

Experimental History
Adam Mastroianni
1) Find what's true and make it useful. 2) Publish every other Tuesday. 3) Photo cred: my dad.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 16, 2024 • 23min
Who's got the guts to go to the moon?
The podcast explores shortcomings in cancer research, funding initiatives, courage in funding non-mainstream ideas, reimagining scientific training, conducting comprehensive studies, and an unconventional mask-wearing experiment on a cruise ship.

Jul 3, 2024 • 11min
The first transmissions from Science House
Exploring Science House's innovative approach, training scientists in unconventional topics. Importance of skepticism, empiricism in distinguishing fact from fiction in cooking, sleep advice. Advocating for evidence-based practices and diversity. Supporting Science House for impactful training, transforming into permanent scientific institution.

Jun 17, 2024 • 15min
Surely you can be serious
Exploring the impact of a psychological intervention on SAT scores with a twist on a nationwide backslapping campaign. Reflecting on seriousness in academia and the advice to work for a dictator before pursuing independent paths. Emphasizing the importance of seriousness in life and debunking common misconceptions.

May 28, 2024 • 7min
The Summer 2024 Blog Post Competition, Extravaganza, and Jamboree
Exploration of Experimental History Summer 2024 Blog Post Competition, emphasizing the value of blogging. Submission guidelines for participants to win cash prizes and be featured on the Experimental History blog.

May 14, 2024 • 23min
How to get 7th graders to smoke
Exploring unintended consequences of anti-drug programs for 7th graders, challenges in changing human behavior, critique of workplace ethics training, comedic struggles of starting a workout routine, and interventions against implicit biases with a call for responsibility in program implementation.

May 7, 2024 • 23min
Startling differences between humans and jukeboxes
Exploring theories of motivation and incentives, the podcast challenges oversimplified views of human behavior. It delves into passion-driven achievements, the importance of intrinsic interests over external incentives, and the significance of leadership qualities in shaping behavior. Critiques on behaviorism and emphasis on empowerment for personal growth are also discussed.

Apr 30, 2024 • 26min
Science will only end once we've licked all the objects in the universe
Exploring the shift in scientific ideologies towards speculative propositions, critiquing misguided pursuits in scientific inquiry, reflecting on the progress in studying prejudice in psychology, discussing the unpredictable nature of scientific progress, and contemplating the fate of scientific progress with a humorous twist.

Apr 23, 2024 • 22min
You can't be too happy, literally
Exploring the consistent levels of reported happiness among Americans over 70 years despite significant historical events and societal progress. Delving into the idea of psychological immune system and homeostatic mood to explain emotional balance. Comparing mind control systems to thermostats for regulating emotions. Discussing the delicate balance of emotions to prevent extreme states like mania and depression. Exploring how neurotics and depressives handle sadness and success differently. Delving into the relationship between sugar consumption and emotional experiences.

Apr 17, 2024 • 14min
Declining trust in Zeus is a technology
Exploring the transition from ancient beliefs to scientific methodologies in medicine, addressing the decline in trust towards institutions. Emphasizing the importance of mental technologies and inspiring change by breaking patterns. Delving into flaws in professional environments and advocating for trust based on expertise and evidence.

Apr 2, 2024 • 25min
How to drive a stake through your own good heart
Exploring the controversy of data manipulation at a prestigious university, the illusion of productivity, uncovering unethical strategies for university ranking manipulation, and the impact of Goodheart's Law on systemic manipulation for personal gain.


