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
Jun 19, 2015 • 59min
91 Rachel Kalmar - The Power of Wearable Technology
Rachel Kalmar is a neuroscientist, data scientist, and world record holder for number of wearable sensors worn daily. On the show this week we talk to Kalmar about the power of collecting data from yourself by wearing sensors directly on your body. We explore the limits and possibilities of wearable technology—and some of the amazing things we might eventually be able to accomplish with it.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
Jun 12, 2015 • 56min
90 Will Smith & Norman Chan - Understanding Virtual Reality
On the show this week we talk all things virtual reality with Will Smith and Norman Chan from Tested.com. Did VR fail in the 90s?How many times does it have to fail to succeed? What’s it useful for besides video games and Lawnmower Men? If you’re confused by the recent VR comeback, Will and Norm have answers.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
Jun 5, 2015 • 47min
89 Eric Cheng - The Science Behind Drones
Eric Cheng is an award-winning photographer and publisher, and is the Director of Aerial Imaging and General Manager of the San Francisco office at DJI, the makers of the popular Phantom aerial-imaging quadcopter.On the show this week we talk to Cheng (from atop a mountain in the middle of San Francisco) about the science behind drones; why some people are afraid of them, how they work, and why they’re so useful for so many people—especially scientists.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 29, 2015 • 58min
88 Alan Levinovitz - The Gluten Lie
Alan Levinovitz is an assistant professor of Chinese philosophy and religion at James Madison University and author of The Gluten Lie: And Other Myths About What You Eat.On the show this week we talk to Levinovitz about gluten and gluten-free diets. Should everyone go gluten-free? What does the actual science about it say? Why is a professor of religion is writing about diets in the first place? Listen and find out.iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/inquiring-minds/id711675943RSS: feeds.feedburner.com/inquiring-mindsStitcher: stitcher.com/podcast/inquiring-mindsTumblr: http://inquiringshow.tumblr.comSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 22, 2015 • 57min
87 Stephen Dubner - Freakonomics and the Danger of Certainty
On the show this week we talk to Stephen Dubner, award-winning author, journalist, and radio and TV personality. He is best-known for writing, along with the economist Steven D. Levitt, Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics, which have sold more than 5 million copies in 35 languages.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 15, 2015 • 53min
86 Adam Rogers - The Science of Booze
Adam Rogers is an editor at Wired and the author of Proof: The Science of Booze. On the show this week we talk to Rogers about alcohol and the science behind it—from yeast, to bourbon, to Star Trek’s synthehol.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 8, 2015 • 58min
85 James Krupa - Teaching Evolution in Kentucky
James Krupa is a professor of biology at the University of Kentucky. On the show this week we talk to Krupa about a recent article he wrote for Orion magazine called Defending Darwin, in which he explains what it’s really like to teach evolution to students in Kentucky.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
May 2, 2015 • 1h 6min
84 Ivan Oransky - The Fetishization of Scientific Papers
Ivan Oransky is vice president and global editorial director of MedPage Today and co-founder of Retraction Watch. On the show this week we talk to Oransky about retractions and the gospel of the scientific paper.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
Apr 24, 2015 • 1h 8min
83 Traci Mann - The Science of Weight Loss
On the show this week we talk to Traci Mann, professor of psychology at the University of Minnesota and author of the new book Secrets from the Eating Lab: The Science of Weight Loss, the Myth of Willpower, and Why You Should Never Diet Again.iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/inquiring-minds/id711675943RSS: feeds.feedburner.com/inquiring-mindsStitcher: stitcher.com/podcast/inquiring-mindsTumblr: inquiringshow.tumblr.comSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
Apr 17, 2015 • 1h 3min
82 Alex Garland - The Science of Ex Machina
Alex Garland is the writer and director of Ex Machina, a recently released film about what happens when someone is asked to interact with what might be the world's first true artificial intelligence (as well as the writer of Dredd, Sunshine, and 28 Days Later).On the show this week guest host Rebecca Watson talks to Garland about the science behind the film, and what he learned in the process of making it.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
