Best Guardian Science Weekly Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 82: Some True Ghostly Tales 27:04

11m ago27:04

27:04

In this week’s episode where we are going to discuss the origins behind some famous haunted locations. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the show… You can tip us at https://4everparanormal.captivate.fm/support You can contact us at admin@4everparanormal.com You can follow us at: https://www.4everparanormal.com You can find us on Facebook @…

1
The arrest of Telegram’s founder, and what it means for social media 17:40

1h ago17:40

17:40

The arrest of Telegram’s founder and CEO in Paris last month has thrown the spotlight on the messaging app and its approach to content moderation. Madeleine Finlay hears from Russian affairs reporter Pjotr Sauer and technology journalist Alex Hern about how the case could influence how social media companies approach problematic content on their pl…

1
26 August - 1 September - Most important stories for humanity 2:46

10h ago2:46

2:46

Last week, our RelevanceAI evaluated hundreds of news items from around the world. These are the most relevant for humanity: - ChatGPT's rapid growth: A significant shift in AI adoption with cautious optimism Ars Technica - Tech | AI analysis - Clarifying "open source AI": New initiative tackles transparency and governance challenges Ars Technica -…

1
153. Franky and His Pals (1991) dir. Gerald Cormier 58:51

1h ago58:51

58:51

Uh-oh, fiends, we've got to raise exactly $1,238,463.38 before the weekend is over, or else the town is in trouble! We better call on our favorite group of child-like weirdo monsters to help. Good thing we've kept them sealed away in a nearby cave all these years! Has anyone seen our Wolfie? Please rate, review, and tell your fiends. And be sure to…

51
Summer picks: the science of ‘weird shit’ 18:59

3h ago18:59

18:59

The psychologist Chris French has spent decades studying paranormal claims and mysterious experiences, from seemingly impossible coincidences to paintings that purportedly predict the future. In this episode from April 2024, Ian Sample sits down with French to explore why so many of us believe in what he terms ‘weird shit’, and what we can learn fr…

1
Episode 81: The Needles UFO Crash 26:31

8h ago26:31

26:31

This week we are going to talk about a reported UFO crash from 2008 in Needles, California. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the show… You can tip us at https://4everparanormal.captivate.fm/support You can contact us at admin@4everparanormal.com You can follow us at: https://www.4everparanormal.com You can find us on Facebook @ 4EverParan…

1
Summer picks: what can our dogs teach us about obesity? 20:44

35m ago20:44

20:44

Labradors are known for being greedy dogs, and now scientists have come up with a theory about the genetic factors that may be behind their behaviour. In this episode from April 2024, the Guardian’s science correspondent and flat-coated retriever owner Nicola Davis visits the University of Cambridge to meet Dr Eleanor Raffan and Prof Giles Yeo to f…

1
12-25 August - Most important stories for humanity 4:47

8h ago4:47

4:47

Last week, our RelevanceAI evaluated hundreds of news items from around the world. These are the most relevant for humanity: - Shift in US monetary policy: Powell's endorsement of interest rate cuts signals new economic phase Aljazeera | AI analysis - Mozambique's roadmap to resilience: A global model for early warnings and climate adaptation UN | …

1
152. Frankenstein: Legacy (2024) dir. Paul Dudbridge 1:19:01

2h ago1:19:01

1:19:01

This week, we're discussing another new release, but one you may not have heard of. We've got a decent example of a direct-to-streaming legacy sequel, this is decent but not great, and that seems to have mostly been overlooked. But it's definitely worth your time. Join us as we recover Victor Frankenstein's lost journal and then end up just having …

1
Summer picks: why are so many science papers being retracted? 19:31

2h ago19:31

19:31

A record 10,000 research papers were retracted in 2023. In this episode from February 2024, Ian Sample speaks to Ivan Oransky, whose organisation Retraction Watch has been monitoring the growing numbers of retractions for more than a decade, and hears from blogger Sholto David, who made headlines this year when he spotted mistakes in research from …

1
S5E10: Suffering Sabotage 59:28

2h ago59:28

59:28

If Jill’s show notes are counting right, this is episode 75!!! Happy Third Quarter Quell to us and may the odds be ever in our favor (it’s from Hunger Games, Jackie just google it!) I wrote a new intro song, sorry Nate. It goes like this “Jackie and Jill catchin up on the latest, talkin bout food and stuff they like and stuff they did and other stu…

1
Episode 80: A Tale of Two Hauntings 28:34

2h ago28:34

28:34

In this week’s episode where we are going to discuss two different haunted families, the Smurls and the Beckers and the first ever televised exorcism. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the show… You can tip us at https://4everparanormal.captivate.fm/support You can contact us at admin@4everparanormal.com You can follow us at: https://www.4…

1
Summer picks: what does the science say about birth order and personality? 16:01

5h ago16:01

16:01

We all know the cliches about older siblings being responsible, younger ones creative, and middle children being peacemakers. But is there any evidence our position in the family affects our personality? In this episode from March 2024, Madeleine Finlay meets Dr Julia Rohrer, a personality psychologist at the University of Leipzig, to unpick the sc…

1
151. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) dir. James Gunn 1:59:45

8d ago1:59:45

1:59:45

This week, your favorite Horror Hosts are traveling to outer space with the MCU's wackiest bunch of galactic misfits. Sure, there are other movies in the series, but are they Frankenstein stories? Not so much. This one, which tells the story of Rocket Raccoon, however, is a different story. Join us for this heartbreaking, sad and sweet film, where …

1
What’s happened to all the butterflies? 16:31

9d ago16:31

16:31

Butterfly numbers in the UK appear to be at the lowest on record after a wet spring and summer dampened their chances of mating. This comes on top of a long and worrying trend of decline. To find out what’s going on and what we can all do to help butterflies cope with extreme weather patterns, Phoebe Weston speaks to Dr Richard Fox, the head of sci…

1
Episode 79: The Loch Ness Monster 32:29

10h ago32:29

32:29

This week we are going to dive into some water folklore since we are coming up on the 1440-year anniversary of the first sighting of Nessie, AKA The Loch Ness Monster. Sit back and relax as we discuss Nessie and a possible cousin. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the show… You can tip us at https://4everparanormal.captivate.fm/support You…

1
Just how bad is alcohol for us? 16:32

16d ago16:32

16:32

For the regular drinker it is a source of great comfort: the fat pile of studies that say a daily tipple is better for a longer life than avoiding alcohol completely. But a new analysis challenges that thinking and says it was based on flawed research that compares drinkers with people who are sick and sober. Madeleine Finlay hears from the study’s…

1
5-11 August - Most important stories for humanity 2:57

24d ago2:57

2:57

Last week, our RelevanceAI evaluated hundreds of news items from around the world. These are the most relevant for humanity: - Warming Mars with nanotechnology: A new approach to terraforming phys.org | AI analysis - 3D-printed monoliths for PFAS removal: Significant progress in environmental cleanup t3n | AI analysis - Potential risks of UN cyberc…

1
150. Frankenstein (2007) dir. Jed Mercurio 1:24:06

5d ago1:24:06

1:24:06

It's episode 150, so it's time we finally talked about the movie called Frankenstein! No, not that one. No, not that one either... Okay, so there are a lot of movies called Frankenstein, but this week, we're talking about the lesser-known BBC TV movie set in modern (2007-modern) times. Join us as we look at this still quite relevant, melancholy rei…

1
How Team GB’s psychologist gets the athletes mentally ready 16:11

22d ago16:11

16:11

Jess Thom, lead psychologist for Team GB, tells Madeleine Finlay how she prepares athletes for failure and success – and the challenges that arise when the games are over and they have to return to normal life. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepodBy The Guardian

