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From This Collection

Author Kai Bird was wrong about peace in the Middle East

Nov 15, 2023
The Pulitzer Prize winner and blockbuster author expected an eventual resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Kai Bird, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer."
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

What author Andy Weir got wrong about this particular word

The author of the blockbuster novel "The Martian" shares a story that shows he wasn't always the wordsmith we know him to be.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

What an evolutionary biologist got wrong about cats

Sep 7, 2023
Jonathan Losos, author or "The Cat's Meow," shares an insight that will have cat owners purring in agreement.
Jonathan Losos with his cat, Nelson.

"Shrill" writer Lindy West was wrong about Canada geese

Jul 7, 2023
Seattle writer and comedian Lindy West shares one animal fact that she had all wrong.
Lindy West talks with Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams during a live taping of Marketplace's "Make Me Smart" podcast in Seattle.
Juan Pablo Chiquiza, KUOW

Astronaut Reid Wiseman was wrong about how rockets get to space

Apr 12, 2023
He and his crew on NASA's Artemis II will be the first earthlings to travel to the vicinity of the moon in 50 years.
NASA Astronaut Reid Wiseman will serve as the Commander for the Artemis II mission.
Robert Markowitz/NASA

What a dating coach got wrong about finding love

Apr 7, 2023
Professional matchmaker and dating coach Michelle Jacoby tells us why finding love is not just about following your heart.
Courtesy of Michelle Jacoby

What a food writer got wrong about mocktails

Apr 7, 2023
It wasn't until she started researching her book that Elva Ramirez learned about the origins of the mocktail.
Photographer Robert Bredvad

For public good, not for profit.

Norman Lear was wrong about what humans are capable of

Oct 10, 2022
The legendary TV producer shares what serving in World War II taught him about human behavior.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

LeVar Burton was wrong about America

Aug 24, 2022
The actor, director and TV host who taught millions about the love of books and reading reflects on what he’s learned about his country.
LeVar Burton
Osmo

Alyssa Gaines was wrong about planning for the future

Jul 26, 2022
National Youth Poet Laureate Alyssa Gaines reflects on how you don't always need a plan.
Alyssa Gaines, 2022 National Youth Poet Laureate speaks onstage during The Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit in Partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies on September 21, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Bloomberg Philanthropies)