Matt Simon, author of "Plight of the Living Dead", reveals mind-controlling parasites and their impact on different species. They discuss zombies in nature, including fungus-controlled zombie ants and wasp bunkers. The chapter also touches on ticks as parasites and the concept of individuality in the natural world. They explore the origins of life and the manipulation of crustaceans by camphosephalins worms. The discussion also includes zombies in popular culture and the horrifying behavior of the jewel wasp. They discuss protecting the earth and fighting the climate crisis, as well as toxoplasmosis infection and its behavioral effects. They further explore the evolution and nature of zombies and share a personal anecdote about a scary moment on a plane with their dog.

Matt Simon (@mrmattsimon) is a science writer at Wired magazine and the author of A Poison Like No Other: How Microplastics Corrupted Our Planet and Our Bodies. What We Discuss with Matt Simon: Microplastics contain a cocktail of toxic chemicals, many of which are linked to diseases like diabetes and cancer. Microplastics break even further into nanoplastics, which are small enough to move through human organs — including the brain — and enter our cells. Nearly everything around you — carpets, curtains, coasters, cups, packaging, clothing, couches, beds — contains plastic, and it all sheds plastic particles. Your home is one of the most polluted places – you could inhale as many as 7,000 microplastics a day. What we can do to reduce our exposure to microplastics and decrease our reliance on overall plastic consumption. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/818 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

Matt Simon, a senior staff writer at WIRED, discusses the potential of heat pumps in revolutionizing home heating and reducing carbon emissions. Topics include debunking myths about heat pumps in cold weather, advancements in technology, and challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy solutions.