Science and the natural world offer us opportunities to experience a range of sensations -- some of them deeply unpleasant. In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers share stories about some less than pleasant moments.
Part 1: While staying with host family in an unfamiliar city for a conference, Andrew Spink wakes up to find he can’t swallow.
Part 2: ... Show More
Aug 22
Becoming Your Hero: Stories about embodying a role model
In this week’s episode, both of our storytellers transform into someone they admire—one quite literally, the other more figuratively.Part 1: While juggling climate science studies and a budding comedy career, Rollie Williams finds an unexpected niche impersonating his environment ... Show More
25m 47s
Aug 8
Sticky Fingers: Stories about theft
In this week’s episode, we explore what pushes someone to steal, and how it feels to be the one robbed.Part 1: With a potential cancer diagnosis looming and his health insurance about to vanish, David Crabb finds an envelope stuffed with $100 bills. Part 2: When Zakiya Whatley bo ... Show More
31m 36s
Jun 2022
Sensing the World Anew Through Other Species
Ed Yong’s new book, “An Immense World,” urges readers to break outside their “sensory bubble” to consider the unique ways that dogs, dolphins, mice and other animals experience their surroundings.“I’ve often said that my beat is everything that is or was once alive, which covers ... Show More
45m 53s
Apr 2022
Life in an E.R. During Covid
Thomas Fisher’s new book, “The Emergency,” details his life as an emergency physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he’s worked for 20 years. It provides an up-close look at a hospital during the pandemic, and also zooms out to address the systemic issues tha ... Show More
51m 26s
Jan 2024
Do you know about Darwin's Bark Spider? 🕷️🕸️
In this episode, we learned about spiders, especially the Darwin's Bark Spider and some questions from you, our listeners. Spiders are fascinating creatures with unique characteristics: they belong to the arachnid family and can be found worldwide in various sizes and colours. Th ... Show More
25m 50s
Mar 2023
The New Science of Awe & How It Improves Your Physical & Mental Wellbeing with Dr Dacher Keltner #340
When was the last time you felt awe? Perhaps it’s an emotion you notice often, evoked by the trees, clouds, or people around you. Or maybe it’s something you associate with more dramatic, less frequent experiences.
Dr Dacher Keltner, has written a sublime book on the subject of a ... Show More
1h 55m