Best Hadron Podcasts (2025)

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The Science of the Large Hadron Collider 12:21

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1h ago12:21

12:21

Ireland has finally joined CERN as an associate member, opening the doors of the world’s biggest scientific instrument to Irish researchers for the first time. And what a machine to step into. This week, Professor Luke takes us deep inside the Large Hadron Collider — the 27-kilometre, super-cooled, magnet-driven particle racetrack buried under the …

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The Large Hadron Collider and the Vedantic Perspective 21:35

6d ago21:35

21:35

In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at the progress made by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), as well as its limitations. The LHC has led to the observation of numerous new particles, sometimes referred to as the “particle zoo.” Despite these exciting discoveries, however, the LHC has yet to achieve its ultimate objective: identifying the fund…

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Physical Bodies You See Have a Remote Mind! 14:59

1d ago14:59

14:59

Have you ever wondered whether a physical body could exist without a mind? At first glance, this might seem impossible, but this question opens a fascinating area of exploration. In this episode, we will delve into this intriguing topic and unravel the subtle relationship between physical bodies and our minds. Our physical bodies clearly exist in d…

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Did the Science Wars Take Place? with William Gillis 1:10:31

7h ago1:10:31

1:10:31

My guest this week is anarchist activist William Gillis, author of the book Did the Science Wars Take Place? The Political and Ethical Stakes of Radical Realism. We cover the many flavors of anti-realism Gillis lays out in his book, and which ones seem harmfully prevalent on the left. Enjoy! Did the Science Wars Take Place? https://theanarchistlibr…

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7: A Final Moment for the Muon 35:10

9h ago35:10

35:10

Guests Fred Gray , Professor of Physics at Regis University, Muon g-2 Experiment Claudia Cornella, CERN Theory Research Fellow Simon Kuberski, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Theory Research Fellow at CERN Contributors Host: Steven Goldfarb Editor & Producer: Melanie Arnold Executive Producer: Jacques Fichet Ron Suykerbuyk: Technical Lead Sound Engineering:…

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Understanding the Pancha (Five) Koshas (Sheaths) as Taught by Vedanta 23:50

4d ago23:50

23:50

In this episode, we’ll explore the concept of the five koshas as presented in Vedanta. If you have some background in Vedanta, you may already know that every living being is made up of five layers, referred to as the pancha (meaning "five") koshas. The word "kosha" comes from Sanskrit and means "sheath" or "layer." Each kosha signifies a unique fa…

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The Science of Seasonal Affective Disorder 12:50

2h ago12:50

12:50

Why do so many of us feel the gloom set in when the clocks go back and the days get short? In this week’s podcast, Luke O’Neill delves into the biology of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a form of depression that appears in winter and lifts again when the light returns. First identified about fifty years ago in northern Europe, SAD affects aro…

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The Science of Cellulitis 15:21

7d ago15:21

15:21

This week, Professor Luke O’Neill turns his microscope to a condition he knows all too well — cellulitis. It’s one of the most common bacterial infections there is, affecting about one in every 500 people each year. The skin turns red, swollen, and sore, and you might even feel flu-ish as your immune system fights back. Left untreated, it can spira…

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Doctrine of Karma 24:56

16d ago24:56

24:56

In this episode, we offer an in-depth exploration of the Doctrine of Karma as taught by Vedanta. While it is true that the doctrine of Karma functions as a belief system, it is supported by reasoning and provides insight into many of the mysteries we encounter in our everyday lives. One of the most persistent questions people face is why misfortune…

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The Science of Hallowe’en 18:20

7d ago18:20

18:20

This week, Show Me The Science gets a little darker — and a little stranger. Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the science of Hallowe’en, tracing its roots back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, the ancient Irish celebration marking the start of winter — that “dead time” when the veil between worlds was said to thin. It’s not about ghosts and ghou…

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40k Philosophy with Liam Kofi Bright 1:17:22

8d ago1:17:22

1:17:22

My returning guest this week is the most pleasant of bureaucrats ever to serve the the blood god, associate professor of philosophy at the London school of economics and political science Liam Kofi Bright. Folks might not know this, but when Liam isn’t verifying verification or whatever epistemologists do, he writes some hilarious fanfic about phil…

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Mathematical Proof for Hubble Constant 18:10

13d ago18:10

18:10

In this episode, we aim to provide mathematical proof for the Hubble Constant, shedding light on the correct structure of space. In 1929, astronomer Edwin Hubble observed that distant galaxies appeared to be moving away from Earth, a discovery he made by analyzing their light through telescopes. This observation led to the formulation of what is no…

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The Science of Regulatory T Cells 14:16

1M ago14:16

14:16

Ever wondered what keeps your immune system in check when it starts misbehaving? On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill explains the world of regulatory T cells—the immune system’s very own “military police.” These tiny guardians stop other cells from attacking the body, helping prevent autoimmune diseases and keeping us healthy. Luke takes…

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The Power and Essence of Knowing 12:04

1M ago12:04

12:04

In this episode, we will explore the Power and Essence of Knowing. Yes, Knowing holds a supreme position—it is truly the master. While it may seem simple to say that Knowing is simply “to know,” there is a much deeper dimension to this concept. For students of Veydaantaa, Knowing is synonymous with Consciousness. It is regarded as one of the most p…

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The Science of Performance Enhancing Drugs 15:09

1M ago15:09

15:09

An Irish Olympian has decided to take a bold and controversial leap. Swimmer Shane Ryan has retired from conventional competition to join the Enhanced Games, a new event where athletes will be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs. In this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill looks at the science and the ethics behind this radical sporting e…

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Connecting Dark Energy with Space 17:53

1M ago17:53

17:53

In this episode, we will explore the connection between dark energy and space. Scientific research suggests that dark energy constitutes about 79% of the total energy present in the universe. It is referred to as "dark" because it cannot be directly detected, yet its presence is undeniable. Without dark energy, the universe would not be able to sus…

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The Science of Accents 15:19

1M ago15:19

15:19

Taylor Swift has changed her accent over the years – and science can prove it. A quirky new study from the University of Minnesota analysed hours of Swift interviews to show how her voice shifted depending on what era she was in. For Professor Luke O’Neill, it’s the perfect excuse to dive into one of his favourite subjects: accents and dialects. Fr…

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Three Forms of Reality or Awareness 18:16

2M ago18:16

18:16

In this episode, we will explore the concept that Awareness is the fundamental Reality underlying all existence. It serves as the foundation for everything in the universe. This Reality expresses itself in three distinct forms: 1. Self-Awareness 2. Reflected Awareness 3. Refracted Awareness. These correspond to SatChitAnanda, Ishvara, and Guru, res…

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Autism and Humanism with Alastair Lichten 58:10

2M ago58:10

58:10

My guest this week is Alastair Lichten (@humanistdad.bsky.social), a humanist organizer who is particularly interested in the intersection of neurodivergence and secularism. We discuss the theory that being autistic or neurodivergent makes one more likely to be non-religious. Alastair's website: https://humanistdad.uk/2025/09/09/professional_update…

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The Science of Phage 15:35

2M ago15:35

15:35

They look like alien spacecrafts under a microscope, but bacteriophages — viruses that infect and kill bacteria — could hold the key to one of the biggest medical challenges of our time: antibiotic resistance. First described more than a century ago, phages became a hot topic of research in the mid-20th century, especially in the Soviet Union, befo…

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Perception Process Taught By Science Is Incorrect 14:39

2M ago14:39

14:39

This episode centers on a provocative idea: the perception process as traditionally explained by science is fundamentally flawed. While this may seem like a daring claim, it is one we believe is justified. The scientific explanation of perception is riddled with limitations, inaccuracies, and unresolved questions. In this episode, we will examine s…

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The Science of Extinction 15:24

