

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 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
Clancy Lester, a bee expert and environmental educator known as the bee man, joins Bianca Nogrady, a passionate beekeeper. They discuss the intriguing personalities of bees and the misconceptions surrounding local honey as an allergy remedy. The conversation highlights the critical role of stingless bees in ecosystems and agriculture, as well as the declining populations of native bees. They also evaluate the effectiveness of commercial bee hotels, urging better practices for bee conservation and emphasizing the fascinating dynamics within bee colonies.

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.

4 snips
May 15, 2025 • 39min
The origins of BBQ, fecal bacteria and the Seven Sisters
Zoe Kean, a science communicator and evolutionary expert, dives into fascinating topics with Dr. Karl. They discuss how living together can make us resemble our roommates, linking it to environmental factors and deep bonds. The conversation highlights the origins of cooking and its impact on human evolution. Zoe also sheds light on the significance of ancient fossils like Lucy, revealing new insights into our evolutionary journey. Plus, they tackle the intricacies of hygiene in everyday life and the science behind sound perception.

May 8, 2025 • 39min
Smoke alarms, airplane mode and chemtrails
Does blending ingredients in a smoothie destroy their nutrients? How do we distinguish between phantom smells and real smells? And are infrared saunas safe?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.


