Best Tom Jenks Podcasts (2025)

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Addiction: Neurodivergence and Choice 1:04:40

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2h ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where this week we are continuing our exploration of addiction! Last week we covered the mechanisms of substance use disorders and behavioural addictions but this week we focus on the interaction between neurodivergence (Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD) and addiction, why some people might be more v…

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Episode 77: JP Jakonen – Cliff Barnes 49:14

8h ago49:14

49:14

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say this – the chances are very good that you do not know my guest today. In fact, I hadn't even heard about my guest until just a few months ago. That all changed back in June when I played a show in Ruovesi, Finland, on whose line-up the band Cliff Barnes could also be found. Also hailing from the gorgeous c…

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Addiction: Substance and Behaviour 1:06:52

12d ago1:06:52

1:06:52

This week on The Information Entropy Podcast, we dig into what addiction actually is — beyond the stereotypes. We explore the difference between chemical dependence and behavioural addictions, trace how our understanding has shifted from the old “just say no” model to a modern brain-based view, and look at why teenagers and young adults are particu…

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Episode 76: Daniel Devlin – The Belair Lip Bombs 31:18

5d ago31:18

31:18

There's a very good chance that one of Australia's next big rock bands is going to be The Belair Lip Bombs. Hailing from Frankston in Victoria, The Belair Lip Bombs aren't exactly from a massive musical metropolis, but that hasn't stopped them thriving. First formed in 2017, the quartet issued a pair of EPs ahead of their 2023 debut album, 'Lush Li…

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Poisons and Venoms 59:31

14d ago59:31

59:31

This week, we dive into the chemical dark arts of the natural world. What is the difference between a poison and a venom? Why do some animals weaponize their biochemistry while others simply make themselves too toxic to touch? We explore how different toxins work at the molecular level, how evolution turns simple enzymes into precision biological w…

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Episode 75: Georgia Knight 1:11:32

7d ago1:11:32

1:11:32

If you're not yet a card-carrying member of the Georgia Knight club, then you're in prime position to change your life. Originally from Melbourne, Georgia Knight has been part of the music world for some years now, having made a public debut with her solo material back around 2019. As she continued to write and record, Georgia shared more music unt…

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Bonus Episode 6: Our Carlson 1:04:58

10d ago1:04:58

1:04:58

If you've been paying attention to the Australian music scene in recent years, there's a good chance you may have come across the enigmatic majesty that is Our Carlson. Having got his start in the hardcore world over two decades ago, Carlson has spent the past few years cementing himself as a commanding figure within the world of electronic music, …

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The 2025 Ig Nobel Prizes 31:17

15d ago31:17

31:17

This week we dive into the wonderfully weird world of the Ig Nobel Prizes — celebrating research that makes you laugh, then think. But first, as always, we take the scenic route: detouring through music, coffee philosophy, and the art of the perfect cheese toastie before actually getting to the science. We explore whether painted cows can really fe…

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Episode 74: Gareth Liddiard – The Drones, Tropical Fuck Storm 52:18

14d ago52:18

52:18

Ask anyone, and there's a good chance that many Australian music fans will describe Gareth Liddiard as one of the pillars of this country's music scene. For Liddiard, his musical career began back in the '90s, entering this creative world alongside the formation of The Drones, who are often regarded one of Australia's most revered bands. Alongside …

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Fractals 33:55

21d ago33:55

33:55

This week, Tom dives into the endlessly complex world of fractals, repeating patterns that appear everywhere from galaxies to your lungs. Tom explores how fractals shape the natural world, why measuring something as simple as a coastline turns out to be impossible, and what happens in the brain when people on psychedelics see fractal-like visions. …

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Episode 73: Gabe Stove & Justin Teale – dust 41:17

28d ago41:17

41:17

For the past few years now, I've been watching Newcastle outfit dust rise through the ranks, ticking achievements off their bucket lists as if it's no big deal. I've eagerly watched them since I wrote their very first piece of press back in 2021, premiering their first single, and manifesting good things for them. Since then, it's been stunning to …

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The 2025 Nobel Prizes 1:03:29

28d ago1:03:29

1:03:29

This week on The Information Entropy Podcast, we’re diving into the science behind the 2025 Nobel Prizes — the discoveries that shaped this year’s biggest scientific headlines. Firstly, Tom apologises for his audio, we double checked everything but sadly audacity glitches strike again. But if you can bear it, it was a very fun episode! In Physics, …

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Episode 72: Evan Dando – The Lemonheads 39:02

1M ago39:02

39:02

If you're a fan of music from the '90s, or just the indie-rock genre in general, then the chances are probably pretty much perfect that you're aware of The Lemonheads. First formed in Boston back in 1986, the group has been fronted by Evan Dando since its earliest days, with Dando being the driving force (and only original remember) since 1989. The…

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Planetary Defence II: AI and Stellar Engines 1:03:23

1M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

This week we return for some planetary defence chat with some tangents along the way! The boys start off speaking about the changing nature of AI use and its real-world implications. Once on topic they turn to discussing how one might go about avoiding interstellar catastrophe. Is it possible to move large objects in space out of the way, what abou…

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Episode 71: Tom Partington & Harley Wilson – The Rions 37:45

2M ago37:45

37:45

Since 2021, New South Wales quartet The Rions have been rising stars in Australia's eclectic music scene. First forming in year seven back in 2016 and releasing a few singles at the start of this decade, The Rions rose to fame four years ago when they were announced as the winners of triple j's Unearthed High competition. Winning the esteemed prize…

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Planetary Defense 1:03:29

1M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

This week on we’re looking at how Earth protects itself from dangers that come hurtling out of space. Mitch takes us through NASA’s DART mission and what it means for defending the planet against near-Earth objects — those asteroids and comets that occasionally pass a little too close for comfort. Meanwhile, Tom explores solar storms: massive erupt…

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Life On Mars.... and Beyond 40:42

2M ago40:42

40:42

Are we alone in the universe? This week we dive into the science of astrobiology — the hunt for life beyond Earth. From NASA’s latest discovery of potential biosignatures on Mars to the strange possibilities of methane seas on Titan and silicon-based aliens straight out of science fiction, we explore what it takes for a world to be habitable, how s…

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Episode 70: Dave Graney 1:00:42

2M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

For decades now, Dave Graney has been one of the most important names in the world of Australian music. First making his appearance in the music world in the late '70s, the South Australian-born Graney found wider fame as a member of The Moodists with partner Clare Moore, with the group's influential post-punk sound seeing them based in London as t…

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Batteries: Charged Up! 1:06:35

2M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

From the phone in your pocket to the car on your driveway, batteries quietly power modern life. But how do these tiny boxes of chemistry actually work? In this episode we crack open the science of batteries — from the basics of anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes, to the differences between lithium-ion, alkaline, and lead–acid cells. We explore why …

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Episode 69: Jacob Banks 25:08

2M ago25:08

25:08

For well over a decade now, Jacob Banks has been enchanting listeners the world over with his immersive blend of soul and R&B. Rising to prominence following his success in a music competition in 2012, Banks quickly became a hot ticket, scoring plenty of airplay thanks to his early singles, including collaborative singles with the likes of Wretch 3…

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When a Tiny Tube Turns Terrible: Understanding Appendicitis 35:25

2M ago35:25

35:25

Join us on this episode as we delve into the stealthy threat of appendicitis. We explore the anatomy of the appendix, why its obstruction turns emergency, how symptoms can mislead even seasoned clinicians, and what scores like Alvarado and AIR add to the diagnostic toolkit. We’ll guide you through the treatment landscape— from keyhole surgery to an…

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Episode 68: Beepus Burdett, Colie Hutzler & Bardo Novotny – Beauty School Dropout 40:42

3M ago40:42

40:42

For the past five years now, Los Angeles has been home to the alt-rock/pop-punk outfit Beauty School Dropout. Initially being formed as a solo project from Colie Hutzler while still performing as part of the group Strangefaces, the project soon expanded with the membership of Brent 'Beepus' Burdett and Bardo Novotny. Swiftly, the group found themse…

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Bonus Episode 5: Bindi McCallum – Kurralta Park 33:26

3M ago33:26

33:26

If you've been listening to this podcast over the last year and a half, then you'd probably be aware of how much I love to shine a light on artists from Adelaide. Maybe it's my biased nature due to being from Adelaide, or maybe there's something in the water there, but whatever the case, I reckon one Adelaide act you need to hear right now is none …

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Hooked: Social Media and Consumer Psychology 1:02:25

2M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Ever wonder why you keep scrolling, buying, or clicking — even when you know you shouldn’t? In this episode, we dive into the science of attention and the clever tricks marketers and social media platforms use to capture it. From supermarket layouts and clever packaging to TikTok’s endless scroll and online ads, we explore how your brain is being s…

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Episode 67: Sean Thompson – MUDRAT 49:57

3M ago49:57

49:57

If you're looking for an artist to give your attention to this year, I humbly and assertively request that it be MUDRAT. MUDRAT is a project that has been going officially since December 2023, with a string of releases arriving in that first year, including the likes of 'I HATE RICH CUNTS,' 'WE DESPISE THE BOURGEOISIE,' and 'YEAR OF THE RAT.' Judgi…

