Can you...be more specific? An entomologist and a film student walk into a podcast, and come out with a question answered. Teagan (the entomologist) and Bekah (the film student) are asking the important (and unimportant) questions. Why do we laugh? What's a meme? Why can't we get rid of all mosquitoes? And whatever else tickles their fancy. New episodes every month!
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It's me, hi, your favorite podcast, it's me. Join hosts Bekah J. Pepper and Katie Hudson as they discuss the stories that keep us up late into the night, saying "just one more page." It's like a book club without that annoying lady. Bekah and Katie provide fun yet analytical deep dives into the latest stories they love. Season 1 they are in their A Court of Thorns and Roses era, so grab your books, read along, and join them as they discuss the first book in Sarah J Maas’s bestselling series.
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Join Bekah and Teagan as they learn more about rodeos and think really critically about our relationships with horses! Show notes, resources, and pictures can be found at bemorespecific.org!
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How Many Types of Spiders Are There?
1:11:39
1:11:39
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Ah, spiders. Either you love or hate them, and today Teagan will be trying her darndest to convince everyone they are deserving of our affection, while Bekah tries to recall every spider she's seen in a movie! Come to learn about spiders, stay for an unhinged Doctor Who rant! Episode notes, References, and Images all can be found on bemorespecificp…
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Fizzy water, pop, lolly water, soda, coke, pepsi...when did this bubbly beverage come into our lives and our hearts? Show notes and more at bemorespecific.org! Pardon the volume differential between Bekah and Teagan, this is our first time with this new recording setup!
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Ah, the water bottle. A staple of news anchors desks, comic-con panels, sports camps, the floor of your car, etc! When did water bottles get so popular? Why plastic? How many water bottles are out there??? Answers to all these questions and more in this months episode of Be More Specific! Show notes, sources and more can be found at bemorespecific.…
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What is hair? What's it made of? Why do we have so much of it? Why don't chimps have as much? Why is some hair curly? All this and more are answered this month on Be More Specific! For full notes, photos, and extras, visit bemorespecific.org
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We lather our scalps with it, but what IS shampoo? When did it come to be, and why is Teagan insistent she needs a special one? What makes this "poo" so special? Sources and more on www.bemorespecific.org
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10 | A Court of Thorns and Roses Ch. 44-46
1:13:57
1:13:57
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Turn to page 406 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses. A few of our favorite things (1:11) Katie: “You” on Netflix Bekah: my skincare routine (not sponsored but Bekah uses all CeraVe products), One Year podcast, Lizzy McAlpine’s Five Seconds Flat Let the deep dive begin (10:32). Episode awards (42:24) We’ve compiled a p…
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How did humans domesticate cats...or did we? What's so great about these furry friends, and how long have they been man's best "animal that lives in my house I guess"? Find sources, photos, and more on bemorespecific.org
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09 | A Court of Thorns and Roses Ch. 41-43
40:28
40:28
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Turn to page 397 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses. A few of our favorite things (1:12) Katie: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig Bekah: The Lost City on Paramount+ and This is Why by Paramore Casting Call (4:50): *do not click the links until you’ve passed the announcement* Male Faerie Female Faerie Let the deep dive …
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08 | A Court of Thorns and Roses Ch. 37-40
50:45
50:45
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Turn to page 335 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses. A few of our favorite things (1:06) Katie: Anne With An E on Netflix Bekah: Theme Rides (here’s an example) and Not in the Same Way by 5SOS Casting Call (7:07): *do not click the links until you’ve passed the announcement* High Lord of Summer Court Lady of the Autum…
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07 | A Court of Thorns and Roses Ch. 32-36
42:25
42:25
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Turn to page 301 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses. A few of our favorite things (1:10) Katie: The Mortal Instruments Series and The Last Hours Series by Cassandra Clare Bekah: The Sex Life of College Girls on HBO Max Casting Call (4:47): *do not click the links until you’ve passed the announcement* Amarantha The Mid…
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06 | A Court of Thorns and Roses Ch. 28-31
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36:02
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Turn to page 240 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses. A few of our favorite things (1:31) Katie: A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross Bekah: Clean Cut by Bizzy Casting Call (5:05): *do not click the links until you’ve passed the announcement* Tomas Mandray Let the deep dive begin (6:51). Episode awards (21:42) We’ve compi…
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When did humans start heating up and manipulating metal? Turns out it was a long time ago, and we're still doing it now! Join us as we learn all about blacksmithing and the art of metal work! Go to bemorespecific.org for notes, photos, and more fun!
