Chapter
Probability, Consternation, and Listener Mail
46:07 - 50:02 (03:55)
The hosts discuss the calculation of probabilities using the example of a Nebraska church blowing up, and the consternation caused by a listener's email. They then transition into listener mail.
Clips
In this episode, the hosts talk about interesting stories behind people's names and encourage listeners to research the origins of their own names.
46:07 - 47:12 (01:05)
Summary
In this episode, the hosts talk about interesting stories behind people's names and encourage listeners to research the origins of their own names.
ChapterProbability, Consternation, and Listener Mail
EpisodeWhat's in a surname?
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The probability of a 1950 Nebraska church blowing up can be calculated by multiplying the chance of it happening on a given night with the one-in-a-billion chance.
47:12 - 49:09 (01:56)
Summary
The probability of a 1950 Nebraska church blowing up can be calculated by multiplying the chance of it happening on a given night with the one-in-a-billion chance. Probability can be calculated in a straightforward manner if all probabilities are equal and independent.
ChapterProbability, Consternation, and Listener Mail
EpisodeWhat's in a surname?
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The more specifically an event is described, the more unlikely it becomes according to calculations.
49:09 - 50:02 (00:53)
Summary
The more specifically an event is described, the more unlikely it becomes according to calculations. However, it's easy to become overly dazzled by these probabilities.