Radiolab

Thomas Healy, a law professor and expert on Oliver Wendell Holmes, dives into the pivotal moments that reshaped American free speech. He discusses Holmes' surprising shift from advocating speech restrictions to championing free expression during the controversial Abrams case. Their conversation uncovers the influence of progressive friends on Holmes' views and explores the implications of today's free speech theories, particularly in the context of social media and misinformation. Healy argues for a new approach that focuses on listener needs over mere speaker rights.

In this engaging discussion, Kate Klonick, a law professor at St. John's University and expert on online speech and content moderation, shares insights on how TikTok has transformed digital landscapes. She contrasts TikTok's proactive engagement strategy with Facebook's reactive model. Topics include the addictive nature of TikTok's content, implications of Zuckerberg's changes in fact-checking, and the evolving political pressures on platforms. Kate also predicts a future of automated moderation and the growing influence of personalized media.

Ella Al-Shamahi, a paleoanthropologist and evolutionary biologist known for her daring fossil hunts in challenging locales, shares her remarkable journey from a devout Muslim upbringing to embracing evolution. She discusses the emotional upheaval that acceptance brought, including strains in her marriage and community ties. Ella also delves into fascinating topics like retrotransposons and how interbreeding with ancient humans contributed to modern traits. Her story highlights the intersection of science and personal belief, emphasizing the empathy gained through her experience.

Tim Howard, a producer and reporter, narrates the gripping tale of a custody battle involving a three-year-old girl, while law professor Marsha Zugg provides insightful commentary on the Indian Child Welfare Act. The discussion dives into how the Act allowed a biological father to reclaim his parental rights, challenging a couple’s adoption. They also tackle the historical context of Native American child removals, the emotional turmoil of families involved, and the potential implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the future of tribal law.

John Colapinto, a journalist and author of "This Is The Voice," explores the fascinating evolution of the human voice. He delves into how vocal anatomy dates back to ancient fish and evolved through millions of years, leading to complex speech. The discussion also touches on the emotional power of a mother’s voice and the challenges faced by individuals like Alice Wong, who lost her voice due to medical reasons. They discuss the inventions aimed at restoring speech, like the Passy-Muir valve, and the emotional complexities of using AI to recreate lost voices.

In this enlightening discussion, Nirosha Murugan, an applied biophysicist known for her research on biophotons, captivates listeners with her insights into the light emitted by living cells. She explores the historic onion root experiments that unveiled biophotons and dives into their potential roles in cellular communication and diagnostics. The conversation also touches on how photon emissions might reveal the differences between life and death, including the intriguing concepts of 'life flashes' and 'death flashes' at critical moments in biological processes.

Luis Trelles, a senior editor at Embedded, shares how punk rock burst onto the Cuban scene in the 80s, bringing a wave of rebellion against political oppression. Vladimir Ceballos, a Cuban filmmaker and exile, provides invaluable context from his firsthand experience. They discuss the underground music movement as a lifeline for misfits and the emotional connections formed amid turmoil. Tales of defiance, including the striking story of Papo La Bala, highlight music’s power to challenge societal norms in a repressive regime, showcasing a unique cultural revolution.

Dive into the mysterious sounds of a fish that screams into the night and the strange world of silent counterparts. Journey through personal and scientific stories about gazing into the vastness of the universe, featuring insights from groundbreaking women astronomers. Explore cosmic loneliness and the quest for communication with extraterrestrial life. Each tale prompts reflection on our connection to the universe and the beauty of our shared existence, all set against the enchanting backdrop of Manhattan's night sky.

Dive into the transformative world of music as we explore the unique sounds of Dawn of Midi, blending acoustic and electronic elements. Hear their thoughts on identity and rhythm in their album, Dysnomia. Discover the inspiring story of Juana Molina, an actress turned musician, as she champions her true passion. Reflect on the emotional journey of solo music creation, and the innovative techniques that bring personal experiences to life. Lastly, celebrate the unexpected discoveries in music amidst today's algorithm-driven landscape.

David Fajgenbaum, a doctor and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his incredible journey of surviving idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease by finding his own cure. He discusses the flaws in current drug discovery processes and introduces his AI-driven tool that aims to connect untreatable diseases with potential treatments. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating pharmaceuticals, the importance of personalized care, and the ethical implications of using technology in medicine, particularly in life-or-death situations.