1
Episode 78: The Men in Black 28:11

19d ago28:11

28:11

Welcome to this week’s episode about the Men in Black…Join us as we delve deep into the origins, cultural impact, documented encounters, various theories, and skepticism surrounding the Men in Black. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the show… You can tip us at https://4everparanormal.captivate.fm/support You can contact us at admin@4everp…

1
Secrets of ageing: making our last years count 18:59

28d ago18:59

18:59

Humans have always been obsessed with getting old, or rather staying young, but now science is beginning to catch up. Longevity has become a hot topic, from university laboratories to Silicon Valley startups. In the final episode of a special Science Weekly three-part mini-series on ageing, Ian Sample meets Dr Rachel Broudy, medical director at Pio…

1
S5E9: Running on Pure Adrenaline 51:41

8d ago51:41

51:41

Jackie and Jill have been DOIN STUFF! For legal reasons we won’t disclose exactly what that stuff might have been. But being busy is the real truth of it! In classic Jill is in charge of editing fashion, this episode is coming out 9 days after we recorded it! But the good news is we are avoiding commenting on current events with all of our might so…

1
29 July - 3 August - Most important stories for humanity 4:57

1M ago4:57

4:57

Last week, our RelevanceAI evaluated hundreds of news items from around the world. These are the most relevant for humanity: - Vulture extinction in India: Study links loss of keystone species to 500,000 human deaths Vox Future Perfect | AI analysis - World Bank warns of middle-income trap: Over 100 countries at risk without radical growth strategi…

1
149. Frankenstein Island (with Very Special Guest Tim Kirk!) (1981) dir. Jerry Warren 1:16:49

15d ago1:16:49

1:16:49

Prepare yourself... for the Power the Power the Power! We're headed for an island vacation with friend of the show, Tim Kirk. Join us as we meet a team of balloonists (The Doctor, The Preacher, Disco Shirt Guy, and the Other Guy), a whole tribe of Alien Bikini Cave Girls, and an Poe-quoting captive human blood-bag. We bought all of our supplies and…

1
Secrets of ageing: how long could I live? 23:13

1M ago23:13

23:13

Humans have always been obsessed with getting old, or rather staying young, and now science is beginning to catch up. Longevity has become a hot topic from university laboratories to Silicon Valley startups. In the second of a special Science Weekly three-part mini-series on ageing, Ian Sample talks to Venki Ramakrishnan, winner of the Nobel prize …

1
Episode 77: Killed by a Witch's Curse? 27:27

17d ago27:27

27:27

This week we are going to discuss a pretty bizarre death…That of Christopher Case…the man purportedly killed by a witch’s curse… Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the show… You can tip us at https://4everparanormal.captivate.fm/support You can contact us at admin@4everparanormal.com You can follow us at: https://www.4everparanormal.com You…

1
Secrets of ageing: what makes me age? 20:49

1M ago20:49

20:49

Humans have always been obsessed with getting old, or rather staying young, but now science is beginning to catch up. Longevity has become a hot topic, from university laboratories to Silicon Valley startups. In the first of a Science Weekly three-part miniseries on ageing, Ian Sample speaks to Richard Faragher, a professor of biogerontology at the…

1
Final Dose: Unpacking Your Top Health Questions - Season Finale part 2 55:32

1M ago55:32

55:32

In part 2 of our season finale we're excited to continue our deep dive into your most pressing health and pharmacy-related questions, featuring our special guest, Nana, a renowned pharmacist and healthcare expert. This episode builds on some insights shared in part 1 including answering some taboo topic questions. Nana brings her expertise to the t…

1
22-27 July - Most important stories for humanity 5:12

1M ago5:12

5:12

Last week, our RelevanceAI evaluated hundreds of news items from around the world. These are the most relevant for humanity: - Mangroves: Half of ecosystems at risk by 2050 International Union for Conservation of Nature | AI analysis - Six new UNESCO World Heritage sites: Enhanced protection for global biodiversity International Union for Conservat…

1
Final Dose: Unpacking Your Top Health Questions - Season Finale 44:52

1M ago44:52

44:52

In this season finale we are thrilled to welcome a special guest, Nana, a renowned pharmacist and healthcare expert. Together, we dive deep into your most pressing health and pharmacy-related questions. From understanding medication and managing common ailments to exploring the latest health trends, we are sure to provide you clear and insightful a…

1
148. Longlegs (2024) dir. Osgood Perkins 1:07:58

1M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

This week we're putting our Longlegs on to discuss possibly the most zeitgeisty horror film of the year so far. Join us as we start with a spoiler-lite chat, and then really get into all of the details. And, most importantly for us, we talk about the Frankenstein connection. Please rate, review, and tell your fiends. And be sure to subscribe so you…

1
Trophy hunting: can killing and conservation go hand in hand? 15:59

1M ago15:59

15:59

A series of super tusker elephant killings has sparked a bitter international battle over trophy hunting and its controversial, often-counterintuitive role in conservation. Biodiversity reporter Phoebe Weston speaks to Amy Dickman, professor of wildlife conservation at the University of Oxford, about why this debate has become so divisive, and the …

1
Episode 76: Attacked by Bigfoot 30:25

1M ago30:25

30:25

This week we are going to talk about some pretty creepy accounts of being attacked by Bigfoot… Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the show… You can tip us at https://4everparanormal.captivate.fm/support You can contact us at admin@4everparanormal.com You can follow us at: https://www.4everparanormal.com You can find us on Facebook @ 4EverPa…

1
George Monbiot on the record jail terms given to Just Stop Oil activists 16:20

1M ago16:20

16:20

Last week, five supporters of the Just Stop Oil climate campaign who conspired to cause gridlock on London’s orbital motorway were sentenced to lengthy jail terms by a judge who told them they had ‘crossed the line from concerned campaigner to fanatic’. Columnist and campaigner George Monbiot tells Ian Sample why the sentences are so significant, h…

1
15-20 July | Most important stories for humanity 5:00

2M ago5:00

5:00

Last week, our RelevanceAI evaluated hundreds of news items from around the world. These are the most relevant for humanity: - Potential HIV cure: New stem cell treatment shows promise SPIEGEL | AI analysis - Potential shift in AI policy: Trump's allies draft sweeping executive order Ars Technica - Tech | AI analysis - Global foresight report: UN r…

1
147. Death Race 2050 (2017) dir. G.J. Echternkamp 1:42:00

26d ago1:42:00

1:42:00

We're back with more Death Race! And when I say more Death Race, I mean we basically watched the same movie two weeks in a row. Join us here in the future Appalachian Desert for this ostensible sequel to Paul Bartel's Death Race 2000, which is really basically a remake with the addition of clever place names. We do get to talk about some pretty int…

1
Is there any point in taking multivitamins? 15:14

2M ago15:14

15:14

Multivitamins are cheap, convenient, and provide a little bit of reassurance if our diet isn’t quite as healthy as we’d like. But a recent study of nearly 400,000 people spanning 20 years found they didn’t help users live longer, and in fact appeared to show a 4% increased mortality risk. Ian Sample hears from JoAnn Manson, a professor of medicine …

1
Episode 75: Hellhounds - Guardians of the Underworld and Harbingers of Death 29:24

2M ago29:24

29:24

In this week's episode where we are going to discuss something that has boggled my mind since I was 5 or 6 years old…The hellhound… Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the show… You can tip us at https://4everparanormal.captivate.fm/support You can contact us at admin@4everparanormal.com You can follow us at: https://www.4everparanormal.com …

1
Can the climate survive AI’s thirst for energy? 18:08

2M ago18:08

18:08

Artificial intelligence companies have lofty ambitions for what the technology could achieve, from curing diseases to eliminating poverty. But the energy required to power these innovations is threatening critical environmental targets. Madeleine Finlay hears from the Guardian’s energy correspondent, Jillian Ambrose, and UK technology editor, Alex …

1
8-14 July | Most important stories for humanity 7:22

2M ago7:22

7:22

Last week, our RelevanceAI evaluated hundreds of news items from around the world. These are the most relevant for humanity: - Debt crisis in developing countries: Economic instability and global implications Foreign Affairs | AI analysis - Understanding large language models: Significant AI research progress Economist | AI analysis - Global popula…

1
Guardians Of health: Understanding Flu and COVID Vaccinations 34:48

2M ago34:48

34:48

Welcome to "Double Defense," where we unveil the power of flu and COVID vaccines. In this episode, we're exploring the dynamic duo of vaccinations, protecting against both the flu and COVID-19. As the seasons change and health concerns persist, it's more important than ever to understand the benefits and nuances of these vital shots. Join us as we …

1
146. Death Race 2000 (1975) dir. Paul Bartel 1:05:33

2M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Welcome to the far dystopian future, all the way in the Year 2000! Join us for the horror comedy car race movie you've all been waiting for. We'll obviously be cheering for American Hero Frankenstein! (But also for the Resistance. This is a pro-Resistance Frankenstein podcast, if you didn't know.) Please rate, review, and tell your fiends. And be s…

1
‘Lesbian’ seagulls and ‘gay’ rams: the endless sexual diversity of nature 18:05

2M ago18:05

18:05

Same-sex sexual behaviours have been reported in a wide variety of species, and a new study suggests that, although animal scientists widely observe it, they seldom publish about same-sex sexual behaviour in primates and other mammals. To find out why and to hear about some of the examples of sexual diversity from the animal kingdom, Ian Sample hea…

1
Episode 74: Using Colors in Witchcraft & Magik 27:28

2M ago27:28

27:28

This week’s episode where we are going to discuss the magical powers of different colors…this is a continuation of our educational episodes on witchcraft… Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the show… You can tip us at https://4everparanormal.captivate.fm/support You can contact us at admin@4everparanormal.com You can follow us at: https://w…

1
ZOE and personalised nutrition: does the evidence on glucose tracking add up? 29:08

2M ago29:08

29:08

You might have noticed that everyone has recently become a bit obsessed with blood sugar, or glucose. Wellness firms such as ZOE here in the UK – as well as Nutrisense, Levels and Signos – claim to offer insights into how our bodies process food based on monitoring our blood glucose, among other things. But many researchers have begun to question t…

1
1-7 July | Most important stories for humanity 3:48

2M ago3:48

3:48

Last week, our RelevanceAI evaluated hundreds of news items from around the world. These are the most relevant for humanity: - High-selectivity graphene membranes: Potential breakthrough in CO2 capture technology phys.org | AI analysis - US funding for Gavi: Significant boost for global health Vox Future Perfect | AI analysis - Brain-on-chip techno…

1
Air Fryer Debate: Healthy Cooking or Just Hype? 23:44

2M ago23:44

23:44

BURDNING QUESTION 🔥 Join us in this episode of 'Air Fryer Debate' as we dive into the heated discussion about air fryers and their impact on healthy eating. We'll explore the science behind air frying, compare it to traditional cooking methods, and examine whether it truly offers a healthier alternative. Tune in to find out if the air fryer is a ga…

1
145. Frankenstein vs. the Creature from Blood Cove (2005) dir. William Winckler 1:10:29

2M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Well, fiends, we may have gotten a little lost last week, but we've finally made it to the beach. Just be on the lookout, because we heard some mad scientists down the road have misplaced their mutant sea monster. Join us as we get very analytical about "gentlemen's magazines", meet the ACTUAL Ghost of Frankenstein and question his makeup choices, …

1
‘Spermageddon’: is male fertility really in crisis? 16:31

2M ago16:31

16:31

Recent research has suggested a global reproductive crisis could be in the offing, with researchers in Israel saying average sperm counts may have more than halved in the past 40 years. But a study published last month appears to call this narrative into question. Ian Sample is joined by the Guardian’s science correspondent Nicola Davis to unpick w…

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