Sing for Science
Talkhouse
Sing For Science is a science-and-music podcast where musicians sit down with scientists to explore the scientific ideas hidden in their most iconic songs. Listen to JD from Korn talk about “Dead Bodies Everywhere” with a mortuary-science expert, Sia explore one of her breakup ballads with an attachment-theory psychologist, and many, many more. Created and hosted by New York musician Matt Whyte, the show seeks to uncover connections wherever they may exist and build bridges between seemingly disparate voices, styles, and walks of life. Sing For Science is made possible in part by a grant from the Simons Foundation.
New episodes release every two weeks—subscribe now. Want to catch a live Sing For Science taping in your city? Sign up for our newsletter at SingForScience.org to be the first to know.
New episodes release every two weeks—subscribe now. Want to catch a live Sing For Science taping in your city? Sign up for our newsletter at SingForScience.org to be the first to know.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 26, 2022 • 45min
José González: El Invento (Epidemiology/Covid 19 with Michael Osterholm)
Acclaimed Swedish Argentine singer-songwriter, José González speaks with leading US epidemiologist, Dr. Mike Osterholm about future pandemics, virus mutations and more! Fun fact: Jose has a background in biochemistry and was pursuing a PhD in the study of viruses before he began making records.
Jan 19, 2022 • 49min
Lamb of God: Checkmate (Social Psychology/Intergroup Conflict with Tony Lemieux)
Lead singer of the multi-platinum selling heavy metal band, Lamb of God, Randy Blythe joins Georgia State Social Psychologist, Dr. Tony Lemieux for a conversation about identity politics, intergroup conflict in America, pathways to radicalization, mob psychology and more!
Jan 12, 2022 • 51min
Sia: Elastic Heart (Psychology/Attachment Theory with Alexandra Katehakis)
Pop icon SIA and psychotherapist, Dr. Alexandra Katehakis discuss attachment theory, infant brain development and sex addiction.
Dec 9, 2020 • 52min
Run DMC: Peter Piper (Folklore of Nursery Rhymes with Jennifer Schacker)
PETER PIPER: THE FOLKLORE OF NURSERY RHYMES with Hip hop legend Darryl McDaniels and University of Guelph English professor Dr. Jennifer Schacker discuss the folklore of nursery rhymes.In this episode we discuss:
the element of play using language
backstories to some of our most famous nursery rhymes
how DMC used Peter Piper to explain what Jam Master Jay did as the group’s DJ
Dec 2, 2020 • 49min
Aly & AJ: Attack of Panic (Neuroscience/Anxiety with Joseph LeDoux)
ALY AND AJ: ATTACK OF PANIC: THE NEUROSCIENCE OF ANXIETY DISORDERSwithPop duo and former Disney stars Aly and Aj and NYU neuroscientist, Dr. Joseph LeDoux.In this episode we talk about:- William James’ theory of anxiety’s origins- Medicating panic disorders- Meditation- Brain anatomy- Micro dosingAIRS 12/02/20
Nov 25, 2020 • 45min
AlunaGeorge: Together (Conflict Resolution with Priya Parker)
Aluna Francis of AlunaGeorge and trained facilitator, Priya Parker.In this episode we discuss:- the science of how we gather- “healthy heat” in conflicts- the importance of having a disputable purpose when we gather- the pitfalls of vulnerability focused culture- how to sell ticketsAIRS 11/25/20
Nov 18, 2020 • 1h 4min
Living Colour: Cult of Personality (Psychology of Fascism with Ruth Ben-Ghiat)
LIVING COLOUR: CULT OF PERSONALITY: THE PSYCHOLOGY AND DYNAMICS OF TYRANNYwith Vernon Reid and Corey Glover from the band Living Colourand Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Fascism and propaganda professor at NYUIn this episode we discuss:- The fascism playbook- How authoritarian regimes end- Fascism and the illusion of authenticity- Cause for hope- Billy Joel's smashed pianoAIRS 11/18/20
Nov 11, 2020 • 40min
Mac DeMarco: Chamber of Reflection (Acoustics with Russ Berger)
MAC DEMARCO: CHAMBER OF REFLECTION: UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE OF SOUND withMac DeMarco and Russ Berger, acoustician.In this episode we discuss:- what sound is- how speakers work- how sound affects the human body- how the brain interprets sound in a space- Astronautical elimination
Nov 4, 2020 • 39min
Renée Fleming: Ave Maria (Neuroscience/Parkinson’s Research with Bin Hu)
Renée Fleming: AVE MARIA: HEALING THE BRAIN THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSICwith Renée Fleming and Dr. Bin Hu, neuroscientist and Parkinson's expert at the University of CalgaryIn this episode we talk about:- How neuroscientists measure brain activity- Oliver Sachs and Dr. Hu's research- Bypassing Parkinson's with music therapy- Dr. Hu's iphone app that helps Parkinson's patients- Supreme Court sing along
Oct 28, 2020 • 46min
Connie Britton: Rivers Between Us (River Conservation with Paul Gallay)
CONNIE BRITTON: THE RIVERS BETWEEN US: HOW WE PROTECT AMERICA'S WATERWAYSwithActress Connie Britton and Paul Gallay, rivers expert and president of Riverkeeper.In this episode we talk about:- Where drinking water comes from- How toxic spills in rivers are cleaned up- How to protect your local waterway- Covid and rivers- A romantic way to spend valentine's day in NYC**"Restore Mother Nature Bond Act" referred to at the very end was pulled from the ballot
