Best Science Jerks Podcasts (2025)

1
Recovering from Bullying at Work: Insights from TV Executive Andy Regal 57:28

Play Pause

6h ago57:28

57:28

My guest for Episode #331 of My Favorite Mistake is Andy Regal, a longtime media executive whose career has included leadership roles at The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, Consumer Reports, Court TV, and CBS College Sports. He is also the author of the forthcoming book, “Surviving Bully Culture: A Career Spent Navigating Workplace Bullying and a Guide…

1
The Science of Cannabis: Does It Help or Hurt With Anxiety? Is It Addictive? What's the Safest Way To Use It? | Dr. Riley Kirk 1:14:52

22h ago1:14:52

1:14:52

Everything you want to know about cannabis, but were afraid to ask. Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist and educator with a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry. Her new book is Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicines. In this episode we talk about: The endocannabino…

1
The rise of the introverts 27:23

1d ago27:23

27:23

Turns out those personality tests you’re taking online are all wrong. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Khosrork/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. List…

1
How to Keep Your Cool in a Room Full of Chaos Gremlins | Jeff Warren 12:07

2d ago12:07

12:07

If you've ever found yourself immediately abandoning your adult composure the second someone around you gets upset, we've got your back. In today's episode, the inimitable Jeff Warren returns with a practice to help you stop absorbing everyone else's stress and start holding healthy boundaries without turning into a jerk. Jeff — who is both a dear …

1
When You're Afraid to Slow Down — Even Though You Need To 43:35

4d ago43:35

43:35

Today we're talking about how to calm your mind in a chaotic world. What you're about to hear is an interview with Dan, conducted by his new friend Hoda Kotb, another morning news veteran. Hoda was, for many years, the co-anchor of the Today Show on NBC. Now, among other things, she hosts a podcast called Making Space. You'll hear Dan and Hoda talk…

1
“Configured in the Appropriate Manner?” — The Landing Gear That Almost Stayed Up - Mistake of the Week 4:36

5d ago4:36

4:36

In this Mistake of the Week, Mark Graban breaks down an incident involving an American Airlines A319 on final approach to Phoenix — captured on video with its landing gear still up. A cockpit alert sounded, the crew realized what was missing, and the pilots executed a safe go-around. Their explanation to air traffic control? A perfectly understated…

1
Jack Kornfield on How to Stay Sane in Insane Times 1:17:17

6d ago1:17:17

1:17:17

Plus: Saying thank you to your anxiety and the opportunity in the dumpster fire. Jack Kornfield, who trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma, then returned to the US, where he became one of the leading voices in Buddhism in the West. He co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with Sharon…

1
Gods of the Smoke Machine (with Scott Latta) 57:48

7d ago57:48

57:48

Author Scott Latta's new book examines and exposes the dark side(s) of the American megachurch. Get the book: VIDEO of this conversation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist

1
Why Curiosity Drives Better Leadership: Debra Clary on Avoiding Assumptions and Unlocking Performance 40:47

5d ago40:47

40:47

My guest for Episode #330 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Debra Clary, a leadership strategist, researcher, and executive coach with more than four decades of experience at organizations including Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Jack Daniel’s, and Humana. Episode page with video, transcript, and more She’s also a TEDx speaker, former off-Broadway perfo…

1
Do You Care Too Much What Other People Think of You? Avoid Conflict? Say Yes When You Shouldn't? | Dr. Ingrid Clayton, Fawning Expert 1:15:53

8d ago1:15:53

1:15:53

Practical tools to turn down the volume on fawning. Dr. Ingrid Clayton is a licensed clinical psychologist with a master's in transpersonal psychology and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Her book is FAWNING: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves—and How to Find our Way Back. In this episode we talk about: What is fawning, actually Chronic …

1
Working With a Brain That Doesn't Behave | Jeff Warren 27:35

9d ago27:35

27:35

Ever feel like your mind is constantly bouncing around? You're not alone. In this episode, DJ Cashmere sits down with meditation teacher Jeff Warren, who has spent decades exploring consciousness, neurodivergence, and the practical side of meditation. Jeff shares his own experience with ADHD, bipolarity, and the ups and downs of life, offering tool…

1
Trapped in Makaton 36:58

10d ago36:58

36:58

Send us a text Carrie and Megan talk about Makaton, an artificial sign-based system, particularly Sara Novič's article about it. Support the show Contact us: Threads us @vocalfriespod Bluesky us @vocalfriespod.bsky.social Email us at [email protected] Thanks for listening and keep calm and fry on…

1
When Your Mind Won't Stop, Try This | Vinny Ferraro 44:12

11d ago44:12

44:12

If you've ever felt like your inner life is a clenched fist — tight belly, buzzing chest, racing mind — this conversation is for you. In this live session from our DanHarris.com sangha, the great Vinny Ferraro takes us on a kind of "return to the body" safari: soft-belly practice, heart-work, nervous system regulation, forgiving the seemingly unfor…

1
No F#!Ks Left to Give: A Thanksgiving Livestream 1:25:16

12d ago1:25:16

1:25:16

With the holidays upon us, there's never been a time to be at your wits' end. Enjoy this pre-Thanksgiving mix of rants and calls! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist

1
Why You Always Want More, And How To Fix It | Michael Easter 1:09:36

13d ago1:09:36

1:09:36

Learning how to thrive with enough. Michael Easter is the New York Times bestselling author of Scarcity Brain and The Comfort Crisis. He also shares his ideas on his popular newsletter, 2% with Michael Easter. In this episode we talk about: The evolutionary roots of overconsumption The challenges of having an ancient brains in a modern world The Sc…

1
Zionism: The Messy Story of the Biblical State of Israel 58:38

14d ago58:38

58:38

End-of-the-World prophecies and global foreign policy often involve Zion. But what is it, and how do skeptics compassionately and correctly approach the persecution of and propaganda by today's Nation of Israel? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.…

1
From Toxic Culture to Empathic Leadership: How Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller Turned Pain into Purpose 41:58

15d ago41:58

41:58

My guest for Episode #329 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, a TEDx speaker, empathy and leadership expert, and author of The Empathic Leader: How EQ via Empathy Transforms Leadership for Better Profit, Productivity, and Innovation. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Melissa shares the story of her “fa…

1
A Radical Buddhist Antidote for Anxiety | John Makransky and Paul Condon 53:45

15d ago53:45

53:45

Combining modern science and ancient Buddhism to treat anxiety, anger, and impatience. John Makransky is a professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology at Boston College, AND ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist lama. Paul Condon is an associate professor of psychology at Southern Oregon University and a research fellow at the Mind & Life Institute. Bo…

1
Talk turkey to me 29:37

16d ago29:37

29:37

How this big, lean bird became the staple of the most American of meals. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Hill and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of the National Thanksgiving turkey by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800…

1
Why Work Feels So Hard — And What to Do About It 1:02:41

16d ago1:02:41

1:02:41

We're bringing you an episode of one of our favorite podcasts, The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos, on which Dan was a guest. We can spend a lot of time working – and it gives us fulfillment, social interaction and fun – but still one in five of us say our workplaces are "toxic". And even the best jobs can sometimes be stressful and draining. …

1
The Dharma of Anxiety and Depression | Leslie Booker 31:12

18d ago31:12

31:12

Anxiety. Depression. Perfectionism. Dan and meditation teacher Leslie Booker get real about how these challenges show up in their own lives — and how mindfulness, community, and sometimes medication can actually help. Recorded live at New York Insight, this conversation is honest, funny, and surprisingly hopeful. Related Episodes: Buddhist Lessons …

1
Unlearning Old Habits on the Pickleball Court - Mistake of the Week 4:06

19d ago4:06

4:06

In this edition of Mistake of the Week, Mark Graban tells a story that didn’t appear in any safety report or headline — it happened on a pickleball court. Early in learning the sport, Mark found his old tennis instincts taking over, leading to a very incorrect serve and a moment of embarrassment. What followed was a small but meaningful lesson in f…

1
How To Get Out Of Your Head: Joseph Goldstein and Sam Harris on Nirvana, Non-Clinging, Non-Duality, and the Best Way to Meditate 1:31:13

20d ago1:31:13

1:31:13

Which is the best path to freedom? Joseph Goldstein is a cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, both in Barre, Massachusetts. He is the author of many books including, most recently, Dreamscapes of the Mind. Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, author, podcaster and the proprietor of the Waking Up app. In …

