Sidenote by AsapSCIENCE artwork

Sidenote by AsapSCIENCE

254 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1.9K ratings

Each week Greg and Mitch of AsapSCIENCE explain the science behind a controversial subject. They use studies, recent research and anecdotes to keep you entertained while *BAM* simultaneously LEARNING!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

The Plastic Problem

November 27, 2019 15:42 - 55 minutes - 82.2 MB

Today we have Rachel Salt, the author of "The Plastic Problem" join us to talk about plastics! In our recent YouTube video we wore every piece of plastic we used in a week, and wanted to talk about why plastic is amazing, the impact of all this waste, and what we can do as individuals and society to minimize the problem.  We also touch on parenting strategies and new baby science! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Streaming Wars

November 20, 2019 10:00 - 54 minutes - 75.8 MB

Netflix, Disney+, Apple+ or even something called Quibi. The amount of streaming services is out of control. But what is the environmental impact of these services? And, according to science who will WIN THIS WAR? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Climate Change Deniers

November 07, 2019 16:05 - 1 hour - 88.6 MB

Who are these "climate change deniers", and why do they believe the things they believe? More importantly, what are the most effective ways to communicate with them, so that they can understand the severity and stakes of climate change?   In this episode we also talk about a new discovery on why bird eggs have different colors and patterns, and a sneaky tactic that climate change deniers have used to fool the public. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instagram Addiction

October 02, 2019 09:00 - 49 minutes - 68.9 MB

Are you addicted to Instagram? WE ARE! Do you want to use it less? WE DO! This episode explains a scientific perspective on how to decrease Instagram use. We also break down the impact social media has on mental health and how to get more LIKES! LOL. We're all in this fight against social media, so come explore the concept of TURNING OFF YOUR PHONE (after listening to this podcast)       Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sleep Deprivation

September 24, 2019 00:00 - 49 minutes - 68.9 MB

WARNING: We recorded this podcast with an extreme lack of sleep. We stayed awake for 36 hours to test our own sleep deprivation and you can hear first hand what happened in this podcast. Will we hallucinate? Why does lack of sleep make your eyes puffy? Why did Greg wet the bed at the age of 18? It is all answered in today’s episode.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pubic Hair

September 18, 2019 09:00 - 53 minutes - 74.2 MB

This week is all about PUBES! What does science say about trimming? Are kids getting pubes earlier? IS IT DANGEROUS TO SHAVE DOWN THERE? We tell embarrassing stories about puberty, our own body hair and how we are going to groom ourselves moving forward based on science.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnout: The Creativity Killer

September 11, 2019 21:52 - 1 hour - 85.6 MB

We've been gone from this podcast for 4 MONTHS, EEEEEK! The main reason was *drumroll please* YOUTUBE BURNOUT! This week we explain the most recent scientific studies about burnout. Do you have it? Can you avoid it? With this info you can be fulfilled in life and learn to avoid burnout like the plague.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Game of Thrones: Brilliant or Boring?

April 10, 2019 08:00 - 47 minutes - 65.2 MB

Winter Is Coming!  Game of Thrones is back this weekend (April 14 2019) and as you might expect, Greg and Mitch feel different ways about it.  This episode we remember the infamous Red Wedding episode and all the reaction videos, we talk about FOMO and then debate whether GoT is the best show of all time or a bit of a snooze. SPOILERS THROUGHOUT EPISODE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conspiracy Theories: YouTube's Heaven or Hell?

April 03, 2019 08:00 - 45 minutes - 62.9 MB

Can we mathematically determine whether or not there's intelligent life elsewhere in the Milky Way? What science gets ignored by conspiracy theorists when it comes to water fluoridation? This week, Greg and Mitch tackle conspiracy theories. They share stories about theories they've bought into over the years, and then take a deep dive into the rise of conspiracism on YouTube. Should the giant media platform be held at all responsible? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...

Zoos: Do They Help Or Harm Animals?

