Episodes

  • ELI5 The Gold Standard - how Isaac Newton helped gold win over silver

    ELI5 The Gold Standard - how Isaac Newton helped gold win over silver
    Oct 13 2025
    What is the gold standard and how did it influence currency value historically? How did the transition from a gold standard to fiat currency shape modern economics? What led to the abolition of the gold standard in the US during the Great Depression? What impact did Executive Order 6102 have on private gold ownership in 1933? How does the US dollar derive its value without being tied to gold? What part did Isaac Newton play in helping gold become the standard precious metal of choice? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: ilearnrussian, lokiorin, slobbie, hemingwavy, yancy_farnesworth, luckbot, omnipotentsandwich, r3dm0nk. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    9 mins
  • ELI5 Locks and Keys - aren't there high chances that two keys are the same?

    ELI5 Locks and Keys - aren't there high chances that two keys are the same?
    Oct 5 2025
    Did you know a standard lock might have thousands of combination possibilities, yet yours might open someone else's door? How does a master key work such that it can open multiple locks without compromising security entirely? What makes lockpicking more of an art than a science, requiring skill and a deep understanding of how locks function? How can a particular ""jiggle-and-twist"" method sometimes allow a key to open unintended locks successfully? What surprising connections do locks and keys have with human ingenuity and security throughout history? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: QvttrO, TehWildMan_, DJpng, thephantom1492, Childofglass, Jack_Chronicle, Git_Off_Me_Lawn, woofle07. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    8 mins
  • ELI5 Monopoly - was it invented to criticize capitalism or crush friendships?

    ELI5 Monopoly - was it invented to criticize capitalism or crush friendships?
    Sep 26 2025
    Did you know that the original Monopoly board was circular as well as made from cloth? How have Monopoly games evolved over the years to create more engaging experiences for players? Can Monopoly actually reflect the negative impact of monopolies in the real world, rather than just an enjoyable pastime? What are some of the most interesting versions of Monopoly? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: mrpillowthegreat, amisspelledword, jakash, esploratore, nowhereweare, tscrandall, thr33beggars and rorynne. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    8 mins
  • ELI5 Ferris Wheels - what inspired George Ferris to invent it?

    ELI5 Ferris Wheels - what inspired George Ferris to invent it?
    Sep 19 2025
    What inspired George Ferris to create the first Ferris wheel at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893? How tall was the original Ferris wheel, and what impressive structure did it aim to surpass? What unique challenges did engineers face to build the Ferris wheel, and how did they ensure its safety? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: jake1oo6, rhomboidus, ez_does_it, demderdemden, thrashingmadness, iammagnuslol, black_magic_m-66 and 1poongoon3. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    8 mins
  • ELI5 Silica Gel Desiccants - can they be reused?

    ELI5 Silica Gel Desiccants - can they be reused?
    Sep 12 2025
    What exactly are desiccants, and why are they commonly used in packaging? How does silica gel effectively trap moisture in humid environments? Can you explain the nanoporous structure of silica gel that makes it so efficient? Why do some silica gel packets change color when they reach capacity? Is silica gel really safe to use? Can you reuse them? ... we explain like I'm five. Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: Em_Adespoton, DiamondIceNS, intchd, Gnonthgol, Bosstiality, LCIronmanX, Mr_Automatic, stugautz. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    8 mins
  • ELI5 Sleepwalking - is it dangerous to wake someone in the middle of a sleep walk?

    ELI5 Sleepwalking - is it dangerous to wake someone in the middle of a sleep walk?
    Sep 5 2025
    How does sleepwalking work exactly? Are certain people more prone to it? What types of activities can sleepwalkers get up to? Are there specific triggers that cause sleepwalking? Is it true that waking a sleepwalker can be dangerous? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: lindsey1151, xsnr, happycapsule, bandito21dema and reshkayden To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    7 mins
  • ELI5 Poker - which US president used poker to launch his election campaign?

    ELI5 Poker - which US president used poker to launch his election campaign?
    Aug 29 2025
    How did Poker evolve into a cultural phenomenon beyond just a card game? What makes poker different from other casino games in terms of player competition and strategy? Can you explain the betting process in poker and how players make decisions during each round? Poker on TV often shows those probabilities of a winning hand. How do players calculate this when they're playing? Are there some standard probabilities we should know about? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: TheAireon, stanitor, puck1996, disillusionedJack, AaronSarm, NutellaPatella, Habanero_Eyeball, and lookawake. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    8 mins
  • ELI5 Washing Machines - more consequential than the internet?

    ELI5 Washing Machines - more consequential than the internet?
    Aug 22 2025
    What makes washing machines such a vital household invention in the modern world? How did washing machines transform household chores from 8-12 hours to a fraction of that time? Could you explain the role of water temperature in washing effectiveness and fabric care? Why do some fabrics, like suits, require special cleaning methods instead of traditional washing machine cycles? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: peteymcpetey, trutheality, flashwastaken, draftstone, caliph_ate, silverbolt2000, danielfaa, unique_username1. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com
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    8 mins