Inquiring Minds
Indre Viskontas
Each week we bring you a new, in-depth exploration of the space where science and society collide. We’re committed to the idea that making an effort to understand the world around you though science and critical thinking can benefit everyone—and lead to better decisions. We want to find out what’s true, what’s left to discover, and why it all matters.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 2, 2019 • 33min
Neal Stephenson - Fall; or, Dodge in Hell
We talk to celebrated speculative fiction writer Neal Stephenson about his latest book Fall; or, Dodge in Hell: A Novel.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
Jun 24, 2019 • 1h 1min
In Pain: A Bioethicist’s Personal Struggle with Opioids
We talk to bioethicist Travis Rieder about his new book In Pain: A Bioethicist’s Personal Struggle with Opioids.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
Jun 18, 2019 • 19min
Up To Date | Singing Mice; Six Fingered Hands; Dolphin Cliques
Neuroscientists found an on-off switch in mice brains that makes them sing; new research on the genetics of people who have six fingers on one hand and whether or not your brain could handle an extra robotic finger; and a look into how dolphins can be biased in who they associate with.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
Jun 10, 2019 • 48min
The Age of Living Machines
We talk to neuroscientist and former president of MIT Susan Hockfield about her new book The Age of Living Machines: How Biology Will Build the Next Technology Revolution.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
Jun 4, 2019 • 47min
A Life in Math and Football
We talk to mathematician and former NFL player John Urschel about his new book, co-written with Louisa Thomas, called Mind and Matter: A Life in Math and Football. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 21, 2019 • 43min
The State of the Art in Alzheimer's Research
We talk to Katja Brose, neuroscientist and Science Program Officer at the Chan Zuckerberg Science Initiative about the latest, best prospects in neurodegenerative disease treatment.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 18, 2019 • 3min
BONUS: Introducing Science Rules! with Bill Nye
Former guest of Inquiring Minds, Bill Nye, is on a mission to change the world—one phone call at a time. On his new podcast, Science Rules!, he tackles the curliest questions on just about anything in the universe. Perhaps you’ve wondered: Should I stop eating cheeseburgers to combat climate change? How often should I really be washing my pillowcase? Can I harvest energy from all those static-electricity shocks I get in the winter? Science Rules! is out now and you can find it in your favorite podcast app.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 14, 2019 • 48min
Salty Erotica of the Deep
Indre talks to marine biologist Marah Hardt about her book Sex in the Sea: Our Intimate Connection with Sex-Changing Fish, Romantic Lobsters, Kinky Squid, and Other Salty Erotica of the Deep.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 7, 2019 • 23min
Up To Date | Bioprinting a Liver; Tasting with Genes; Stopping the World’s Worst Venom
New research on 3D printing vasculature around which organs could be created; recent work on the effects of genetics on the way you taste things; and a new way to stop the effects of the world’s worst venom.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 1, 2019 • 50min
Completing the Darwinian Revolution
David Sloan Wilson, influential evolutionary biologist, discusses expanding evolutionary theory to groups, the importance of cooperation in society, aligning evolution with normative goals, the practicality of becoming a smart city, using evolutionary thinking in decision-making, and book recommendations.