March 27, 2019 08:00 - 54 minutes - 74.1 MB

What's currently going on in Marineland? How can you get over your fear of spiders? This week, Greg and Mitch share stories about zoos, both the good and the bad. Afterward, Mitch sits down with a zookeeper from the Toronto Zoo to get his perspective on the work and initiatives that he gets to be a part of. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Should You Talk About Vaccines?

March 20, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 84.7 MB

In recent months measles outbreaks have been on the rise, and diseases we thought were long gone are making a comeback.  What's the solution?  How do we talk about vaccines and bust the myths around them? This week Rachel and Greg (don't worry, Mitch will be back!) chat about how to best discuss science misinformation.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Trudeau: From Vogue to Villain?

March 13, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 88.1 MB

Our handsome Prime Minister has been having a rough couple of months.  The recent SNC Lavalin scandal is showcasing that Trudeau and Canada aren't as squeaky clean has many would like to believe. This week Greg and Mitch remember the time JT asked AsapSCIENCE to interview him as well as when they had a private Beyonce show!  They then take a deeper dive into what this political scandal means for the upcoming election.       Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Going Vegan: World-Saving or Ego-Inflating?

February 27, 2019 09:00 - 58 minutes - 81 MB

What's really going on within the dairy industry? Why should we be on the lookout for Giardia lamblia? What are some ways to use cognitive bias to your advantage? This week, Greg and Mitch discuss veganism. They share stories about their challenging attempts to do away with animal products, and then they dive deep into the issue to discuss things we all need to think about when considering what we put into our bodies! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Oscars: Should They Be Cancelled?

February 20, 2019 10:00 - 58 minutes - 80.7 MB

Why are tracking shots so effective? Are the Academy Awards merit-based? And speaking of awards, what are some things you could do to up your chances at winning a Nobel Prize? This week's episode is all about the Oscars! Greg and Mitch review some of their most- and least-favourite nominated films, and then they debate whether or not the Oscars should even still exist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vlogging: Mental Health Nightmare or Building Community?

February 13, 2019 09:00 - 54 minutes - 74.8 MB

Making vlogs and watching vlogs is a favourite millennial pass time!  On one hand it's a way of documenting and sharing your life but on the other there's a lot of pressure! This week Greg and Mitch reflect back to the time they 'stole' a child, to when they posted weekly vlogs and whether or not they should start making them again!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apple Vs Android: Which Is The Smarter Choice?

February 06, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 72.9 MB

Why are Apple store employees trained to interpret body language? What are things you can do to reduce the amount of time you spend on your phone?  This week, Greg and Mitch dive head-first into the Smartphone War! After sharing stories about their experiences with the competing brands, they debate over which is better: Apple or Android! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winter: Special or Stressful?

January 30, 2019 09:00 - 50 minutes - 70 MB

Does temperature affect our perception of time? Why are some people more inclined than others to take risks? How much of an impact did the ice storm of 2013 actually have? This week, as the snow piles up in Toronto, Greg and Mitch discuss winter! They share stories about some of their most harrowing winter experiences, and then they get into a debate over whether the coldest season is nothing but an inconvenience or a chance to cozy up and enjoy life! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

Tidying Up: Life Changing Magic or Waste of Time?

January 23, 2019 09:00 - 49 minutes - 68.8 MB

What are some of the most stressful jobs, and some of the stinkiest smells? Can Greg and Mitch get through the tidying up process in one piece? This week, Greg and Mitch are inspired by Marie Kondo, her bestselling book and her hit TV show! They share horror stories about cleaning up both at work and at home, and then get into a debate over whether or not tidying up is actually as magical an experience as Marie Kondo professes it to be. The science is spliced in throughout. Hosted on Aca...

Breakfast: To Eat Or Not To Eat?

January 16, 2019 13:16 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MB

How can you improve your microbiome diversity? What's the science behind the new intermittent fasting craze? Why exactly do we eat three meals a day? This week, Greg and Mitch share stories about what they ate for breakfast growing up, and how it still affects them to this day! They then get into a debate over whether or not this morning meal is overhyped or undervalued. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellen DeGeneres: Funny or Flawed?

