New Books in Science, Technology, and Society
New Books Network
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 10, 2026 • 45min
Alison Bashford, "Decoding the Hand: A History of Science, Medicine, and Magic" (U Chicago Press, 2025)
Historian Alison Bashford dives into the captivating intersection of science, medicine, and magic through the lens of palmistry. She reveals how iconic figures like Isaac Newton and Darwin were intrigued by the hand's significance. Discover tales of pioneering palm readers, including Charlotte Wolff's adventurous primate studies, and Francis Galton's foundational work in dermatoglyphics. Bashford also discusses modern applications in genetics and the ongoing allure of palmistry, highlighting its role in both scientific inquiry and mystical traditions.
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 14min
Heino Falcke and Jörg Römer, "Light in the Darkness: Black Holes, the Universe, and Us" (HarperCollins, 2021)
Heino Falcke, a leading astrophysicist and the mind behind the first black hole image, shares his journey in capturing this cosmic mystery. He discusses the intricacies and failures inherent in scientific work while exploring how childhood curiosity ignited his fascination with black holes. Falcke reflects on the spiritual implications of astronomy, urging listeners to ponder humanity's connection to the universe. He humorously explains scientific terms and contemplates the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life, intertwining faith and wonder.
Jan 8, 2026 • 34min
Marc Berman, "Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being" (Simon and Schuster, 2025)
Dr. Marc Berman, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Chicago, explores the powerful impact of nature on our mental and physical well-being. He reveals how simple interactions with the natural environment can alleviate stress, sharpen focus, and enhance creativity, even for those who aren't nature enthusiasts. Berman emphasizes the importance of green spaces in urban design and presents compelling research linking nature exposure to improved health outcomes. His insights into attention restoration theory offer a refreshing perspective on living a healthier life.
Jan 7, 2026 • 54min
Peter Frankopan, "The Earth Transformed: An Untold History" (Knopf, 2023)
Peter Frankopan, a Professor of global history at Oxford and author of *The Earth Transformed: An Untold History*, dives into how climate change has influenced civilizations throughout history. He shares fascinating insights on how events like volcanic eruptions and El Niño shaped human experiences. Frankopan critiques academia's gatekeeping while advocating for inclusivity and interdisciplinary approaches. He also emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices today, drawing parallels between past empires and our current environmental challenges.
Jan 7, 2026 • 42min
Rachel Midura, "Postal Intelligence: The Tassis Family and Communications Revolution in Early Modern Europe" (Cornell UP, 2025)
Rachel Midura, a historian specializing in early modern communication, dives into the revolutionary impact of postal systems in Europe. She spotlights the Tassis family, who played crucial roles as postmasters under various rulers. Midura reveals how the post transformed diplomacy and public discourse, intertwining state and private communication. She discusses the challenges of maintaining reliable postal networks, espionage risks faced by messengers, and the evolution of postal services as a form of social media in the early modern era.
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 4min
Alexa Hagerty, "Still Life with Bones: Genocide, Forensics, and What Remains" (Crown, 2023)
In this engaging discussion, anthropologist Alexa Hagerty shares insights from her book about the haunting realities of forensic anthropology in contexts of genocide. She unwraps how bones can reveal identities and stories, intertwining the lives lost with forensic analyses of trauma. Hagerty also emphasizes the importance of community-driven investigations and critiques traditional narratives of closure in the face of grief. Through her experiences in Argentina and Guatemala, she illustrates how exhumation acts as both a ritual and a path toward healing for families affected by violence.
Jan 6, 2026 • 21min
Aaron Bateman. "Weapons in Space: Technology, Politics, and the Rise and Fall of the Strategic Defense Initiative" (MIT Press, 2024)
Aaron Bateman, Assistant Professor at George Washington University, delves into the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), sparked by Reagan’s 1983 announcement. He discusses how SDI reshaped space militarization post-Cold War, revealing its secretive role in US defense strategy. Bateman argues that SDI’s controversy stemmed more from its political implications than technical challenges. He also connects SDI's legacy to today's space arms control issues and reflects on current projects, including insights gained from archival research.
Jan 5, 2026 • 60min
David Morris, "Stealing The Future: Sam Bankman-Fried, Elite Fraud, and the Cult of Techno-Utopia" (Watkins Media, 2025)
David Z. Morris, a journalist and author specializing in finance and technology, unravels the story behind Sam Bankman-Fried's $11 billion fraud. He discusses how ideas like effective altruism and techno-utopianism fueled such monumental deception. Morris highlights connections between rationalist culture and financial nihilism, warns of red flags in future frauds, and critiques the male dominance in these circles. With insights into AI and gambling culture, he sheds light on how to recognize the next wave of tech fraudsters.
Jan 5, 2026 • 43min
Florentine Koppenborg, "Japan's Nuclear Disaster and the Politics of Safety Governance" (Cornell UP, 2023)
Florentine Koppenborg, a political scientist specializing in nuclear safety governance, discusses Japan's regulatory reforms post-Fukushima. She details how the disaster revealed significant flaws in safety governance and led to the establishment of an independent regulator that challenges political influence. Koppenborg explores local protests, the 'nuclear village' mentality, and the NRA's newly gained powers and transparency. She also raises concerns about the potential conflicts between safety regulations and decarbonization goals, offering insights into future nuclear phase-outs.
Jan 1, 2026 • 44min
Henry Grabar, "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World" (Penguin, 2023)
In this engaging discussion, Henry Grabar, a Slate staff writer and author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World," delves into the complex issues surrounding parking in America. He reveals how our obsession with parking drives urban design, distorts real estate, and even impacts environmental challenges like heat islands. Grabar discusses the irony of perceived parking scarcity, the historical panic that led to strict parking minimums, and the promising reforms seen in cities like Los Angeles. His insights prompt us to rethink how we allocate space and resources.
