Groks Science Radio Show and Podcast

Technology is quickly evolving in several different domains, but how will these changes affect our future? On this episode, Steven Hoffman discussed his book, The Five Forces That Change Everything.

Although some decisions are never easy, they can be made even more complicated by the manner in which they are presented. On this episode, Dr. Eric J. Johnson discussed his new book, The Elements of Choice.

Mathematics underlies so much of the modern world, but how can it help us to think better? On this episode, Marcus du Sautoy discussed his book, Thinking Better.

Although anxiety levels have been increasing lately, can this actually be used for good? On this episode, Dr. Wendy Suzuki discussed her new book, Good Anxiety.

The heart is a remarkable organ, but one whose natural history may have been unappreciated. On this episode, Dr. Bill Schutt discussed his new book, Pump.

Treatments for Alzheimers disease and related dementias continue to be developed, but with poor outcomes. What is the best way forward? On this episode, Dr. Daniel R. George discussed his book, American Dementia.

Social media has many positive and negative sides. How can we best utilize this technology. On this episode, Dr. Brian Primack discussed his book, You Are What You Click.

Water is crucial to our survival and underlies the organization of our societies. What does the history of water teach us? On this episode, Giulio Boccaletti discussed the history of water.

Science is continually under attack from science deniers. What is the best way to talk about science with a science denier? On this episode, Dr. Lee McIntyre discussed his book, How to Talk to a Science Denier.

Anxiety can be a debilitating issue for many, but how can we manage anxiety effectively? On this episode, Elke Scholz discussed her book, Anxiety Warrior.

Food allergies and related conditions appear to be increasing in prevalence. But, how do we diagnose and treat these conditions. On this episode, Dr. Ruchi Gupta discussed her book, Food Without Fear.

The changes to the global environment can cause much consternation, but how does one develop the resolve to address these issues? On this episode, Mary M. Clare and Gary Ferguson discussed the Full Ecology Project.

The early response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to draw much criticism, with many lessons to be learned. On this episode, Damian Paletta discussed the early administration responses in his book, Nightmare Scenario.

How did the universe begin? The big bang theory was perhaps popularized by a public debate between two physicists, George Gamow and Fred Hoyle. On this episode, Paul Halpern discussed his book, Flashes of Creation.

The tree canopy holds almost half of the land species on earth, but we would know very little about it were it not for the arbonauts. On this episode, Dr. Meg Lowman discussed her work as an arbonaut.

Becoming a military pilot is not an easy task, and one that has additional obstacles for a woman in Afghanistan. On this episode, Niloofar Rahmani discussed her life as the first female fixed-wing aviator in Afghanistan.

Perspiration is a trait that is relatively unique for humans and one where science is making new discoveries. On this episode, Sarah Everts discussed her new book, The Joy of Sweat.

Although consumerism appears to be embedded in our modern society, would the environment and ourselves be changed should it cease to exist? On this episode, J.B. MacKinnon discussed his book, The Day the World Stopped Shopping.

The final Apollo missions were aided by the invention of the lunar lover, which greatly expanded the exploration of the moon. On this episode, Earl Swift discussed his book, Across the Airless Wilds.

Transplant medicine is one of the most challenging areas of medicine that is rapidly evolving. On this episode, Dr. David Weill discussed his book, Exhale.

Information may seem to be constantly increasing in our increasingly complex world, but what if it is actually a fundamental part of the universe? On this episode, Caleb Scharf discussed his new book, The Ascent of Information.

Plagues have beset humankind since the dawn of history, but our understanding of the disease causing agents has greatly advanced. On this episode, Dr. John Froude discussed the history of pandemics in his new book, Plagued.

Recycling may seem as easy as placing items in the appropriate bin, but there are many caveats that limit what can be recycled. On this episode, Jennie Romer discussed her book, Can I Recycle This?

Capturing an image of a black hole may seem impossible, but it was accomplished through an incredible global scientific effort. On this episode, Dr. Heino Falcke discussed the story of capturing the image of a black hole.

What are the advantages that humans have over machines in the age of technology and turmoil? On this episode, Kenneth Cukier discussed his new book, Framers.

The neutrino is a fundamental particle that might never have been discovered were it not for Nobelist Frederick Reines. On this episode, Dr. Leonard Cole discussed the life and science of Frederick Reines.

