Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast
1,082 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★ - 34 ratingsWeekly science radio program hosted by Dr. Charles Lee and Dr. Frank Ling. Each show features interviews with scientists and technical innovators, humorous commentary on recent discoveries, plus the Grokotron 5000 and the World Famous Question of the Week! Tune in every week and rediscover the world as you think you know it.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Growing Young -— Groks Science Show 2020-06-10
June 10, 2020 15:01 - 17 minutes - 14 MBLongevity is often discussed in terms of good diet and exercise, but the role of kindness, happiness, and sociability are often overlooked. On this episode, Marta Zaruska discussed her new book, Growing Young.
Assassins Night -— Groks Science Show 2020-06-03
June 03, 2020 15:01 - 20 minutes - 14.5 MBThe world would be a very different place had FDR, Churchill, and Stalin not been the leaders during World War II. This almost would have happened had a Nazi assassination plot succeeded. On this episode, Howard Blum discussed his new book, Night of the Assassins.
Body Dragging -— Groks Science Show 2020-05-27
May 27, 2020 15:01 - 12 minutes - 9.78 MBBeing prepared is a motto that is often easier said than done. How do we prepare for the extraordinary situations that we may encounter in our lives? On this episode, Judith Matloff discussed her book, How to Drag a Body.
Mapping Humanity -— Groks Science Show 2020-05-20
May 20, 2020 15:01 - 18 minutes - 14.5 MBModern genetics is changing many aspects from society from criminal justice to medicine. On this episode, Joshua Z. Rappoport discussed his new book, Mapping Humanity.
Bird Way -— Groks Science Show 2020-05-13
May 13, 2020 15:01 - 12 minutes - 9.43 MBThe remarkable behavior of birds is sometimes confounding when viewed from an anthropomorphic lens. What is the bird way? On this episode, Jennifer Ackerman discussed her new book, The Bird Way.
The First -— Groks Science Show 2020-05-06
May 06, 2020 15:01 - 17 minutes - 12.6 MBFree speech is often touted as a guiding principle of American civic life, but is this truly the case? What is guaranteed under the first amendment to the constitution? On this episode, Prof. Stanley Fish discussed his book, The First.
Patient Rights -— Groks Science Show 2020-04-29
April 29, 2020 15:01 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBOf the many issues with the health care system in the United States, the lack of transparency for costs and patient's health data may be among the most pressing issues. On this episode, Cynthia A. Fisher discussed advocating for the rights of patients.
Impostures -— Groks Science Show 2020-04-22
April 22, 2020 15:01 - 13 minutes - 10.7 MBCan a literary work be untranslatable, especially if the work is meant to highlight the uniqueness of a language itself? On this episode, Michael Cooperson discussed his new translation of the works of the Silk Merchant, Impostures: Fifty Rogues Tales Translated Fifty Ways.
Revitalized Space -— Groks Science Show 2020-04-15
April 15, 2020 15:01 - 13 minutes - 10 MBPublic urban spaces are central to civic life, but the revitalization and upkeep of these spaces is critical to their success. On this episode, Andrew Manshel discussed his book, Learning from Bryant Park.
Ingredients -— Groks Science Show 2020-04-08
April 08, 2020 15:01 - 16 minutes - 12.4 MBThe goods and foods that are produced and manufactured around us contain both natural and unnatural chemicals. How much is known about the chemistry of everyday goods? On this episode, George Zaidan discussed the chemistry of what we put on us and in us.
Plate Peace -— Groks Science Show 2020-04-01
April 01, 2020 15:01 - 12 minutes - 9.81 MBEating disorders are characterized by more than just the physiological processes in the body, but also importantly the mental health process involved. On this episode, Robyn Cruze discussed her book, Making Peace with Your Plate.
Underwater Blast -— Groks Science Show 2020-03-25
March 25, 2020 15:01 - 14 minutes - 10.9 MBThe H.L. Hunley was a civil war submarine whose recovery raised more questions than answers. On this episode, Rachel Lance discussed her investigation of this subject in her new book, In the Waves.
Space Fight -— Groks Science Show 2020-03-18
March 18, 2020 15:01 - 17 minutes - 12 MBThe story of Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb is a fascinating tale of two accomplished pilots fighting for the future of women in space. On this episode, Amy Shira Teitel discussed her book, Fighting for Space.
Space Age Women -— Groks Science Show 2020-03-11
March 11, 2020 15:01 - 11 minutes - 8.97 MBThe history of women in the space age is captured in a fascinating exhibit featuring collections of images from this past. On this episode, Dr. Julie Wosk discussed her exhibit, Imaging Women in the Space Age.
Electric Brain -— Groks Science Show 2020-03-04
March 04, 2020 15:01 - 20 minutes - 17.2 MBBrainwaves may seem like the subject of science fiction, but the study of these brainwaves is at the forefront of modern neuroscience. On this episode, R. Douglas Fields discussed his book, Electric Brain.
