Do we really have free will? with Robert Sapolsky (Ep. 126)
Renowned scholar argues that biology doesn’t shape our actions; it completely controls them
A radical solution to address climate change, with David Keith (Ep. 125)
Solar geoengineering technology holds possibilities and pitfalls, renowned scientist argues
How PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are harming our health, with Linda Birnbaum (Ep. 124)
From kitchen pans to drinking water, dangers hidden in everyday materials, scientist warns
Are we worse people than we used to be? with Adam Mastroianni (Ep. 123)
Psychologist examines whether we’re less kind—and if our moral decline may be an illusion
Freakonomics’ Steven Levitt on the secret to making tough choices (Ep. 122)
From flipping a coin to make decisions to using GPS to solve crime, data scientist sees world differently
Will political violence destroy our democracy? with Robert Pape (Ep. 121)
Terrorism expert examines distrust in government and threats of political violence ahead of the 2024 election
Defending campus free speech in a polarized age, with Paul Alivisatos and Tom Ginsburg (Ep. 120)
UChicago leaders discuss the importance of committing to open discourse and free expression
Why the secret to health lies in the mind-body connection, with Ellen Langer (Ep. 119)
Renowned psychologist examines how mindfulness can transform our well-being
Phonics vs. whole word: The science of reading, with Adrian Johns (Ep. 118)
The complicated history of how we read—and ways it sparked the Reading Wars and anti-science rhetoric
How AI is transforming scientific research, with Rebecca Willett (Ep. 117)
Examining the possibilities—and the dangers—of this rapidly developing technology