Best Portal Quandary Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 4: The Plague 1:15:37

10h ago1:15:37

1:15:37

Fresh from their latest encounter, the team plans to head to the castle to recover, but they’re waylaid as they splash straight into their next case. Sassandra’s encounter leaves her dodging questions, while Ezra tempts fate once more. Höde suffers another loss, and Doug partakes in some tea. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse …

1
“The Network of Life: A New View of Evolution” with Professor David Mindell 1:01:40

11d ago1:01:40

1:01:40

For a long time, the prevailing perspective on evolution has been that it follows a vertical pathway, where genetic information is passed down from one generation to the next in a linear fashion, resembling a "tree of life." This classical view suggests that species evolve through a process of divergence from common ancestors, resulting in a branch…

1
Episode 3: The Parasite 1:18:45

20d ago1:18:45

1:18:45

The squad is called to seek out a missing person. The resulting investigation sends the party into disarray, and loyalties come into question around every turn. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language, fantasy violence, and kidnapping. Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on Facebook Join our Patreon Keeper, Edi…

1
“Middle Tech: Software Work and the Culture of Good Enough” with Professor Paula Bialski 46:51

24d ago46:51

46:51

Contrary to the widespread belief that all technology is sleek, flawless, and cutting-edge, much of it isn’t designed to meet such high standards or be revolutionary. In many environments, the goal isn’t always to create perfect, futuristic products. Instead, the focus is often on functionality—producing tech that is good enough to meet immediate n…

1
“Lessons from the Global South on Designing Inclusive Tech” with Professor Payal Arora 48:36

27d ago48:36

48:36

The news about emerging technologies often sounds alarming as well as discouraging. Headlines talk about how algorithms control and oppress people. There are fears that AI could harm democracy, damage our social connections, or even cause human extinction. While these fears come from real concerns, it’s also important to recognize the good that tec…

1
“The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience” with Professor Adam Frank 43:13

1M ago43:13

43:13

Since the Enlightenment, humanity has turned to science to answer profound questions about who we are, where we come from, and where we’re headed. However, we've become stuck in the belief that we can fully understand the universe by viewing it from a detached, external perspective. In focusing solely on external physical realities, imagined from t…

1
Episode 2: The Beast 1:14:32

1M ago1:14:32

1:14:32

Our newly-minted gumshoes explore their first case together! Doug leads a charge, while Höde finds himself in a bind. Ezra feels homesick, and Sassandra's protective instincts flare. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language, fantasy violence, and mentions of blood. Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on Facebook…

1
Monster of the Week Trailer 2:50

2M ago2:50

2:50

Welcome to our Monster of the Week interlude! In the city of Aubade, a royal wedding awaits its grooms. Unfortunately, one fairy and his portal-making orrery wreak havoc unleashes a mass of alien monsters on the desert oasis. Our new team of monster-hunting gumshoes must do damage control and (hopefully) track down the missing grooms while they’re …

1
Episode 1: Aubade, Desert Jewel 1:10:50

2M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

Welcome to our series interlude, where we depart from our regular tabletop to play Monster of the Week! In the city of Aubade - home to our season one cast - a royal wedding is set to take place. Chaos at the Sun Temple interrupts the proceedings, and our party is thrown headfirst into their first encounter. Content warnings for this week’s episode…

1
Episode 26: Portal Quandaries and Answers 1:13:14

3M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Your portal queries revisited! Join us for our post-season Q&A to explore how our party developed over season 2, wrap up lingering questions, and see if Rosie can name all 123 goats before Close of Business. You'll also get a teaser into our between-seasons mini-arc coming up while we prepare for season 3! Content warnings for this episode include …

1
The Quiet Year: Spring 1:01:35

4M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

While we prepare for our mid-season arc, take a listen to the first episode of our Patreon-exclusive series - The Quiet Year. If you want to listen to the rest, head over to our Patreon at patreon.com/PortalQuandary! Volcanos, flowers, fresh bread, and a charismatic young woman. Welcome to the first episode of our patreon-exclusive miniseries! The …

1
Episode 25: The Astroglamos 1:27:01

4M ago1:27:01

1:27:01

Glamos is here… Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language, fantasy violence, and mentions of animal death. Join our Patreon Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on Facebook Follow us on Threads Dungeon Master, Editing, and Community Manager is Tyrone Cross Noah is Steven Edwards Timothy is Olive Jerome Lucille is …

