Hello From the Van

✓

Claim

Last week it was dogs and this week, we're talking about cats! You'd think after 10,000 years of domestication we'd know more about them, but so much of their feline world remains a mystery. Find out some of what we know and what we don't know this week on Hello From the Van! S…

Have you ever wondered HOW dogs are trained to smell the undetecable or what it takes to be a true service dog?? This week we learn all about how and why dogs smell so well and what it legally takes to be a working dog in the world.  Sources: Cpdt, S. G. M. (2025, August 29). What is a diabetic al…

Ever wonder what causes a brain freeze? In this episode we go into the science of a brain freeze, different cultural views on icy foods, and the statistics of ice cream. It's a super cooool episode of Hello From the Van!  Sources:  Brain freeze. (2025, September 24). Cleveland Clinic. https:/…

Ever wonder why peppers are painful? In this episode we take a look at the fascinating world of plant evolutions, digestive designs, and the history of the pepper plant.  Sources:  Borrell, B. (2013, November 18). What's So Hot About Chili Peppers? Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsoni…

Ever wonder why some people have life threatening allergies and others do not? In this episode we take a dive into the world of antigens and antibodies as we explore the world of allergies.  Sources:  Allergies. (2026, May 7). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8610-a…

Happy Labor Day to those in the United States and Canada. To those of you outside of North America...Happy May Day when the time comes around!  This week we talk about the history and cultural significance of Labor Day as well as it's mysterious origins.  Stuck in your van too? Give us a foll…

One of the most important discoveries of the last century has been blood typing and donation. This week we dive into how blood types got their names, why blood typing is important, the history of the man responsible for it all.  Sources:  Stanford Blood Center. (2019, September 13). Blood types — …

Some animals are smart...but others are smarter. This week we discuss the different types of animal intelligence, and the most commonly studied "smart" animals of the animal kingdom.  Sources: Vidal, J. (2021, October 29). The grey parrot and the race against Africa’s wildlife extinction…

Motorcycles may have gotten their start in the late 1800's, but their use during World War is what truly solidified their cultural foothold. In honor of the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, this week we talk about invention, muddy history, and the future of the motorcycle.  SOURCES: Stur…