Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Adverse situations can be an ongoing challenge for many without the proper coping mechanisms. On this episode, Dr. Christine Silverstein discussed her book, Wrestling Through Adversity.

Innovative ideas and products can arise from any source, but may be overlooked without a proper framework and guidance. On this episode, Drs. John Bamforth and Roy Zwahlen discussed their book, Race to Innovation.

Global scale problems continue to require innovative solutions. How can deep technology address the biggest problems in the world? On this episode, Pablos Holman discussed his book, Deep Future.

What are the philosophical and ethical implications of omnivorous diets? Are the potential solutions readily obtainable? On this episode, Dr. Jon Sanbonmatsu discussed his book, The Omnivore Deception.

Modern physics would not be the same today if it were not for the work of Albert Einstein. How did his miraculous year in 1905 contribute to this development? On this episode, we revisit an interview with Dr. John Stachel discussing Einstein and his Remarkable Year.

Understanding the issues surrounding immigration is often replete with common misunderstandings. On this episode, Dr. Ernesto Castaneda discussed his book, Immigration Realities, Challenging Common Misperceptions.

Evolutionary biology has had a contentious legal history in the public sphere since the landmark trial, Scopes versus Tennessee. On this episode, Dr. Harold Gouzoules discussed his book, The Hundred Years Trial.

Scientific writing is essential for communicating new advances and discoveries, but it often lacks clarity and readability. How can scientific writing be improved? On this episode, Prof. Anne Greene discussed her book, Writing Science in Plain Language.

Anthropogenic stresses on the global environment will require visionary solutions to solve these problems. On this episode, Alan Weisman discussed his book, Hope Dies Last: Visionary People Across the World, Fighting to Find Us a Future.

How do physical dynamics of planetary motion affect seasonal cycles and why is this commonly misunderstood? On this episode, Dr. Andrew Fraknoi discussed the reason for the seasons.

Can the lack of personnel identity lead to the acts of a psychopathic individual? On this episode, Jerry Jamison discussed one such case in his new book, Vanishing Act.

Where did it all come from? How has modern cosmology evolved with new evidence regarding the origins of the universe? On this episode, Dr. Niayesh Afshordi and Phil Halper discussed their book, Battle of the Big Bang.

Data overwhelms us on a daily basis, but how can it be used for the benefits of individuals and society? On this episode, Justin Evans discussed his book, The Little Book of Data.

The history of modern aviation owes much to the events of the year 1919, when the first transatlantic flight occurred, but this period is often overshadowed by later events. On this episode, David Rooney discussed his book, The Big Hop.

College offers an incredible opportunity for learning and self-discovery, but how does one make the best of the experience? On this episode, Dr. James T. Hamilton discussed his book, You Got In! Now What?

Complexity of everyday events often lead to chaotic occurrences that derail normal activity. How can chaos lead to change? On this episode, Dr. Lisa Nezneski discussed her book, Grounded in Chaos.

Achieving excellence is often a process of constant and gradual progress. What are approaches to improving our performance? On this episode, Jim Murphy discussed his book, Inner Excellence.

Global scientific research often employs experimental animals. The American beagle may be one of the most influential in the history of modern science. On this episode, Dr. Brad Bolman discussed his book, Lab Dog.

Addictive behaviors are becoming endemic in modern society, driven by excessive activation of the brain's dopamine system. Is it possible to tame our neurobiology? On this episode, Michael Long discussed his book, Taming the Molecule of More.

Snakes may elicit either fascination or revulsion, but what do we know about the biology of these remarkable creatures? On this episode, Stephen S. Hall discussed his book, Slither.

How do we arrive at the choices that we do and how is the brain wired to assess the value of these choices? On this episode, Dr. Emily Falk discussed her book, What We Value.

What are the biological processes that govern our moods and behaviors? Are we wired to be unhappy? On this episode, Dr. Loretta Breuning discussed her book, Why Youre Unhappy.

How do financial incentives in the technology industry lead to disastrous products that can rapidly impact billions of lives? On this episode, Darryl Campbell discussed his book, Fatal Abstraction.

Generative AI has revamped the manner in which science is conducted, but will it influence the scientific display of information? On this episode, Felice Frankel discussed the role of AI in scientific images.

How exactly is the brain wired for altruism? And, if it is so beneficial, why can it be so rare in human society? On this episode, Nicole Karlis discussed her book, Your Brain on Altruism.

