The COVID-19 pandemic is a grim reminder that infectious diseases have been a danger throughout human history–so much so that the threat of infection has actually helped shape human evolution. Disgust, wariness of strangers, cultural norms around food and cleanliness–all of these behaviors may have evolved at least in part to keep us safe from infectious dis ... Show More
Nov 19
When sounds are unbearable: Understanding misophonia, with Heather Hansen, PhD
For people with misophonia, certain sounds – like chewing, coughing or pen clicking – can trigger strong emotional reactions including anxiety, disgust and rage. Heather Hansen, PhD, director of the Misophonia Research Network, talks about scientists’ evolving understanding of mi ... Show More
36m 35s
Nov 12
Navigating the mental health impact of GLP-1s, with Rachel Goldman, PhD
Over the past several years, the rise of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy has changed the conversation around weight and obesity in the U.S. Rachel Goldman, PhD, talks about how GLP-1s work; the effects they can have on mental health; what questions to ask if you’re conside ... Show More
37m 21s
Nov 5
Why humblebragging is never a good idea, with Övül Sezer, PhD
We all want to be liked and respected. But sometimes, our intuitions about how to make a good impression lead us astray. Övül Sezer, PhD, talks about common mistakes, including humblebragging and hiding our accomplishments; whether the rules of making a good impression are differ ... Show More
43m 3s
Feb 2021
TMHS 461: Psychosomatic Effects Of COVID-19, Lack Of Transparency, & Dangerous Outcomes
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” -Alice Walker
Over the past year, a lot has changed. Many of us have had to pivot our work situations, how we educate our children, and how we connect with our loved ones. Some folks have strug ... Show More
1h 59m
Jul 2023
Ep 121 Tularemia: Hare today, gone tomorrow
<p>The CDC’s list of highest priority bioterrorism agents is a short one, with only six pathogens making the cut. Among the more familiar names on the list, such as anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox, and viral hemorrhagic fevers, is the topic of today’s episode: <em>Francisella ... Show More
1h 21m
Feb 2022
Ep 90 Human African Trypanosomiasis: A lot to unpack
Here on the podcast, we’re no strangers to multi-host parasites with complicated life cycles, intricate ecologies and dense human histories. But human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) might require the most unpacking yet. In this episode, we do a deep dive into the tsetse fly-transm ... Show More
1h 27m
Nov 2022
Battling Pathogens and Building Immunity Begins In Your Gut – Dr. Robynne Chutkan : 998
<p><strong>IN THIS EPISODE OF THE HUMAN UPGRADE</strong>™… Robynne Chutkan, M.D., joins the show to talk about a topic that’s foundational to biohacking—resilience. More specifically, resilience that starts in the gut. You’ll learn:</p><ul><li>how your microbiome continually ... Show More
1h 17m
Feb 2023
#594 - Dr Richard Wrangham - The Incredible Evolution Of Human Violence
Dr Richard Wrangham is an anthropologist and primatologist, a Professor of Biological Anthropology at Harvard University and an author whose research focuses on ape behaviour, human evolution, violence, and cooking.
Humans have the capacity for incredible benevolence and kindness ... Show More
1h 20m
Mar 2020
No One Born Blind Has Had Schizophrenia, Bacteria Engineered to Protect Honeybees, and The Surprising Way WWI Helmets Beat Modern Ones
Learn about a medical mystery involving blindness and schizophrenia; a new bacteria scientists developed to help protect honeybees; and the surprising strength of helmets used in World War I.No person who was born blind has ever been diagnosed with schizophrenia by Andrea Michels ... Show More
9m 41s