On today’s show, our guest is Jacky Colliss Harvey, author of Red: A History of the Redhead (Black Dog & Leventhal, June 2015). As a redhead herself, Harvey wanted to research the unique experience of being a ginger, from the science behind it to representations of redhead in art throughout history. In the process, she found herself at Redhead Days, a festival in the Netherlands that draws redheads from around the world. We also talk to contributing editor Emma Bryce about how prank calls helped spread awareness about Ebola in West Africa. Plus, staff writer Josh Hrala discusses sex in Germany and sex in space.

Music this hour:

• “Elle va au Japon” by Nic Bommarito, from the album A Quiet Age
• “Soldiertype (militarised)” by Ketsa, from the album What’s Without’s Within
• “Take Me Higher” by Jahzzar, from the album Tumbling Dishes Like Old-Man’s Wishes