Send us Fan Mail A perfect circle of mushrooms in the grass can feel like a message. We follow that feeling into the heart of fungi and folklore with Amanda McLoughlin and Julia Schifini of Spirits, exploring why mushrooms unsettle us, how they anchor myth, and what they can teach us about living with limits and wonder. From fairy rings and house spirits to ... Show More
Dec 2025
126. Science Illustration, AI Cardinals, and Frozen Asters w/ J. Spahr
Send us Fan MailWhat's up, Plant People?? On today's episode, I chatted with scientific illustrator, J Spahr of @Science_Visuals to unpack how art turns complex research into clear, accurate stories that spark curiosity. From watercolor botanicals to layered digital paintings and ... Show More
1h 1m
Oct 2025
124. Thunderstorms, Hidden Nature, and the Cryptonaturalist w/ Jarod K. Anderson
Send us Fan MailWe talk with writer and poet Jarod K. Anderson, aka the Cryptonaturalist, about mental health, ADHD, and rediscovering wonder through woods, poems, and honest work. From “brain weather” to dandelion myths, we explore how stories shape healing and how nature keeps ... Show More
49m 34s
Sep 2025
123. Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life w/ Gabrielle Cerberville
Send us Fan MailGabrielle Cerberville, known as the Chaotic Forager, returns to discuss her new book "Gathered on Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life" and shares insights on building relationships with wild spaces beyond mere resource collection.• Moved to Virginia at the b ... Show More
58m 5s
Mar 2020
Q&A: COVID-19, Solar Storms & Ancient Teeth
What happens if you overwater a plant? How does gravity actually work? And should we be cancelling mass events to contain the coronavirus? It's Q&A time on the show, and this week Phil Sansom is joined by a brainy panel of experts: plant biologist Nadia Radzman, particle physicis ... Show More
59m 30s
Apr 2025
Astrobotany & Plant Intelligence with Simon Gilroy
<p>Are plants more aware than we think? Do they have feelings? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Gary O’Reilly, and Harrison Greenbaum explore the intelligence of plants with astrobotanist Simon Gilroy. From venus flytraps to space farming, we dig deep into the secret world of plants.</p><p>N ... Show More
55m 14s
Sep 2017
Fidget Spinners in Space?
In the latest Q and A show from The Naked Scientists, we answer your questions with the help of an expert panel - plant scientist Beverley Glover, mathematician James Grime, physicist Jess Wade and Angel investor Peter Cowley. What makes plants carnivorous, what's the highest pri ... Show More
53m 2s
Jun 2022
Bonus: Where does sand come from? (and other questions)
<p><strong>Bonus Episode: Question and Response 32</strong></p>
<p>In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about CO2 and mosquitos, sand, light scattering, cooking eggs, and more!</p>
<p>Want to start your own podcast? <a href="https://tra ... Show More
29m 26s
May 2025
AUA: Changing Dark Energy, Twin Paradox, and What's Next for CERN
<p>We answer your questions. To listen to our backlog of ask-us-anything episodes for free, head to our Patreon, or join for $3/month to submit your questions: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse">Support the sh ... Show More
54m 36s
Dec 2023
Re-release: Podcast Friends, Drunk Plants, Hot Temper
Today we discuss the psychological effects of listening to podcasts, how climate change actually makes us more likely to engage in hate speech, and how giving plants alcohol in the form of ethanol can make them resistant to drought. Podcast Friends “Listening to podcasts may help ... Show More
16m 29s