Best Afghan Science Podcasts (2024)

1
Will I Regret Having an AI Voice? Featuring Evan Ratliff! (And his AI voice) 1:07:20

1d ago1:07:20

1:07:20

In this episode, Mangesh interviews journalist and host Evan Ratliff about his new show Shell Game, and they discuss what happens when you take control of artificial intelligence and set an AI version of you out into the world. From talking to scammers to making plans with your wife, things get weird quickly! PLUS: Stay tuned for a sneak preview of…

51
How Scientists are Reviving Lost Smells 32:40

10d ago32:40

32:40

Want to know what the Chanel No. 5 of Ancient Egypt smelled like? Or how the interior of Queen Elizabeth's royal car smelled? Or maybe you've wanted to experience the fragrance of extinct Hawaiian flowers? In this episode, Will and Mango get nosey about how scientists have been working hard to build a scent library of disappearing smells. See omnys…

1
Rachel Pittman, CEO, United Nations Association of the USA 25:53

11d ago25:53

25:53

Rachel Pittman serves as Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), a grassroots movement of more than 20,000 Americans in over 200 chapters across the U.S. who are dedicated to supporting the work of the United Nations in communities, on campuses, and on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining UNA-USA, Rachel served on multi…

1
Somaya Faruqi, Afghan Refugee, Captain Girls Robotics Team 25:19

10d ago25:19

25:19

Somaya Faruqi is the former Captain of the Afghan Girls’ Robotic Team – nicknamed the ‘Afghan Dreamers’. She and her team made international headlines when they built a ventilator from used car parts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan. Faruqi was born in Herat, Afghanistan in 2002. She cultivated her love of engineering in her fath…

1
David Swanson: “NATO: What You Need to Know” 26:58

11d ago26:58

26:58

David Swanson, author, activist, journalist, and radio host, is executive director of WorldBeyondWar.org and campaign coordinator for RootsAction.org. His latest book is: “NATO: What You Need to Know.” NATO, which is approaching its 75th Anniversary, is not the UN or a stand-alone nation. Swanson suggest that NATO not pursue destructive arms races,…

1
Do Bald Eagles Really Steal Babies?! (And other Eagle Questions... Answered!) 21:07

18d ago21:07

21:07

Is America's national bird really a baby snatching scoundrel? What animal did Ben Franklin hope would replace eagles on the American seal (hint: not a turkey!) And why do people think eagles taste like veal? (One famous ornathologist might be to blame.) Tune in as Will and Mango explores all things eagles on this week's special holiday episode. See…

1
The Most Violent Year Since World War II 22:01

12d ago22:01

22:01

More armed conflicts took place in 2023 than in any other year since the end of World War II. That is the shocking finding in this year’s Conflict Trends Report – a yearly paper by the Peace Research Institute Oslo, using data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program and examining global conflict trends since 1946. In total, 59 armed conflicts raged …

1
Mango Recommends: The Sicilian Inheritance 32:57

22d ago32:57

32:57

As a follow up to Thursday’s 9 Incredible Facts about Sicily, we’re posting the first episode of guest host Jo Piazza’s podcast The Sicilian Inheritance. Hope you dig it! Want your own taste of Sicily – grab a bottle of The Sicilian Inheritance inspired OLIVE OIL direct from Sicily to BUY - GO HERE . Snag your copy of THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE, the …

1
9 Incredible Sicily Facts to Share over Cannoli! 37:57

24d ago37:57

37:57

Did you know that Sicily is the home of brain freeze? Or that the so-called snakes on Medusa's head might actually be eels? Or that Sicily is home to one very very specific type of revenge architecture? From Sicily's delicious space program to cutest animals to ever roam the land, dig in as Mango and his pal Jo Piazza-- author and host of The Sicil…

