Beth Shapiro, Chief Scientific Officer at Colossal Biosciences and author of How to Clone a Mammoth, dives into the thrilling world of de-extinction. She discusses the quest to resurrect iconic species like the woolly mammoth and dodo through genetic engineering and ancient DNA analysis. The ethical implications and scientific hurdles of this ambitious endeavor are explored, along with the innovative technologies fueling the revival. Plus, Beth shares humorous tales about collecting ancient DNA, showcasing the adventurous side of cutting-edge science.

Lee Gray, a renowned elevator historian and architectural history professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, shares fascinating insights into the world of elevators. He discusses how elevators revolutionized urban landscapes, enabling skyscrapers and shaping human behavior. Gray highlights cutting-edge innovations, including space-bound elevators and lateral movement systems. Their simultaneous invention alongside escalators marked a pivotal moment in the Industrial Revolution. With a mix of history and humor, the conversation also touches on the quirky portrayal of elevators in films.

Karsten Temme, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Pivot Bio, explores how the microbiome could transform agriculture. He discusses the environmental challenges of synthetic fertilizers and the promise of gene editing to enhance soil microbes for better nitrogen fixation. Karsten highlights innovations that improve crop yields and resilience, emphasizing sustainability and the critical role of beneficial microbes in farming. His insights showcase a future where agricultural biotechnology leads to more efficient and eco-friendly practices.

Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, specializes in converting pollution into valuable fuels. She discusses the innovative process of transforming carbon emissions into ethanol using bacteria. The conversation dives into the economic viability and scaling challenges of sustainable fuel production. Holmgren also addresses the role of sustainable aviation fuels in reducing emissions, and the importance of supportive policies for new energy solutions. Her optimism for sustainable energy shines through, highlighting local economies and innovative practices.

Kurt House, co-founder and CEO of KoBold Metals, shares insights on revolutionizing the mining industry for the renewable energy transition. He discusses the enormous demand for essential metals like copper and lithium, and how AI and data science are pivotal in discovering these resources. Kurt recounts a significant copper discovery in Zambia, while balancing personal anecdotes from his family trips. He emphasizes the need for innovative exploration techniques and the importance of fostering a supportive culture in mining management.

Dalial Freitak and Annette Kleiser, co-founders of Dalan Animal Health, are pioneering the first vaccine for insects. They dive into the complexities of insect immunology and how maternal exposure to pathogens influences bee immunity. The discussion highlights their innovative oral vaccine for queen bees, aimed at combating the alarming decline in bee populations. They also explore broader implications for agriculture and even potential future applications for shrimp, emphasizing the critical role of bees in food security.

Sean Hunt, co-founder and CTO of Solugen, dives into sustainable chemical production without fossil fuels. He shares how his company innovates by using corn syrup for eco-friendly solutions, transforming the industry. The discussion highlights operational challenges and the push for specialty chemicals amidst market shifts. Hunt reveals insights on the competitive landscape and the impact of a new executive order promoting bio-manufactured chemicals. Additionally, he touches on the intriguing engineering behind customizing products for regional tastes.

Nicola Twilley, author of "Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves," dives into the transformative power of refrigeration. She highlights how this technology reshaped global diets and health, turning seasonal foods into year-round staples. Twilley discusses brewers as pioneers of refrigeration technology and reveals fascinating insights about maintaining freshness in produce like lettuce. She also touches on innovations like lipid coatings as a sustainable alternative to plastic, redefining freshness in the food industry.

Ali Shahriyari, co-founder and CTO of Reality Defender, dives into the urgent issue of deepfake detection. He discusses real-life incidents of deepfake fraud, shedding light on their implications for banking and politics. The conversation highlights the technological intricacies of distinguishing real content from AI-generated fakes. Ali emphasizes the constant evolution needed in detection tools and raises ethical concerns about misinformation's impact on public trust. He also delves into how society's biases complicate our acceptance of information—real or not.

Peter Godart, co-founder of Found Energy, discusses using aluminum for clean energy. Topics include aluminum as a renewable energy source, challenges in aluminum recycling, transforming old cans into clean energy, and transitioning to sustainable energy. The podcast explores innovative ideas for energy solutions both on Earth and in space, emphasizing the potential environmental benefits of sustainable aluminum production.