

ScienceStuff
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Ever wonder if your pet is lying to you, what's inside a black hole, or whether you'd survive being cryogenically frozen? With infectious curiosity, cartoonist and former roboticist Jorge Cham makes science fun and accessible as he answers your biggest questions on the ScienceStuff podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 21, 2025 • 30min
What's Inside a Black Hole?
What's hidden inside the most mysterious object in the Universe? Jorge gets sucked in with three astrophysicists to learn the truth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 14, 2025 • 34min
Are We Living in a Simulation? (feat. Nick Bostrom)
Is your reality a lie? Jorge talks to a philosopher and a quantum scientist to learn if we're real or not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 7, 2025 • 30min
What Is It Like to Live (and Poop) in Space? (feat. Emily Calandrelli)
How does going to space change you? Jorge talks to several people who've been to space to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 32min
Is Food Coloring Really Bad for You?
Should artificial food dyes be banned? What does science say about this colorful topic? Jorge drinks the kool-aid with food and health scientists to learn the answer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 23, 2025 • 33min
Is Hypnotism Real?
Look closer. You are getting sleepier and sleepier. But is it real science? Jorge interviews and gets mesmerized by two hypno-experts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 16, 2025 • 34min
Do Animals Understand Death?
What do chimpanzees, whales, and dogs understand about the concept of dying? Do possums ponder their passing? Jorge talks to two animal mind experts to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 33min
What If You Dig a Hole to the Center of the Earth?
Join Eric Van Oort, a drilling expert from the University of Texas, and Roman Shore, a Texas A&M associate professor specializing in drilling automation, as they tackle the bold notion of digging to the Earth's core. They delve into the five deepest human-made holes and the staggering technological challenges involved. Discover innovative drilling techniques like microwave and laser methods, and the implications for sustainable geothermal energy. The conversation blends science with fascinating theories about our planet's depths and the future of drilling technology.

7 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 33min
Are Near-Death Experiences Real?
Duane Godwin, a neuroscience professor at Wake Forest University and co-author of "Out of Your Mind," dives into the fascinating realm of near-death experiences (NDEs). He explores whether vivid sensations, like seeing a light or encountering deceased loved ones, are signs of an afterlife or can be explained by science. The discussion touches on transformative impacts of NDEs, the neurological mechanisms behind these experiences, and intriguing cultural interpretations, all while examining their emotional significance for those who experience them.

9 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 37min
Can You Survive Being Cryogenically Frozen?
Join Don Larson, an assistant professor at the University of Alaska, and James Arrowood, CEO of Alcor Life Extension Foundation, as they dive into the intriguing world of cryonics. Discover how wood frogs survive freezing temperatures using natural antifreeze, and explore the implications of these survival strategies for human cryonics. The conversation unpacks the scientific and ethical challenges of preserving human brains and organs, along with the costs and complexities of the cryogenic process. Fascinating insights await!

Mar 19, 2025 • 39min
What is a Quantum Computer?
What is this mysterious technology, and how is it going to affect our lives? Jorge talks to a Quantum scientist and visits their lab to see and hear these machines in action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.