2M ago15:24

15:24

Earth has always been a planet of comebacks. Life has thrived, collapsed, and reinvented itself in astonishing ways. Scientists call the five great wipe-outs of the past the “Big Five” – huge mass extinctions that reset the clock on life. Without them, we wouldn’t even be here to talk about it. This week, Luke O’Neill dives into what these extincti…

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SatChitAnanda, Brahman Vs, Self-Awareness 18:37

2M ago18:37

18:37

In this episode, we will explore the meanings of SatChitAnanda, Brahman, and Self-Awareness. For students of Vedanta, SatChitAnanda and Brahman are commonly referenced concepts. Vedanta teaches that these two terms are ultimately identical. However, upon closer examination, differences between them can emerge, causing confusion and making it harder…

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The Science of Breast Milk 14:50

2M ago14:50

14:50

Breast milk is often called “nature’s first vaccine” and, in this week's podcast, Luke O’Neill explains why. From the moment a baby is born, its immune system is still immature and wide open to infection. Breast milk steps in as the baby’s first line of defence, passing on antibodies, immune cells and even the benefits of vaccines the mother has re…

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Secular Student Alliance with Kevin Bolling 59:24

2M ago59:24

59:24

My guest this week is Kevin Bolling, executive director of the Secular Student Alliance, the largest organization in the country representing secular and nonreligious students. We discuss how things are going on the youth secular organizing front, including community moderation and coping with the resurgence of White Christian Nationalism. Enjoy! S…

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Understanding the Universe of Waveforms 18:42

2M ago18:42

18:42

In this episode, we delve into an intriguing notion that there is a fully functional universe composed of waveforms. While this concept might initially seem strange, we present it as the core reality of existence. We’ll explore how a fully operational universe of waves exists and functions within our minds. Every event happens first in the mind bef…

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The Science of Type-1 Diabetes 17:22

2M ago17:22

17:22

Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the science behind Type-1 Diabetes for this week's podcast, answering a question from listener Sarah. Luke explains the key differences between Type-1 and other forms of diabetes, guiding us through the early symptoms—intense thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, vision issues, and nausea—an…

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Quantum Physics - Overview 17:00

3M ago17:00

17:00

In this episode, we present a non-technical introduction to the intriguing world of quantum physics. Grasping its fundamental concepts is essential, for in many respects, quantum physics and Vedanta share and speak the same language. The focus of this episode is to highlight the essential and key aspects of quantum physics. Do contact us if you hav…

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The Science of Speech-making 14:55

3M ago14:55

14:55

Why do some speeches stick in your mind while others fade before the applause ends? In this unusual episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill swaps the lab for the lectern to reveal the science of captivating public speaking. Drawing on decades of experience addressing audiences from classrooms to conferences, Luke shares his top tips …

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Who Am I? 14:25

3M ago14:25

14:25

Today’s episode promises intrigue and reflection as we delve into the profound question, “Who Am I?” Though it may appear straightforward, this inquiry reveals layers far deeper than first glance. Together, we’ll unravel the misconceptions about our identity—examining what we are not—before turning our gaze to who and what we truly are. We look for…

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The Science of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 18:17

3M ago18:17

18:17

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) - has long baffled doctors and patients alike. It leaves people with crushing fatigue, brain fog, pain, sleep disturbance and a body that just won’t bounce back after even mild exertion. For too many sufferers, it’s meant years of being dismissed, neglected, or told it was all …

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My Spiritual Journey 13:12

3M ago13:12

13:12

In this episode, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and share the story of my spiritual path. My journey began in 2004, when I first attended Vedanta classes at the Arsha Bodha Center in Somerset, New Jersey—a traditional ashram established by Swami Tadatmananda, dedicated to imparting the timeless wisdom of ancient Indian sages. It was …

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The Science of Stem Cells 20:09

3M ago20:09

20:09

This week, Luke rolls up his sleeves to tackle a listener request from Danny and Caroline. Caroline’s living with osteoarthritis, so stem cells seemed like just the ticket for discussion. We start with the basics: stem cells are the body’s precursors, the young all-rounders that can grow into brain neurons, cartilage-makers, or insulin-producing pa…

