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Artwork for Science Friction

Science Friction

ABC Australia
Artemis II
NASA
Moon
Quantum Computing
Carnivore Diet
Ice Cream
Diabetes
Genetic Engineering
Gene Editing
Internet Addiction
Mental Health
Attention Span
Challenger Disaster
Epidemiology
Nutrition
Social Media
Tech Addiction
Smartphone Addiction
Technology Addiction
Dolly the Sheep

Quantum computers could be the next giant leap in technology — transforming how we heal people, how we grow food, how we get around our cities. So how close are we to the quantum future we've been promised? For Science Friction on ABC Radio National, Jacinta Bowler unpacks how the weird world of quantum physics could change everything. Hear about the surprising twists, the quantum cat-fights and t... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes404Founded9 years ago
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Society & CultureScience

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Artwork for Science Friction

Latest Episodes

When it comes to the often incomprehensible world of quantum, it can be hard to distinguish hype from reality.

We might be on the verge of a breakthrough ... or tech start-ups might be trying to drum up momentum for the benefit of their stakeholder... more

You might not know it, but Australia is an unexpected frontrunner in the race to build a quantum computer.

Despite our isolation, leading quantum experts have called Australia home for decades, chipping away at this massive challenge.

What have w... more

It's 1994, and a mathematical algorithm puts a spotlight on quantum computing for the first time.

Defence departments, spy agencies and cybersecurity experts are on edge over the explosive Shor's algorithm.

They spend decades and billions of dollar... more

Google announces it has achieved something game changing — quantum supremacy. But not everybody agrees.

The company claims its quantum computer called Sycamore has solved a problem that no classical computer could manage in hundreds of thousands of ... more

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Recent Guests

Michelle Simmons
Founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing, quantum physicist
Silicon Quantum Computing
Episode: 03 | Dead and Alive: Plucky country
Peter Thorne
Formerly connected to Csirac project guidance and later a tour guide in the episode
Independent Science Historian/Engineer
Episode: 03 | Dead and Alive: Plucky country
Geoff Pryde
Chief Technical Director for PsiQuantum in Australia
PsiQuantum
Episode: 03 | Dead and Alive: Plucky country
Henry Everitt
Physicist, US Army researcher involved in early quantum computing work
US Army (historical), University/Defense-related research
Episode: 02 | Dead and Alive: Quantum attack
Peter Shaw
Computer scientist who formulated Shaw's algorithm
Independent researcher (historical), academic
Episode: 02 | Dead and Alive: Quantum attack
Charles Clark
Physicist, long-time NIST employee
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Episode: 02 | Dead and Alive: Quantum attack
Scott Young
Livestock and cropping farmer interviewed on site
Australian farming industry
Episode: 01 | Dead and Alive: Battle for quantum supremacy
John Martinis
Physicist associated with quantum computing history
University/Google/Quantum hardware history
Episode: 01 | Dead and Alive: Battle for quantum supremacy
Gideon Lichfield
Science journalist providing context on Google/IBM rivalry
WIRE/SciComm
Episode: 01 | Dead and Alive: Battle for quantum supremacy

Hosts

Jacinta Bowler
Host and science reporter guiding interviews with a focus on clear explanations of complex science.
Belinda Smith
Host with a strong focus on science communication and Artemis explorations.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 661 ratings
  • Excellent podcast

    Such a great podcast. Informative and fun to listen to!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AmandaJNewbery
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • Great Presenters

    Really enjoyed the smart funny and well put together work of Belinda and Jacinta. More from these two please!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ENeeri
    Australia4 months ago
  • Most extraordinary

    Haven’t listened to this regularly since they’ve been without their amazing former host (?) It’s ok though. Thanks for covering Artemis 2 daily.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    äöjdå
    New Zealand4 months ago
  • Artemis explained, interesting and accessible.

    Love listening to this podcast! Learning about space and the planets in junior high school many years ago was fun and engaging but was not what I pursued in my senior and university studies. So much fun revisiting the science of space and recalling why I loved it so much. Thanks for terrific and engaging episodes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mos67
    Australia4 months ago
  • Fantastic concise recap

    Thank you guys, absolutely loved this recap. So clear and concise and refreshingly interesting and entertaining 🚀🚀🚀

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Appollo tragic
    Australia5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The hosts are praised for smart, engaging delivery and practical insights from guests.
Some episodes are liked for their on-ground reporting and expert context, though a few criticisms note bias or bias-like framing in some episodes.
Listeners appreciate the accessible yet thorough treatment of science topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Spotify
#25
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#11
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#46
Hong Kong/Science
Apple Podcasts
#79
New Zealand/Science
Apple Podcasts
#101
Saudi Arabia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#130
Russia/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

01 | Dead and Alive: Battle for quantum supremacy
Q: What did Google actually demonstrate with the Sycamore processor?
Google demonstrated a quantum computer performing a task faster than a classical supercomputer for a specific random sampling problem, signaling a dramatic step forward even if the immediate real-world applications were not clear.
04 | Artemis Explained: Halfway to the Moon
Q: What makes someone qualified to leave planet Earth, and what was the selection process?
The selection process pools thousands of applicants each year and looks for a blend of flight training (often via Navy or Air Force backgrounds), advanced degrees in relevant fields, physical fitness, health, and specific physical parameters, such as height and vision, with the commander and mission specialists bringing diverse engineering and scientific expertise; Artemis II reflects this by highlighting the crew's credentials, training, and readiness for a high-stakes, 10-day mission.
10 | Artemis Explained: Countdown to splashdown
Q: When will splashdown actually happen?
Splashdown is expected within a roughly 13-minute window once reentry begins, around 9:45 a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time, depending on conditions.
10 | Artemis Explained: Countdown to splashdown
Q: Did the crew have champagne or whiskey to toast Earth from space?
Alcohol has been present historically but is generally not used; carbonated liquids are avoided due to problematic burping in microgravity.
10 | Artemis Explained: Countdown to splashdown
Q: How does the spacecraft maneuver in space when there is no air?
Thrust is produced by ejecting mass backward, not by pushing against an environment; the spacecraft uses controlled propulsion to change its orientation and trajectory.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Science Friction

What is Science Friction about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A science-focused show that frequently covers space exploration, quantum tech, and the societal implications of scientific advances. Recent episodes mix high-level explanations of Artemis missions with deeper looks at quantum computing, its security risks, and the human stories behind breakthroughs. The format blends on-site reporting, expert interviews, and listener questions, often featuring astronauts, researchers, and science journalists. A standout aspect is its practical, on-the-ground storytelling—be it mission control moments from space programs or real-world applications of cutting-edge science.

Listeners likely include science enthusiasts, students, and professionals who want approachable explanations of complex topics, plus curi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Science Friction?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Science Friction:

1. The Science Show
2. No One Saw It Coming
3. If You're Listening
4. What's That Rash?
5. What The Duck?!

How many episodes of Science Friction are there?

Science Friction launched 9 years ago and published 404 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Science Friction?

Recent guests on Science Friction include:

1. Michelle Simmons
2. Peter Thorne
3. Geoff Pryde
4. Henry Everitt
5. Peter Shaw
6. Charles Clark
7. Scott Young
8. John Martinis

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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