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05 | A Court of Thorns and Roses Ch. 22-27
35:35
35:35
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Turn to page 240 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses A few of our favorite things (1:38) Katie: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Bekah thinks you should purchase this edition!) Bekah: Mornings – no link, just set your alarm! No new cast members this week! Let the deep dive begin (5:20). Impromptu casting call (12:48…
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04 | A Court of Thorns and Roses Ch. 17-21
42:02
42:02
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Turn to page 188 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses. A few of our favorite things (1:50) Katie: The Last of Us (Stream on HBO MAX) Bekah: The artist Carrington Moore Casting Call (3:35): *do not click the links until you’ve passed the announcement* Rhysand Let the deep dive begin (5:30). Episode awards (26:55) We’ve c…
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03 | A Court of Thorns and Roses Ch. 12-16
36:01
36:01
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Turn to page 116 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses. A few of our favorite things (1:22) Bekah: Glass Onion: A Knive’s Out Mystery (Stream on Netflix) Casting Call (2:02): *do not click the links until you’ve passed the announcement* The Suriel Let the deep dive begin (3:07). Episode awards (22:06) We’ve compiled a pl…
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02 | A Court of Thorns and Roses Ch. 5-11
50:58
50:58
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Turn to page 90 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses. A few of our favorite things (1:35) Bekah: Throne of Glass (specifically Queen of Shadows) by Sarah J. Maas; Brooklyn 99 (stream on Peacock); Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Katie: The Handmaid's Tale (stream on Hulu) Casting Call (5:32): *do not click t…
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Turn to page 41 to follow along with our reading from A Court of Thorns and Roses. We quickly talk about the flow of the show (1:25). A few of our favorite things (2:13): Katie -Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren Bekah - emails i can’t send by Sabrina Carpenter Casting Call (5:25): *do not click the links until you’ve passed the announcement*…
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00 | Rooting For The Anti-Hero Introduction
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22:40
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We talk about beloved books, movies, superstars, and their crazy fandoms–that we’re proud members of. This season we’re deep diving Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses. Buy it here to get it quickly. But, we’d love for you to go support your local library or bookstore! Understand our vibe and the format for the podcast (0:49). We're your we…
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Teagan and Bekah learn all about these fantastic symbiotic, pioneer, and super beautiful organisms! Come explore the wonderfully weird world of lichens! Lichen photos, full references, and more on bemorespecific.org! Follow us on instagram @bemorespecificpod and follow the Leavitt Lab Lichen Page @lichensirl for more fun facts and photos! Must Read…
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What is the History of Prosthetics?
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1:15:04
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Today, Bekah explains the history of prosthetics and how they've changed over time! Teagan listens, and is a bit of a class clown... To help with prosthetic access, consider donating to one of these charities: LIMBS International The Prosthetic Foundation Sources, photos, and more can be found on www.bemorespecific.org…
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Why do humans wear wigs, and when did this particular fashion trend come to be? Come with Teagan and Bekah as they go on a journey through the history of wigs and learn all about these odd hair hats! Images, Sources, and more on bemorespecific.org
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Snowmen! They're everywhere, even if there isn't snow around! Join Teagan & Bekah as they talk about our snow friends and their origins! Also, a Winter Giveaway from now to January 30th 2023! Rate us on iTunes, follow us on Instagram or Facebook, post a photo of your favorite snowman (any material accepted) that you've ever made, and tag @bemorespe…
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Surprisingly, the entomologist is fresh out of knowledge for this one, as Bekah explains spelling bees (and their decidedly unbuggy) origins! Full episode sources and notes can be found at bemorespecific.org
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Holiday Special: Haunted Houses- Origins, Past, and Present!
1:12:37
1:12:37
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Content Warnings in this episode for mention of torture, horror, and discussions related to darker topics. We don't get too in the weeds, but thought you might want a heads up! Ah, the air is crisp, and the spooks are about! It's Haunted House season, but where did these sometimes delightful (and sometimes horrifying) attractions come from? Sources…
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Why Haven't We Eradicated Lice Yet?
1:11:25
1:11:25
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What is a louse? What can lice tell us about ourselves? Does Teagan have them? (Spoiler: she didn't!) Answers to these queries and more will be answered in this episode of Be More Specific! Sources, images, and notes can be found at bemorespecific.org :)
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Why do we sweat and shiver? Turns out keeping your body running is way more difficult than you might imagine. Teagan answers all of our burning (get it?) questions about thermoregulation! Sources and notes can be found on bemorespecific.org
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What makes up a firework? Why do we feel the need to explode things in the sky? Learn all about these sparkly, loud, sky explosions today!Please drop us a review on whatever platform you prefer: https://www.bemorespecific.org/rate/Sources:https://www.americanpyro.com/history-of-fireworks#:~:text=Many%20historians%20believe%20that%20fireworks,air%20…
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Toys are safe right? Wr-well actually, yeah, most of the time. But sometimes, manufacturers forgot to notice some little (and big) problems before sending their creations to the masses! Also: Please don't forget to like and review us on Apple Podcasts! Toy photos will be posted on instagram but *also* we're working on our website, so stay tuned! ht…
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What goes into that oh so delicious brown stuff? Why do people like it so much? How long has it been around? Get yourself a little treat, and settle in for this episode- all about Chocolate! Recommended Reading, but TW: https://foodispower.org/human-labor-slavery/slavery-chocolate/ Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate https://foodispowe…
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What makes bears so cool? Well, time to go camping and think about what makes bears so unbelievably perfect! These fluffy beasts are the best, so prepare to be swooned by their little ears. Sources: https://bear.org/bears-as-imaginary-dragons/https://northamericannature.com/how-did-bears-evolve/https://www.nature.com/articles/srep46487https://www.b…
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Why be smelly? How long have humans applied smelly water to themselves? What's the weirdest scent? How can you buy the best perfume for you? Teagan and Bekah answer all these questions and MORE in this particularly fragrant episode! Sources https://www.fragrancex.com/blog/strangest-perfume-ingredients/ https://qbi.uq.edu.au/blog/2018/11/how-do-we-s…
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What are tongues? How did we get them? How do animals use them? How much does Bekah hate them? (A lot). Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue https://www.thecut.com/2016/05/the-complicated-reasons-why-you-like-some-foods-and-hate-others.html https://www.livescience.com/photos-weird-animal-tongues.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymothoa_…
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The movie is over, but the fun has just begun! Join Bekah and Teagan as we learn about movie credits: their origins, their idiosyncrasies, and why they’re so important! Sources: https://www.peerspace.com/resources/movie-credits/ https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/21443/15-film-production-credits-explained https://www.nfi.edu/film-credits/ https://…
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Come with Teagan and Bekah as they discuss the history and deliciousness of various winter treats! Gingerbread, Fruitcake, and much more! Spoiler alert: These treats are OLD OLD. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_cookie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gingerbread https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumpia https://thetakeout.com/asian-egg-rolls-cha-gi…
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It turns out that mimes are pretty cool! Join Teagan and Bekah as Teagan learns about mimes (for the second time) and as they both fall in love with one Marcel Marceau! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mime_artist https://members.tripod.com/~kiko_mime/history.html https://www.worldmime.org/en/about-mime/mime-and-pantomime/104-mime-and-pantomime/290-th…
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What makes us hiccup? Why does Anna hiccup so much? Will you review us on iTunes? Follow us on Instagram!! @bemorespecificpod Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AdQLkUkui8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0oELHA6EvM https://www.farmersalmanac.com/could-these-remedies-really-stop-the-hiccups-2886 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/…
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Why do we mourn? Why does death matter? What children’s TV Show will make Teagan cry this episode? All of this and more, answered in this week’s episode! Follow us on instagram! @bemorespecificpod Sources https://www.funeralwise.com/digital-dying/the-spectacular-death-rituals-of-the-philippines/ https://newsfeed.time.com/2012/01/25/death-beads-sout…
