456: Talking About a Book No One Can Read

459: Electric Meat (w/ Kal McRaven!)

Jul 1, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, Hank Green is joined by guest Kal McRaven for a wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, history, and lighthearted scientific inquiry. The hosts begin with a playful discussion about Kal’s recent addiction to arcade claw machines, exploring the nuances of gaming the system and the awkward social dynamics that arise when children watch him play. The conversation shifts to more scholarly territory as the pair tackles a listener question about the history of potty humor. They discuss how bodily humor, including fart jokes, has been a constant in human culture—from ancient Sumerian texts to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. They theorize that this type of humor functions as a form of benign transgression, serving as a display of social intelligence. The hosts also pivot to the science of high-altitude baking, explaining how air pressure impacts chemistry and the necessity of trial and error in the kitchen. Finally, they reflect on the existential reality of being biological organisms, ultimately landing on some unconventional advice for overcoming breakfast fatigue by mastering the versatility of the bagel sandwich.

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

Jun 24, 202648 minSummary

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, guest Paige Lewis joins John Green for a wide-ranging conversation that blends humor with reflections on writing, aging, and the strangeness of being human. The hosts engage in a mutual appreciation session, discussing Lewis's novel Canon and Green’s own experiences with authorship. A central topic is the tension between professional growth and the desire to revisit or edit past work. John shares the disheartening story of his early days as a screenwriter, while the two discuss why, despite the temptation to tinker, they ultimately believe in moving forward rather than constantly revising. The conversation shifts to the existential weight of adulthood and the fear of creative stagnation. They offer encouragement to a listener struggling with writer’s block, emphasizing the importance of giving oneself permission to be imperfect and the value of routine. The pair also touches on the isolating nature of fame and the unique challenges of connecting with others when one’s life is constantly in the public eye. The episode concludes with a thoughtful look at aging, with both hosts finding beauty and acceptance in moving past the uncertainties of their early twenties.

457: Big Ball Curators

Jun 17, 202651 minSummary

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the hosts engage in a blend of personal anecdotes, existential reflection, and humorous advice. John shares his experience with a recent photoshoot for his upcoming book, reflecting on the difficulty of feeling natural in front of a camera. The brothers discuss the grueling process of signing tens of thousands of books, leading to a broader conversation about the nature of professional success and the unexpected parallels between writing and their other career endeavors. The episode features the signature mix of answering listener questions, where the hosts offer perspectives on topics ranging from the emotional challenges of quitting vaping to the bizarre medical phenomenon of migraine auras. They also tackle a curious request from a homeowner who discovered an old, mysterious headstone in their backyard, sparking a somber yet thoughtful discussion about the prevalence of child mortality in the 19th century and how to respect that history. Balancing lighthearted banter with deeper questions about the human experience, the brothers explore everything from the origins of cartoon tropes to their own hopes and questions for future generations.

Jumping Pews

Jun 8, 202616 minSummary

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, Hank Green offers listeners a thoughtful preview of his new podcast, Humans, featuring a compelling conversation with his brother, John Green. The discussion moves away from lighthearted banter to explore deep, philosophical questions about the human experience, the pursuit of sincerity, and the fine line between earnestness and sentimentality. John reflects on his own career as a writer and content creator, explaining his desire to avoid the protective armor of irony and instead engage directly with the complexities of human feeling, grief, and love. The brothers delve into their personal views on faith and the dangers of using belief systems to create exclusionary in-groups. John shares his unique perspective on religion, noting how he appreciates the comfort of communal spirituality while remaining critical of the manipulative power that can come with leadership. Furthermore, they examine their twenty-year history as content creators, pondering why their audience has remained consistent and whether their approach—which John describes as a form of non-religious preaching—has functioned as a substitute for traditional community spaces. The episode serves as both an introduction to Hank's new project and a profound reflection on the responsibility of connecting with others.

455: The Grocery Store Baseball Theory

Jun 3, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the hosts engage in a wide-ranging conversation that begins with the excitement surrounding John’s latest book. They discuss the nuances of structural storytelling and the challenges of maintaining suspense while balancing the expectations of long-time readers. The brothers then dive into a variety of listener questions, blending curiosity with humor. They explore the science behind Earthshine, reflecting on the historical discovery that the moon does not emit its own light. The conversation shifts to practical advice for a listener overwhelmed by an excess of basil plants, leading to a humorous discussion about grocery store layouts and personal theories on retail size. The hosts also touch on the complexities of human relationships, offering empathetic advice to a listener navigating a difficult patch with their parent. Throughout the episode, the duo tackles questions about physics—specifically why light particles do not collide—and contemplates the cultural differences between the United States and the United Kingdom. As always, the episode captures their signature mix of scientific inquiry, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt, if sometimes dubious, advice.

454: Flippin’ Heck

May 27, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, brothers John and Hank Green explore a variety of existential and lighthearted topics. The discussion begins with the hosts reflecting on the passage of time, specifically John’s twentieth wedding anniversary and the importance of finding meaning in the daily routines of life. The brothers transition into answering listener questions, including one from a young student seeking advice on starting at a new school, which prompts a touching conversation about the resilience humans develop by navigating life's many "firsts." The conversation takes a humorous turn as the hosts investigate whether ducks are secretly nefarious, eventually using the birds as a foil to discuss the rarity and complexity of human existence. The episode also touches on the science of why puzzles are satisfying, the mechanics of how marine mammals manage salt intake, and the strange history of Hank’s invention of 2D glasses. Throughout the show, the brothers share insights on topics ranging from orbital mechanics to the nature of names, ultimately grounding their philosophical inquiries in the familiar, relatable context of their sibling bond and shared curiosities about the world.

453: Nobody Is as Good as Me

May 20, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of Dear Hank and John, the brothers navigate a characteristically eclectic mix of topics, ranging from the mundane annoyances of a stuck song to the complexities of the creative process. John shares insights into his upcoming book, Hollywood Ending, leading to a discussion on the often-unglamorous reality of working in film and the inherent powerlessness of actors. The hosts also touch upon the "salience factory"—a humorous way they describe their ongoing efforts to remain relevant in the public consciousness—and debate the validity of different types of awards, from Oscars to Webbies. The conversation shifts to thoughtful listener questions, including advice for a recent graduate struggling with confidence and agency. The brothers emphasize that professional success is often a slow, incremental process rather than a sudden breakthrough. They also discuss the essential, albeit less "sexy," work of maintenance, whether it involves keeping the Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone operational or simply managing the physical and mental demands of daily life. The episode concludes with whimsical inquiries about "Saturday night palsy" and the philosophical impossibility of a mirror being truly "never used."

452: The Brotherhood is Broken

May 13, 202643 minSummary

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!

May 6, 202641 minSummary

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!)

Apr 29, 202650 minSummary

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.