

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

Apr 9, 2018 • 55min
The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics
We talk to astrophysicist Adam Becker about his new book What Is Real? The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

Apr 7, 2018 • 11min
Up-To-Date | James Webb, Shrimp, and Chilled-Out Monkeys
We're introducing a new, additional weekly episode! Every Friday, listen to Indre and Kishore do a quick recap of some of the week's most interesting science news.Today, we talk about why shrimp and lobster fishing might be worse for the environment than you think, the ongoing troubles with the James Webb Space Telescope, and a study that sort of shows monkeys who go to the spa are more relaxed.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

Apr 2, 2018 • 47min
The Neuroscience of How We Think
We have a big announcement! After 220 episodes, we are striking out on our own. Thanks to Mother Jones for being our home for the past 5 years. Look for new segments and episodes as we expand creatively, while still bringing you in depth conversations with scientists.This week, we talk to neuroscientist Daniel Krawczyk about his book Reasoning: The Neuroscience of How We Think.Dan also studies traumatic brain injury in veterans, using virtual reality as a part of cognitive behavioral therapy. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

Mar 27, 2018 • 35min
Jellyfish Science
We talk to ocean scientist and science writer Juli Berwald about her new book Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing a Backbone.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

Mar 20, 2018 • 41min
The Politics of Rainforests
We talk to Rhett Butler, editor-in-chief and CEO of Mongabay, a nonprofit organization which seeks to raise interest in and appreciation of wild lands and wildlife, while examining the impact of emerging trends in climate, technology, economics, and finance on conservation and development.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

Mar 13, 2018 • 36min
What We Really Know About Gun Violence
We talk to Stanford law professor and economist John Donohue who for the better part of the last 20 years has been doing research into understanding gun violence.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

Mar 6, 2018 • 45min
100% Renewable Energy by 2050
We talk to Stanford professor of civil and environmental engineering Mark Jacobson about his research that shows it’s possible for the world to be using 100% clean, renewable energy by 2050.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

Feb 27, 2018 • 43min
The Broad Potential of Psychoactive Drugs
We talk to journalist and science writer Hamilton Morris about his Viceland docuseries “Hamilton's Pharmacopeia” and the history and science of psychoactive drugs.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

Feb 19, 2018 • 46min
The Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance
We talk to Alex Hutchinson, author of Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

Feb 6, 2018 • 53min
It's Time to Rethink Ocean Conservation
We talk to marine biologist, policy expert, and conservation strategist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson about why we need to rethink ocean conservation.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds