Are Ivy League students smarter than a fifth grader?

Prepare to be surprised by this playful, campus-wide experiment that puts basic knowledge to the test—and reveals that even top scholars get stumped on the simplest questions.

In this special "Intern Takeover" episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond hands the mic to rockstar interns Audrey Chen and David Herzberger, who hit the snowy grounds of Cornell University with a mission: connect with strangers and challenge them with classic "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" questions.

From figuring out the inventor of the light bulb to naming the smallest US state, you'll hear plenty of amusing wrong answers, epic redemptions, and accidental bloopers—proving that knowledge gaps can be both humbling and hilariously relatable.

Key highlights:

• The irony of testing elite university students on elementary-level questions
• Real reactions, surprises, and candid moments in adverse (snowy!) conditions
• Heartwarming campus connections, cold approaches, and blooper reels
• Thought-provoking brain teasers and unexpected stumbles, from basic math to Frozen trivia
• The interns’ genuine reflections on growth, fun, and the power of connecting with strangers

By the end, you’ll be challenged to step out of your own comfort zone and strike up a conversation with someone new. Because as this episode proves, everyone—no matter how accomplished—can get tripped up by the basics. And that’s what makes learning, laughter, and human connection thrive.

Episode Overview:00:00:25 – Lou Diamond welcomes the audience and introduces the annual Intern Takeover—this year with interns Audrey Chen and David Herzberger.00:01:51 – Audrey Chen reveals their playful plan to quiz students: “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?”00:02:46 – David Herzberger shares his surprise at how tricky basic questions can be—even for the best and brightest.00:04:45 – Recordings take place during a cold, snowy day, adding challenge and camaraderie.00:05:16 – The intern duo begins their campus adventure, connecting and interviewing students on fun, simple questions.00:06:02 – Major moments: students answer questions on geography, history, science, math, and pop culture—sometimes hilariously wrong!00:13:08 – Brain teasers and redemption rounds keep things lively.00:19:17 – Audrey Chen and David Herzberger reflect on the fun and personal growth from cold-approaching strangers and spreading Thrive Loud’s mission.

Jump into this episode and see how YOU stack up against Cornell’s finest!