Radiolab

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.