The conservation movement owes its existence to the history of the individuals that were instrumental in its formation. On this episode, Michelle Nijhuis discussed her book, Beloved Beasts.

The healthcare system in the United States undergoes continuing scrutiny. Can a market-based approach work? On this episode, Dr. Deane Waldman discussed Statescare and market-based medicine.

Traversing a career in science can be somewhat daunting, even for those who reach the highest levels. On this episode, Dr. Robert Lefkowitz discussed his adventures as an accidental scientist.

The changes to the global environment often seem to be beyond the ability of an individual to positively affect. How can individuals help the global environment? On this episode, Kimberly Nicholas discussed her book, Under the Sky We Make.

The human brain is one of the most remarkable biological creations in nature, but its natural history is unknown to most. On this episode, Bret Stetka discussed his book, A History of the Human Brain.

The diversity of life on earth continues to astound zoologists, such that some may begin to ponder what it means for the possibility of life on other planets. On this episode, Arik Kershenbaum discussed the diversity of life.

Volcanoes may be some of the most fearsome, yet fascinating places on earth. What can they tell us about the geology of the planet? On this episode, Jess Phoenix discussed the science of volcanology.

The problems facing the American health care system are perhaps nowhere else more evident than in small rural hospitals. On this episode, Brian Alexander discussed his book, The Hospital.

What is life? At the boundaries of science, the definition of what constitutes life remains ill-defined. On this episode, Carl Zimmer discussed the scientific quest to define life.

A good diet and exercise are important for optimal health, but are they equally important for weight loss? On this episode, Dr. Herman Pontzer discussed these issues and his new book, Burn.

The world of espionage is filled with individuals that one may not think would be a spy. On this episode, Larry Loftis discussed the story of Aline Griffith in his book, The Princess Spy.

The opioid epidemic continues to have severe repercussions in society, enabled by both giant pharmaceutical companies and unscrupulous physicians who profited from these drugs. On this episode, Charlotte Bismuth discussed her book, Bad Medicine.

How can enduring change be implemented through psychotherapeutic practices? How can the neuroscience of memory inform these clinical approached? On this episode, Dr. Richard Lane discussed his book, The Neuroscience of Enduring Change.

The history of women would be quite different were it not for the pioneering work of Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell. On this episode, Janice Nimura discussed their story and her new book, The Doctors Blackwell.

Wisdom is a trait that appears to increase with age, but what are the scientific roots of these changes and can they be facilitated? On this episode, Dr. Dilip Jeste discussed his new book, Wiser.

Ritualistic behaviors are not limited to humans, but abound in the animal kingdom. What can we learn from these ritualistic animal behaviors? On this episode, Dr. Caitlin O'Connell discussed her new book, Wild Rituals.

The problem of homelessness may seem insurmountable, but there are possible solutions requiring the will to implement them. On this episode, Dr. Marybeth Shinn discussed her new book, In the Midst of Plenty.

Medical care in the United States continues to face serious challenges in improving the health of the populace. What are the problems and solutions? On this episode, Dr. Michael J. Young discussed his book, The Illness of Medicine.

What are the essential features for growing a business? Are there methods to align these necessary features? On this episode, Dr. Phillipe Bouissou discussed his book, Aligning the Dots.

The travails that are part of our lives may sometimes seem insurmountable, but our ability to embrace these challenges may be trainable. On this episode, Brent Gleeson discussed his book, Embrace the Suck.

Exoplanets are now a common feature of astronomical discoveries, but what do some of these exoplanets look like? On this episode, Michael Carroll discussed his new book, Envisioning Exoplanets.

The concept of time is one whose physical theory continues to elude scientists. What are advances in the theories of time? On this episode, Dr. Julian Barbour discussed his book, The Janus Point.

The conduct of most meetings often leaves something to be desired. How can meetings be more effective, engaging and enjoyable? On this episode, Mamie Kanfer Stewart discussed her new book, Momentum.

The concept of sin is one that has evolved from the middle ages to the present day. How have we arrived at our current concept of sin? On this episode, Dr. David Salomon discussed his new book, The Seven Deadly Sins: How Sin Influenced the West from the Middle Ages to the Modern Era.