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Sleep: Why is That a Thing?! 35:25

3M ago35:25

35:25

Ever wonder why we spend a third of our lives lying in the dark trying to hallucinate? ME TOO FRIEND! So, come and dive into the science of sleep, from the stages your brain cycles through, to the surprising tricks animals use to rest, and the shocking effects of going without sleep. Plus, explore why we sometimes stay up late on purpose and what r…

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Episode 66: Anthony Gesa & Chris Teti – The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die 22:40

3M ago22:40

22:40

For over 15 years now, the worlds of emo, indie, and post-hardcore have been home to the ever-enjoyable The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die. If you're anything like me, you might have been intrigued by the group's often unmanageable name, but once you checked them out, you were struck by their inimitable approach to music,…

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The Fermi Paradox: Are We Alone After All? 33:07

3M ago33:07

33:07

The universe is vast—hundreds of billions of stars, trillions of planets—so where is everyone? This week we dive into the Fermi Paradox, the puzzling question of why we haven’t found any signs of intelligent extraterrestrial life despite the overwhelming odds. We break down the science behind the paradox, explore the Drake Equation, and examine pos…

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Episode 65: Cherie Currie – The Runaways 15:47

3M ago15:47

15:47

It's probably fair to say that the world of rock music wouldn't look how it does today without a band like The Runaways. Formed in 1975, the group's all-female lineup was a breath of fresh air on the male-dominated scene, with debut single "Cherry Bomb" and their self-titled album arriving in 1976 to strong acclaim, despite not being a smash on the…

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Dogs II: Are They A**holes? 1:02:47

3M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

This week we’re back in the world of dog minds, digging into whether dogs really understand the words we say, or if we’re just wishful-thinking pet parents. We explore why they might ignore our commands, whether their so-called “bad behaviour” is actually intentional, and how different training styles affect behaviour. It’s dog psychology with a he…

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Episode 64: Davey Lane – You Am I 43:21

3M ago43:21

43:21

When you think about Australian music, it's a little hard not to think about Davey Lane. That might sound grandiose, but given he's spent more than 25 years as a guitarist for local legends You Am I, it's hard to classify him any other way. Joining the already-established outfit at just the age of 18, Lane swiftly found himself as part of Aussie mu…

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The VPN Surge: Escaping the Safety Act 46:34

3M ago46:34

46:34

The UK’s Online Safety Act just went live — and it's got nothing to do with safety. In this episode, we break down how this sweeping new law threatens free speech, demands intrusive age checks, and opens the door to mass surveillance. We’ll expose the tech behind the ID dragnet, unpack the VPN boom, and ask the big question: is this the end of onli…

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Episode 63: John Busby – Halfway 1:02:42

4M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Hello and welcome to Trusty Chords, the podcast which aims to celebrate music and those that create it. For the past 25 years, Brisbane's Halfway have operated as one of those well-kept secrets that often feels as though only a select few know about. Of course, with ARIA, APRA, and AIR Award nominations (and a win the latter category), along with t…

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Dogs: Cognition and Psychology 1:12:08

4M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

This week we dive into the minds of dogs — exploring how they interpret human gestures, what their behaviour might reveal about their emotions, and whether breed really shapes personality. We break down the science of training, cognition, and attachment — and ask what’s really going on behind those puppy-dog eyes. Turns out, your dog might be under…

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Reality TV and Game Shows: Are We Crazy?! 1:06:53

4M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

This week we dive into the twisted psychology behind reality TV. From enforced gender stereotypes to the dark influence of producers, we explore how contestants are pushed, manipulated, and reshaped for the cameras. What makes people obey, conform, or completely lose themselves on screen? Think Love Island meets the Milgram experiment—with a dose o…

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Episode 62: Bryan Estepa 1:07:18

4M ago1:07:18

1:07:18

For a few decades now, one of Australia's greatest unsung musical heroes has been none other than Bryan Estepa. Born in the Philippines before moving to Australia as a child, Bryan has had a storied career as a musician, performing in bands such as Swivel and Hazey Jane before turning his attention toward solo gear. That solo gear first took form u…

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Game Show Psychology 1:05:29

4M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

What makes perfectly sane people eat bugs, betray teammates, or forget their own name on national TV? This week, we dive into the wild world of game show psychology—from group conformity and mob mentality to time pressure and full-blown cognitive collapse. We unravel the science behind why the game format lowers our guard, how 30% of a group can fl…

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Episode 61: Justin Burford – End Of Fashion 1:05:03

4M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Cast your mind back 20 years and you might be taken right back to a moment in time where one of the most exciting Australian bands out there on the scene was none other than End Of Fashion. Formed in Perth by Justin Burford, who was at the time a member of The Sleepy Jackson, End Of Fashion found itself slowly finding fame thanks to constant airpla…

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Episode 150!!! 1:03:57

4M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Welcome to this very special episode of the Information Entropy Podcast: Episode 150! Today we take a bit more of a relaxed approach to the structure of the episode exploring a variety of topics that we find interesting such as new space telescopes and their discoveries as well as the influence that games are having and will have on our technology …

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Episode 60: Ashlea Jaye – Left On Seen 1:35:19

5M ago1:35:19

1:35:19

If you know me (or simply listen to the podcast – both are very good options), then you'd likely know how much I like to surround myself with musicians I both enjoy and respect. Frankly, with that in mind, I reckon you can't go past someone like Ashlea Jaye. A lifelong lover of music and a self-described theatre kid, Ashlea has been a supporter of …

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The Hubble Tension: Are We Missing Something Big? 36:25

5M ago36:25

36:25

In this episode of The Information Entropy Podcast, Tom explores one of the biggest mysteries in modern cosmology: the Hubble tension. Why do we get different answers while measuring the expansion rate of the universe? Is our standard model of the cosmos missing a crucial piece of the puzzle? Join Tom as he journeys from the discovery of cosmic exp…

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Episode 59: Eliot Argus – Cardboard Cutouts 48:19

5M ago48:19

48:19

Ever since they released their debut single back in 2019, Queensland alt-rockers Cardboard Cutouts have been determined to keep themselves moving. Whether it's trying new things on the writing or recording front, or simply looking towards myriad artists for inspiration, it's easy to see they're a group who aren't happy to stay in one lane. Indeed, …

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Why Do We Age? 1:01:49

5M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

In this episode of The Information Entropy Podcast, we explore the science of ageing—what it is, why it happens, and how it affects the body and brain over time. We dig into cellular damage, stem cell decline, and metabolic theories like the Rate of Living Hypothesis. Plus, we ask why animals like Greenland sharks live for centuries while others bu…

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Episode 58: Josh Morris – The Electorate 53:11

5M ago53:11

53:11

For a few years now, the Australian music industry has been home to a band whose current iteration has roots spanning back decades. In the early '90s, the Sydney scene featured an indie-rock trio dubbed The Templebears. Issuing three releases across as many years, the group never released a debut album, ultimately splitting around 1992. Its members…

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Conservation II: The Big Five and Economics 1:02:07

5M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

We’re back for round two on conservation — and this time we’re naming names. From habitat loss and invasive species to climate chaos and pollution, we break down the Big Five threats that are pushing species to the brink. Mitch digs into the Svalbard Seed Vault, the planet’s frozen backup drive for food and biodiversity, and we unpack the economics…

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Episode 57: Crystal Choi & Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent – Phoebe Rings 42:45

5M ago42:45

42:45

If you're someone who likes their music a little bit dreamy, a little bit hazy, and a whole lot of brilliant, then you need to point your peepers toward New Zealand, where Auckland's Phoebe Rings have been providing just that for some years now. Initially beginning as something of a solo project for Crystal Choi, it swiftly expanded, bringing toget…

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Conservation 57:46

5M ago57:46

57:46

This week, we’re getting into the wild world of conservation — the science of saving stuff before it disappears forever. But it’s not all noble rangers and panda logos. Conservation is complicated. It’s where ecology crashes headfirst into politics, economics, and some big ethical questions about what we value and why. We break down what conservati…

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Episode 56: Ciarann Babbington – Bakers Eddy 46:54

6M ago46:54

46:54

Are you someone who likes their music with a bit of energy and a bit of fun? Then let me point you towards Bakers Eddy. Formed in Wellington, New Zealand when its members were still quite young, the group found itself crafting a pop-punk sound and issuing a few tracks and an EP before heading west and relocating to Melbourne, Australia. Since 2017,…

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The Middle Ages: Metallurgy and Forges 1:01:06

6M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

In this final "Middle Ages" episode, we take a closer look at how medieval weapons were made—from the blacksmith’s forge to the battlefield. We explore the practical science behind forging and quenching steel, how techniques developed across Europe and Japan, and what this meant for the weapons themselves. We also examine how swordsmanship evolved …

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Episode 55: Nick Thomas – The Spill Canvas 31:14

6M ago31:14

31:14

For over 20 years now, music-lovers of the world have been lucky enough to exist within the same timeline as The Spill Canvas. Formed by Nick Thomas back in 2001, the group rose to fame throughout the decade, with their work equally being categorised as alternative rock, emo, pop rock, and more. Thanks to releases like the 'Denial Feels So Good' EP…