KERA's Think

Maia Szalavitz, an author and contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, dives into the complexities of diagnosing child psychopathy. She discusses the dangers of labeling children and reveals how early interventions can lead to significant behavioral improvements. Szalavitz highlights the interplay of genetics and trauma in development, critiques ineffective traditional punishments, and emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship in fostering empathy and steering at-risk youth away from destructive paths.

Tom Zeller Jr., co-founder and editor-in-chief of Undark, dives into the perplexing world of headaches, affecting 40% of people globally. He sheds light on why headache disorders often receive minimal research funding despite the widespread suffering. Personal stories reveal the brutal reality of cluster headaches and their impact on mental health. Zeller discusses innovative treatments and the need for greater societal awareness, challenging stigma while calling for improved medical care and understanding of these mysterious conditions.

Ancient cities designed shade into their built environments — a lesson present-day builders could learn from. Environmental journalist Sam Bloch joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how, in a world that faces searing temperatures, shade is a natural resource we should all be striving for, why it’s not just trees that can provide it, and why air conditioning has made us lose connection with the outside world. His book is “Shade: The Promise of a Forgotten Natural Resource.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ads for testosterone-replacement therapy are everywhere, but what percentage of men should be paying attention? Stephanie Pappas is a freelance science journalist, and she joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the many issues testosterone therapy claims to fix, why it might not be for everyone, and the risks that no one wants to talk about. Her article “What Most Men Don’t Know about the Risks of Testosterone Therapy” was published in Scientific American.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

If you’re someone who reflexively thanks Siri or Alexa for the answer to a question, you may be anticipating our future relationship with artificial intelligence. Sigal Samuel is a senior reporter for Vox’s Future Perfect and co-host of the Future Perfect podcast. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss what would happen if A.I. woke up to its own existence, if we would know if that happened, and how it might change our moral and ethical compass as humans. Her article is “A.I. systems could become conscious. What if they hate their lives?” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

If Congress doesn’t act, social security will be drained in 8 years. Teresa Ghilarducci is professor of economics and policy analysis at the New School for Social Research, and she serves as the director of the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis and the New School’s Retirement Equity Lab (ReLab). She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss what’s happening with the social security funds so many Americans rely on, why that monthly money is still not enough to lift people out of poverty, and simple solutions Congress could take to protect the popular social safety net program.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A language that was spoken thousands of years ago eventually morphed into nearly all of the languages spoken today in the West. Science writer Laura Spinney joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the proto-Indo-European language, how it connects languages as varied as English and Russian, and how researchers study ancient language with no written texts to guide them. Her book is “Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Adolescence looks a lot different from today’s parents or grandparents’ generations — and it’s beginning even earlier. Matt Richtel, health and science reporter at The New York Times, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why kids today are more careful physically but need more help mentally, why they might be safer today but much less independent, and how parents can better relate during these developmental years. His book is “How We Grow Up: Understanding Adolescence.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

When we treat ourselves to “self-care,” maybe what we’re really trying to achieve is Nirvana? Amy Larocca is a journalist who spent 20 years at New York magazine as both fashion director and editor at large. She joins guest host Paige Phelps to discuss how the moneyed and elite have moved from fashion to the “wellness” space, how Gwyneth Paltrow and other celebrities peddle products with dubious claims, and why, in an increasingly secular world, wellness makes us feel closer to the divine. Her book is “How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, One Dubious Cure at a Time.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Falling global birth rates could be setting us up for disastrous consequences down the line. Dean Spears is founding executive director of r.i.c.e., a nonprofit that works to promote children’s health, growth, and survival in rural India. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss a future with far fewer humans in just the next few decades and why stabilizing the diminishing population is such a monumentally difficult task. His book, written with co-author Michael Geruso, is “After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices