Mary Roach

This hour, we dive into the messy mystery in the middle of us. What's going on down there? And what can the rumblings deep in our bellies tell us about ourselves?  We join author Mary Roach and reach inside a live cow's stomach. Talk with writer Frederick Kaufman about our first peek into the wonderful world of human digestion that came about thanks to a hunting accident. And explore with show regular, science writer, and fellow water drinker, Carl Zimmer, about the trillions of microscopic creatures that keep us regulated, physically, but also, maybe, emotionally and spiritually. Our newsletter comes out every Wednesday. It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Sign up (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)!Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today.Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org. Leadership support for Radiolab’s science programming is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation Initiative, and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Forensic scientist, author, dog trainer, and wildlife analyst explore crimes in the animal kingdom, including vulture behavior in investigations, bears breaking the law, and training dogs to detect scents. They discuss cases like burglaries in Aspen and anti-poaching efforts in Zambia.

Mary Roach, a bestselling author known for her witty takes on science, dives into the intriguing world of sex research and the quirks of animal behavior. She shares humorous anecdotes from sex studies that unveil surprising gender differences and societal taboos. Roach also tackles ethical dilemmas surrounding wildlife, arguing for a nuanced perspective on animal behavior deemed 'criminal.' Plus, she explores the fascinating border between scientific inquiry and paranormal beliefs, emphasizing the balance between skepticism and credulity.

Forensic scientist, author, dog trainer, and wildlife intelligence analyst discuss crimes with a wild twist. Topics include the role of vultures in crime scenes, the possibility of a bear burglary, training dogs as detection dogs, and combating wildlife crimes.

Join Mary Roach, a captivating author known for her explorations in science and military history, as she dives into the quirky world of military research. Discover how uniforms are designed for comfort and protection, the surprising threat of diarrhea in warfare, and the longstanding quest to conquer sleep deprivation. Roach shares tales of bizarre innovations, including the infamous stink bomb project, and unpacks the serious implications of soldier health, from recovery challenges to groundbreaking medical advancements for veterans.