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What makes a show a "Reality" TV Show? Why do we love them? How did they come to be?Sources:https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/reality-tv.htmhttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-reality-tv-fans-real_b_7803534https://www.businessinsider.com/behind-the-scenes-secrets-reality-tv-producers-wont-tell-you-2018-2https://www.quora.com/How-is-reality-TV…
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Old Wives Tales and some common misconceptions! This has been a rough start to a semester, so we're going low-effort today. Enjoy! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_common_misconceptions https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking-health/old-wives-tales-and-truths https://www.geekwrapped.com/myth-infographic…
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Who rates movies? Who decides what children should and shouldn't watch? Is Be More Specific Rated G? Sources: R. Leone, 2002,Contemplating Ratings: An Examination of What the MPAA Considers “Too Far for R” and Why https://www.filmratings.com/History https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/1247/motion-picture-ratings https://en.wikipedia.org/wi…
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What are dreams? Why do we dream? Do they mean anything? Teagan and Bekah talk dreams (and LaCroix and English Miners and Tuna Chips and a lot of other chaos) in this episode! Also, in this episode we use the terms “Deaf” and “blind” as opposed to “hard of hearing” or “vision impaired”, here is why! It is important to remember no group is a monolit…
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What makes us sleepy? What happens when you don't sleep? How do you sleep better? Avoid sleep anxiety and listen to Teagan and Bekah explain the intricacies of sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ an evidence based website I recommend for the layperson. https://www.thensf.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mufsteNrTI https://lionhabitatranch.…
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What's in a signature? Turns out: A lot of history! Everything from identity verification to slaps are what makes signatures so valuable. https://legalesign.com/blog/history-of-signatures/?amp=1 https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2011/03/when-did-we-start-signing-our-names-to-authenticate-documents.html https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signature ht…
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Getting crispy is most people's least favorite part of the summer. But why does it happen? Why is skin so gross? Why does Teagan insist on choosing topics that make most people nauseated? https://medlineplus.gov/sunexposure.html https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a30691658/sun-poisoning-pictures/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-…
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Bekah is a milk fiend and Teagan is lactose intolerant, but both were pressured into consuming lots of the stuff in elementary school. What gives? Why is there so much milk? Why is it so yummy? Got Milk?https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whole-vs-skim-milk#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20071648/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ar…
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Movie Watch: Foodfight! (The Worst Animated Film, Ever!)
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1:01:52
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Teagan forces Bekah to watch Foodfight. Bekah will never trust Teagan's recommendations EVER again.https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/11/movies/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-computer-animated-foodfight.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threshold_Entertainmenthttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249516/https://lostmediawiki.com/Foodfight!_(partially_found_early_ve…
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What's a meme? Ooga chaka baby. Bekah explains the ancient history of memes, and they discuss the intricacies of internet culture today! https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/from-kilroy-to-pepe-a-brief-history-of-memes/https://www.howtogeek.com/356232/what-is-a-meme/https://www.britannica.com/topic/memehttps://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/1404…
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What is the Cloud? Where is all that data being kept? Why keep it not on a USB in a box under your mattress?? Teagan explains the intricacies of the Cloud, while Bekah ponders the singularity. https://digital.hbs.edu/platform-rctom/submission/cloud-based-rendering-for-the-animation-industry/ https://www.keepitsafe.com/blog/post/how-data-backup-save…
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How Hard IS it to Climb Mount Everest?
1:10:17
1:10:17
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Teagan and Bekah climb Mount Everest! Just Kidding! Turns out that Everest is scary!Sources:https://www.liveabout.com/geology-of-mount-everest-755308#:~:text=The%20peak%20of%20Mount%20Everest,over%20400%20million%20years%20ago.&text=Possibly%20as%20much%20as%20twenty,remains%20had%20turned%20into%20rock.https://www.himalayaguide.com/blog/26/everest…
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