1
Charles Moxley: “Nuclear Weapons and International Law” 25:23

1M ago25:23

25:23

Charles Moxley is the principal of Moxley ADR, a law firm specializing in arbitration and mediation. He is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Fordham Law School. His recent treatise on “Nuclear Weapons and International Law” highlights the major challenges with nuclear weapons. The UN’s Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty has kept the numbers down somewhat…

1
Professor Thomas Just: “Combating Antisemitism in Germany and Poland: Strategies Since 1990” 25:28

29d ago25:28

25:28

Professor Thomas Just serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor within the Future Security Initiative at Arizona State University. Professor Just served as Assistant to the Director of African and Middle Eastern Affairs within Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is the author of “Combating Antisemitism in Germany and Poland: Strategies Since …

1
The Strangest Summer Festivals You NEED to Visit (Probably) 25:22

1M ago25:22

25:22

If you've got a station wagon packed with dogs and kids, but nowhere to point it, we've got you covered! From the world's greatest mud festival to, well, the world's greatest belly button festival, Will and Mango have scoured the internet to provide only the best (and weirdest) in summer festivals. ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to shar…

1
What Flavor is Dr Pepper? 22:06

1M ago22:06

22:06

Dr Pepper's flavor is just one of many questions we have about the drink. Who is the doctor behind Dr Pepper? Is tomato one of the soda's 23 secret ingredients? Should you actually be drinking your Dr Pepper hot? And why doesn't Dr Pepper have a period in its name? (Does the good doctor think it's above the laws of grammar?!) Also, what did Dr Pepp…

1
Dr. Winston Langley: "Abolishing War" 25:11

1M ago25:11

25:11

Dr. Winston Langley is Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Science and International Relations and Senior Fellow at McCormack Graduate School for Policy & Global Studies. He has written widely on the United Nations, disarmament, human rights and women’s rights in the US. His recent book is “Abolishing War.” A major problem is that we have a…

1
Paula Caballero: “Redefining Development: The Extraordinary Genesis of the Sustainable Development Goals” 24:26

1M ago24:26

24:26

Paula Caballero is the Regional Managing Director for Latin America at The Nature Conservancy. Previously, Paula Caballero was Senior Director of the World Bank Environment and Natural Resources Global Practice, and she was the creator of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her recent book is “Redefining Development: The Extraordinary…

1
Dr. Margaret P. Karns: Global Governance and the UN 26:41

1M ago26:41

26:41

Dr. Margaret P. (Peggy) Karns is a Senior Fellow in the Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security and Global Governance at the University of Massachusetts Boston and Professor Emerita of Political Science at the University of Dayton. She is coauthor of “International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global Governance (4th ed., 2…

1
Did Picasso try to Steal the Mona Lisa? 30:31

2M ago30:31

30:31

How did the Mona Lisa get so famous? Why doesn't she have any eyebrows? And why was Picasso investigated for the painting's theft? This episode Will and Mango go deep on the smirking beauty and try to figure out what's really going on behind that sly smile. ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know …

1
Norway: Peacemaker, Arms-Dealer 24:02

2M ago24:02

24:02

For decades, Norway has played a major role as a peacemaker. From the Nobel Peace Prize to the Oslo Accords, promoting peace has been a central aspect of Norwegian foreign policy. But this is only part of the story. Few outside the country are aware of the thriving, lucrative, and government-owned weapons industry in this Scandinavian nation. This …

1
Mango Recommends: Afghan Star, hosted by John Legend 39:20

2M ago39:20

39:20

Will and Mango are off this week, but check out this new series Mango's been working on called Afghan Star, hosted by the one and only John Legend. It's the story of how a little music talent show changed the lives and ambitions of Afghans and brought music back to the nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Peter Yeo: President of the Better World Campaign 26:44

2M ago26:44

26:44

Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign and Senior Vice President at the United Nations Foundation, leads the Foundation’s strategic engagement with the U.S. Congress and Administrations to advance policy changes that support the UN’s work for global progress. Although there are many myths about the UN, recent polling shows that 52% of Am…

1
Kathleen Mogelgaard, President and CEO of the Population Institute 26:03

2M ago26:03

26:03

Kathleen Mogelgaard is President and CEO of the Population Institute, where she directs the organization’s advocacy and public education activities. Population Institute advocates for gender equality and universal access to sexual and reproductive health services to improve lives, promote human rights, save the planet, and build a better tomorrow. …

1
How Did Dialing 9-1-1 Become a Thing? 27:47

2M ago27:47

27:47

Will and Mango are determined to figure out the origin of the emergency hotline. From the strange reason people used to call up funeral home directors after an accident, to the incredible train robbery that was stopped using a makeshift phone, to the heartbreaking ways that emergency operators learn to cope on the job, this week we're dialing up a …

1
9 Very Important Facts about Flutes 20:18

2M ago20:18

20:18

Ever found yourself standing between Lizzo and André 3000 at yet another cocktail party, and can't think of anything to say to them? Well, you're not alone. A lot of people don't come to parties with enough flute facts in their arsenal. Luckily, we can help. Just memorize every single word of this podcast, and you'll be golden. Guest starring the w…

1
Norman Solomon: “War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of Its Military Machine” 24:46

3M ago24:46

24:46

Norman Solomon, American journalist, media critic, author and activist, discusses his latest book, “War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of Its Military Machine.” Mr. Solomon was actively involved in launching RootsAction and the Institute for Public Accuracy. His main contention is that the governments and media inundate the public…

1
Laura Hagg: International City County Management Association 24:50

3M ago24:50

24:50

Laura Hagg, Director for Capacity Building and Governance with the International City County Management Association (ICMA), has a career of more than 30 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally in the fields of local governance, economic development, public outreach, communications,…

1
How Come Esperanto Never Took Off?! 30:45

3M ago30:45

30:45

Want to know which billionaire speaks Esperanto fluently? Or what country almost adopted Esperanto as its national language? Or why Hitler and Stalin were both afraid of Dr. Esperanto (actually Doktoro Esperanto). Join Will and Mango as they dive into the incredible world of constructed languages and also discover why William Shatner isn't just the…

1
Why Are There So Many Cheese Crimes? 34:49

3M ago34:49

34:49

From the Parmesan Mafia to the gas station hot dog Will accidentally ate, there are way too many cheese crimes out there! This episode Will and Mango investigate a fondue cartel, ride with food detectives, and look into an Ocean's 11... of cheese?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Dr. Dale C. Copeland: “A World Safe for Commerce” 26:06

3M ago26:06

26:06

Dr. Dale C. Copeland is a professor of international relations with a focus on trade, war and economic interdependence. His recent book is “A World Safe for Commerce: American Foreign Policy from the Revolution to the Rise of China.” He discusses how trade dynamics have influenced America's approach to peace and conflict throughout history. By focu…

1
Women in Peace Mediation: The Israeli and Palestinian Women Working for Peace 28:52

3M ago28:52

28:52

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, two women's organizations are pushing for a return to negotiation and a permanent resolution to the conflict. “Women Wage Peace” is the largest grassroots peace movement in Israel, while its Palestinian counterpart, “Women of the Sun,” is a Palestinian women's organization based in Bethlehem. They ar…

1
How do Michelin Stars Work? 28:48

3M ago28:48

28:48

Whether you're trying to spot a Michelin critic in the wild, or you're on the hunt for the world's best reindeer tartar with moss and fermented mushroom (a very common thing listeners ask us about), we've got you covered. From Katy Perry's Michelin mishap, to chefs trying to sue the guide because they want more stars, to the bizarre reason the Mich…

1
Why are we so Obsessed with Slime? 29:42

3M ago29:42

29:42

Will and Mango are back in studio to form a slime appreciation society! From the first time astronauts took slime to space, to the incredible way snails surf (SURF!) their own slime, to the architectural beauty of slime molds, put on your galoshes and jump right in! ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let…

