Radiolab

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.

A journey to Michigan reveals the beautiful yet complicated world of the endangered Kirtland’s warbler. The fight against invasive cowbirds leads to heartbreaking consequences and raises ethical dilemmas about conservation. A tragic prescribed burn that spirals out of control opens a debate on the value of human life versus the life of a species. Through personal stories, the podcast explores the emotional toll of conservation efforts and the deep connections between people and nature, all while reflecting on loss and legacy.

Heather Radke, a contributing editor and insightful storyteller, discusses the surprising role of menopause in killer whales and chimpanzees. She reveals how older female whales support family pods post-reproduction, challenging traditional views of women's worth. Kevin Langergraber, a chimpanzee researcher, shares captivating insights on a post-reproductive chimp named Garbo, highlighting parallels in aging species. They explore the evolution of menopause, redefine female value, and celebrate the wisdom gained in later life.

Charity Woodrum, an extragalactic astronomer and NASA postdoctoral fellow, delves into the life and death of galaxies. She reveals the processes of galaxy quenching, exploring why some galaxies fade while others shine. Blending her grief over personal loss with cosmic phenomena, she shares how her journey through trauma parallels the struggle of dying galaxies. As she works with the James Webb Space Telescope, Charity reflects on mentorship, hope, and the cosmic connections that intertwine personal experiences with the universe.

Join Jim Holt, author of 'Why Does the World Exist?', as he dives into the perplexing nature of reality and matter. He and Robert Krulwich explore the mind-boggling concept that our world may be mostly nothing, challenging what we perceive as solid. The conversation spirals through philosophical debates about existence, raising questions about the essence of physical objects and the implications of multiple universes. Holt’s insights lead to a captivating blend of humor and deep existential inquiry.

Elie Mystal, a legal editor known for his incisive takes on social justice, dives into the contentious debate around free speech. He confronts the limits of the First Amendment in our digital era, weighing the necessity of government regulation against the importance of unrestricted expression. Mystal and his co-debaters tackle online hate speech, the responsibility of social media platforms, and the complexities of moderating content. Throughout the discussion, they reveal the tension between protecting civil liberties and ensuring public safety.

Marcelo Gleiser, a physicist from Dartmouth, dives into the fascinating world of symmetry and its role in our existence. He explores ancient philosophies about love and connection, revealing their ties to scientific concepts. Gleiser discusses how symmetry shapes our perception and the universe, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections and shared experiences. The conversation also touches on the intriguing imbalance of matter and antimatter, blending humor and profound insights that challenge our understanding of reality and identity.