This week on Flightless Bird David Farrier investigates whether we have America to thank for the modern laundromat. After all, there are over 30,000 laundromats in the US - employing 39,000 people, making $5 billion in revenue each year. To help him in his investigation David meets with Brain Wallace of the Coin Laundry Association to discuss how on April 18th,1934 a Texan named CA Tannahill opened the world's first coin-operated laundromat. David then discovers how laundromats mean different things to different people in America. He then talks with Jason Sowell, who is very enthusiastic about the importance of the American laundromat and runs a non-profit called “Current Initiatives” which helps people do their washing. David also learns why Americans have a phobia of clotheslines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kerry Washington (Thicker Than Water) is an award-winning actor, producer, director, and writer. Kerry joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her anthropology degree, not feeling like the protagonist of her own story, and finding out the truth about her family. Kerry and Dax talk about what it takes to keep secrets, their experiences with abuse in the household, and James McAvoy in The Last King of Scotland. Kerry explains how her relationship with food has changed over the years, what she learned from moving to India, and how she strove to carve her own path in life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a failed romantic pursuit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Gabor Maté (The Myth of Normal) is a physician and author. Gabor joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how most people exhibit addictive behaviors, how the mind is connected to physical health, and how human societies are like lab cultures. Gabor and Dax talk about why airports can be sources of anxiety, what happens to the body when someone goes through trauma, and why children have the expectation to be loved unconditionally. Gabor explains why it’s important to confront painful emotions, his pathway to wholeness, and that being aware of the truth is what actually liberates people.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Synced, Monica talks about temporarily giving up drinking, they contemplate Liz's trusting nature, and debate the deliciousness of club soda. A special guest joins for listener questions about tardiness and if a sixteen year age gap is too much between romantic partners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices