The Idea of Me

Dr. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, joins Kerry to discuss how, where, and why they’re looking for intelligent life beyond Earth. You know, the kind of life smart enough to build a radio transmitter and phone home if need be. And just what might happen if such a discovery were to occur? It’s the finale of Season One! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if we received a signal from intelligent life in outer space? When Astrid and Jules’ night out is derailed by the sudden news of alien contact, the couple realizes they have existential wrinkles to work through before they can fully commit to each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molecular biologist Dr. Ting Wu joins Kerry to talk about the human genome, the ethical ramifications of altering our genes, and technology that could extend our lives…possibly indefinitely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if we were able to halt the aging process? Cleo, a young woman raised in rural Tennessee, is faced with a difficult choice: eternal life chasing her dreams, or a relationship with her family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molecular biologist Dr. Tshaka Cunningham joins the show to guide us through the intricacies of both gene editing and gene therapy (and just what the difference between the two actually is!) From altering our physical traits to preventing or curing disease, we cover all things across the molecular board. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if we could design the genetics of our children? Jeanne’s parents edited her genes before she was born to prevent her from inheriting sickle cell disease, but that tiny change ends up having huge consequences for Jeanne’s future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kerry speaks with computer scientist Dr. Jen Golbeck about all things data. She expounds on ways to secure your digital presence in an ever-online world, to ways society may react if digital infrastructures were eliminated in the blink of an eye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if a computer virus deleted all of the world’s digital data? When a hacker collective successfully deletes all the world’s digital data, Calvin, a megalomaniacal Silicon Valley CEO, and his assistant Ruby are forced to confront what this digital loss might mean for the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kerry gets into the hot and thick of it with Dr. Madison Myers, a volcanologist who details what occurred in the Earth’s past when supervolcanos erupted, and what we might expect if one were to become active today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if a supervolcano erupted? When an earth-shattering supereruption interrupts Steve and Christina’s one­ on ­one date on a reality dating show, they are forced into an extreme situation where they might actually have to get to know one another. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices