
Dr Karl Podcast
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!
Latest episodes

Feb 6, 2025 • 41min
Cross-wiring, poison vs. venom and travelling farts
What's the difference between AM and FM radio? Why does plucking our eyebrows make us sneeze? And how do you stop a fart from following you into the next room?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jan 30, 2025 • 44min
Satellites, spicy breastmilk and noise-cancelling headphones
Is time an illusion? Do our brains lie to us after a late-night shift? And why did our bodies decide we don't need hairy feet?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jan 23, 2025 • 38min
Solar urticaria, the mirage effect and friction explained
What would it take to shift the Earth's axis? How does the body process radiation from the sun? And is memory an innate skill or something we learn?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jan 16, 2025 • 37min
Cat containment, cane toad consumption and the toxic male technique
Professor Phill Cassey, an invasion biologist at the University of Adelaide, dives into the intriguing world of invasive species and their culinary potential. They discuss the ecological havoc caused by feral cats and the idea of consuming them to mitigate their numbers. Cassey also explores the physiological effects of reintroducing meat into a vegetarian diet, providing eye-opening insights. From the complexities of pest control to the environmental role of mosquitoes, the conversation unveils the unexpected intersections of ecology and gastronomy.

Jan 9, 2025 • 43min
Olfactory fatigue, genetic diseases and Facebook myths
How long can humans survive without food? Why does coffee taste different when it goes cold? And will quantum computing and AI be the end of humanity? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Jan 2, 2025 • 40min
A Summer of Science: The Body
In the last episode of our three-part summer series, we’ll be looking back at your best questions about the human body.We’ll delve into questions like does drinking apple cider vinegar improve gut health? How effective are collagen supplements? And what happens if you hold your urine in for too long?

Dec 26, 2024 • 41min
A Summer of Science: The Future
In this episode of A Summer of Science, we’ll be looking back at your best questions about the future.We’ll dive into how reintroducing extinct animals might shape our future, if robots will take our jobs, and what cool burning is and the role it might play in an increasingly warmer climate.

Dec 19, 2024 • 44min
A Summer of Science: Space
Dr. Catherine Benel-Pegg, Australia's first female astronaut, discusses her inspiring journey and the importance of representation in space. Dr. Laura Dreesen, a radio astronomer, dives into the mysteries of transient phenomena and the differences between astrology and astronomy. Dr. Adrian Brown from NASA shares fascinating insights from Mars rover discoveries, including potential microbial energy sources. The trio tackles burning questions about life in space, fitness challenges, and the unique obstacles of Mars exploration, making it a thrilling cosmic conversation.

Dec 12, 2024 • 41min
Vitamin D, pesky flies and psychosis explained
Does your blood type impact your dietary requirements? Is blue green algae safe to swim in? And why are there so many cicadas around this year? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.

Dec 5, 2024 • 42min
Doppler effect, the smell of rain and water intoxication
Discover the science behind hearing the ocean in a seashell and why your ears pop during car rides. Learn about the fascinating relationship between water consumption and hydration. Delve into the emotional impact of music and the phenomenon of goosebumps. Uncover the mysteries of sound dynamics and the Doppler effect. Explore the genetics of dingoes and their connection to dogs, along with the intriguing concept of 'food noise.' Prepare for insights on energy conservation and the role of music in evoking memories.
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