1
Jonahan Granoff, President, Global Security Institute 26:52

3M ago26:52

26:52

Jonathan Granoff, president of the Global Security Institute, highlights the need to focus on the Rule of Law rather than Rule of War. The United Nations, although it is not perfect, is the only international organization that brings together countries of the world to deal with nuclear proliferation, climate change, human trafficking, poverty, hung…

1
Dr. Peter Layton: “Warfare in the Robotic Age” 25:17

3M ago25:17

25:17

Dr Peter Layton is a Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane Australia; a Royal United Services Institute Associate Fellow; London and a Fellow of the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group Canberra. He has extensive aviation and defense experience. His research interests include grand strategy, national sec…

1
John Feffer: author of Splinterlands and director of Foreign Policy in Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies 27:16

4M ago27:16

27:16

John Feffer, author of Splinterlands and current director of Foreign Policy in Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies, summarizes how Donald Trump pursued illiberal internationalism versus liberal internationalism of Joe Biden. Trump was semi-isolationist, cavorted with authoritarian leaders, and wanted to militarize the border between the US an…

1
Dr. Augusto Lopez-Claros, Executive Director, Global Governance Forum 26:02

4M ago26:02

26:02

Dr. Augusto Lopez-Claros, Executive Director of the Global Governance Forum, highlights his recent book,, “Global Governance and the Emergence of Global Institutions for the 21st Century.” Global institutions, such as the United Nations, confront the world’s major problems, such as climate change, Israeli-Hamas War, Russian invasion of Ukraine, att…

1
How Russians (Really) Feel about Putin and Ukraine 25:07

4M ago25:07

25:07

As Russians headed to the polls this month, the reelection of Russian President Vladimir Putin was not in doubt. On March 17th, with over 87% of the votes in his favor, Putin secured a fifth term, becoming the longest-serving leader of the Federation since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. With most opposition candidates either dead, jailed, exiled, o…

1
Dr. Robert Farley, Expert on Security and Diplomacy 27:40

4M ago27:40

27:40

Dr. Robert Farley has taught security and diplomacy courses at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky since 2005. Dr. Farley is the author of Grounded: The Case for Abolishing the United States Air Force and Patents for Power: Intellectual Property Law and the Diffusion of Military Technology. The…

1
David Betz, Professor of War Studies and Author: “The Guarded Age: Fortification in the 21st Century.” 27:40

4M ago27:40

27:40

David Betz is Professor of War in the Modern World in the Department of War Studies, King’s College London, and is a Senior Fellow of the Foreign Policy Research Centre. His most recent book is “The Guarded Age: Fortification in the 21st Century.” A fortification can be defined as a piece of militarized architecture that focuses an enemy into doing…

1
Ward Wilson, Founder and CEO, RealistRevolt, Author “It Is Possible: A Future Without Nuclear Weapons” 25:53

5M ago25:53

25:53

Ward Wilson, founder and executive director of RealistRevolt, is widely acknowledged as one of the leading sources of innovative pragmatic arguments against nuclear weapons. The title of his recent book is “It Is Possible: A Future Without Nuclear Weapons.” Nuclear weapons, of which there are about 13,000, are some of the most devastating threats o…

1
Kris Kimel, Founder, Humanity in Deep Space 25:00

5M ago25:00

25:00

Kris Kimel is the Founder of Humanity in Deep Space, an initiative exploring the challenges and hard problems facing humans as we transition to deep spacefaring species. He is the Co-founder of the commercial space company Space Tango. His major focus is how humans can do deep space exploration physically, safely, and ethically. Legal, ethical and …

1
Professor Rolf Schwarz: NATO and the Middle East: In Search of a Strategy 26:14

5M ago26:14

26:14

Rolf Schwarz has served as a political adviser for the Middle East and Africa at NATO Headquarters and as a professor at the NATO Defense College. He is a senior adviser at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Mr. Schwarz holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Stud…