1
Episode 24: Moving Day 57:40

5M ago57:40

57:40

In the penultimate episode, the party prepares for their final battle and says their last goodbyes to the city that helped them. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language. Join our Patreon Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on Facebook Follow us on Threads Dungeon Master, Editing, and Community Manager is Tyrone…

1
“The Secret Life of Data: Navigating Hype and Uncertainty” with Aram Sinnreich and Jesse Gilbert 1:07:49

6M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

As fresh algorithms and new analytical methods emerge, existing datasets can uncover insights beyond their original purpose. Regardless of their intended use, data often possess hidden potentials and always have a “secret life”. “How this data will be used, by other people in other times and places, has profound implications for every aspect of our…

1
Episode 23: The Antimagic Essence 59:23

6M ago59:23

59:23

Armed with the final essence, the team returns to Lambence to complete the orrery. The world outside the skyscraper has changed as the effects of destroying Exanimus befall the region, and the stakes get uncomfortably higher. Both Lambence and our wayward party must scramble to make preparations, or risk losing their last chance of going home. Cont…

1
“Off-Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space” with Dr Erika Nesvold 48:40

6M ago48:40

48:40

As humanity sets its sights on venturing beyond the confines of Earth, it is immensely important to acknowledge that the journey to space is not merely a technological feat, but a profoundly human endeavour. From pinpointing destinations to preparing flight plans, from developing generational ships to designing habitats, from selecting teams to est…

1
Episode 22: The Astroexanimus 1:03:01

6M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

The truth of the Astroexanimus is revealed. Separated and losing health, the party must race to the essence before their time runs out. Will they escape in time, or will the looming skyscraper become the tomb of yet another victim? Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language. Join our Patreon Find us on Instagram Follow us on T…

1
Episode 21: Noah Baker 56:12

7M ago56:12

56:12

Without magic and facing down a new enemy, the party must think outside the box in order to defeat their opponent. The wayward bard is finally found. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language, fantasy violence, suggestive language, and references to alcohol. Join our Patreon Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on…

1
“Evolutionary Intelligence: How Technology Will Make Us Smarter” with Professor W. Russell Neuman 42:06

7M ago42:06

42:06

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most remarkable advancements of our time. It is a powerful evolving technology that has transformed the way we interact with machines and perceive the capabilities of computer systems. However, with this newfound power comes a natural apprehension. There is a noticeable fear surrounding the uni…

1
Episode 20: Exanimus 1:02:06

8M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

The final journey begins. The group makes their way into the strangely familiar Exanimus to retrieve the final essence for their dimension-travelling orrery. As they venture further in, unsettling revelations are made as an old mystery unravels. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language and mentions of blood. Find us on Insta…

1
“Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity Centered” with Professor Don Norman 1:00:44

8M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Has human behaviour pushed our world to the edge, especially the mistaken belief that the earth’s resources are infinite? And can a shift in human behaviour rescue us? The challenges we face, from collapsing social structures to the climate crisis, have been centuries in the making. It is immensely critical that we take immediate and decisive actio…

1
Episode 19: The Essence of Air 55:09

9M ago55:09

55:09

The party prepares for their foray into Exanimus with mixed results. The debate over whether to trust the summer court with the orrery continues. Meanwhile, Cleary gets a message from an unexpected source. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language and references to alcohol. Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on …

1
“The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment” with Eric Siegel 45:07

9M ago45:07

45:07

The most powerful tool often comes with the greatest challenges. In recent times Machine learning has emerged as the world's leading general-purpose technology, yet its implementation remains notably complex. Beyond the realm of Big Tech and a select few leading enterprises, many machine learning initiatives don’t succeed, failing to deliver on the…

1
“Sharing Our Science: How to Write and Speak STEM” with Professor Brandon Brown 59:06

9M ago59:06

59:06

Science communication plays an important role in bridging the gap between researchers and the general public, fostering understanding, engagement, and appreciation for scientific explorations and advancements. In an era where science and technology shape every aspect of our lives, effective communication of research findings is more critical than e…

1
Episode 18: The Astroavos 54:40

9M ago54:40

54:40

The Astroavos' vague instructions are dispensed and the party commences with a game in the palace of clouds. Will they find the essence of air, or will the Astroavos find them first? And what happens if it does? Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language and fantasy violence. Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on…

1
Episode 17: Magnolia 1:03:41

10M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

The team makes their way to Avos! Ascending into the cloud castle with their new gadgets, their search for the essence of air begins. Magnolia acts as the party’s diplomat, but Timmit is less keen on the castle’s inhabitants. . . Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language. Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on Fa…

1
Episode 16: Avos 1:03:25

11M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Tempers flare after Timmit catches Noah prying. Magnolia performs another aetherbloom experiment, and Lucille seeks answers about the voice in her head. Meanwhile, with the bounty of gems gathered in Novis, Timmit finds a way to help equip the team for their foray upwards into Avos. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language. …

1
Episode 15: The Essence of Fire 57:01

11M ago57:01

57:01

Having retrieved the essence of fire, the group makes their way back to Lambence to prepare for their next journey. However, their report to Cleary is not well-received, and Timmit voices growing suspicion about the true intentions of their fairy friends. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language. Find us on Instagram Follow …

1
Episode 14: Portal Quandaries and Answers 1:07:15

12M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Your quandaries are answered! Join us for a mid-season break as Tyrone and the players answer questions about their characters, themselves, and theorise about what’s in store for the second half of season 2! Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language. Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on Facebook Follow us on Th…

1
Episode 13: The Astronovis 55:42

1y ago55:42

55:42

Magnolia and Noah make conversation with the Astronovis, but Timmit and Lucille are less inclined for chit-chat. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language. Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on Facebook Follow us on Threads Dungeon Master, Community Manager, and Editing is Tyrone Cross Noah is Steven Edwards Tim…

1
Episode 12: Lustris 1:01:20

1y ago1:01:20

1:01:20

The team makes their descent into the mines of Novis and begin the search for Cleary’s gem. As usual, they encounter a rocky situation - though this one is rockier than most. Lucille makes a friend that reminds her of home. Meanwhile, Timmit hears some unsettling noises. . . Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language and fanta…

1
Episode 11: Novis 1:08:03

1y ago1:08:03

1:08:03

The party issues a public apology to the city of Lambence on Tea Day. As they prepare for their descent into Novis, they make some new discoveries about the city's past and the nature of the Astrolustris. Lucille gets a glimpse of home, while Noah and Timmit reach out to Thaumus for some arcane assistance. Content warnings for this week’s episode i…

1
“The Good-Enough Life” with Dr Avram Alpert 57:29

1y ago57:29

57:29

We live in a society driven by a relentless pursuit of greatness, where we are constantly pushed to attain the highest levels of wealth, power, and fame. This relentless fixation on greatness leads to stress and anxiety, strains our interpersonal connections, fosters extensive political and economic disparities, and contributes to the deterioration…

1
Episode 10: The Essence of Earth 59:44

1y ago59:44

59:44

The group returns to Lambence and has a history lesson about the Summer Court. Noah has fun with a new skill, while Timmit finds his footing with the others. Meanwhile, new information arises about Kyros's role in the current state of events. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language. Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok …

1
Episode 9: The Astrotheran 55:23

1+ y ago55:23

55:23

Having survived the tricks and traps of the pyramid, the party gets ready to rumble in a showdown against the Astrotheran! Sometimes, however, battle and sacrifice go hand in hand. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language and fantasy violence. Find us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Like us on Facebook Follow us on Threads …

1
“Sentience: The Invention of Consciousness” with Professor Nicholas Humphrey 1:09:09

1+ y ago1:09:09

1:09:09

We experience, thus we exist. Our conscious perceptions form the foundation of our self-awareness. They play a vital role in shaping our understanding of ourselves as sentient beings: present, alive, and significant. However, what is the origin of consciousness, and how does the process of experiencing sensations and developing a sense of awareness…

1
Episode 8: Lucille Von Goat 1:06:05

1+ y ago1:06:05

1:06:05

Lucille faces the consequences of her actions as our team ventures further into Theran. Noah struggles with the desert heat, and the party navigates the Astrotheran's den. There may or may not be magic mushrooms involved. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language and brief references to alcohol. Find us on Instagram Follow us…

1
Episode 7: Theran 1:02:36

1+ y ago1:02:36

1:02:36

The team returns to Lambence and convenes with Cleary to resupply before their next outing. Magnolia investigates the mysterious aetherbloom and comes to a concerning conclusion, while Timmit gets a crash-course in magical schooling. Noah makes a new friend, and Lucille comes to the King with a proposal. Content warnings for this week’s episode inc…

1
“The Smartness Mandate” with Professor Orit Halpern 56:21

1+ y ago56:21

56:21

Smartness has permeated our lives in the form of smartphones, smart cars, smart homes, and smart cities. It has become a mandate, a pervasive force that governs politics, economics, and the environment. As our world faces increasingly complex challenges, the drive for ubiquitous computing raises important questions. What exactly is this 'smartness …

