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Unexplainable

Vox
Diabetes
Ice Cream
Climate Change
Nutrition Science
Dairy
Eggs
Public Health
Health Studies
Hard-Shelled Eggs
Crying
Scientific Misconduct
Data Integrity
James Webb Space Telescope
Evolution
Golden Orb
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Swearing
Pain Tolerance
Aspartame
Emotions

Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know…and then keeps on going. The Unexplainable team — Noam Hassenfeld, Julia Longoria, Byrd Pinkerton, and Meradith Hoddinott — tackles scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and everything we learn diving into the unknown. New episodes Mondays and Wednesdays. From Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

PublishesDailyEpisodes268Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Natural SciencesScienceLife Sciences

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Latest Episodes

One of the deadliest poisons known to man is now used to treat wrinkles, migraines, and even, maybe, depression. How did that happen?

Guests: Jean Carruthers, ophthalmologist and “godmother” of cosmetic Botox. David Simpson, neurologist at Mount Sin... more

Many alchemical texts are full of bizarre, metaphorical language. But what if there's interesting science hiding behind some of those metaphors?

Guest: Lawrence Principe, professor of the history of science and professor of chemistry at Johns Hopkin... more

Grab some hot cocoa and a warm blanket and let’s talk about the tiny crystals that fall from the sky.

Guest: Jessica Lundquist, professor of civil & environmental engineering at the University of Washington

For show transcripts, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... more

A man committed a crime. He admitted it. Then something alarming showed up on an image of his brain. The criminal case that followed in 1991 brought neuroscience into the courtroom for good. How does our ever-changing understanding of the brain impac... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Jessica Lundquist
Professor of civil and environmental engineering
University of Washington
Episode: Snow day!
Josh May
Ethics professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Episode: My brain made me do it
Elizabeth Hénaff
An artist and biologist involved in studying extremophiles in the Gowanus Canal
GenSpace
Episode: The Amazing Extremophiles
Dr. Robert Bastian
A laryngologist in Illinois specializing in swallowing disorders
Episode: Everyone does it. Why can’t I?
Dory Gray
Patient who suffered from burping issues before diagnosis
Episode: Everyone does it. Why can’t I?
Tom Warner
A pilot with experience flying into storms
Episode: Cloud atlas
Scott Collis
Atmospheric scientist at Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne National Laboratory
Episode: Cloud atlas
Angie Pendergrass
Climate physicist at Cornell University
Cornell University
Episode: Cloud atlas
Gavin Pretor-Pinney
Founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society
Cloud Appreciation Society
Episode: Cloud atlas

Hosts

Byrd Pinkerton
Host with a background in scientific storytelling and a knack for engaging, human-centered narration.
Noam Hassenfeld
Co-host known for exploring science topics with rigor and curiosity.
Sally Helm
Co-host and researcher-focused host with a background in Vox Media Podcast Network.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 8.9k ratings
  • Amazing Extremiohiles

    There’s a saying ,… that life WILL find a way.

    This report is proof of just one of the many ways, it does.

    - s.jxn - ga

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tkotoo
    United Statesa month ago
  • Just the right fit

    This podcast reminds me of watching a great performance that looks easy, but we all know that it’s not. What I’m trying to say is, it’s not pushed, but flows in the subject matter they are covering which is sometimes quirky and often things I never thought about before. also, I need a break from political and economic issues in this world. I think this team of people are doing a fantastic job. Please keep it going.

    Greetings from Montreal Canada 🤗

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mvbjvlkbjlkjo
    Canada2 months ago
  • Good ahow

    I follow and enjoy this show. The episode “what is a good sound?” had me smiling, so delightful. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Evanstonian3
    United States2 months ago
  • My favorite science show

    I always learn something, usually something wild and unexpected. Engaging and fun. Thanks Unexplainable!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BtlKap
    United States2 months ago
  • Good news stories.

    This is such a good topic. However there was one article I question. The piece on “no more fur”. Yes I absolutely agree that farming animals primarily for fur is bad. In northern Canada there are small groups of Inuit who have lived off their limited resource land. Yes they hunt seal for food and essential clothing. And yes they make clothing products out of fur for sale. The seal meat is organic, local and the cost of flying food in is out of their reach. We are not talking about tens of thousa... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    goodlife@64
    Canada2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Episodes are described as informative and accessible, with guests who provide credible expertise.
Some listeners note occasional criticism of pacing or stylistic quirks but generally view content as valuable and thought-provoking.
Listeners praise the show's engaging, thoughtful science storytelling and consistently high production quality.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

My brain made me do it
Q: Can brain imaging prove that someone was not in control of their actions?
The episode explains that while brain imaging can suggest a neurological basis for behavior, it does not definitively establish causation or responsibility, and courts must weigh competing expert opinions and other evidence.
My brain made me do it
Q: What is the role of neuroscience in the law?
The discussion highlights that the law is driven by questions of guilt and culpability, with standards like Frey and Doebert governing when brain imaging evidence is admissible, rather than relying solely on scientific certainty.
Mysterious objects near the beginning of time
Q: How do black holes form in the early universe?
There are theories suggesting that supermassive black holes might form before their corresponding galaxies, challenging current scientific understanding of cosmic evolution.
Cloud atlas
Q: What is the potential impact of clouds on climate change?
The potential impact of clouds on climate change can go in two directions: they can enhance warming or mitigate some of its effects.
No data, just vibes
Q: What will be the consequence of the federal government rolling back its vaccine recommendations?
It will be harder to determine the impact of reduced data collection on vaccination trends and public health outcomes related to childhood vaccination.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Unexplainable

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

A science-forward show that explores mysteries at the edge of established knowledge, often featuring researchers, journalists, and other experts who illuminate complex topics with accessible storytelling. Episodes blend rigorous science with human-centered anecdotes, from snow science and climate topics to neuroscience, extremophiles, astronomy, and environmental issues. The program tends to attract curious, analytically minded listeners who enjoy deep dives, nuanced discussion, and guests who can translate technical concepts for a broad audience. A standout trait is its willingness to tackle controversial or ethically charged topics (e.g., geoengineering, reproductive genetics) with thoughtful moderation and multiple viewpoints, making it ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Unexplainable?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Unexplainable:

1. Science Vs
2. Explain It to Me
3. Today, Explained
4. Radiolab
5. The Gray Area with Sean Illing

How many episodes of Unexplainable are there?

Unexplainable launched 5 years ago and published 268 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Unexplainable?

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What guests have appeared on Unexplainable?

Recent guests on Unexplainable include:

1. Jessica Lundquist
2. Josh May
3. Elizabeth Hénaff
4. Dr. Robert Bastian
5. Dory Gray
6. Tom Warner
7. Scott Collis
8. Angie Pendergrass

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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