

Dr Karl Podcast
triple j
Join Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Lucy Smith and their scientific guests, with a bunch of curious triple j listeners for a weekly injection of science, myth-bashing and answers!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 39min
Nap sweats, drunk bugs and taste buds
Was there rain during the ice age? Why do back scratches feel so good? And how does Dr. Karl start his day?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jul 17, 2025 • 40min
Sleep inertia, space rocks and longevity pills
Is dirt as dirty as it seems? What's the purpose of a virus? And is Australia apocalypse-ready?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jul 10, 2025 • 41min
Outback hygiene hacks, echidna entrées and a world without friction
How do First Nations teachings inform modern-day science? Do animals love the same way humans do? And how do spiders find their way home?Dr Karl, Corey Tutt and Tiahni Adamson answer these questions and more for this NAIDOC Week special of Science Hour on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jul 3, 2025 • 40min
Queen bees, anaphylaxis and bee hotels
Do bees have different personalities? Can local honey really cure your allergies? And how can we support native bee populations?Bee expert Clancy Lester and Bianca Nogrady answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jun 26, 2025 • 37min
Chocolate dreams, deep sea pressure and the Goldilocks Zone
Could we evolve into sea being if we were in water enough? What causes knots in your muscles? And do fish ever get thirsty?Bianca Nogrady answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jun 19, 2025 • 41min
Bee stings, broken hearts and brain rot
Why is the dead of night so cold? Can the Earth generate its own electricity? And can we clear up whether water is clear?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jun 12, 2025 • 39min
Aphantasia, smelling to survive and bionic vision
Why is it colder the closer we get to the Sun? Are stiff drinks or soft drinks better for fighting sickness? And can we recreate the human brain?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jun 5, 2025 • 43min
Plastic sweat, alien life and how to be a morning person
Discover how cockatoos master urban challenges like figuring out water bubblers! Delve into the science behind laughter's physical effects and explore the allure of having an exoskeleton. The conversation also tackles the mysteries of alien life and the intriguing concept of 'revenge sleep.' Learn how dietary choices influence taste perception, and why some experience nasal dripping while hiking. Engage with fascinating insights that blend humor, science, and audience curiosity.

May 29, 2025 • 41min
Colder temperatures, dog lookalikes and colour perception
How scientifically accurate is Bee Movie? What would happen if the Earth had a twin? And what is Dr. Karl's favourite story?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

May 22, 2025 • 39min
Slow-mo animals, breathing powers and the science of cat scratches
Can we sniff our farts away? Are birthday twins just a coincidence? And why do menstrual cramps hurt more than stomach aches?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Bec Charlwood.