1
The Hypocrites & the Hang-Ups (with Matt Dillahunty) 1:25:19

21d ago1:25:19

1:25:19

Matt joins Seth for a chat about video games, the Democrats, civil war, penis snakes, and more! VIDEO of this conversation Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist

1
Longevity Science Without the Fear or Bullshit | Dr. Kerry Burnight 1:14:05

22d ago1:14:05

1:14:05

An expert in Gerontology shares the four core habits for aging well. Dr. Kerry Burnight is a gerontologist, caregiver advocate, and founder of the Gerontology Institute at UC Irvine. Her new book, Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half, offers a practical framework for aging not just longer, but better. In this episode we ta…

1
The case for renting forever 29:18

23d ago29:18

29:18

Housing prices aren't coming down, and that's challenging us to redefine the American dream. Maybe renting isn't so bad? This story was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. The episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and host…

1
Why You're Always Half-Stressed — and How to Chill | Christiane Wolf 28:40

23d ago28:40

28:40

If you feel like you spend most of your day on edge — not totally panicked, but not exactly calm either — you're not alone. Most of us live in what meditation teacher Dr. Christiane Wolf calls "yellow mode": a state of low-level vigilance that keeps us productive, but also keeps us anxious, reactive, and exhausted. In this conversation with DJ Cash…

1
Isaac Asimov: The Last Question 43:04

25d ago43:04

43:04

Enjoy a 35-minute reading of one of sci-fi author and scientist Isaac Asimov's greatest stories. PDF of "The Last Question" Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist

1
Sebene Selassie On How To Be "Non-Attached" When the Stakes Are High 41:58

25d ago41:58

41:58

How do you stay calm when the stakes are sky-high — like your kid's health, your partner's wellbeing, or the future of the planet? How do you face chronic pain without falling into self-pity? And how do you actually turn meditation from a good intention into a real habit? In this bonus episode, Dan sits down with the brilliant meditation teacher an…

1
The 531 Patients Who Weren’t Dead Yet - Mistake of the Week 6:30

25d ago6:30

6:30

In this week’s Mistake of the Week, Mark Graban tells the story of a Maine hospital system that accidentally mailed condolence letters to 531 very-much-alive patients. The cause? A computer glitch — and a few missing fail-safes. Mark explores what this bizarre mix-up reveals about system design, automation, and trust in healthcare. Beyond the absur…

1
How to Engage with Technology Without Losing Your Mind | Soren Gordhamer 1:14:49

27d ago1:14:49

1:14:49

How not to forget what actually matters. Soren Gordhamer is the host of Wisdom 2.0, a conference about mindfulness and compassion in the modern age. He's also a Co-Founder and General Partner of Wisdom Ventures, which invests in companies creating a more just and compassionate world. His new book is called THE ESSENTIAL: Discovering What Really Mat…

1
It's a Brutal Time to Be Even Remotely Intelligent 1:21:40

28d ago1:21:40

1:21:40

The United States is experiencing an epidemic of anti-intellectualism. We discuss that and a whole lot more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist

1
Overwhelmed? Over-Scheduled? Burnt Out? Here's the Antidote. | Diana Hill 1:18:24

29d ago1:18:24

1:18:24

How to focus your "genius energy" on what matters most. Diana Hill, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, podcast host, and a leading expert on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—a revolutionary approach to psychology that is changing our understanding of mental health. She is the author of four books including I Know I Shou…

1
Why your health insurance is so expensive 30:24

30d ago30:24

30:24

It’s open enrollment season, and new health insurance premiums are causing sticker shock around the country. So how do you pick a health care plan that won’t break the bank? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill…

1
How to Co-Opt All the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Your Meditation | Christiane Wolf 13:25

30d ago13:25

13:25

It's one of those ideas that sounds kind of like a Zen riddle, but actually turns out to be incredibly useful: what's in the way is the way. If you've ever sat down to meditate and thought, "Ugh, I can't focus — my mind's all over the place," or, "If only this restlessness would go away, then I could really meditate," this one's for you. Christiane…

1
Mrs Sno's First Solo Adventure (and How We Felt About It) 1:01:23

1M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

After a two-month break, Mr and Mrs Sno are back—refreshed, reconnected, and ready to share something big. In this episode, Mrs Sno opens up about her very first solo-play experience: how it started, the red flags that almost stopped it, and what it felt like to finally cross that line without Mr Sno in the room. They talk through trust, jealousy, …

