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The Fact Fly's One Big Question
Why does spicy food actually burn — and why does black pepper make you sneeze when you haven't even touched it? Join Lauren and the Fact Fly as they investigate the fiery science behind everyone's favorite fake emergency! From the TRPV1 receptor — your mouth's built-in biological fire alarm — to the committed molecular prank that capsaicin has been pulling on mammals for millions of years, this episode reveals that spicy food isn't burning you at all.
The Fact Fly's One Big Question
Why does spicy food actually burn — and why does black pepper make you sneeze when you haven't even touched it? Join Lauren and the Fact Fly as they investigate the fiery science behind everyone's favorite fake emergency! From the TRPV1 receptor — your mouth's built-in biological fire alarm — to the committed molecular prank that capsaicin has been pulling on mammals for millions of years, this episode reveals that spicy food isn't burning you at all. It's just very convincingly lying to your brain.
You'll climb the Scoville Scale from diplomatic bell pepper to the terrifying Carolina Reaper, find out exactly why water makes spicy food worse (and milk makes it better), and discover the remarkably clever reason peppers evolved to be spicy in the first place — a millions-of-years-old plot twist involving birds, squirrels, and some very strategic seed distribution. Plus: why do some people actually enjoy the heat? The answer involves endorphins, context, and what the Fact Fly is now calling "collecting the prize for surviving a fake emergency."
Perfect for spice lovers, cautious eaters, and anyone who has ever reached for a glass of water and made everything significantly worse!
QUICK LINKS
This is a serialised ongoing story, so jumping in at episode 10, for example, could confuse matters.
Listen to episode one hereThe Fact Fly's One Big Question
Why does spicy food actually burn — and why does black pepper make you sneeze when you haven't even touched it? Join Lauren and the Fact Fly as they investigate the fiery science behind everyone's favorite fake emergency! From the TRPV1 receptor — your mouth's built-in biological fire alarm — to the committed molecular prank that capsaicin has been pulling on mammals for millions of years, this episode reveals that spicy food isn't burning you at all. It's just very convincingly lying to your brain.
You'll climb the Scoville Scale from diplomatic bell pepper to the terrifying Carolina Reaper, find out exactly why water makes spicy food worse (and milk makes it better), and discover the remarkably clever reason peppers evolved to be spicy in the first place — a millions-of-years-old plot twist involving birds, squirrels, and some very strategic seed distribution. Plus: why do some people actually enjoy the heat? The answer involves endorphins, context, and what the Fact Fly is now calling "collecting the prize for surviving a fake emergency."
Perfect for spice lovers, cautious eaters, and anyone who has ever reached for a glass of water and made everything significantly worse!
Sound Carrot is your source for Family Podcast Discovery. Verified awesome, 0% boring.
Distraction free website, no flashing banners or adverts to steal your attention.
(Some shows do contain their own ads however).
At first I made this site for my kids, but like any dad I got a little over excited. I hope you find it as useful as they do.
Whether you want to listen to them together in the car, or alone in your room - the content is all safe for younger ears.
