressing listener inquiries about the necessity of math education, the peculiar visual phenomena experienced when rubbing one's eyes, and the biological classification of alligators. Listeners can expect an engaging blend of thoughtful reflection, scientific curiosity, and lighthearted humor as the Greens navigate these eclectic topics. It is a quintessential episode for anyone looking to learn something new while being entertained by the hosts' unique perspectives.

447: Everything Is Over

In episode 447 of Dear Hank and John, titled Everything Is Over, the brothers return to provide their signature brand of dubious advice to listeners. The episode covers a wide array of peculiar questions, ranging from the mundane to the deeply personal. Hank and John explore practical inquiries about check depositing and the function of Vitamin D, while also tackling curious topics like the science behind glow-in-the-dark stickers and the evolutionary history of teeth. They even navigate a delicate social challenge regarding how to concisely respond when someone compliments cremation jewelry containing family ashes. As always, the hosts balance informative explanations with their trademark humor, offering thoughtful and entertaining guidance for anyone seeking clarity on life's most unexpected dilemmas. Whether you are looking for life hacks or just a fun perspective on the strange world around us, this episode delivers.

446: Just Chatting… With Me

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the hosts return to their signature style of offering dubious advice and answering curious listener questions. Hank and John tackle a wide variety of topics ranging from the scientific to the deeply personal. Listeners can expect explorations into the origins of bubblegum flavor, the reasons behind the shifting pitch of our voices as we age, and the biological mystery of whether a tree stump can remain alive after the top has been removed. Beyond science, the brothers provide practical guidance on navigating the emotional difficulties of moving houses, finding community through third spaces, and managing anxiety when speaking up in a classroom setting. It is a heartfelt and humorous conversation designed to inform, entertain, and offer a bit of camaraderie to anyone looking for life advice delivered with a unique perspective.

445: Bring Me My Favorites

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the hosts tackle a fascinating array of listener questions ranging from the practical to the wildly hypothetical. Hank and John explore whether a modern energy drink would overwhelm a medieval peasant and discuss the logistical realities of traveling through airport security with a new knee replacement. They also take a nostalgic look back at common pastimes from the pre-smartphone era and ponder how life manages to thrive in the extreme depths of the ocean. Beyond these scientific curiosities, the brothers share personal reflections on navigating difficult conversations with parents during the teenage years and provide some thoughtful travel recommendations for visitors heading to Amsterdam. Throughout the episode, listeners can expect the signature blend of humor, genuine curiosity, and dubious advice that defines the show as the hosts work their way through these engaging inquiries.

444: Hank Brown

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the brothers dive into a wide array of fascinating questions that blend scientific curiosity with deep personal reflection. The hosts explore the biological mystery of why humans lack transparency and contemplate what life might look like for someone living on a moon. They also venture into the prehistoric past, speculating on the nature of caveman dreams. Beyond the scientific inquiries, the conversation shifts toward more poignant themes as they offer advice on navigating the difficult grief associated with the limited time we have with our parents. Additionally, they take a closer look at the operational philosophy behind Good Store. Listeners can expect the usual blend of insightful observations, lighthearted speculation, and thoughtful guidance that characterizes the show, providing both entertainment and a meaningful perspective on the human experience.

443: A Top Podcast for the Elderly

In episode 443 of Dear Hank & John, the brothers return to offer their signature brand of dubious advice to listeners. The hosts tackle a wide-ranging list of eccentric questions, exploring the psychological roots of teenage rebellion against parents, the chemical processes behind why ink fades on paper, and the fascinating question of whether the Earth creates new water. The conversation also takes a whimsical turn as they discuss the mysterious appeal of soap scents and share creative, albeit questionable, methods for announcing one's ability to perform the splits. Along with these curiosities, Hank and John provide a much-anticipated update regarding the reality competition Stars on Mars. Listeners can expect the usual blend of insightful scientific exploration and humorous, lighthearted banter that defines the show, making this an engaging installment for anyone seeking answers to life’s most peculiar questions.

442: They’ve Been Plants the Whole Time

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the brothers return to tackle an eclectic mix of listener questions that range from the deeply philosophical to the bizarrely scientific. The hosts explore fascinating inquiries about the natural world, including the biological mechanisms that allow potatoes to determine their orientation and the chemical reasons behind why most metals appear gray. The conversation also shifts toward human experience, as the duo offers thoughtful reflections on navigating post-graduation life and processing the complexities of grief. Balancing lighthearted curiosity with heartfelt wisdom, Hank and John provide their signature brand of dubious advice to those seeking guidance on everything from celebrity encounters to comforting babies. Listeners can expect an engaging blend of educational trivia and empathetic discussion, as the pair navigates these varied topics with their characteristic humor and insight.

441: The Value of a Single Shoe

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the brothers tackle a characteristically eclectic mix of listener inquiries, ranging from the absurd to the existential. Hank and John explore curious scientific mysteries, such as the highest recorded altitude for a cloud, the likelihood of having ever tasted the moon, and the physical feasibility of touching every molecule of water in a bathtub. The hosts also pivot to personal and professional dilemmas, offering their unique brand of dubious advice on how to handle awkward office conversations regarding medical procedures. Between discussions on the unsettling possibility that humanity lives inside a black hole and a philosophical inquiry into the inherent value of a single shoe, listeners can expect a humorous and thoughtful journey through the strange corners of life and the universe. It is a quintessential exploration of the brothers' signature blend of curiosity and comedy.