Big Brains

Why shaming other countries often backfires, with Rochelle Terman (Ep. 130)

Scholar examines the geopolitical impacts of confronting human rights violations

Psychedelics without the hallucinations: A new mental health treatment? with David E. Olson (Ep. 127)

Scientist examines how non-hallucinogenic drugs could be used to treat depression, addiction and anxiety

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

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

Why Mourning Is Essential to Our Well-Being, with Jonathan Lear (Ep. 108)

Philosopher discusses how mourning helps us find meaning

The overlooked history of Black cinema, with Jacqueline Stewart (Ep. 84)

Academy Museum’s artistic leader examines how films help contextualize Black history

The scientific secret to a happy life, with Marc Schulz (Ep. 107)

‘The Good Life’ co-author discusses the world’s longest study on happiness

Is the U.S. headed toward another civil war? with William Howell (Ep. 105)

 

Political scientists examine extreme polarization—and whether we’re more moderate than we think

Why Quantum Tech Will Change Our Future: The Day Tomorrow Began (Ep. 104)

Explore how foundational discoveries at UChicago have shaped quantum research