Balanced Body -— Groks Science Show 2020-02-26
February 26, 2020 15:01 - 18 minutes - 14.5 MBAlthough food is essential for survival, eating the wrong types of food may be deleterious to our health. What is the role of hormones in our food supply and our health? On this episode, Dr. Neal Barnard discussed his book, Your Body in Balance.
Scientist Spy -— Groks Science Show 2020-02-19
February 19, 2020 15:01 - 11 minutes - 9.17 MBInternational competition for technological resources often leads to intellectual espionage, even over a resource as seemingly mundane as corn. On this episode, Mara Hvistendahl discussed her book, The Scientist and the Spy.
Its Elementary -— Groks Science Show 2020-02-12
February 12, 2020 15:01 - 31 minutes - 24.4 MBThere is a question of a periodic table analogue for elementary particles and the nature of dark energy and dark matter. On this episode, Thomas Buckholtz joins us to discuss these classic problems and unified approaches for explaining them.
Sex Matters -— Groks Science Show 2020-02-05
February 05, 2020 15:01 - 26 minutes - 20 MBOur emotional health is intimately related to the proper operations of evolutionarily ancient parts of our brain. How can our sex lives be a window into these critical aspects of our brains? On this episode, Dr. Nan Wise discussed her book, Why Good Sex Matters.
Friendship -— Groks Science Show 2020-01-29
January 29, 2020 15:01 - 18 minutes - 13.9 MBFriendship is an important part of maintaining a healthy mental life, but can it also improve our biological health? On this episode, Lydia Denworth discussed the new science of friendship.
Transcendence -— Groks Science Show 2020-01-22
January 22, 2020 15:01 - 22 minutes - 16.5 MBThe success of humans as a species is often attributed to the profound increase in brain size. However, does culture have a more important role? On this episode, Gaia Vince discussed her new book, Transcendence.
Exercise Medicine -— Groks Science Show 2020-01-15
January 15, 2020 15:01 - 19 minutes - 14.7 MBAging may seem like an inevitable deterioration of our bodies, but is there a routine way to prevent it? Can exercise help? On this episode, Judy Foreman discussed her book, Exercise is Medicine.
Polar Expedition -— Groks Science Show 2020-01-08
January 08, 2020 15:01 - 16 minutes - 13.4 MBThe polar region continues to be a mysterious and unexplored region of the earth. One of the first to explore the area was an expedition led by Adolphus W. Greely. On this episode, Buddy Levy discussed the Greely Polar Expedition.
Astrophysicist Letters -— Groks Science Show 2019-12–18
December 18, 2019 15:01 - 22 minutes - 18.5 MBHow can a scientific perspective on the world inform us about non-scientific issues? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson discussed his new book, Letters from an Astrophysicist.
Medical Parenting -— Groks Science Show 2019-12–11
December 11, 2019 15:01 - 16 minutes - 12.7 MBNavigating the medical system can be daunting, but even more so for parents caring for the well-being of their children. On this episode, Dr. Jacqueline Jones discussed the issues of medical parenting.
Planetology -— Groks Science Show 2019-12–04
December 04, 2019 15:01 - 25 minutes - 19.4 MBThe development of the planets and the solar system has continued to intrigue scientists. Recent advances in planetary science have broadened our perspective on the issue. On this episode, Dr. Erik Asphaug discussed his book, When the Earth had Two Moons.
Charts -— Groks Science Show 2019-11–27
November 27, 2019 15:01 - 18 minutes - 14.4 MBCharts and graphical displays of information are essential to the modern age, but they are only as useful if one is prepared to us them. On this episode, Prof. Alberto Cairo discussed his book, How Charts Lie.
Imagined Life -— Groks Science Show 2019-11–20
November 20, 2019 15:01 - 18 minutes - 15.1 MBWhat is the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe? How much closer are we to determining this issue? On this episode, Professor Michael Summers discussed the possibility of extraterrestrial life in his book, Imagined Life.
Hearing -— Groks Science Show 2019-11–13
November 13, 2019 15:01 - 22 minutes - 18 MBHearing is one of the basic senses that is often ignored until something goes wrong. What can we do to protect our hearing and what are the current treatments for hearing problems? On this episode, David Owen discussed his book, Volume Control.
Galileo Error -— Groks Science Show 2019-11–06
November 06, 2019 15:01 - 19 minutes - 14.9 MBThe scientific study of consciousness continues to be plagued by a gap in understanding that may be traced to the foundations of modern science. On this episode, Philip Goff discussed the foundations for a new science of consciousness.
Rabbit Effect -— Groks Science Show 2019-10–30
October 30, 2019 15:01 - 19 minutes - 15.4 MBAlthough modern medicine has improved health outcomes in the past century, it continues to overlook hidden factors for human health, such as kindness. On this episode, Dr. Kelli Harding discussed the Rabbit Effect.
Nature Lessons -— Groks Science Show 2019-10–23
October 23, 2019 15:01 - 23 minutes - 18.3 MBThe modern world has often forced us to become divorced from our connections with nature. On this episode, Gary Ferguson discussed eight master lessons of nature.
Human Compatible -— Groks Science Show 2019-10–16
October 16, 2019 15:01 - 18 minutes - 15.6 MBArtificial intelligence is rapidly outpacing the human ability to control it. How can we design human compatible AI systems? On this episode, Stuart Russell discussed the design of human compatible AI.
