Serious Inquiries Only

Dr. Alan Smerbeck, researcher on trigger warnings, joins the host to discuss the current research around trigger warnings, exploring their benefits and drawbacks. They also address the debate on handling sensitive topics in the classroom and the potential negative effects of trigger warnings on individuals without anxiety disorders. The use of trigger warnings and content notes is examined, considering their appropriateness and the philosophical nature of the question.

Dr. Wisdom Dogbe, an agricultural economist out of the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, joins me to discuss a recent study he led investigating consumer choice with regard to taxing foods that are categorized as high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) in the UK. Does it change behavior? How much? And what are the consequences of that? It's a really fascinating story of the trade-offs involved in public policy. Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here! Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content!

Astrophysicist Dr. Bryan Gillis explains why recent phenomena are unlikely to be aliens. They discuss the conditions for life in the universe, estimating intelligent life using the Drake equation, limitations of visual imaging of exoplanets, and the challenges of interstellar communication. They explore the rocket equation and improving propulsion in space travel, feasibility of meeting aliens, and hypothetical scenarios of aliens visiting Earth. The chapter ends with discussions on faster than light travel and time travel concerns.

Hot correspondent Lydia Smith and astrophysicist Dr. Bryan Gillis discuss the recent resurgence of interest in aliens and UFOs, the inaccurate reporting on the subject, investigations into Skinwalker Ranch, conspiracy theories, and struggles with managing work and personal life.

Dr. Amy Bruckman believes Wikipedia is the most accurate form of information ever created. The podcast explores the reliability, history, and challenges of Wikipedia. It also discusses the impact of AI on knowledge, the process of intellectual maturing, and the challenge of navigating internet information.

Explore topics of therapy, including when to seek it, how to ensure good therapy, and when to consider changing therapists. Discover the rise of anxiety issues and neurodivergence in the younger generation. Debunk brain myths and discuss the importance of feeling comfortable with your therapist. Learn about the potential side effects of talk therapy and barriers to accessing mental health and substance abuse treatment. Enjoy some humorous commentary and debunked study about adults raised by queer parents.

Topics discussed include the misconceptions of chemical imbalances in relation to depression, personality tests, language and motor skills in individuals with communication difficulties, preferences and empathy, experimental designs and assessments, self-sorting in job choices and the double empathy problem in autism, defining autism and diagnostic criteria, and an announcement for part two and a book donation project.

It's another fun science thingy! Today's guest is Tanya Horwitz, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the Institute for Behavioral Genetics with University of Colorado at Boulder. She is one of the lead authors on a new meta-analysis of studies including millions of couples over more than a century. In the vast majority of traits, sames(?) attract. There are a few exceptions that are interesting to talk about and we go through those as well. This one is fun and relatable, and even if the top-line conclusion is pretty predictable, the data is very interesting and the discussion was great! Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here! Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content!

And perhaps more importantly, what ISN'T it? Lots of people are diagnosing themselves and others via social media these days, and you're never going to believe this, but they're not always doing it right. After far too long, we welcome back Dr. Alan Smerbeck to the show to discuss what exactly is a diagnosis in mental health and whether or not we give them too much weight. It's science, it's philosophy, it's a little personal too - you don't want to miss it! Could be a product of long COVID or Stormy is just the best, but he's dialed freedom up a notch in Little Library advocacy - if you're up for it, please visit this link to submit your information and Dr. Smerbeck will set up an Amazon Wishlist just for you to help supply your neighborhood with "woke" books.  bit.ly/wokebooks ALSO, if you have any questions for Stormy, drop them here! We're thinking of maybe doing a psych QnA!  Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here! Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content!

Astrophysicist Dr. Bryan Gillis answers fascinating questions about the universe, discussing topics such as the limits of length in quantum mechanics, the comparison between gamma ray bursts and fast radio bursts, complexity in string theory, type two civilizations and star explosions, advice for starting a career in STEM, the size of the universe, and generations of stars and their composition.