KERA's Think

Every relationship has a person who loads the dishwasher like an architect, and one who throws plates in like a tornado. Ellen Cushing, staff writer for The Atlantic, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why arguments over daily chores might signal deeper issues in a partnership, why some household appliances have such a hold on us, and, yes, we’ll get to scientific proof of how that dishwasher is really supposed to be loaded. (Be prepared to tell your significant other.) Her article is, “There Are Two Types of Dishwasher People.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We hear a lot about the male “epidemic of loneliness” these days—maybe it’s from behaviors learned in childhood. Joshua Coleman is a psychologist in private practice and senior fellow with the Council on Contemporary Families. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how we parent girls and boys differently, asking boys to hide their emotions while allowing girls to express theirs and how even in infancy we don’t give boys the attention they need reliably. His article, “What Parents of Boys Need to Know” was published by The Atlantic. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Finding happiness is no longer an abstract pursuit—there’s serious science behind it, but it’s research that hasn’t always been held in the highest esteem. Susan Dominus, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how studying happiness became a respected field of study, what psychologists are learning about different types of happiness, and what data says about contentment. Her article is, "How Nearly a Century of Happiness Research Led to One Big Finding."  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Why are we following the lead of tech billionaires when it comes to guiding public policy? Science journalist Adam Becker joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the ways Silicon Valley scions might have A.I. all wrong, the obsession with space colonies and why we aren’t asking more critical questions for their version of the future. His book is, “More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley’s Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity.“ Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Allie Volpe, a Senior Reporter at Vox, dives into the complexities of risk perception and management. She discusses the skewed ways we evaluate risks, particularly how younger generations are hindered by heightened anxiety and overprotective environments. Through exploring media narratives and personal experiences, Volpe highlights the disconnect between perceived fears and actual dangers. She advocates for embracing calculated risks as a path to resilience, ultimately encouraging listeners to confront their anxieties for personal growth.

Last Thursday, the first American Pope was introduced to the world as Pope Leo XIV. Christopher White, Vatican correspondent at the National Catholic Reporter and author of the upcoming book “Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy,” joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, what his mission for the church might be going forward, and the significance of the papal name he’s chosen as he now looks to lead 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We want our airline pilots to fly only when they’re healthy, which can lead to masking symptoms of mental illness. Helen Ouyang is an emergency physician and associate professor at Columbia University. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss rules around pilot health — which can discourage them to seek necessary treatment for fear of being deemed unfit to fly — and why there are both pros and cons to the policy. Her article in The New York Times is “Why Airline Pilots Feel Pushed to Hide Their Mental Illness.”  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Paul Tough, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, dives into the evolving understanding of A.D.H.D. He argues that many may experience symptoms temporarily, challenging the idea of permanent diagnoses. Tough discusses the biases in diagnosing A.D.H.D., particularly in women, and why traditional stimulant medications are under scrutiny. He highlights how educational environments impact concentration and the need for more personalized learning solutions. Ultimately, Tough champions a more nuanced approach to treatment that prioritizes individual experiences.

Peniel Joseph, a history professor and expert on civil rights, takes listeners through the transformative year of 1963. He delves into the powerful voices of figures like Malcolm X and James Baldwin, exploring how their differing approaches shaped the movement. The assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers and the tragic bombing in Birmingham are pivotal moments highlighting the urgency for change. Joseph emphasizes how these events ignited a national awakening, intertwining global implications with America's struggle for justice.

Laurence D. Hurst, a professor of evolutionary genetics at the University of Bath and author of 'The Evolution of Imperfection,' dives into the fascinating world of human genetics. He reveals that our high mutation rate guarantees we’ll never achieve perfection. The discussion includes the differences in how humans and other species manage 'junk DNA,' the implications of genetic diversity, and the surprising realities of early pregnancy losses. Hurst highlights how evolution is more about adaptation than flawlessness, leaving us with a mix of marvel and mutability.