
Shots of Science Vs
Quick hits of Science Vs, where we take on fads, trends, and the opinionated mob to find out what's fact, what's not, and what's somewhere in between. Want more fun? Go to Science Vs on Spotify.
Latest episodes

Jan 14, 2023 • 9min
Supervolcanoes: Is Yellowstone Overdue?
We keep hearing that a Yellowstone supervolcano could blow at any moment — and possibly wipe us all out. So is Yellowstone overdue for the BIG ONE, and if it happens, how bad could it be? To find out, we talk to Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge Dr. Mike Poland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 7, 2023 • 10min
Orgasms: Pleasure in the Brain
There’s this idea that the female orgasm is a complicated riddle, but for a man with a penis, getting off is easy peasy. Is there really an orgasm gap? And if so — can what's happening in our brains during an orgasm help explain it? To learn more, we talk to neuroscientist Dr. Nan Wise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 31, 2022 • 6min
Vitamin D: Should You Be Popping It?
Some say there's a global epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency. So should we taking Vitamin D supplements? We talk to nutritional epidemiologist Prof. Katherine Tucker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 24, 2022 • 9min
Astrology: Is It Lying Taurus All?
For centuries, people have been looking to the stars to tell us all kinds of things — what our future holds, who we should date. But where did it come from? And is your sign REALLY your sign? We speak to astronomer Prof. Caty Pilachowski to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 17, 2022 • 8min
Birth Control: Does 'Pulling Out' Work?
Everyone’s got a myth or two about birth control they want cleared up. We take a closer look into 'pulling out' AKA the withdrawal method with gynecologist Dr. Amita Murthy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 10, 2022 • 11min
Adderall: How Does It Work?
There’s an Adderall shortage across the U.S., and it’s causing huge problems for people with ADHD. What is Adderall, exactly? What is it doing in people’s brains? We talk to psychiatrist Prof. Rachel Fargason and actor Kai Liu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 3, 2022 • 10min
The 13-Legged Sea Monster
The eerie tale of a 13-legged sea creature. We speak to marine biologist Dr. Julian Evans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2022 • 9min
Fasting: Can It Help You Live Longer?
Health-fluencers claim that fasting diets can help you live longer and fight cancer. So what does the science say? We speak to nutrition researchers Dr. Krista Varady and cancer researcher Professor Valter Longo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 19, 2022 • 22min
The Power of Hypnosis
What is hypnosis? Is it mind control? Are some people just faking? We explore the science of hypnosis and take Science Vs to the edge of consciousness. In the service of journalism, Wendy tries to get hypnotized at a comedy club and in a doctor’s office. We talk to comedian Jim Spinnato, Prof. Philip Muskin and Prof. Amanda Barnier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 12, 2022 • 8min
Body Odor: Why Do We Stink?
Today, we’re diving into your armpits! We’ll find out why some of us are so freaking smelly. We talk to microbiologist Professor Gavin H Thomas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices