In this episode of Know-It-All, host Avi Polirer takes listeners on a brief but fascinating journey through the origins of the internet, tracing it back to 1957 during the Cold War. Born out of the U.S. government's response to the launch of Sputnik, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) funded the development of computer communication, leading to the first successful data transmission between two computers in 1969. This marked the beginning of ARPANET, the earliest version of the internet. The episode explores ARPANET’s rapid growth, its eventual decline with the rise of NSFNET and MILNET, and its decommissioning in 1990—all while highlighting the crucial role ARPANET played in laying the foundation for the global internet we rely on today.

Did you know the influencer industry is worth a staggering $250 billion? In this episode of Know-It-All, host Meg Hamilton breaks down the booming world of influencer marketing. Learn what it really means to be an influencer, the key differences between micro-, macro-, and mega-influencers, and why brands are investing big in social media personalities. Plus, we uncover how much influencers are actually making—from thousands per post to surprising monthly earnings. Whether you're an aspiring influencer or just curious about the hype, this quick episode gives you the inside scoop.

When an Iranian cleric suggested the U.S. had no real heroes outside of Spiderman and SpongeBob, it raised a provocative question: what happens when a nation’s identity is built on fictional media?

In this episode of Know-It-All, we explore how Italian filmmakers broke free from censorship after Mussolini’s fall, giving birth to Italian Neo-Realism. This movement rejected Hollywood-style productions, instead using real locations, non-professional actors, and documentary-style filming to depict the struggles of post-war Italy. Directors like Roberto Rossellini, Vittorio De Sica, and Luchino Visconti created powerful films such as Rome, Open City and Bicycle Thieves that captured the hardships of everyday life. Though short-lived, Neo-Realism remains one of the most influential film movements in history.

When was the last time you picked up a physical newspaper? With digital news dominating our screens, print journalism has slowly faded into the background—but at what cost? In this episode of Know-It-All, host Brianna Whittaker explores the consequences of the newspaper industry's decline, from political polarization and misinformation to economic downturns and job losses. As newspaper circulation plummets to historic lows, what does this mean for our democracy and access to reliable news? Tune in as we discuss why the disappearance of print media is more than just a sign of changing times—it's a crisis for informed communities.

In 1975, Jaws forever changed how people viewed the ocean—and the great white shark. Dubbed the original summer blockbuster, the film sparked widespread fear, increasing shark hunting, government culling programs, and a lasting public perception of sharks as ruthless predators. But what were the real-world consequences of this fear? And how has science and conservation worked to undo the damage? Join host Brianna Patrick as she explores The Jaws Effect, the unintended legacy of Spielberg’s classic, and the ongoing battle to shift the narrative on these misunderstood creatures

Is the media shaping your reality more than you think? In this episode of Know-It-All, host Micah Glasgow unpacks the power of gatekeeping, agenda-setting, and social media algorithms in influencing what we see, think, and care about. From global conflicts to viral trends, discover how corporate interests and personal biases shape the information we consume—and what you can do to break free from the bubble. Tune in to learn how to challenge your perspectives and take control of your digital reality.

Are you ready to step into the world of Japanese horror, where chilling aesthetics, supernatural tales, and psychological depth blend seamlessl