Curiosity Theory

Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer dive into the importance of curiosity and its role in overcoming life's challenges. They candidly share their journeys, from dealing with injuries and depression to achieving their dreams in astrophysics and entrepreneurship. The discussion touches on the bizarre world of online interactions and the struggle for authenticity in professional settings. Packed with humor and personal anecdotes, the conversation encourages listeners to rediscover their passions and resilience in the face of adversity.

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer go deep into the science (and speculation) of alien life.They break down how we search for exoplanets, what biosignatures NASA is actually looking for, and why life doesn’t need to look anything like what we expect.From Venus to Alpha Centauri to unknown surprises, this episode is for anyone who’s ever looked up and wondered: are we the only ones out here?🎙 Hosted by: Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@Dr.Starkid) Justin Shaifer (@Mr.Fascinate)📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @CuriosityTheoryPod 📱 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @CuriosityTheoryPod 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get audio

Delve into the murky waters of misinformation and the decline of science literacy. The hosts tackle the crisis of trust in experts, revealing how funding cuts impact researchers. Discover the tension on TikTok between engaging content and accurate science. Historical cases of mistrust underscore the exploitation in research, while navigating cosmic measurements brings skepticism into focus. Explore the vital role of critical thinking in assessing scientific claims amidst sensationalism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the scientific method.

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer break down the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence.From the tension between hype and reality to expert disagreements and a little solar physics just because, this is an honest, nuanced, and human conversation about a technology shaping everything.*In this episode Dakotah said there were 1 million automobile accident deaths in the US annually, but that is a global figure, not just the US*🎙 Hosted by: Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@Dr.Starkid) Justin Shaifer (@Mr.Fascinate)📱 Follow the show: @curiositytheorypod 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your audio. Check out the video component on YouTube!

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer sit down with comedian Manny (@delamomanny) to talk about identity, creativity, and how much (or how little) people really change over time.They dig into ambition, self-esteem, neurodivergence, streaming culture, and the challenge of balancing hustle with staying grounded.🎙 Hosted by: Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@dr.starkid) Justin Shaifer (@mr.fascinate)👤 Guest: Manny (@delamomanny) 📱 Follow the show: @curiositytheorypod 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your audio.

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer are joined by Ashley Christine — better known online as @modernday_eratosthenes — to unpack the challenge of staying true in a world made for noise.We discuss vulnerability in writing, the tension between internet freedom and regulation, voter confusion, and the art of grabbing attention with meaning.🎙 Hosted by: Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@starkidphd) Justin Shaifer (@mr.fascinate) 👤 Guest: Ashley Christine (@modernday_eratosthenes) 📱 Follow the show: @curiositytheorypod 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get audio.

n this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@starkidphd) and Justin Shaifer (@mr.fascinate) are joined by comedian and content creator Jazmyn W (@jazmynw) to explore how comedy, creativity, and chaos intersect in the digital age.We talk about pre-show rituals, growing an audience online, navigating perception, and how to stay authentic when you're constantly being watched.It’s funny, thoughtful, and real — and it pulls back the curtain on the pressures and possibilities of life in the spotlight.🎙 Hosted by: Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@starkidphd) Justin Shaifer (@mr.fascinate)👤 Guest: Jazmyn W (@jazmynw) 📱 Follow the show: @curiositytheorypod on all platforms 🔗 New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your audio.

Welcome to the very first episode of Curiosity Theory — where we explore the questions that drive us and the stories that shape us.In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Dakotah Tyler (astrophysicist & former D1 football player) and Justin Shaifer (science communicator & media producer) kick things off with a raw and real conversation about how curiosity has changed their lives.We talk about:The spark that led us to science  Turning pain into purpose  Overcoming fear and self-doubt  Why curiosity is essential for growth — in life and in societyIf you’ve ever felt stuck, aimless, or just hungry to know more, this episode is for you.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday  🎙️ Follow us on IG + TikTok: @CuriosityTheoryPod  📬 For inquiries or collabs: curiositytheorypod@gmail.com

Curiosity Theory is built on the belief that curiosity isn’t just a personality trait. It’s a vital human force. In ancient times, it helped us survive. Today, it helps us stay engaged, connected, and sane in a world that often numbs us out.We see curiosity as a muscle. When we train it—through science, ideas, stories, and questions—we grow. When we ignore it, we drift into apathy and disconnection.This podcast is for the intellectually hungry, the dreamers, the critical thinkers, and the culturally curious. Hosted by Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer