In this engaging discussion, Adam Mastroianni, a social psychologist critiquing his field, and Dan Engber, a journalist at The Atlantic, delve into the troubling replication crisis in psychology. They explore how numerous landmark studies have been debunked, questioning the scientific rigor of the discipline. Mastroianni reflects on whether psychology truly teaches us anything, while Engber uncovers a scandal involving academic fraud that has rocked business school psychology. Their insights illuminate the urgent need for reform in psychological research.

Hannah Rosen, host of Radio Atlantic, and Dan Engber, senior editor at The Atlantic, dive into the mystery behind the sharp decline of cockroach populations in America. They reminisce about childhood encounters with these pests and explore the cultural implications of their disappearance. The discussion reveals how innovative pest control methods shifted public perceptions and reflects on societal trauma tied to historical events. With playful anecdotes and insightful commentary, they highlight the challenge of recognizing progress in a world where discomfort often fades from memory.

Dan Engber, a science writer at The Atlantic, dives into the controversial world of facilitated communication for non-speaking autistic children. He explores emotional parent-child connections and the complexities of interpreting communication through a skeptical lens. Engber questions whether the ability to seemingly read minds comes from genuine understanding or a deep desire for connection. The discussion also touches on how societal beliefs in telepathy impact our perception of such extraordinary claims.

Join Dan Engber, a science writer known for his critiques of animal intelligence research, and Laurel Braitman, an expert on sperm whale social structures. They are joined by Tracy Clayton, who boldly defends the smarts of crows, and comedian Jordan Mendoza, who champions slime molds. The lively discussion covers the emotional intelligence of animals, hilarious competitions between species like raccoons and quokkas, and thought-provoking insights into how we define intelligence. Prepare for an entertaining showdown to crown the world's smartest animal!

Dan Engber, a science writer and editor at The Atlantic, joins Jason Abaluck, a Yale economist, to dissect media coverage of COVID-19's origins and the mask debate. They explore the controversial lab leak hypothesis versus natural origins, highlighting media shortcomings in public understanding. Engber critiques the inconsistent messaging from journalists, while Abaluck shares insights from his research in Bangladesh that challenges traditional views on mask effectiveness. The discussion emphasizes the need for critical thinking and accountability in science journalism.