This episode explores the unexpected and far-reaching consequences of seemingly insignificant words, focusing on three distinct cases. The first segment investigates a 1960s letter to the *New England Journal of Medicine* that, despite being later revealed as a prank, ignited a decades-long misconception about MSG's harmful effects. More significantly, the story unfolds through the unexpected contact with the letter's purported author, who ultimately confesses to the hoax, only to have his confession challenged by the Kwok family. Against this backdrop of misinformation, the second segment delves into the "Stork Derby," a bizarre will that inadvertently spurred a baby-making competition in 1930s Toronto, exposing the social inequalities and eugenic anxieties of the era. For instance, the narrative highlights the disproportionate impact on lower-income families and the media's sensationalized coverage. Finally, the episode concludes with a story of a cycling race where a seemingly simple agreement between two competitors leads to years of resentment and ultimately, a long-overdue apology. What this means for understanding the power of language and its lasting impact on individuals and society is a central theme throughout the episode.
