Dr. Padi Boyd, a NASA astrophysicist and co-host of "Curious Universe," joins fellow expert Dr. Ingrid Daubar, a planetary scientist at Brown University, to discuss the launch of the Europa Clipper. They delve into the mission's groundbreaking goal to explore Europa's icy surface for potential signs of life beneath its crust. The duo shares insights on the spacecraft's innovative instruments and nearly 50 planned flybys. With excitement brewing for upcoming discoveries, they reflect on the importance of studying this mysterious moon in the search for extraterrestrial worlds.

Eric Schmidt, an economic development reporter at St. Louis Public Radio, shares insights on kernza, a novel perennial grain from Central Asia. Unlike annual crops like corn, it offers sustainable farming benefits, such as soil preservation and carbon sequestration. Eric also discusses how kernza's unique flavor is making waves in brewing, with local businesses experimenting to create delicious new beers. Additionally, the conversation touches on the recent arrival of giant pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the fascinating concept of panda diplomacy.

Irving Washington is the Senior VP at KFF, focusing on health misinformation, while Lloyd Suh is the playwright behind 'Franklinland,' exploring Benjamin Franklin's life. They discuss the rapid spread of health misinformation, especially around elections, and the challenges of distinguishing between misinformation and disinformation. Washington shares practical strategies for navigating dubious health claims, while Suh reflects on the artistic process of portraying the complex relationship between Franklin and his son, highlighting themes of legacy and identity.

Charlie Wood, a staff writer at Quanta Magazine, dives into the mystery of space-time and its ties to quantum physics. He discusses how scientists are mapping the cosmic microwave background and using gravitational waves to uncover insights into the universe's origins. The conversation highlights the challenges of reconciling quantum mechanics with general relativity and explores elusive concepts like dark energy and dark matter. Listeners will appreciate the intriguing connections between the cosmos and the fundamental laws that govern everything.

Dr. Sofiya Milman, an expert in longevity studies, and Sally Froelich, a vibrant 95-year-old participant, share insights on what defines 'SuperAgers.' They explore genetic factors and lifestyle choices that contribute to remarkable longevity. Sally recounts her uplifting experiences maintaining cognitive health, emphasizing the joys of family life. The conversation also dives into potential interventions for healthier aging and encourages the importance of social connections and happiness for a fulfilling life as we age.

Jola Ajibade, an Associate Professor of Environmental and Climate Justice, and Jesse Keenan, an expert in Sustainable Real Estate, explore the myth of Asheville as a climate haven. They debunk this idea, illustrating how Hurricanes Helene and Milton exposed vulnerabilities in the region. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of resilient infrastructure and smart planning for communities facing climate disasters. They also discuss the influence of decision-makers and the private sector on risk management and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.

In this discussion, climate reporter Juan Pablo Ramirez-Franco explores the alarming warming trends in the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Michigan. He highlights how the lake's surface temperature has been consistently above average, impacting local ecosystems. The talk also covers Hurricane Milton's unusual behavior, including a calmer-than-expected storm surge. Additionally, they touch on the important implications of climate change on hurricane intensity and the broader environmental challenges this poses for cities like Chicago.

Dr. Jon Krosnick, a Stanford University professor specializing in political psychology, dives deep into the psychology behind voter behavior just before a presidential election. He discusses the impact of emotional appeals and personal interactions in campaign strategies. Krosnick explains how voter opinions can shift dramatically as election day approaches, particularly regarding key figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He also reveals how ballot order can sway decisions, and critiques the reliability of polling in capturing the electorate's mood.

Dr. Arpana Church, co-director of UCLA’s Microbiome Center, dives into the fascinating link between gut health and stress resilience. She reveals how certain microbiome features correlate with emotional regulation and cognitive performance in stressful situations. The conversation highlights the potential of probiotics as a treatment for mental health issues and discusses the intricate mind-body connection that underscores the importance of gut microbes. This research paves the way for new approaches in mental well-being inspired by our microbiomes.

Dr. Nolan Williams, an Associate Professor at Stanford and director of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab, discusses groundbreaking advancements in treating treatment-resistant depression through transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). He highlights the recently developed SAINT protocol, which has shown up to 80% remission rates and received FDA approval. Williams explains how this innovative approach offers fast-acting relief for patients and could revolutionize mental health treatment. Patient experiences illustrate its life-changing potential amidst a global mental health crisis.