January 09, 2019 10:00 - 44 minutes - 62.2 MB

What has Ellen's impact been on our culture and society? She seems to sell everything, so how much is she actually worth? This week, Greg and Mitch share personal stories about Ellen, why she means so much to them, but also why they're beginning to be skeptical of her. They then get into a conversation surrounding where she currently stands in a cultural sense following her recent interview with Kevin Hart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Best of Sidenote 2018

December 19, 2018 10:00 - 43 minutes - 59.9 MB

As requested by listeners these are some of your favourite clips from 2018. Thank you for an amazing first year of our podcast - we really appreciate it! See you in 2019   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small Towns or Big Cities: Where Should You Live?

December 12, 2018 10:00 - 55 minutes - 77.2 MB

Are big cities dangerous? Do small towns make you less smart? Is living in one better than the other? This week Greg recounts a celebrity encounter in the big city he grew up in while Mitch breaks down the spooky fun you can have in the good ol' country. With Sidenotes on what makes a city succeed and what is widening the urban/rural divide. We then debate which is better - living in the hustle and bustle or the peace and quiet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stress: How To Fight The Feeling

December 05, 2018 10:30 - 52 minutes - 72.6 MB

Is stress killing you and how can science help you deal it? This week Mitch talks about when he almost died in Bangladesh and Greg explains the stress of having his students light each other on fire. We then explain how stress works, why it can slowly kill you and how to scientifically deal with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grindr: Destroying Confidence or Building Community?

November 28, 2018 10:30 - 50 minutes - 70.1 MB

What has science discovered about the gay hook up app Grindr? Is it damaging peoples confidence or fostering consensual sex?  This week, Greg and guest host Matt Rogers (comedian / host of Las Culturistas) tell stories about their experience with Grindr, open relationships and STIs. The final debate between Greg and Matt is about whether Grindr has a positive or negative influence on the queer community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Juuling: Blowing Up or Blowing Smoke?

November 21, 2018 11:00 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MB

Okay, so this week Greg and Mitch debate about whether or not "Juuling" -- the e-cigarette phenomenon sweeping the nation -- is having a positive or negative impact. They also share stories about their experiences growing up with tobacco products of both the smoking and chewing variety! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Astrology: Scientific or a Scam?

November 14, 2018 11:00 - 52 minutes - 71.7 MB

How big is the psychic industry and is it ripping people off? Can our palms actually tell us things about our body and future? This week, Mitch talks about visiting a psychic after a night of drinking and Greg talks about the time he pretended to be a palm reader. The final debate between Mitch and Greg is about whether astrology has a positive or negative influence on society! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liberals vs. Conservatives: Why Do You Hate The Other Side?

November 07, 2018 10:30 - 49 minutes - 69.3 MB

This week Greg talks about being punched in the face at his first protest and Mitch explains his mental breakdown at a shooting range. In the end we have a debate about HOW to combat the divide between Liberals and Conservatives. It feels like the world is SO DIVIDED, what is the best approach to fixing this or do we just all hate each other too much? Greg thinks we need to call people out while Mitch thinks we need to call people in. Which side will you end up on? Hosted on Acast. See acas...

Scary Movies: Ghosts, Sleep Paralysis and Spooky Stats

October 31, 2018 08:00 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MB

This week Mitch talks about seeing ghosts and dealing with sleep paralysis, while Greg faces his childhood fear of being robbed in the night. Then they debate about what is the scariest movie of all time!   For a total of $60 off, that’s $20 off your first 3 boxes, visit https://HelloFresh.com/sidenote60 and enter sidenote60 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coffee: Healthy Treat or Addictive Trap?

October 24, 2018 09:30 - 35 minutes - 49.4 MB

This week Greg talks about the time he tried to quit caffeine and the AsapSCIENCE office nearly shut down entirely.  Mitch remembers when he was duped into drinking decaf coffee and we then break down the science behind the placebo effect.  They then debate whether or not the benefits of caffeine outweigh the horrible withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Climate Change: Is It Too Late?

October 17, 2018 09:30 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MB

This week Mitch talks about a horrifying experience at the slowly disappearing Great Barrier Reef and Greg explains the scorching heat they felt in the Arctic while on a trip with Greenpeace. Then Mitch and Greg GO OFF on the current politicization around climate change and highlight important aspects of the new IPCC report.  The science is spliced in throughout so you are entertained while simultaneously learning.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Masturbation: Addictive Habit or Healthy Pleasure

October 10, 2018 09:30 - 42 minutes - 59.6 MB

This week Greg explains the weird ways he used to download porn and Mitch talks about struggling not to masturbate while on Big Brother. We then debate whether masturbation is good or bad for you all while splicing the science throughout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phone Addiction: Are You Addicted To Your Phone?

October 03, 2018 09:00 - 43 minutes - 61.2 MB

This week we break down the science of phone addiction. Greg talks about the horrors of texting the wrong person while Mitch speaks about when a phone saved his life. This weeks debate is about whether or not Greg is clinically addicted to his phone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musicals: What's The Greatest Show Of All Time? (LIVE)

September 26, 2018 08:30 - 52 minutes - 72.5 MB

Live in Toronto from Just For Laughs festival! Greg recounts getting robbed and having his "Cats" musical VHS stolen, while Mitch goes into the dark web to find Lord Of The Rings The Musical clips to trade. Our guest Henry Koperski literally blows everybody's mind with an amazing music lesson and a look at some famous songs. Then Greg and Mitch debate: what is the greatest musical of all time?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gay Marriage: Should We Get Married?

September 19, 2018 13:27 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MB

This week, Greg and Mitch decide whether or not to get hitched.  The guys tell stories about bizarre wedding traditions such as ALWAYS serving dry chicken.  They then debate whether or not they want to throw a big expensive party to celebrate their love or skip marriage altogether. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human Extinction: Is The World Going To End Soon?

September 12, 2018 08:30 - 47 minutes - 66.5 MB

Greg and Mitch talk about the current political climate and how much it's impacted their lives, including remember the day that Trump was elected. They then debate whether or not the world as actually getting worse - for good - or whether or not this is just a blip on the timeline of history.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louis CK: Should He Still Do Comedy?

September 05, 2018 09:00 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MB

Mitch and Greg discuss the controversy surrounding Louis C.K. Mitch talks about the first time her heard Louis say a gay slur and Greg talks about doing Stand Up with verbally abusive comics. In the end Mitch and Greg debate whether or not they think Louis C.K. should still do comedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toxic Masculinity: Should We Live In A Matriarchy?

August 29, 2018 08:30 - 45 minutes - 63.7 MB

Greg and Mitch talk about growing up gay and their relationship to masculinity, including their first gay role models, and Greg's phase of wearing pearl necklaces. They then debate whether or not the world we be better off as a Matriarchy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pets: Expensive Nuisance or the Joy of Life

August 22, 2018 09:30 - 45 minutes - 63.2 MB

This week Mitch talks about a horrifying experience with a horse and Greg explains how he killed his hamster. In the debate Mitch and Greg argue over whether or not their new puppy is actually capable of bringing them joy. Rachel splices in the sidenotes to hit you with the science throughout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Entrepreneurs: Privileged Men or Hardworking Creatives?

August 08, 2018 09:00 - 1 hour - 89.6 MB

Mitch and Greg are entrepreneurs who run a YouTube channel about science. On this episode they tell stories about majorly screwing up a science video and the worst meeting they've ever sat through. Mitch interviews his sister who wrote her Ph.D on how to run a small business. Finally, Mitch and Greg debate whether or not they enjoy being entrepreneurs and the if the stress they deal with is really worth it in the end ... or not.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Popstars: Who Is The Greatest of All Time? LIVE FROM JFL! Ft. Matteo Lane

August 01, 2018 09:30 - 54 minutes - 75.6 MB

It's our first ever LIVE podcast from the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival! Greg and Mitch tell stories about the first album they ever bought and performing the Lady Gaga Bad Romance dance in sketchy bars. We then get schooled by comedian Matteo Lane on Mariah Carey, Maria Callas, and Patti LaBelle. Finally, Greg and Mitch go head to head with a formal debate about who is the greatest pop star of ALL TIME! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk: Evil Billionaire or Innovative Genius?

