Curiosity Weekly Podcast: Science The Way You Like It

 Discovery Channel is an American cable channel that used to be known for documentary television programming focused primarily on popular science, technology, and history. Over the years, it has been transformed into a schedule of reality television shows, promotion of pseudoscience, and conspiracy theories. On Discovery, there are people apparently running around naked in the woods and other people searching for gold. The cable channel should merge those shows into one where naked people search for gold.

That's why I was worried when one of the board members of Ear Worthy recommended Curiosity Weekly. However, after listening to several episodes, I can safely say: "No cause for alarm. Apparently, Warner Discovery CEO David Zaslov, destroyer of quality content, either doesn't know this podcast is on or doesn't care." 

Here's the show's marketing pitch: "Once a week, we'll bring you the latest and greatest in scientific discoveries." 

That was an encouraging start and, for the most part, they live up to that promise.

Discovery continues: "Welcome to Curiosity Weekly from Discovery, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine. Once a week, we’ll bring you the latest and greatest in scientific discoveries and break down the details so that you don’t need a PhD to understand it. From neuroscience to climate tech to AI and genetics, no subject is off-limits. Join Sam as she interviews expert guests and investigates the research guiding some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs affecting our world today."

The host, Dr. Samantha Yammine, PhD is a Neuroscientist turned Science Communicator, also known as Science Sam. Through social media, TV screens and keynote stages, she has built an engaged community encouraging people to explore science by making it more accessible, inclusive and fun.

As a host, Dr. Yammine does an excellent job. She's engaged, witty, informative, and inclusive.

What's on the show? What's the format? Let's discuss.

 The format includes three topics each episode. On the latest February 18th show, watch how Discovery tied content on their MAX streaming service to the podcast.

"The White Lotus is about to be back on our screens on Max, so today, we’re diving into the latest trend among elite travelers: longevity tourism. Then, our host Sam speaks to Dr. Jodi Halpern about the mental health effects that come along with the rise of AI technology. And finally, we explore the ins and outs of fracking."

Since its new format in January, listeners like myself have learned about Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria found on ISS mutating to become functionally distinct. In one of my favorite segments, left-handed musicians, appear to develop unique brain pathways for language processing. (I knew we were special, and not just because our handwriting sucks.)

There was a timely episode on the FDA banning red dye No. 3 from foods, nearly 35 years after it was barred from cosmetics because of potential cancer risk. Then, the show explored the benefits of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), which is a controversial topic. 

 There are several science podcasts we can also recommend. Big Picture Science. It's a terrific podcast that exposes junk science, highlights new scientific discoveries, and finds the science in everyday life. Big Picture Science is produced at the SETI Institute’s radio studio in Mountain View, California.

Short Wave is a National Public Radio (NPR) podcast that gives us a sneak peek behind the science headlines — all in about 10 minutes, every weekday. It's science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor.

If you are a physics nerd, then try Why This Universe  -- The biggest ideas in physics, broken down. Join theoretical physicist Dan Hooper and co-host Shalma Wegsman as they answer your questions about dark matter, black holes, quantum mechanics, and more. 

If you're interested in real science, then check out Curiosity Weekly.