Artificial intelligence is advancing at a breakneck pace. How could these advancements change society? On this episode, Dr. Chase Cunningham discussed his books, Gabriel and Variable.

Shame is often viewed as a negative emotion, but can it be used to empower our personal development. On this episode, Dr. Abbie Marono discussed her book, Work in Progress: The Road to Empowerment, The Journey Through Shame.

Resistance to oppressive forces is not an easy feat in any situation, much less in a totalitarian regime. On this episode, Richard Jay Hutto discussed his book, The Countess and the Nazis.

Mindset determination can seem relatively straightforward until the implementation is attempted. How do we establish positive mindsets? On this episode, Dr. Wendy Zimmer discussed her book, The Force Continuum.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are a growing health issue, requiring new approaches to care. On this episode, Lisa Skinner discussed her book, Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer's: It's Secret Faces.

Does evolution lead inevitably to consciousness? What are the biological advantages for conscious systems? On this episode, Dr. Francisco Aboitz discussed his book, A History of Bodies, Brains, and Minds.

Evolution of sexual behaviors takes many forms in the animal kingdom. How does this manifest in human relationships? On this episode, Dr. Nathan Lents discussed his book, Sexual Evolution.

Expeditions to reach the North Pole were ultimately successful through aerial approaches. How did technology enable this success? On this episode, Buddy Levy discussed his book, Realm of Ice and Sky.

How much do environmental circumstances determine the actions of individuals, particularly those in law enforcement? What happens when good police turn to crime? On this episode, Michael Cannell discussed his book, Blood and the Badge.

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence is reshaping modern society. How does this reflect the past and future of these representations? On this episode, Dr. Julie Wosk discussed her book, Artificial Women

The detrimental effects of excessive soda consumption are well known, but have been downplayed by the industry. How did soda companies influence the science studying this issue? On this episode, Dr. Susan Greenhalgh discussed her book, Soda Science.

Solar storms are poorly understood, but investigating the corona of the sun may hold the answers. On this episode, Dr. Andrew Fraknoi discussed the Parker Solar Probe.

Although modern life seems to be constantly moving, it is important to take time to rest and recharge. On this episode, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith discussed her book, Sacred Rest.

The ecological diversity of inland water systems are often ignored, but have a profound impact on our environment. On this episode, Dr. David Strayer discussed his book, Beyond the Sea.

The transition from fossil fuels to electrical power in automobiles is placing new demands on rare earth metals. How can these resources be utilized effectively? On this episode, Vince Beiser discussed his book, Power Metal.

The study of free will is often couched in broadly philosophical terms, but is it possible to develop a science of free will? On this episode, Dr. Roy F. Baumeister discussed his book, The Science of Free Will.

A picture says a thousand words, but attention to good design and imagery in science communication is often overlooked. How can we promote good visual elements in science? On this episode, Felice Frankel discussed her books, The Visual Elements.

Although the medieval period may seem to be greatly underdeveloped, the history of the age may be able to inform the construction of a modern sustainable society. On this episode, Dr. Annette Kehnel discussed her book, The Green Ages.

Humans have now begun to influence the climatic conditions of the earth, but how can we use our collective efforts to guide a solarpunk future? On this episode, Dr. Phoebe Wagner discussed her book, Almanac for the Anthropocene.

The onslaught of digital media continues to compete for our limited attention spans. How do we survive in the digital age? On this episode, Dr. Richard Cytowic discussed his book, Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age.

The oceans cover most of the surface of the earth, but they still remain largely unexplored, particularly in their deepest regions. On this episode, James Bradley discussed the ocean depths.

The gang is back for the science news roundup to discuss applications of artificial intelligence. On this episode, we explore AI in nuclear reactors and protein folding.

Advancements in artificial intelligence have raised concerns about their impact on human well being. What are the benefits of this new technology? On this episode, Drs. Ravi Bapna and Anindya Ghose discussed their book, Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI.

Engaging the brain to receive information requires activating particular neural circuits that mediate surprise. On this episode, Rich Carr discussed his new book, Surprised: The Science and Art of Engagement.

Hypothyroidism is often caused by an overlooked, but prevalent, autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto Thyroditis. On this episode, Dr. Heather Stone discussed these thyroid disorders.