Summary
In this episode of Star Talk Sports Edition, the hosts discuss the science behind various weird and unusual sports from around the world. They start with the British sport of cheese rolling, which involves chasing a wheel of cheese down a hill, and discuss the physics behind the sport and the types of cheese used. They then move on to the World Belly Flop Championships in Norway, where contestants dive into a swimming pool with arms and legs outstretched. The hosts discuss the physics of diving and the potential risks of injury. They also mention the long and dark winters in Norway and the opposite in summers.
The hosts also discuss other odd sports, including face slapping, shin kicking, and goanna pulling. They mention the origins and rules of each sport and the potential advantages of being heavier or lighter. They also joke about the weirdness of the sports and their potential risks. The discussion includes some banter among the hosts.
The podcast episode also covers chess boxing, where contestants alternate between playing chess and boxing, with the winner determined by checkmate or knockout. They mention that Queen Elizabeth II is a fan of conkers, a game where players try to smash their opponent's horse chestnut with their own, and Arnold Schwarzenegger is a fan of face slapping.
Overall, the hosts provide an entertaining and informative discussion of various weird and unusual sports, including their origins, rules, and physics. They inject humor and banter into the discussion, making it an enjoyable listen for anyone interested in sports and science.
