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Sep 1 2011

How Lie Detectors Work

28 min 3 movies discussed
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Instead of actually detecting lies, polygraph machines sense physiological variations, ostensibly brought on by guilt. The results are subject to interpretation, and therefore controversial. Join Josh and Chuck as they investigate the polygraph.

AI Summary

Josh and Chuck dive into the fascinating world of polygraph machines, tracing their origins from a 1920s Berkeley dorm theft case all the way to modern courtrooms. They explore how these "lie detectors" actually work by measuring physical responses like heart rate, breathing, and sweat, while examining the ongoing debate about their accuracy and reliability. The hosts also discuss the training of polygraph examiners, legal admissibility issues, and some creative methods people have tried to beat the tests.


Movies Discussed

Mr. Show with Bob and David
Mr. Show with Bob and David
1995
★ 7.6
"go watch the shoe store job interview clip from Mr. Show on YouTube — Josh recommends watching a specific Mr. Show clip related to lie detectors as additional content for listeners interested in the topic." — Josh
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
1975
★ 7.0
"Saturday Night Live had a funny skit — Josh references a Saturday Night Live skit about a congressman who yelled 'You lie' and supposedly had a group of senators planning to do the same." — Josh
This American Life
This American Life
2007
★ 8.7
"just retell episodes of this American life — Josh reads a listener suggestion that they should just retell episodes of This American Life instead of creating original content." — Josh

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