Big Book -— Groks Science Show 2019-10–09
October 09, 2019 15:01 - 18 minutes - 14.1 MBAmong all of the self recovery programs, alcoholics anonymous may be the most influential and the foundation for all those that followed. On this episode, William Schaberg discussed Writing the Big Book: The Creation of A.A.
Conscious Feeling -— Groks Science Show 2019-10–02
October 02, 2019 15:01 - 24 minutes - 20.2 MBHow does the brain give rise to subject feelings and is this the basis for consciousness? On this episode, Dr. Christof Koch discussed his research on consciousness.
Dog Love -— Groks Science Show 2019-09–25
September 25, 2019 15:01 - 24 minutes - 20.4 MBDogs may be unique in the capacity to form emotional bonds. What are the biological underpinnings of this behavior? On this episode, Dr. Clive Wynne discussed his book, Dog is Love.
Dice God -— Groks Science Show 2019-09–18
September 18, 2019 15:01 - 27 minutes - 20.9 MBThe universe is filled with uncertainty, from the fundamental to the uncalculable. But, how can we deal with uncertainty in our predictions of the future. On this episode, Prof. Ian Stewart discussed Do Dice Play God.
Lost Mind -— Groks Science Show 2019-09–11
September 11, 2019 15:01 - 19 minutes - 15 MBHow do the operations of the brain result in the mind? And, how has the study of the two been influenced by early medical cases? On this episode, Drs. Allan H. Ropper and Brian Burrell discussed how the brain lost its mind.
xkcd -— Groks Science Show 2019-09–04
September 04, 2019 15:01 - 13 minutes - 11.1 MBWhat is the best way to solve an everyday problem? On this episode, Randall Munroe, creator of xkcd, discussed his new book, How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems.
Opium -— Groks Science Show 2019-08–28
August 28, 2019 15:01 - 25 minutes - 19.8 MBThe opioid epidemic continues to affect countless lives, but how did it get to this point? What is the history of opium and its derivative opioids? On this episode, Dr. John Halpern discussed how an ancient flower shaped and poisoned our world.
Mirror Mirror -— Groks Science Show 2019-08–21
August 21, 2019 15:01 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MBCan your bathroom mirror show more than your reflection? On this episode, Thomas Serval discusses an operating system that works behind your mirror to enhance our digital lifestyle.
Mirror Mirror -— Groks Science Show 2019-08–21
August 21, 2019 15:01 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MBCan your bathroom mirror show more than your reflection? On this episode, Thomas Serval discusses an operating system that works behind your mirror to enhance our digital lifestyle.
Strange Harvests -— Groks Science Show 2019-08–14
August 14, 2019 15:01 - 16 minutes - 12.4 MBThe natural world is filled with resources that are harvested without thought for the long term consequences. Can we live sustainably with the environment? On this episode, Edward Posnett discussed the strange harvests.
Stress Switch -— Groks Science Show 2019-08–07
August 07, 2019 15:01 - 17 minutes - 13.1 MBStress can be overwhelming and sometimes even debilitating, but how can we deal with mild or chronic stress? On this episode, Dr. Amy Serin discussed the stress switch.
Robotic Cars -— Groks Science Show 2019-07–31
July 31, 2019 15:01 - 20 minutes - 14.9 MBAdvances in automated car technology are poised to revolutionize transportation. But, when will see the first generation of robotic cars? On this episode, Jason Torchinsky discussed Robot, Take the Wheel.
Lost Civilization -— Groks Science Show 2019-07–24
July 24, 2019 15:01 - 17 minutes - 19.9 MBThe American continents are often referred to as the New World by anthropologists. But could civilization have started far earlier than most experts think? On this episode, Graham Hancock discusses his hypothesis of a lost civilization.
Voice Technology -— Groks Science Show 2019-07–17
July 17, 2019 15:01 - 17 minutes - 12.8 MBOne of the annoyances of modern life is background noise in our phone conversations. On this program, Davit Baghdasaryan discussed his AI powered app KRISP, which gives us clean voice communication.
Apollo Legacy -— Groks Science Show 2019-07–10
July 10, 2019 15:01 - 14 minutes - 11.1 MBThe 50th anniversary of the first landings on the moon mark a notable landmark in the technological achievements of humanity. But, what is the legacy of the Apollo missions? On this episode, Dr. Roger Launius discussed the legacy of the moon landings.
Language Death -— Groks Science Show 2019-07–03
July 03, 2019 15:01 - 20 minutes - 14.9 MBWhat happens when a language dies? What happens to the culture and history of the speakers of that language? On this episode, Prof. Don Kulick discussed his book, A Death in The Rainforest.
Sky Fire -— Groks Science Show 2019-06–26
June 26, 2019 15:01 - 12 minutes - 10.2 MBMeteoric impacts are extremely frequent events on the earth, so much so that the next one might completely destroy the planet. On this episode, Gordon L. Dillow discussed these events in his book, Fire in the Sky.