In this episode, I sit down with renowned science writer David Quammen. We discuss the age of synthetic biology, tempered by ethical and practical considerations, and what it may mean for viruses, cancer & species conservation. David’s insightful, measured outlook is grounded in five decades of science writing, across dozens of books and hundreds of feature magazine stories.  Show Notes: 00:18 Introduction. 02:00 Contagious Cancer and Evolution 02:32 Virus Hunters & Zoonotic Spillover. 08:05 Bats: The Reservoir Hosts 12:30 Ethics & Engineering Viruses. 19:54 Viruses as Evolutionary Feature, not Bug. 25:29 Engineering Immunology 36:53 COVID-19 Origins and Vaccine Development 46:46 Individual Liberty vs Public Health 54:20 EV batteries & Congo Mining 57:12 Elephants Don’t Get Cancer 59:24 De-Extinction and Genetic Preservation 01:01:19 Conservation and Genetic Engineering 01:19:44 David’s Career

This episode delves into the complex interplay of skepticism and conviction in modern science, a theme vividly illustrated by Jacobson's career. Check out the podcast as we explore the dynamic and often contentious world of climate policy through the lens of Mark Jacobson's remarkable life. Mark Jacobson is a towering figure in the realm of climate policy. Jacobson's early work led to California's unique exemption from the EPA, allowing the state to set its own stringent CO2 standards for vehicles, which led to the progressive ratcheting up of standards across the US and the world. His groundbreaking research on Black Carbon, identifying it as the second most significant contributor to climate change, has shaped environmental strategies worldwide. Jacobson is also the intellectual force behind the Solutions Project, a popular initiative that united a diverse group of scientists, filmmakers, and actors to advocate for a future powered entirely by renewable energy. However, Jacobson's path has not been without its challenges. His approach, blending public education with science, has sparked debate within the scientific community. This tension climaxed when his work faced critical scrutiny from other academics in the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, leading to a controversial defamation lawsuit against the Academy.

Ted Hesser interviews Wade Davis, luminary in the world of ethnobotany, exploration, and cultural preservation. They discuss psychedelics, vanishing cultures, and the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Wade shares stories of his exploration in the Amazon, ancient civilizations, and protection of wilderness areas. They also delve into the complexities of being native, water scarcity, and forging your own path as a freelancer.

Mike Finkel, successful author and former journalist, discusses art heists, identity theft, and journalism. Topics include Mustang memories, adventures in dangerous environments, craft of narratives, NYT & new beginnings, the manipulative nature of a psychopath, finding story ideas as a journalist, art theft as a love story, aesthetics and ethics, AI in journalism, challenges of mindfulness in fatherhood, the hermit's story, reflections on fairness, exploring the interface between aliens and humanity, belief in the scientific method, fiction vs. nonfiction writing, balancing work and personal life, and the quest for world peace.

Victor Vescovo, an extraordinary explorer and former Navy intelligence officer, discusses his unique perspective on the world through exploring the tallest peaks, deepest oceans, and outer space. He shares insights from his time as a Navy intelligence officer and his involvement with Colossal, a genetic engineering company. Other topics include deep sea mining, the consequences of nuclear conflict, the Battle of Samar, marine archaeology, challenging the narrative of the Silk Road, rising tensions between China and Taiwan, and air resistance in aviation.