Unexplainable

Mathias Clasen and Marc Andersen, co-directors of the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University, explore why people voluntarily seek fear through horror. They discuss how recreational fear helps people learn to cope with real threats and the intriguing Goldilocks principle of horror, which suggests that moderate fear is most enjoyable. Their research includes studying haunted house visitors to understand fear and enjoyment dynamics and even correlating horror fandom with lower distress during the pandemic. They propose new therapies utilizing controlled fear experiences.

Is it worse to kill one person than many? This podcast dives into the moral complexities of saving lives against the staggering number of crustaceans humans kill annually. It highlights the shocking statistics behind shrimp farming's impact on animal welfare. Listen as a former finance professional shares his journey to advocate for shrimp rights and explore whether these creatures can feel pain. The backlash against shrimp welfare advocacy sparks intriguing debates on public perception and prioritization of animal rights.

In this engaging discussion, former Major League Baseball player Rick Ankiel shares his extraordinary journey from pitching prodigy to struggling with the yips. He recounts the heart-wrenching moment his skills vanished and explores the psychological toll it took. Psychologist Sally Akehurst and neurologist Steven Frucht delve into the nuances of choking vs. the yips, illuminating the mysterious links between the brain and motor skills. The conversation ultimately reveals insights about talent, resilience, and unexpected comebacks in the world of sports.

Evan Ziporyn, a renowned composer and clarinetist, shares his insights on Terry Riley's groundbreaking piece, In C. He explores the unpredictability of its aleatoric structure, illustrating how each performance breathes new life into the music. Evan highlights the beauty of spontaneity, discussing how small performer decisions create emergent chaos. He reflects on how the piece mirrors life's complex events and emphasizes the importance of listening and presence among musicians. Tune in for a fascinating journey through sound and spontaneity!

Meryl Horn, a senior producer at Science Vs, dives into the complex debate about acetaminophen (Tylenol) and autism. She discusses initial studies linking the pain reliever to neurodevelopment issues, as well as the mixed evidence from recent research. Meryl highlights the importance of considering genetic and familial factors that may confound observations. She emphasizes that current expert guidance suggests Tylenol is safe when used as needed during pregnancy, despite public concerns.

Mindy Weisberger, a science writer and author of *Rise of the Zombie Bugs*, dives into the fascinating world of parasitic organisms that manipulate insect behavior. She reveals how a fungus can zombify flies, forcing them to climb high and die for spore dispersion. Explore the eerie life cycles of hairworms that commandeer crickets, and how wasps influence spiders to build webs for their larvae. Mindy discusses the implications for understanding neurology and the ethical concerns around engineered zombifiers. Plus, she hints at how some pathogens might alter human behavior!

Olga Khazan, a staff writer and author of "Me, But Better," dives into the intriguing concept of personality change. She shares her personal journey, driven by high neuroticism and a desire for deeper connections. Discussing the limits of the Big Five traits, she highlights how neuroticism is particularly challenging to alter. Through meditation and improv, Olga explores effective strategies for change, emphasizing the need for belief in one's agency. Her insights reveal that while shifting personality traits is tough, it's not impossible, and each small step matters.

Fanny Gribenski, a historical musicologist and author of Tuning the World, dives into the fascinating and complex history of musical pitch standards. She explores why orchestras tune to an oboe and the historical variations of the A note. Discover the aesthetic and political debates surrounding pitch, from France's attempts for a rational standard to the U.S. push for A440. Fanny also discusses the 1939 BBC conference, the cultural anxieties surrounding pitch changes, and how modern conspiracies still grapple with these age-old standards.

NASA has uncovered a Martian rock that could hold traces of ancient life, stirring excitement in the scientific community. The discussion dives into the significance of the Jezero Crater and its mysterious 'leopard spots' that hint at past biosignatures. Experts explore the history of the quest for life on Mars and the innovative technology behind the Perseverance rover's sample collection. The implications of finding Martian life are profound, potentially reshaping our understanding of life's origins across the universe.

Discover the surprising truths about metabolism that challenge long-held beliefs. Personal stories reveal the impact of societal pressures on body image and dieting misconceptions. Learn about a dangerous weight loss chemical from history and the severe health risks it posed. Delve into how extreme dieting on reality TV affects metabolic rates and long-term health. This engaging discussion unpacks the complexities of metabolism, highlighting the need to rethink common myths around weight loss and food environments.