1
SNAP out of it! - Republican Jesus Wants You Hungry 1:16:26

1M ago1:16:26

1:16:26

Lots of interesting conversation about the recent U.S. elections, SNAP, and far too many who want cruelty in their Christianity. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist

1
Is the News Making You Hate Everybody? Here's a Radical Antidote. 57:10

1M ago57:10

57:10

We're sharing an episode of The Paula Faris Show on which Dan was a guest. Here's Paula's introduction: From theological debates to newsroom banter, Dan Harris and I couldn't be more different — I grew up in a Midwest Conservative Christian home, while Dan grew up as an East Coast Liberal who had a Bar Mitzvah for the money (his words!). But our un…

1
How To Be Less Tense | GuoGu 1:15:42

1M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Plus: How to take your thoughts less seriously and be the calmest person in the room. GuoGu (AKA Dr. Jimmy Yu) is the founder of the Tallahassee Chan Center and a Professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions at Florida State University. He is the author of several books, including The Essence of Chan (2012), Passing Through the Gateless Barrier (…

1
George Orwell: Don't Say I Didn't Warn You 45:41

1M ago45:41

45:41

In "1984," Orwell described a thought-police totalitarian state. How prescient was he? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.By The Thinking Atheist

1
Are They Really a Narcissist? Do They Really Have Borderline? Are They Truly Gaslighting You? How To Know. And What To Do When People Weaponize Therapy-Speak Against You. | Isabelle Morley 1:07:49

1M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

How to handle people better. Isabelle Morley is a clinical psychologist and EFT-certified couples therapist (Emotionally Focused Therapy). She is a contributing author to Psychology Today, and has been featured in The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, Business Insider, Vox, and Very Well Mind, among others. Her latest book is They're Not Gaslighting Yo…

1
That text is a scam 30:32

1M ago30:32

30:32

You know those annoying scam texts offering an easy, remote job? We find out how they work, why they're so ubiquitous and the dark world behind them. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton with help from Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Brandon McFarland…

1
Is Your Ambition Rooted in Trauma? | Christiane Wolf 30:55

1M ago30:55

30:55

What if the very thing you think is blocking your progress in meditation — or in life — is actually the doorway forward? In this conversation with Dr. Christiane Wolf, hosted by DJ Cashmere, we explore how to work with expectations, frustration, and the belief that life needs to be different before we can be okay. Christiane shares clear, compassio…

1
Duct Tape for Your Inner Critic (Gently, of Course) | Dawn Mauricio 39:15

1M ago39:15

39:15

If your inner narrator won't give it a rest — constantly judging, narrating, or second-guessing you — you're in good company. In this live conversation from our weekly Substack sessions, Dan sits down with meditation teacher Dawn Mauricio to explore how to work with the nonstop chatter in your mind. They dig into common pitfalls like self-judgment,…

1
Scary Words for a Scary World 30:21

1M ago30:21

30:21

Send us a text Carrie and Megan talk about random words that are scary or scary-adjacent. facsism eldritch ghost vampire Support the show Contact us: Threads us @vocalfriespod Bluesky us @vocalfriespod.bsky.social Email us at [email protected] Thanks for listening and keep calm and fry onBy The Vocal Fries

1
How To Stay Open and Curious Even When You're Exhausted or Annoyed | Sarah Ruhl 1:14:44

1M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

An antidote to boredom and stuckness. Sarah Ruhl is an award-winning American playwright, author, essayist, and professor. Her latest book is Lessons from My Teachers: From Preschool to the Present. In this episode we talk about: How to orient towards the world with an eagerness to learn How to approach our lives not only as students, but also as t…

1
Wrapped in the Flag: The Perversion of Patriotism in MAGA America 45:19

1M ago45:19

45:19

These days, the American flag just "hits different." At the recent California Freethought Day in Sacramento, Seth Andrews spoke about how the stars and stripes have been weaponized against free citizens. SPEECH VIDEO Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.…

1
Looking Back: Katie Anderson & Isao Yoshino on Learning, Leadership, and Mistakes 39:35

1M ago39:35

39:35

We’re going back to Episode 30 from January 2021, featuring Katie Anderson — author of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn — and Isao Yoshino, the longtime Toyota leader whose career and lessons inspired her book. Episode page with video, transcript, and more It was such a privilege to talk with them then, and even more meaningful now, because I rec…