Radiolab

In the 1970s, scientists uncovered female seagull couples raising chicks together, challenging traditional views on homosexuality. This groundbreaking discovery opened up conversations about what is considered 'natural' in both animals and humans. The podcast discusses similar behaviors in other species and their connections to societal norms and LGBTQ+ rights. Personal stories illustrate the emotional impact of these findings on queer families, highlighting how nature can reflect and celebrate diverse identities.

Surya Bonaly, a groundbreaking French figure skater, defied norms in a sport often bound by tradition. She shares her journey from a rebellious athlete challenging racial biases to her unforgettable 1998 Olympic performance featuring an unprecedented move. Bonaly's outspoken nature and stunning athleticism created a stir, shaking the very foundations of figure skating. The discussion delves into the intense rivalry she faced, the evolution of judging criteria, and her lasting influence on future generations, especially for black athletes in the sport.

In this intriguing discussion, genealogist Nicka Sewell-Smith assists editor Alex Neason in unearthing her family history after discovering her grandfather's name was not what she thought. They explore the compelling significance of names and what they reveal about personal identity. Alex navigates through cemeteries and archives, digging into the mysteries of her lineage, including the challenges faced by African-American families in documenting their heritage. Emotions run high as they uncover powerful stories connecting past to present.

Nick Farrago and Karen Duffin, reporters uncovering hidden wartime stories, share fascinating insights from World War II. They discuss the eerie phenomenon of balloon bombs that silently drifted onto U.S. soil, causing chaos and fear. Karen elaborates on the complex lives of Nazi POWs, revealing their surprisingly humane treatment in America, which challenges conventional narratives. Together, they explore the moral dilemmas of wartime ethics, encouraging listeners to reflect on empathy and the human experience in the midst of conflict.

Dive into the fascinating realm of 'ologies' where quirky fields like Testudinology and Zymology are explored. Listen as a theoretical physicist unravels the mysteries of dark matter, revealing its significance in our universe. Engage with compelling anecdotes highlighting pivotal figures like Dr. Vera Rubin. The narrative also reflects on shifting theories in particle physics and the groundbreaking discovery of the Higgs boson. It’s a playful yet profound journey through the science that shapes our understanding of everything!

Andy Rowe, the executive producer of the game show Golden Balls, teams up with contestant Nick Corrigan to dive into the complex nature of trust in competitive settings. They discuss how the show forced contestants to confront moral dilemmas, revealing deep insights into human behavior. Nick shares his unconventional strategy that turned the game upside down, challenging traditional notions of cooperation and betrayal. Their chat unpacks the tension between honesty and deceit, making for a fascinating exploration of the human psyche.

Avir Mitra, a contributing editor and ER doctor, dives into the world of Zoroastrianism and its ancient burial practices. Discover the shocking decline of vultures in India, crucial for sky burials, leading to a crisis in both ecology and tradition. Avir unravels a mystery tied to veterinary medications that threaten these scavengers' survival. The conversation ponders morality, culture, and the human impact on nature, all while highlighting the unique perspectives of the Parsi community on death and afterlife.

Avir Mitra, a contributing editor and ER doctor, dives into the turbulent world of abortion pills, specifically mifepristone. He discusses the recent contradictory federal rulings that put the drug's future in jeopardy. The conversation reveals the history and science behind these pills, highlighting their safety and effectiveness. Avir also sheds light on the shift towards self-managed abortions during the COVID pandemic and the role of telehealth in expanding access. This urgent dialogue reveals the intersections of medicine, law, and personal choice.

Alexandra Elbakyan, the mastermind behind Sci-Hub, reveals her journey in battling the academic publishing giants. She discusses how the platform grants free access to over 88 million research articles, transforming global access to knowledge. The podcast dives into her personal experiences, the ethical dilemmas of copyright, and the intense challenges she faces. Listeners gain insight into the significance of open access and the future of academic publishing, all while experiencing a fascinating glimpse into Elbakyan's life in Kazakhstan.

Tuesday afternoon, summer of 2017: Scotty Hatton and Scottie Wightman made a decision to help someone in need and both paid a price for their actions that day — actions that have led to a legal, moral, and scientific puzzle about how we balance accountability and forgiveness.  In this 2019 episode, we go to Bath County, Kentucky, where, as one health official put it, opioids have created “a hole the size of Kentucky.” We talk to the people on all sides of this story about stemming the tide of overdoses. We wrestle with the science of poison and fear, and we try to figure out whether and when the drive to protect and help those around us should rise above the law. Special thanks to Earl Willis, Bobby Ratliff, Ronnie Goldie, Megan Fisher, Alan Caudill, Nick Jones, Dan Wermerling, Terry Bunn, Robin Thompson and the staff at KIPRC, Charles Landon, Charles P Gore, Jim McCarthy, Ann Marie Farina, Dr. Jeremy Faust and Dr. Ed Boyer, Justin Brower, Kathy Robinson, Zoe Renfro, John Bucknell, Chris Moraff, Jeremiah Laster, Tommy Kane, Jim McCarthy, Sarah Wakeman, and Al Tompkins. CDC recommendations on helping people who overdose: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/patients/Preventing-an-Opioid-Overdose-Tip-Card-a.pdf Find out where to get naloxone: https://prevent-protect.org/. It is also now available over-the-counter. (https://zpr.io/SMX9yYDUta7a).  EPISODE CREDITS: Reported by - Peter Andrey Smith with Matt KieltyProduced by - Matt Kielty Our newsletter comes out every Wednesday. It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Sign up (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)! Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today. Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org Leadership support for Radiolab’s science programming is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation Initiative, and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.