

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

8 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 20min
The good virus
Delve into the fascinating world of bacteriophages, viruses that target bacteria and are essential to our microbiome. Discover how phages can serve as alternatives to antibiotics and their surprising role in coral health. Learn about the newly found mucosal layers in our intestines and lungs that protect us against harmful bacteria with the help of phages. Explore groundbreaking research on their potential to combat antibiotic resistance and improve conditions like cystic fibrosis. Stay tuned for upcoming discussions on the intersection of phage research and history.

9 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 30min
Ecstasy therapy
Explore the shift of MDMA from a party drug to a potential PTSD treatment as the FDA gears up for a landmark decision. Hear moving personal stories from veterans grappling with trauma and their journey through MDMA-assisted therapy. Discover the passionate advocacy efforts driving change amid political hurdles. The evolving views on psychedelics reveal the complexities of mental health and drug policies, shedding light on a powerful new path to healing.

5 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 39min
What did dinosaurs sound like?
Dinosaurs may not have roared like lions; instead, their sounds were likely much weirder and more complex. Scientists are piecing together ancient vocalizations using fossil evidence, despite the challenges posed by the lack of sound-producing structures. Unique dinosaurs like Parasaurolophus might have communicated in ways Hollywood doesn’t portray. Innovative sound design techniques are employed to recreate these sounds, drawing inspiration from modern animals. The podcast also dissects how popular media often misrepresents dinosaur sounds, blending creativity with scientific inquiry.

47 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 25min
Do we live inside an enormous black hole?
James Beacham, a particle physicist at CERN, discusses the intriguing possibility of our universe existing inside a black hole. The conversation explores building a giant collider around the moon to investigate this theory. Topics also include gravity, multiverse, and the creation of miniature black holes in labs.

34 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 21min
Is good posture actually good?
Beth Linker, author of 'Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America', explores the historical perspectives on good posture and health. She challenges the common belief that good posture leads to good health, highlighting shifts in perceptions over time. The podcast delves into the evolution of ideas surrounding posture, the cultural influences on this concept, and the myth of good posture's correlation with back pain.

72 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 37min
Why do we yawn?
Dr. Andrew Gallup discusses the mysteries of yawning, including its contagious nature, role in brain temperature regulation, and evolutionary history across different species. The podcast challenges misconceptions about yawning, explores its medical implications, and highlights its benefits for cognitive functioning and social bonding.

15 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 27min
Embracing economic chaos
Physicist explores chaos theory in predicting economy, strange attractors and unpredictable patterns. Economic chaos, teaching kids about money, agent-based simulations in predicting climate change, embracing uncertainties in life.

34 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 30min
We still don’t really know how inflation works
Delving into the mystery of inflation surge, the podcast explores factors behind the unexpected rise impacting voters. It discusses central banks shaping public beliefs on economy stability and the challenges they face. The chapter also questions the extent of people's impact on inflation expectations post-pandemic.

39 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 23min
Can you put a price on nature?
Exploring the economic value of bats in agriculture and biodiversity, the challenges of assigning a monetary value to ecological services, and the impact of white-nose syndrome. Delving into the complexities of valuing nature beyond monetary terms, considering non-use values and societal dynamics. Emphasizing the need to estimate economic benefits of preserving nature to prevent future pandemics. Previewing the Fed's role in controlling inflation in the next episode.

32 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 28min
The deepest spot in the ocean
Explore the uncharted mystery of the ocean's depths, from the Challenger Deep to groundbreaking mapping projects. Dive into the journey of marine biologist Nicole Yamase as she descends to the deepest point and uncover the importance of accurate seafloor mapping in revolutionizing our understanding of Earth's geological processes.