The Ig Nobel Prize - September 22, 2025

Foreign correspondent Tony Five does his signature UK-based reporting and explains why the World Conker Championship is in trouble, and last year's competition's controversy. Real estate reporter James Rodriguez goes over the rise and fall of the 'nepo' homebuyer. Psychology professor Dr. Maital Neta reveals how you perceive a surprised look on someone's face traces back to your parents. Associate professor of educational leadership Dr. Adam McCready discusses the ways in which adults and teens see social media differently. From cows with zebra stripes to drunk bats, multimedia reporter Michael Casey gives us the run-down on the 2025 Ig Noble Prizes. Animal lawyer V. Victoria Shroff shares how in medieval times, animals could be put on trial and how that's still applicable today. (Check out Victoria's book here.) Media and communications researcher ⁠M. Sebih Oruç⁠ explains ⁠why you should put down your phone and engage in boredom, and how philosophy can help with digital overload⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:13) Tony Five pt. 1 (10:00) Tony Five pt. 2 (20:00) James Rodriguez (30:00) Dr. Maital Neta (39:50) Dr. Adam McCready (49:50) Michael Casey (59:50) V. Victoria Shroff (1:09:50) M. Sebih Oruç (1:19:17) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices