

Unexplainable
Vox
Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know…and then keeps on going. The Unexplainable team — Noam Hassenfeld, Julia Longoria, Byrd Pinkerton, and Meradith Hoddinott — tackles scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and everything we learn diving into the unknown. New episodes Mondays and Wednesdays.From Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Jul 13, 2022 • 34min
Vitamin X
Catherine Price, a science journalist and author of "Vitamania," sheds light on the murky world of dietary supplements. She explores shocking cases of harmful ingredients lurking in everyday products. With a historical lens, Catherine reveals how supplement regulation evolved — or the lack thereof — leaving consumers vulnerable. The conversation dives into the complexities of vitamins versus herbal products and discusses urgent calls for reform to ensure safety and efficacy for all.

Jun 29, 2022 • 28min
Lost Worlds: What killed Venus?
In this engaging discussion, volcanologist Robin George Andrews and science editor Brian Resnick explore the dramatic transformation of Venus from a water-rich paradise to a hellish landscape. They examine the catastrophic climate changes that lead to this shift and the alarming parallels to Earth's potential future. The conversation delves into the role of plate tectonics and carbon emissions, as well as the intriguing possibility of life existing in Venus' acidic clouds, sparking curiosity about extraterrestrial life and planetary science.

8 snips
Jun 22, 2022 • 30min
Lost Worlds: Life on Mars?
Mandy Nguyen, a podcast producer and visitor to NASA's Mars Yard, delves into Mars' fascinating history and the excitement of the Perseverance rover mission. The discussion highlights Mars' once-thriving environment, the quest to find signs of past life, and the technology behind analyzing Martian geology. Nguyen explores the implications of any discoveries on our understanding of life's origins. The conversation culminates in the thrilling possibility of uncovering extraterrestrial life and how it connects to humanity's place in the universe.

11 snips
Jun 15, 2022 • 27min
Lost Worlds: Why do we have a moon?
Discover why Earth's moon is truly one of a kind in the cosmos. Delve into the giant impact hypothesis that suggests a cataclysmic collision with a planet named Theia gave birth to our moon. Explore the Apollo missions, revealing fascinating lunar rock finds that challenge previous theories. Unpack the moon's crucial role in stabilizing Earth and its impact on climate and life's evolution. Revel in the personal stories tied to moon rocks and the awe they instill in us as we connect with the universe.

Jun 8, 2022 • 27min
Lost Worlds: Aliens from Earth?
Gavin Schmidt, a renowned climate scientist at NASA, discusses fascinating theories surrounding advanced civilizations that may have existed on Earth before humans. He highlights the Silurian Hypothesis, which raises questions about our legacy and the potential markers of past technologies. The conversation dives into how isotopes could reveal remnants of human activities and the challenges in identifying these ancient societies. Schmidt invites listeners to ponder the impact of our existence within the vast timeline of Earth’s history.

May 25, 2022 • 27min
Dropping like flies
Insects are disappearing at alarming rates, raising crucial questions for ecosystems and food security. The hosts dive into the vital roles insects play, from pollination to waste decomposition, and the potential aftermath of a global decline. They address the challenges of counting and understanding insect species and push for urgent research and collaboration. Listeners are encouraged to engage and contribute to the discussion as part of a call to action for insect conservation efforts.

May 18, 2022 • 26min
Is telepathy real?
Jonathan Mowens, a freelance science journalist, and Meghana Keshevin, a biotech reporter, dive into an astonishing study suggesting fully paralyzed individuals can communicate through thought. They unpack the technology behind brain implants and the emotional journeys of those involved. Discussions explore the reality of telepathy, scientific skepticism, and ethical dilemmas surrounding invasive methods. With their insights, they highlight the promise of advanced communication and its implications for the future.

May 11, 2022 • 23min
Why do we dream?
Dive into the mysterious world of dreams and their significance in our lives. Explore historical insights and scientific theories, from Freud’s ideas to modern critiques. Discover how dreams may help us process emotions and spark creativity. Hear how the pandemic has changed our dreamscapes and learn about diverse perspectives on dream interpretation. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s creative process and the importance of audience engagement.

May 4, 2022 • 28min
Should I take a DNA ancestry test?
What are the scientific, family, and privacy implications?For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainableIt’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.comWe read every email.Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 27, 2022 • 25min
My octopus friend?
Ferris Jaber, a science journalist focused on animal intelligence, joins to explore the surprising social behaviors of octopuses. He shares insights on how these typically solitary creatures can form bonds with humans, drawing from personal stories and the acclaimed documentary 'My Octopus Teacher.' The discussion raises intriguing questions about the emotional depth of octopuses and challenges listeners to reconsider the nature of interspecies connections. Jaber emphasizes the need for a human perspective shift to truly appreciate these intelligent beings.