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Radiolab

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49 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 57min

Desperately Seeking Symmetry

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.
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65 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 39min

On [The Divided Dial]: Fishing In The Night

Katie Thornton, a freelance journalist and creator of The Divided Dial, sheds light on the fascinating yet complex world of shortwave radio. She discusses its historical significance as a global communication tool and its transformation into a propaganda weapon. The conversation delves into the allure of late-night radio listening and the rise of amateur operators. Thornton also explores how shortwave became a platform for extremists and the parallels between its evolution and the internet's impact on politics today.
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35 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 25min

Sex, Ducks and the Founding Feud

Dive into a tangled tale of love, betrayal, and legal drama! Discover how a jilted woman's quest for revenge led to a Supreme Court case that questions the balance of state and federal power. Explore the quirky connections between poison, duck hunts, and the U.S. Constitution. Tensions rise as the discussion shifts to the historical backdrop of hunting regulations and the ongoing debate about jurisdiction. It’s a fascinating look at personal motives intertwining with political frameworks!
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29 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 28min

Baby Shark

Dive into the mysterious world of baby sharks and their remarkable reproductive methods, from viviparous to ovoviviparous births. Discover a passionate conservationist’s innovative efforts in Malta, including the thrilling find of a viable shark egg. Experience the emotional journey of nurturing shark embryos with AI's help, and witness the heartwarming release of a baby shark back into the ocean. Lastly, explore the shift in society's view of sharks, advocating for appreciation over fear, and uncover the vital role these creatures play in our ecosystems.
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32 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 21min

Mystery Bay

Marine biologist Alison Kock, who stumbled upon stunning shark photographs that changed her career, teams up with reporter Rachael Cusick to explore the mysteries of Great White Sharks in False Bay. They unravel the eerie disappearance of these apex predators, delve into thrilling shark encounters at Seal Island, and reveal surprising stress levels in seals due to shark predation. The dynamic interactions between seals, sharks, and orcas challenge preconceived notions, showcasing the intricate communication and survival strategies of these misunderstood creatures.
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75 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 29min

The Shark Inside You

In this enlightening discussion, Becca Bressler, a producer at Radiolab, takes us on a global journey to uncover the remarkable potential of shark antibodies in cancer research. She explores how these unique antibodies might help us tackle chemotherapy-resistant cancers. The chat dives into the evolutionary history of sharks and their immune systems, illustrating how they can fit into tumor nooks where human antibodies falter. Bressler also highlights the surprising role sharks could play in future medical breakthroughs, merging humor with scientific intrigue.
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21 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 18min

The Cage

Dive into the world of sharks beyond the cinematic spectacle. Explore the hilarity of shark-themed movies like 'Sharknado' and discover the thrill of cage diving with great whites in Australia. Experience a breathtaking deep-sea encounter that challenges your views of these majestic creatures. Journey through 465 million years of shark evolution and meet the astonishing Greenland shark, a living witness to centuries of history. Join a captivating discussion on the diversity and resilience of nearly 500 shark species.
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66 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 27min

Making a Monster

Rodney Fox, a shark attack survivor and the pioneer of shark cage diving, shares his incredible journey from fear to fascination with great whites. He vividly recounts the terrifying day he was attacked and the emotional battle of returning to the ocean. Fox discusses common misconceptions about sharks, revealing the contrast between popular media's portrayal and reality. He emphasizes the psychological aspects of battling unseen fears and advocates for a deeper understanding of these majestic creatures. His story is a powerful testament to overcoming trauma and embracing one's passions.
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9 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 2min

Swimming with Shadows: A Radiolab Week of Sharks

Dive into the captivating world of sharks beyond 'Jaws.' Discover how perceptions have shaped our fear of these creatures. Explore extraordinary stories, from flying and glowing sharks to those that might save humanity. Delve into personal experiences and the vital role of sharks in marine ecosystems. This narrative not only challenges long-held myths but also celebrates the beauty and complexity of these misunderstood animals. Get ready for an enlightening journey beneath the waves!
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52 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 21min

Double-Blasted

Explore the harrowing tale of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, who survived both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Delve into the psychological and genetic impacts of such trauma and how survivors often defy expectations with their resilience. The narrative reveals surprising statistics about the health of second-generation survivors, while also examining DNA repair mechanisms in the face of disaster. This thought-provoking journey balances personal stories with scientific insights, making for a captivating listen.

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