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Mary Roach

Science writer and author of multiple New York Times bestsellers. Her books explore various aspects of human anatomy and physiology in an engaging and humorous style.

Top 10 podcasts with Mary Roach

Ranked by the Snipd community
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163 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 34min

Replaceable You

Mary Roach, renowned author and science communicator, takes listeners on a whimsical journey through the eccentric world of body part replacements. She shares fascinating stories about the integration of pig hearts and prosthetic limbs, illustrating the messy nature of human repair. Roach also discusses the emotional complexity of using breathing aids, alongside humorous anecdotes on hair transplantation experiments. With her unique perspective, she uncovers the intersection of technology, ethics, and the human experience in the pursuit of medical advancement.
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61 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 58min

Human Technomorphology (SWAPPING OUT BODY PARTS) with Mary Roach

Mary Roach, a celebrated science writer known for her bestsellers, dives into the intriguing world of human technomorphology. She discusses fascinating topics like pigs with human kidneys and the future of organ transplantation through bioprinting. The podcast also touches on elective amputations, the sensory experiences of surgery, and the ethical dimensions of organ donation. With humor and vivid storytelling, Roach weaves personal narratives that highlight the emotional connections in medical science, all while inspiring a passion for innovative healthcare solutions.
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21 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 46min

Mary Roach On Our Remarkable, Replaceable Bodies

Mary Roach, a witty science writer and author of Replaceable You, dives into the fascinating world of body part replacement. She discusses the history of prosthetics, sharing stories from ancient to modern practices. Roach explores the ethical dilemmas of using pig organs for transplants and the revolutionary potential of stem cells and 3D printing in regenerative medicine. With humor, she unveils the complex anatomy behind surgical anesthesia and reflects on the wonder of our bodies through her experiences and insights.
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7 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 11min

Mary Roach on the Science of Swapping Human Parts

Mary Roach, a popular science writer and author of *Replaceable You*, joins the conversation to discuss the fascinating pursuit of swapping and regrowing human body parts. She explains the disparity between rapid scientific advancements like CRISPR and the slow pace of bringing those innovations to clinical practice. Roach also delves into the intriguing history of nasal reconstruction and contemporary challenges in stem-cell therapies. Furthermore, she highlights the potential of AI to accelerate research despite ongoing funding issues in the medical field.
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7 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 7min

328 | Mary Roach on Replacing Parts of Our Bodies

In this conversation with science writer Mary Roach, we delve into the fascinating world of body part replacement. Roach shares insights from her book, exploring the ancient and modern approaches to prosthetics and organ transplants. She highlights the extraordinary challenges of replicating natural bodily functions and the emotional implications of surgery. Discover the latest in limb technology, the promise of pig organs for transplantation, and the evolving landscape of synthetic biology in medical advancements. Humor and humanity shine through as she tackles these complex topics.
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6 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 56min

Medical Butt Chugging, Ancient Ice Cream Pyramids, "The Thing" but Midwestern

Mary Roach, author of 'Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy', dives into surprising medical insights, like how humans can breathe through their butts—yes, really! She also shares her fascinating exploration of the deadly origins of ice cream, including historical food safety issues. Meanwhile, the hosts uncover a mysterious goo from the RV Blue Heron, leading to a suspenseful investigation into new microbial life forms. Packed with quirky facts, this conversation is a delicious mix of science, humor, and the bizarre!
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5 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 56min

When animals break the law (featuring Mary Roach)

Mary Roach, a bestselling author known for her witty takes on science, joins Daniel and Kelly to discuss her latest book, *Fuzz*. She shares the outrageous stories behind her research, from odorous fish studies to moose versus cars conundrums. The conversation highlights hilarious anecdotes about animal behavior and the awkwardness in human sexuality research. Roach emphasizes the importance of making complex scientific ideas accessible while reflecting on sustainability in the dairy industry and the chaotic world of squirrel interactions.
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4 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 23min

Tree Week: Killer Trees with Mary Roach

Author and science writer Mary Roach discusses killer trees, danger tree assessors, and the use of explosives to mitigate the risks posed by enormous dying trees. The podcast also delves into the art and danger of tree felling, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting nature's risks.
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4 snips
Oct 21, 2022 • 50min

Crimes in the Wild

True crime mysteries can be dark and thrilling. But what if humans can't crack the case? What if the suspect ... isn't human? This hour, TED Radio Hour investigates crimes with a wild twist. Guests include forensic scientist Lauren Pharr Parks, author Mary Roach, dog trainer and conservationist Megan Parker, wildlife intelligence analyst Sarah Stoner.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Nov 15, 2024 • 26min

How does food turn into poop?

Mary Roach, the witty author of Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal, dives into the fascinating world of digestion. She unpacks why we poop and the science behind poop's brown color and smell. Listeners learn why fiber is crucial for digestion and how astronauts tackle bathroom breaks in space. Roach also highlights the surprising roles of poop in nature, discussing its benefits for flies and bacteria, making this a playful yet informative conversation on a topic that’s often avoided.

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