Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod.

So, what did you miss?

A lot of the episodes this year looked at processes we’re supposed to put our faith in – the things that are supposed to make our lives more sustainable or our impact on

Are we doomed? A psychologist’s guide to climate anxiety

The world feels like a really bad parody movie right now – but it’s not funny. There’s a constant background hum of dread – climate change, biodiversity collapse, war – a

Did you fall for the myth? How misinformation & racism made MSG a monster

MSG causes headaches, chest tightness, tingling arms and weakness - or at least that’s what we’ve all been told. For decades, MSG was considered public enemy number one,

Superfoods, or super scam? How 'superfoods' aren't really super for anyone...

There is a food trend that aims to give you glowing skin, supercharged memory, endless energy, and protection from every disease that you can probably think of. You’ll ha

It's not me, it's my star sign

Why do people still believe in horoscopes, even when we know they’re not true? (If this is you, I'm curious, not judging.) For nearly a century, people have turned to ho

Cycling is the solution to all our problems

I have the best news: we already have the solution to all of our problems. This could save over 8 million lives a year, make us live longer with fewer sick days, save b

Is bottled water really better for you?

So, bottled water is kind of a scam. People think it’s healthier and safer, despite zero evidence to back that up. So… is it all just one giant marketing con? Well… kinda

You asked: coffee vs tea, milk choices & the bioplastic myth

Welcome to another This or That episode! I break down the least impactful options from things you’ve been asking about. This episode is actually a repost, because some

You asked: 3 sustainability questions - lightbulbs, bags & food

Welcome to a This or That episode! I break down the least impactful options from things you’ve been asking about. This episode is actually a repost, because some of yo

The $20,000 microplastic hoax and other 'wellness' scams

Welcome to the first episode under the brand-new banner, Because Why?! The show where my curiosity gets the better of me, and I drag you along for the ride. (You're welco

Physics myths busted: 5G, airplane toilets, and cats with toast

A few weeks ago, we had the amazing physicist, science writer, and communicator Laurie Winkless on the podcast. She was so great, one episode wasn’t enough... so she’s ba

Animals you hate that are actually awesome - with Bethany Brookshire (Part 2)

Welcome back to Part 2 of a fascinating kōrero with science journalist and author Bethany Brookshire. This one gets a smidge more controversial... We talk about the anim

Animals you hate that are actually awesome - with Bethany Brookshire

You know when you see someone on social media and you just KNOW they'll be amazing to chat to? Well, that's Bethany Brookshire for you. Bethany is a science journalist,

How to tell science stories that make people care, with physicist Laurie Winkless.

Today's guest is Laurie Winkless. She's a physicist, a science writer and she's the only person I know who's actually made writing about friction interesting. You could s

Politics and positivity with Dave Richards

I wanted to talk about politics and combating polarising opinions… but I didn’t want to get dark about it. So, to help, I’ve called in my friend and optimism security bl

The ocean makes half your oxygen - should we really mine it?

About half of the oxygen that you are breathing right now is made in the ocean. And last year, scientists found that some of it is made three kilometres down in total dar

Need a break from bad news? Positive stories you might have missed

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the last few episodes have been somewhat… bleak. There’s been a lot to discuss around climate change, governments, and corruption, bu

You're not immune to disinformation: 6 ways we all fall for it

You reckon you’re immune to propaganda and disinformation, right? A critical thinker who sees through the rubbish. I thought the same - until I realised I’m way more lik

We’re halfway through, so how is this Government doing?

Well, we are officially halfway through the election cycle. The coalition government has been in place for about 18 months now. David Seymour is our Deputy Prime Minister

Still arguing about climate change? Listen to this first (Microgreens)

Are you tired of arguing about climate change with your uncle, or your co-worker, or that weird person online? Welcome to the club. Now, if you really want to keep bangi