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Misguided with Matthew Facciani 1:06:49

3M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

My guest this week is Matthew Facciani (@matthewfacciani.bsky.social), a social scientist at Notre Dame and author of the recent book Misguided: Where Misinformation Starts, How it Spreads, and What to Do about It. We discuss all three topics at length! Enjoy! Misguided: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/misguided/9780231555814/ Music by GW Rodriguez E…

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Einstein's Theory of Relativity 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

This episode explores Einstein’s theory of relativity. As we move forward in this series, you’ll notice that one of the most profound bridges between Vedantic philosophy and modern science lies in grasping the essence of Einstein’s ideas. To facilitate this connection, it’s important to first acquaint ourselves with the concepts of relativity. In t…

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The Science of Male Contraception 16:23

3M ago16:23

16:23

In this lively episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill gets into a topic that has been… well, a very long time coming: male contraception. While women have had the contraceptive pill since the 1960s, giving them control over their reproductive choices (and giving men, frankly, an easy ride), the search for a safe, reliable male birth…

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Understanding the Mind 26:30

4M ago26:30

26:30

The mind indeed is mysterious. Nobody has seen it, but we know it exists. We have thoughts, perceptions, and emotions, and we know all this happens in the mind. So, it does exist, but where does it exist, how does it function, and how and why was it created? This episode is based on the understanding and analysis of the Mind as taught by Vedanta. W…

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The Science of Listeria 14:58

4M ago14:58

14:58

In this episode, suggested by listener Barbara Douglas, Luke dives into a timely and important topic: listeria, the bacteria behind a recent outbreak in Ireland that led to recalls of ready meals and salad products by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. One person has sadly died and nine others have been affected by listeriosis, the illness cause…

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Are We Looking at the Same Trees? 14:09

4M ago14:09

14:09

If we look at space in terms of how much time light takes to reach us, a new perspective regarding the world opens out. Many hidden mysteries come to the fore. We begin to see that each one of us doesn’t exactly see the same object but see different versions of the same object. This indicates how the universe is actually constructed. This perspecti…

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The Science of Crowds 13:05

4M ago13:05

13:05

What happens to our brains and bodies when we gather with thousands of strangers at music festivals, concerts, or gigs? This week, as All Together Now kicks off in Curraghmore, County Waterford, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating science of crowd behaviour – and why being part of a crowd can feel so good, or sometimes so dangerous. H…

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Understanding Self-Awareness 16:25

4M ago16:25

16:25

In this episode, we embark on an exploration of Self-Awareness. At its essence, Self-Awareness is the core of who we are. This Awareness is the most potent force in existence, forming the foundation of reality itself, embracing everything—living or non-living—within the universe. It is the substratum of everything in the universe. By deeply underst…

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Science Meets Vedanta - Podcast Trailer 1:05

4M ago1:05

1:05

My name is Jayant Kapatker, and I am a graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. I have been a passionate student of Vedanta for over 25 years. Also, I am the author for a recently published book – Science Meets Vedanta. Over the years, I’ve received numerous requests from readers eager for an audio experience of my blog content. Re…

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Reconsidering Anti-wokeness with Jonathan Church 1:03:10

4M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

My returning guest this week is Jonathan Church (@jondavidchurch.bsky.social), a chartered financial analyst, and author of books like Reinventing Racism: Why White Fragility is the Wrong way to think about racial inequality, and Virtue in an age of identity politics: A stoic approach to social justice. He’s also a contributing editor and podcaster…

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The Science of Tech Bros 15:21

4M ago15:21

15:21

In this week's podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating world of tech billionaires and their obsession with extending human life. He takes a closer look at four high-profile figures—Larry Page, Peter Thiel, Brian Johnson, and Jack Dorsey—and explores their personal and financial investments in the science of longevity. From bizarr…