

The Studies Show
Tom Chivers and Stuart Ritchie
A weekly podcast about the latest scientific controversies, with Tom Chivers and Stuart Ritchie www.thestudiesshowpod.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 13min
Episode 46: The marshmallow test
Delve into the complexities of the marshmallow test and the evolving understanding of delaying gratification. Discover how the original findings fell short in later studies, sparking debates on methodology and interpretation. Explore the impact of socioeconomic factors on self-control and its correlation with future success. Humorous anecdotes highlight the struggle with self-control, while recent research questions traditional views. Join an engaging discussion on the interplay of confidence, culture, and even gentrification, all tied to the sweet yet sobering reality of self-discipline.

Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 10min
First anniversary special
The hosts celebrate their first anniversary with playful banter and reflections on favorite moments. They dive into societal implications surrounding Ozempic, critiquing its media portrayal. Discussions tackle the classist tones in nutrition debates and the complexities of mental health perceptions. Misinformation and biases in public discourse are examined along with listener suggestions for future topics. The episode wraps up with fond memories and hints at exciting developments ahead, including a potential live show.

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 45: Air pollution
Air pollution is often linked to health crises, with surprising sources like gas stoves leading the conversation. The podcast dives into the troubling statistics surrounding air quality-related deaths, comparing it to smoking fatalities. It highlights the intricate relationship between air pollution and public health metrics. Additionally, societal behaviors in response to rising temperatures and ongoing challenges in deciphering causal links in health studies are discussed, reinforcing the urgent need for clear communication on these issues.

Jul 23, 2024 • 11min
Paid-only Episode 10: Misinformation, debunked
Exploring the irony of misinformation researchers spreading misinformation, critiquing the field as 'bullshit science'. Analyzing the impact of misinformation in society, from historic examples to modern social media consequences. Delving into how misinformation behaves like a virus, influencing beliefs and behaviors. Unpacking harmful effects of misinformation, linking to hate crimes and discrimination.

Jul 16, 2024 • 53min
Episode 44: Asteroids
Tom and Stuart discuss the potential threat of asteroids colliding with Earth, drawing parallels to past catastrophic events like the dinosaur extinction. They explore the destructive capabilities of different sized asteroids, the rarity of collisions, and the importance of tracking these space rocks. The podcast also touches on asteroid mining, the potential global impact of disasters, and the ethical dilemmas of developing asteroid-deflecting technology.

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 13min
Episode 43: Nuclear winter
Podcast delves into the controversial theory of nuclear winter post a global conflict, UK PM's letters to submarine commanders, impacts of nuclear war on food supply and ecosystems, and the risks associated with nuclear weapons testing by countries like North Korea.

Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 2min
Episode 42: Election special
In this election special, the hosts explore the quirks of opinion polls and question the scientific nature of political science. They discuss the accuracy of polls in predicting Brexit and share insights on Multilevel Regression and Poststratification. The chapter also covers topics like the 'Lizardman Constant,' conspiracy theories in polling, and the replication crisis in political science.

Jun 25, 2024 • 11min
Paid-only Episode 9: Viagra
Exploring the potential link between Viagra and Alzheimer's, the accidental discovery of Viagra for angina, the impact of protein kinases on blood vessels and erections, and a professor's unconventional presentation involving genitalia at a conference.

Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 2min
Episode 41: Criminal justice and forensic science
Explore the intersection of criminal justice and forensic science, including court cases on scientific disputes and the use of DNA in murder trials. Delve into legal consequences for speech in the UK, challenges in material innovation, biases in forensic science, and the impact of statistical evidence on criminal investigations. Discuss skepticism towards court decisions on scientific matters and the influence of financial interests on research results.

Jun 11, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 40: Addiction
Delving into addiction, the hosts discuss varied interpretations and definitions, exploring behavioral addictions. They touch on historical cases and the evolution of addiction perceptions, from moral to recognized disorders. The conversation also covers addiction research breakthroughs, misconceptions, and complexities like tolerance and dependence.