1
“Ending Epidemics: A History of Escape from Contagion” with Richard Conniff 56:33

1+ y ago56:33

56:33

It is difficult to imagine a not-so-distant past when deadly diseases were a routine part of life. Even more astonishing is the fact that during that time, prevailing medical beliefs attributed these diseases to harmful miasmas, bodily humors, and divine dyspepsia. However, a groundbreaking revelation occurred with the discovery of the world of mic…

1
Episode 6: The Essence of Water 1:02:34

1+ y ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Newly armed with the essence, the party returns to Lambence to regroup. Magnolia has a strange experience that sheds new light on the portal quandary so far, and Timmit struggles to find his place on the team. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language, suggestive language, and references to alcohol. Find us on Instagram Follo…

1
“Kendall Square and the Making of a Global Innovation Hub” with Robert Buderi 59:08

1+ y ago59:08

59:08

Kendall Square, situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has earned the reputation of being "the most innovative square mile on the planet." It serves as a vibrant epicentre for life sciences, housing renowned companies such as Biogen, Moderna, Pfizer, Takeda, and many others. Additionally, it stands as a prominent hub for technology, with giants like…

1
Episode 5: The Astroneptis 1:07:42

1+ y ago1:07:42

1:07:42

The party's stress levels are put to the test as they disagree on the best way to handle the Astroneptis. Timothy earns his place on the team, and Lucille leads a charge. Will the party come together for long enough to face their common foe, or will their infighting have dire consequences? Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse lan…

1
“Worlds Without End: Exoplanets, Habitability, and the Future of Humanity” with Prof. Chris Impey 42:30

1+ y ago42:30

42:30

When considering the long-term survival and sustainability of human civilization, two developments hold significant implications. Firstly, humanity has been recklessly depleting resources, causing species extinctions, and degrading essential elements for life on Earth for centuries. Secondly, advancements in the science of discovering habitable pla…

1
Episode 4: Timmit 57:55

1+ y ago57:55

57:55

The party encounters a few new faces, but loses track of others. We learn more about the goat system, Lucille and Magnolia’s friendship reaches a new level, and Noah plays favourites (no thopters were harmed in the making of this episode). Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language, fantasy violence, and mentions of animal dea…

1
Reclaiming Human Intelligence and “How to Stay Smart in a Smart World” with Prof. Gerd Gigerenzer 1:07:01

1+ y ago1:07:01

1:07:01

The future of technology is a subject of debate among experts. Some predict a bleak future where robots become dominant, leaving humans behind. Others, known as tech industry boosters, believe that replacing humans with software can lead to a better world. Critics of the tech industry express concern about the negative consequences of surveillance …

1
Episode 3: Neptis 57:21

1+ y ago57:21

57:21

The group takes their first step into Neptis, and Lucille learns about the joys of flying. Noah introduces some sweet new friends to the party. Magnolia puts her botanist hat on, and Hymnbo teaches the scouts a few important Earth customs. Don’t forget - when all else fails, follow the chimes! Content warnings this week include fantasy violence Fin…

1
“A Traveller’s Guide to the Stars” with Physicist, Author and Nasa Technologist Les Johnson 56:44

1+ y ago56:44

56:44

The ancient ambition of exploring the cosmos and possibly even inhabiting other planets may one day come true, as we discover more and more exoplanets and intend to develop innovative propulsion techniques suitable for interstellar travel. Projects like 100 Year Starship and Breakthrough Starshot enable us to study the challenges involved with a vi…

1
Episode 2: Lambence, The Wayfarers' City 1:01:25

1+ y ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Introductions abound! Our new party finds their footing in Lambence, the Wayfarers’ City as Moving Day takes place. Armed with knowledge about the world they now find themselves in, they take their first step towards getting back home. Content warnings for this week’s episode include references to fantasy violence, coarse language, and brief refere…

1
Episode 1: Glamos 1:06:49

1+ y ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Welcome to the first episode of Portal Quandary: Prophis! Meet Hymnbo, Noah, Magnolia and Lucille as their paths collide and they experience some unexpected lifestyle changes. They may be facing new troubles, but it’s ok - they’ve got this. Content warnings for this week’s episode include coarse language, references to alcohol, and fantasy violence…

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Portal Quandary Podcasts

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