

Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe
iHeartPodcasts
Scientists Daniel and Kelly cannot stop talking about our amazing, wonderful, weird Universe! Each episode is a fun, easy-to-understand, and in-depth explanation of topics in science, from particles to black holes to moon colonies to ecosystems to parasites and everything else in the Universe!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 49min
Can particle beams be used to treat cancer?
Delve into the fascinating world where particle physics meets cancer treatment! Explore how particle beams can precisely target and kill cancer cells, revolutionizing therapy. Discover the moral complexities faced by scientists in this brave new frontier. Personal anecdotes about longevity and pet experiences add a light touch. Unravel myths about sharks’ cancer immunity, while learning about proton therapy's advantages over traditional methods. Experience a blend of advanced science and human stories that make these complex topics relatable and engaging.

16 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 48min
Could stars have black holes at their cores?
The hosts explore the wild idea of stars harboring black holes at their cores, diving into cosmic principles and exciting research. Their light-hearted pizza debate adds a fun twist to the serious astrophysics discussion. They unravel the life cycles of stars and the formation of black holes, touching on stellar giants like Stevenson 218. With insights into supernovae and the evolution of these celestial bodies, they highlight ongoing mysteries and the importance of curiosity in scientific inquiry.

10 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 51min
Going under: The history and mechanisms of general anesthesia
Dive into the compelling journey of general anesthesia, tracing its roots from ancient methods to modern techniques. Discover the shocking realities of pre-anesthesia surgery and how pioneers like Dr. Long and Dr. Wells navigated challenges in their quest for recognition. With a mix of humor and humanity, explore personal stories of fear and recovery, especially concerning children. Learn about the intriguing effects of ether and the significant role of neurotransmitters in pain management, emphasizing the need for ongoing advancements in this crucial field.

4 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 45min
Listener Questions #14
Dive into the fascinating world where quantum fields meet everyday bananas! Discover how colds mutate and the complex relationship between particles, fields, and matter. The hosts tackle the concepts of energy and mass, even pondering if data has weight. Enjoy humorous stories about babies in spacesuits and the challenges of teaching science to kids. With a connection to philosophical ideas, this lively discussion makes intricate science both engaging and accessible.

17 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 50min
How to become a parasite
Dive into the fascinating world of parasites and discover their role in biodiversity! The hosts explore whether dinosaurs had parasites and trace parasitism's evolution across life forms. They also delve into sci-fi portrayals of parasites, from aliens to zombies, sparking discussions on societal implications. The journey through deep time reveals the transition from independent organisms to parasites and even speculates on alien counterparts. With humor and insight, the podcast illuminates the intricate dynamics between parasites and their hosts!

18 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
Should we be worried about overpopulation or depopulation?
Dean Spears and Michael Geruso, both professors of economics and demography at UT Austin, share thought-provoking insights on the potential dangers of depopulation. They discuss the troubling decline in birth rates and its societal implications, contrasting them with historical fears of overpopulation. Anecdotes about parenting illustrate the urgency of changing perspectives on family size. The conversation also touches on ethical dilemmas in modern technology and the impact of coercive reproductive policies, making a compelling case for understanding demographic shifts.

9 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 49min
Listener Questions #13
Dive into the bizarre world of warty comb jellies, where unique traits spark humorous discussions. Explore the mysterious concept of white holes, contrasting them with black holes, and ponder their cosmic implications. Navigate the seas alongside humpback whales as the hosts unravel their fascinating migration and navigation methods. Lighthearted banter connects marine oddities with broader themes of curiosity and exploration, inviting listeners to discover the extraordinary wonders of nature and the universe.

20 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 45min
How do we know what elements the Universe is made of?
Discover the whimsical journey of how we learned about the universe's elements, featuring naked Greeks and crafty Scots. Delve into the intriguing contributions of overlooked women in science alongside humorous debates on extraterrestrial life. Learn about groundbreaking techniques like spectroscopy that unveiled the mysteries of the sun and stars. Reflect on historical figures who shaped our understanding of Earth’s composition, and celebrate the pioneering spirit of female astronomers who overcame challenges in a male-dominated field.

8 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 43min
Why are stars different colors?
Discover why stars twinkle in a rainbow of colors, with insights into their temperatures and compositions. Enjoy engaging anecdotes about memorable night sky experiences, like witnessing a comet impact on Jupiter. Learn how star colors reveal their ages and implications for potential life on nearby planets. The hosts explore the science behind these dazzling hues, connecting temperature variations to the broader universe. Join a delightful debate on personal star color preferences, making astronomy both fun and accessible.

13 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 52min
Did Colossal bring back the dire wolf?
The conversation dives into the concept of de-extinction, contemplating the resurrection of species like the dire wolf. It raises intriguing ethical questions and the scientific hurdles of reviving extinct animals using advanced genetic techniques. Colossal's ambitious project to reconstruct the dire wolf genome is explored, along with concerns about ecological impacts. The hosts humorously tackle the challenges of genetic manipulation and emphasize the need for thoughtful consideration in conservation efforts. Prepare for a blend of science, ethics, and lively debate!