Radiolab

Harold Herring, a former Air Force Major, shares his riveting journey navigating nuclear command, questioning the unchecked presidential authority over nuclear launches. Alongside nuclear historian Alex Wallerstein, they explore the moral dilemmas faced by military personnel tasked with following potentially unlawful orders. The conversation spans from Truman's ethical struggles to Nixon's alarming power, revealing the dangerous consequences of questioning authority while emphasizing the urgent need for checks and balances in nuclear decision-making.

Sönke Johnsen, a biologist at Duke University, specializes in ultra-black animals. He takes listeners on a journey into the science behind the darkest creatures on Earth, revealing how certain fish and butterflies achieve their deep black hues through unique structural adaptations. Johnsen discusses the fascinating interplay between darkness and bioluminescence, exploring survival strategies of deep-sea life. The conversation also touches on the implications of this research for engineering, merging biology with advancements in material science.

Monica Gagliano, an evolutionary ecologist who challenges traditional views on plant intelligence, joins home inspector Alvin Ubell to discuss the surprising capabilities of plants. They explore how plants may sense their environment and even exhibit memory, using fascinating examples like the mimosa pudica's defensive reflexes. Ubell reveals the intricate ways plant roots interface with infrastructure, highlighting a plant's instinctual behavior in seeking water. Together, they encourage a rethinking of what constitutes intelligence in the natural world.

Janelle Jenney, a photographer and dedicated bone marrow donor, saved Jim Munroe's life through her selfless act. In this heartfelt conversation, Jim, a leukemia survivor and Christian magician, shares how their bond transcended beliefs and cultures. They explore the magic of miracles and the emotional journeys connected to altruism. Their reunion reveals touching stories, humor, and the significance of community, encouraging others to consider the profound impact of donating bone marrow.

This holiday special takes you on a celestial journey, exploring how a groundbreaking NASA mission investigates the sun's mysteries. Experience the inspiration behind a heartfelt poem written for Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, by the U.S. Poet Laureate. Join in on a global naming contest for a quasi-moon, blending community engagement with cosmic curiosity. Discover personal stories intertwined with universal themes, connecting humanity to the cosmos through innovation and creativity.

Sindhu Gnanasambandan, a Radiolab producer, dives into the intriguing world of adages like "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." She explores how mind-wandering can spark creativity and improve memory. The discussion highlights that unproductive thoughts can actually lead to personal growth. By examining psychological insights and fascinating studies, Sindhu reveals how these common sayings often hold deeper, more complex truths than we realize, challenging us to rethink the wisdom we take for granted.

An astronaut recounts his first breathtaking spacewalk, sharing the stark contrasts of darkness and light as he orbits Earth. With humor, he describes floating in pitch-black space, only to be dazzled by the sunrise moments later. The tension escalates when he and a fellow astronaut become stranded due to an airlock failure, resulting in a gripping fight for survival. Their emotional reflections and the beautiful memories of space also highlight the bond between space explorers, creating a captivating journey through both physical and emotional extremes.

Sarah Qari, a seasoned investigative journalist, and David King, author of "Six Days in August: The Story of Stockholm Syndrome," dive into the dramatic 1973 Stockholm bank hostage crisis. They discuss how the unexpected bonds between captives and their captor gave birth to the term 'Stockholm Syndrome.' The conversation challenges the misconceptions surrounding this psychological phenomenon and explores the implications of trauma in hostage situations. They also touch on survivor stories and the importance of empathy in understanding complex emotional responses.

Dive into the captivating journey of the kilogram, once revered as the gold standard for mass measurement. Discover its rich history from ancient methods to modern innovations and the challenges of maintaining a reliable standard. Unravel the mystery of its surprising weight loss over time and how technology has redefined it using the Planck constant. Plus, explore fascinating insights into metabolism through breath analysis, offering personalized nutrition plans. It's a blend of science, history, and teamwork that reshapes our understanding of mass.

Wendy Zuckerman, host of Science Vs, leads the hilarious quest for the funniest joke in the world. She chats with comedy legends like Tig Notaro and Adam Conover, diving into the subjective nature of humor and the challenges of connecting with audiences. The podcast explores laughter's evolutionary roots and its role in fostering social bonds. From a Hindi joke to a global competition, listeners discover the shared threads of comedy across cultures while uncovering the science behind what makes us laugh.