1
Yasmine Sherif, Director of the Education Cannot Wait Program 25:41

5M ago25:41

25:41

Yasmine Sherif is Director of the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Program, which is the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises. Yasmine Sherif is a lawyer specialized in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, plus she has over 30 years of experience with the United Nations and international NGOs. ECW’s mission is t…

1
Ken Heydon: “The Trade Weapon: How Weaponizing Trade Threatens Growth, Public Health and the Climate Transition” 18:27

5M ago18:27

18:27

Ken Heydon is a former Australian government trade official and senior member of the OECD Secretariat and a Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics. His latest book is “The Trade Weapon: How Weaponizing Trade Threatens Growth, Public Health and the Climate Transition”. His earlier works include “The Rise of Bilateralism” and “The Ashgate …

1
UNRWA in Crisis: A Conversation with Chief Lazzarini and Norway's State Secretary Kravik 31:45

5M ago31:45

31:45

UNRWA is in trouble. The UN agency for Palestine Refugees is accused by Israel of being infiltrated by Hamas and having had some of its staff involved in the attacks on October 7th. Nearly 2 million people in Gaza depend on UNRWA for survival as war and displacement continue after nearly four months of war. The allegations by Israel concern a fract…

1
Felix Dodds, UN COP 28 Attendee and Environmental Author “Heroes in Environmental Diplomacy: Profiles in Courage” 25:36

5M ago25:36

25:36

Felix Dodds is Director, Multilateral Affairs at Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service at Arizona State University. He is Adjunct Professor at the Water Institute University of North Carolina and Associate Fellow, Tellus Institute. His Latest book is “Heroes in Environmental Diplomacy: Profiles in Courage.” Mr. Dodds recently atten…

1
Harlan Russell Green, former Peace Corps Volunteer and author: “Building Community: Answering Kennedy’s Call.” 24:21

5M ago24:21

24:21

Harlan Russell Green, a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Turkey, is the 2023 Winner of the Peace Corps Writers’ Publisher’s Award for his latest book on “Building Community: Answering Kennedy’s Call.” Mr. Green is a Rotarian, retired Mortgage Banker, and Editor/Publisher of Popular Economics Weekly, a financial wire service he began in 2000. The US …

1
Dr. Michael Cairo: “American Presidents and Israeli Settlements since 1967.” 25:19

6M ago25:19

25:19

Michael Cairo, Professor of Political Science and Program Director of International Affairs at Transylvania University’s, most recent book is “American Presidents and Israeli Settlements since 1967.” Events such as Bush illegally invading Iraq in 2003, Trump giving Israel carte blanche and withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Deal, and Biden ignoring …

1
Xiao Yin Zhao, Executive Director, World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana 26:40

6M ago26:40

26:40

Xiao Yin Zhao is Executive Director of the World Affairs Council (WAC) of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The Council is a 501 c 3 organization that is part of a network of 90 WACs, all of which are located in the US. In addition to international exchange programs, Xiao Yin has overseen dozens of programs and events that brought top diplomats, exper…

1
Dr. John Casey: “The Nonprofit World: Civil Society and the Rise of the Nonprofit Sector” 25:36

6M ago25:36

25:36

Dr. John Casey is a professor in the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College, City University of New York (CUNY). Dr. Casey has been an active practitioner, educator and researcher in the public nonprofit sector in Australia, Spain and the USA for over 20 years. His new book, “The Nonprofit World: Civil Society and the Ri…

1
Migration Trends in 2023: Stories From the Field with CNN’s Nima Elbagir 41:08

6M ago41:08

41:08

From war-torn Ukraine and Sudan to the Mediterranean, 2023 marked yet another year where thousands were forced to leave their homes in pursuit of a better life. In one of the deadliest migrant boat tragedies, more than 600 people drowned on June 14 off the coast of Greece, after a fishing vessel known as the Adriana capsized and sank. A few months …

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