Inquiring Minds

Inquiring Minds

Each week we bring you a new, in-depth exploration of the space where science and society collide. We’re committed to the idea that making an effort to understand the world around you though science and critical thinking can benefit everyone—and lead to better decisions. We want to find out what’s true, what’s left to discover, and why it all matters.

42 minutes 25 seconds

Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI with Ravi Bapna

Indre sits to chat with co-author of "Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI" and chair of business analytics at the University of Minnesota, Ravi Bapna, to explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and society.
They talk about the potential benefits and risks of AI and how we need to be aware and balance both narratives, how we need to understand the various types of AI out there (descriptive, predictive, prescriptive, and generative), the importance of data engineering in today's data economy, and how to protect our personal data in the age of AI.
The conversation also covers topics such as job displacement, governance and ethical considerations, and AI's role in enhancing human interactions, especially in healthcare and customer services, and storytelling.
Listen in to learn the different techniques to thrive in this new technological era.

Links:
Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information
Connect with Ravi Bapna on LinkedIn
Ravi Bapna’s Book: Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI

10 October 2024, 12:44 am
48 minutes 45 seconds

Living on Earth: Forests, Corals, Consciousness, and the Making of the World with Peter Godfrey-Smith

In this episode of Inquiring Minds, Indre Viscontis sits down with Peter Godfrey-Smith, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney and author of Living on Earth: Forests, Corals, Consciousness, and the Making of the World.
Peter takes us on an enthralling journey through the evolution of culture and its impact on consciousness and society.

Together they explore the crucial role culture plays in human development, especially how children absorb behaviors from their communities, the intriguing culture-like behaviors of non-human animals such as bowerbirds creating elaborate displays, and how various species, especially human behavior, shape their environments.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about how living beings influence the Earth's evolutionary history and how our evolutionary standing as humans should not dictate specific choices for the future.
Links:
Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information
Peter Godfrey-Smith Website: https://petergodfreysmith.com/

Peter Godfrey-Smith Book Living on Earth

12 September 2024, 3:09 am
44 minutes 27 seconds

Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves with Nicola Twilley

Did you know that many apples sold in stores are nearly a year old by the time you get to buy them?
Indre sits down once again to talk with science journalist and non-fiction author and co-host of the award-winning Gastropod podcast, Nicola Twilley, about a project she has been passionately working on for the last 15 years, her new book “Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves”.
Her latest book covers the effect of the less well-known process of the food’s farm-to-table journey: refrigeration. Together they explore the unknown data, effects, and consequences of it.
From the challenges of working in a cold storage warehouse, such as its negative effects on cognitive function and physical performance, the complexities and technologies of food preservation, to the environmental impact of refrigeration and alternatives to this energy-intensive process.
Listen in to dive into a hidden in plain sight but crucial pillar of our modern society.
Links:
Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information
Nicola’s Website: https://www.nicolatwilley.com/
Nicola’s New Book: Frostbite

4 September 2024, 1:50 am
39 minutes 4 seconds

The Most Delicious Poison with Noah Whiteman

Indre welcomes evolutionary biologist and UC Berkeley professor, Noah Whiteman unto the Inquiring Minds Show to delve into the world of nature’s toxins and Whiteman’s new book.
"Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature's Toxins from Spices to Vices.” explores the adaptations that have enabled various organisms to not only survive but thrive in environments laden with toxic substances, such as the monarch butterfly's resistance to milkweed toxins, and the broader and intricate relationships between plants and animals, focusing on how certain organisms have evolved to resist or utilize toxins for survival.
Their discussion highlights the potential medical benefits of plant-derived compounds, the importance of biodiversity, and how nature’s poisons aren’t all harmful but can be extremely beneficial to human health in the right contexts to be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. This duality underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of toxins and their roles in nature.
Listen in to get a rich insight into the intersection of science and society, as Whiteman articulates the broader implications of his research, the case studies mentioned in his new book, and an overall appreciation for the deep complexity of nature’s toxins and how they affect life on Earth for all living things.
Links:
Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information

14 August 2024, 8:03 am
44 minutes 40 seconds

Revealing the Secrets of Supercommunicators with Charles Duhigg

In this intriguing episode, Indre chats with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and renowned author of The Power of Habit and Smarter, Better, Faster, Charles Duhigg, to discuss his latest book “Supercommunicators”. Their conversation delves into he crucial role of effective communication in building meaningful relationships and enhancing quality of life. Duhigg shares insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, emphasizing the importance of close relationships for happiness and health as well as categorizes conversations into practical, emotional, and social types, explaining how understanding these can improve communication skills. Exploring further into the contents of Duhigg’s new book, they talk about the neuroscience behind communication and strategies for navigating difficult conversations. This episode is packed with practical advised and prize-winning insights and ideas for anyone who wants to learn how to improve their communication skills, build deeper relationships, and have more meaningful interactions with the people around them. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information

7 August 2024, 7:00 am
38 minutes 37 seconds

“The Good Stuff” about Quanta and Fields with Sean Carroll

Indre welcomes Sean Carroll, Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University and host of the Mindscape podcast, back to Inquiring Minds today for an engaging exploration of his latest book, "The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Quanta and Fields." Together, they delve into the intricacies of quantum mechanics and field theory, unpacking the critical roles of quanta and fields within modern physics. In his trademark style, Sean blends his expertise in both physics and philosophy to render these complex topics thoroughly accessible and relevant not only to specialists but to all who are captivated by the frontiers of scientific understanding. Venturing beyond the book’s content, he and Indre also examine how these theories permeate daily scientific conversation and enhance our understanding of fundamental principles. There’s a very good reason why Sean Carroll has an open invitation to return to the Inquiring Minds podcast whenever he chooses, and it becomes readily apparent in today’s enlightening discussion that both educates and inspires while illuminating the ongoing journey towards unraveling the universe’s most profound mysteries. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Explore Sean’s Preposterous Universe: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/

14 May 2024, 10:00 pm
42 minutes 52 seconds

Understanding and Expanding Consciousness with Dr. Christof Koch

In yet another thoroughly intriguing episode, Indre engages with renowned neuroscientist Christof Koch this week to explore the complexities of consciousness and its impact on our understanding of self and free will. Koch, a pivotal figure in the field who worked alongside the legendary Francis Crick to pioneer the study of neural correlates of consciousness, shares a wealth of both personal experiences and scientific insights here today. Together with Indre, he introduces concepts discussed in his latest book, Then I Am Myself the World: What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It, and also examines the practical applications of these theories in comprehending human cognition and the futuristic possibility of an 'uber mind' through technological innovations. As will become readily apparent, today's episode invites listeners to rethink the limits of their own minds and the interconnectedness of all conscious entities, promoting a profound inquiry into the expansive universe of the mind as well as its significant influence on both our perception of reality and our role within it. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Get to know Christof better: https://christofkoch.com/

7 May 2024, 10:00 pm
36 minutes 50 seconds

Are Flukes Actually the Norm?

Indre examines the realm of randomness and its undeniable sway over our lives and the fabric of society, as she welcomes global politics luminary, Brian Klaas, to the podcast today. An Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London, affiliate researcher at the University of Oxford, contributing writer for The Atlantic, creator of the award-winning Power Corrupts Podcast, and prolific author, Brian shares details from his most recent publication, FLUKE: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters. In doing so, he unravels the conventional tapestry of predictability, highlighting the omnipresence of chance in dictating the courses of personal lives, scientific endeavors, and political landscapes. Today’s episode not only shatters the illusion of control fostered by historical data but also prompts a profound reevaluation of the role randomness plays in the intricacies of artificial intelligence, the methodologies of scientific research, and the foundations of political science. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Get to know more about Brian and his work: https://brianpklaas.com/

15 April 2024, 10:00 pm
33 minutes 28 seconds

Capitalizing on The Neurodiversity Edge with Maureen Dunne

Globally recognized neurodiversity expert, thought leader, and public policy professional and champion, Maureen Dunne, joins Indre today to discuss the evolving perceptions of neurological diversity within our society. Centering their discussion around Maureen's recent publication, The Neurodiversity Edge, they delve into the profound benefits of welcoming neurodivergent individuals into workplaces and educational settings. Bolstered by insights into Gen Z's growing acknowledgment of neurodivergent identities and the critical importance of supportive settings, Maureen offers actionable advice for organizations of all sizes to excel in this area. In essence, today’s crucial conversation emphasizes the essential role diverse cognition plays in driving innovation and success, advocating for a reevaluation of traditional views and embracing a society that values diversity in every aspect. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Learn more about Maureen and The Neurodiversity Edge: https://www.maureendunne.com/

9 April 2024, 1:00 am
29 minutes 28 seconds

Making the Mundane Magic with Dan Winters

In this latest installment of Inquiring Minds, Indre explores the intricate world of photography with the renowned Dan Winters, whose career spans the realms of celebrity portraiture, scientific documentation, and beyond. Winters' journey from a childhood captivated by the narratives of Star Wars to his status as a National Geographic Explorer and award-winning artist underscores his unique ability to see beyond the lens, using photography to explore the world and connect with subjects on a deeply personal level. His conversation here today offers details of his appearance on National Geographic’s new series, Photographer, and reveals how photography acts as a powerful medium for storytelling, capable of capturing the essence of human experience and the natural world with profound depth and emotion. As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that photography, in Winters' hands, transcends mere visual capture to become a conduit for exploration, conservation, and the immortalization of memory, challenging us to perceive the world with renewed wonder and empathy. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Experience Dan’s magic: https://danwintersphoto.com/

29 March 2024, 12:30 am
43 minutes 33 seconds

Why We Die with Venki Ramakrishnan

Among his many achievements, the esteemed Venki Ramakrishnan has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth, served as the President of the Royal Society, and shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Today, he adds being a special guest on the Inquiring Minds podcast to this impressive list of accomplishments as he joins Indre to tackle the age-old question: Is there a biological limit to human lifespan? Drawing upon information from his latest book, Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality, Venki provides valuable insights on this topic, including the intricate dynamics of aging, DNA damage, stress, and so much more, as he unravels the underlying factors that shape human longevity.
Links:
Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information
Discover even more about Why We Die:
https://www.amazon.ca/Why-We-Die-Science-Immortality/dp/0063113279

12 March 2024, 7:00 am
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