Plastics. They’ve changed medicine, transportation, and food and water safety. But they've also become a global headache. There's more than six billion tons of plastic trash in the world. What can be done about the problem of plastics?
Tuesday, we're talking about beavers. Nature writer Ben Goldfarb says beavers were crucial in shaping America's landscape and its human history. Then we killed them by the score. He joins us to explain why we should learn to love beavers.
No idea from psychology has saturated popular culture like Hermann Rorschach’s inkblots. Friday, writer Damion Searls join us to talk about Rorschach’s life and the influence of his iconic creation.
Thursday, we’re asking this question: Is it true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? Investigative journalist and anthropologist Scott Carney went looking for answers. He joins us to talk about pushing past perceived limitations. (Rebroadcast)
Wednesday, we're talking about your compulsions. Everyone has them. Maybe you're a neat freak, or maybe it's exercise. But compulsions don't necessarily mean your brain is broken. In fact, they're a perfectly natural response to anxiety.
Serious researchers long shied away from so-called anthropomorphism. But biologist John Shivik says animal personalities and emotion are key to understanding how species evolved. So why are some animals shy and others ornery?
Wednesday, we’re talking about a podcast that challenges listeners to refine their sense of hearing. For host Dallas Taylor, sound can change how we experience and enjoy life and the world around us.
Monday, science writer Carl Zimmer joins us to talk about the power of heredity. The traits we share with our parents or kids, how does that work exactly? Zimmer says it can be a gift or a curse.
Nature writer Gary Ferguson says we are facing a “perfect storm” when it comes to wildfires. He joins us to talk about role fire should play in a healthy ecosystem and the new reality of wildfire in the West.
Tuesday, we're talking about jellyfish. Chances are you've never given them a second thought. The science writer Juli Berwald gets it, but she loves them. She's written a new book about how complicated and beautiful they are.