July 25, 2018 09:00 - 43 minutes - 60.5 MB

During story time Greg discusses his obsession with Grimes and Mitch tells a story about the time his Google Home tried to kill him.  In the debate Greg thinks Elon Musk is going to ruin the planet but Mitch is more of a fan.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Elon Musk: Evil Billionaire or Innovative Genius?

July 25, 2018 09:00 - 43 minutes - 60.5 MB

During story time Greg discusses his obsession with Grimes and Mitch tells a story about the time his Google Home tried to kill him.  In the debate Greg thinks Elon Musk is going to ruin the planet but Mitch is more of a fan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sex Ed: Corrupting Minds or Saving Lives?

July 18, 2018 09:30 - 53 minutes - 73.9 MB

We're going to be at Just For Laughs Comedy Festival! Get your tickets — THEY SELL OUT FAST Greg and Mitch recount their very different Sex Ed experiences.  While Greg was putting expired condoms on wooden dildo's, Mitch was getting some misinformation at Catholic school.  This week the guys are on the same side of the debate and are reading our current government to filth for sending the Sex Ed Curriculum 20 years back to the past.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

Influencers: Pure Trash or This Generations Treasure?

July 11, 2018 09:30 - 56 minutes - 78.1 MB

Greg and Mitch try to come to terms with the fact that they are influencers while recounting their stories of famous online personalities. Rachel interviews science communicator / influencer Science Sam. And we end by debating whether the role of influencer is pure trash or a hidden treasure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alcohol: Liquid Courage or Dangerous Blackouts?

July 04, 2018 09:30 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MB

This week we're talking about our favourite poison: alcohol. We revisit our most wild drinking memories, including the time Greg broke into a famous socialite's car! Rachel breaks down what happens when you get blackout drunk and then Greg and Mitch debate whether alcohol's liquid courage is worth the hangovers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Polyamory: What's It Like To Be In A Polyamorous Relationship?

June 27, 2018 08:00 - 51 minutes - 70.4 MB

This week we're talking all about relationships - including ours! We remember our first encounters with polyamorous couples and how awkwardly we reacted. Greg chats with our friends who are now in a 4-way polyamorous relationship, and asks them all about how it happened, how it works and how they feel. We finish it off by debating whether or not WE could be in a poly-relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Death: Crippling Anxiety or Ultimate Peace?

June 20, 2018 09:00 - 51 minutes - 70.7 MB

This week we take on a lighthearted topic, DEATH!  We talk about the most painful ways to die, near death experiences, and how our relationship with spirituality has changed.  Mitch and Rachel discuss different funeral practices from around the world.  We then debate who is more afraid of death and Mitch explains why he would like to live forever.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Video Games: Violent Problem or Productive Hobby?

June 13, 2018 08:30 - 53 minutes - 98.6 MB

This week, we talk about growing up with video games and how they affect your brain and society a large. Mitch secretly records Greg struggling to play Zelda for all to hear. We debate over whether or not video games are net positive or negative, all while touching on the modern science.  --  Special thanks to Josie Brechner of @visagermusic who let us use their music for this episode of Sidenote.  It comes from their album 'Songs From An Unmade World 2' - the tracks are inspired by old-...

Therapy: Over Hyped Hoax or Essential To Life?

June 06, 2018 09:00 - 41 minutes - 56.8 MB

This week Greg talks about having a panic attack from seeing his therapist in public. We give you a timeline to the horrors of psychiatry. We end it with a debate about whether therapy is actually useful, or not.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Therapy: Over Hyped Hoax or Essential To Life?

June 06, 2018 09:00 - 41 minutes - 56.8 MB

This week Greg talks about having a panic attack from seeing his therapist in public. We give you a timeline to the horrors of psychiatry. We end it with a debate about whether therapy is actually useful, or not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guests

David Epstein
1 Episode
Justin Trudeau
1 Episode
Nir Eyal
1 Episode