Best Virtual Quiz Podcasts (2025)

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A mother lode of Mexican mammoths, how water pollution enters the air, and a book on playing dead 55:07

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3h ago55:07

55:07

First up on the podcast, Staff Writer Rodrigo Pérez Ortega joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about a megafauna megafind that rivals the La Brea Tar Pits. In addition to revealing tens of thousands of bones from everything from dire wolves to an ancient human, the site has yielded the first DNA from ammoths that lived in a warm climate. Next on the sh…

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Should kids be on social media? Are stripes better than polka dots? 34:43

13h ago34:43

34:43

We’re trolling with the punches when we discuss whether kids should use social media. Then, we’re pitting two patterns against each other when stripes take on polka dots. Featuring: Myles Anderson, Sean Lecomber, Rob Pue and the late Kathleen McGee.

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John Hickenlooper’s optimism in the face of opposition 34:22

1d ago34:22

34:22

Three years ago this month, the Inflation Reduction Act passed, marking the largest investment in climate policy in U.S. history. It included over $300 billion to address global warming and was expected to unlock nearly $3 trillion in private investment by 2032. But then came Donald Trump. Over the last eight months, the Trump administration has wo…

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Is it silly to hold a grudge? And does a kitchen party beat a shed party? 35:47

7d ago35:47

35:47

Should you never hold a grudge? Get ready for the ultimate grudge match! Then, a pair of East Coast comedians refuse to play second fiddle when they decide if kitchen parties are superior to shed parties. Featuring: Elvira Kurt, Arthur Simeon, Ryan Dillon, and Nikki Payne.

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New insights into endometriosis, and mapping dengue in Latin America 32:07

7d ago32:07

32:07

First up on the podcast, Staff Writer Meredith Wadman joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss recent advances in understanding endometriosis—a disease where tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and other health effects. The pair talk about how investigating the role of the immune system in this disease is…

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Why chatbots lie, and can synthetic organs and AI replace animal testing? 31:53

14d ago31:53

31:53

First up on the podcast, producer Meagan Cantwell and Contributing Correspondent Sara Reardon discuss alternative approaches to animal testing, from a heart on a chip to a miniorgan in a dish. Next on the show, Expert Voices columnist Melanie Mitchell and host Sarah Crespi dig into AI lies. Why do chatbots fabricate answers and pretend to do math? …

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Is listening to an audiobook the best way to read a book? And does nothing beat a night at the ballet? 34:45

14d ago34:45

34:45

Two comedians get in each other’s bad books when they pit listening to audiobooks against reading books. Then, we’re raising the barre on the subject of spending a night at the ballet. Featuring: Matt Falk, Lara Rae, DeAnne Smith and Courtney Gilmour.

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The rogue idea that saved a hydrogen startup 38:07

15d ago38:07

38:07

In 2022, Zach Jones learned that his technical team at Graphitic Energy was secretly working nights and weekends on an unsanctioned approach to producing clean hydrogen from natural gas. It was an approach that abandoned the technology Zach and the company had spent years developing. And Zach wasn’t happy. With investors to answer to and a pilot pl…

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Why anteaters keep evolving, and how giant whales get enough food to live 28:08

21d ago28:08

28:08

First up on the podcast, Online News Editor David Grimm brings stories on peacock feathers’ ability to emit laser light, how anteaters have evolved at least 12 times, and why we should be thanking ketchup for our French fries. Next on the show, rorqual whales, such as the massive blue whale, use a lunging strategy to fill their monster maws with se…

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Is butter better than margarine? And does Newfoundland have the best time zone? 36:01

21d ago36:01

36:01

Two comedians churn out jokes in a battle for the superior spread. Then, get ready for a timely debate on Newfoundland’s unique time zone. Featuring: Derek Seguin, Matt Wright, Nour Hadidi, and Hisham Kelati.

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The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas 44:33

22d ago44:33

44:33

Send us a text Wendy and Amy discuss The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas while sipping a Watermelon Prosecco Cocktail. We tackle tough topics like police violence, media spin and how difficult stories continue to teach important lessons. Pop a cork to books that make you stop, think, reflect, and grow. Ingredients for Today's Watermelon Prosecco Cockta…

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Become More Interesting! Here are 10 of the best Quiz Questions to remember 9:52

22d ago9:52

9:52

Liverpool FC! | Transport! | Air Conditioning! We're back with ten more cracking quiz questions. Remember these and instantly become more interesting and fascinating to be around! Here monthly for the time being. With audio challenges and a bad joke, we strive to make this pod the most memorable ten minutes of your day! --- Created and Presented by…

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Wartime science in Ukraine, what Neanderthals really ate, and visiting the city of the dead 51:33

28d ago51:33

51:33

First up on the podcast, Contributing Correspondent Richard Stone joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about the toll of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and how researchers have been mobilized to help the war effort. In June, Stone visited the basement labs where Ukrainian students modify off-the-shelf drones for war fighting and the facilities where bi…

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Is Boston Pizza what we’re all hungry for? And are long weekends a letdown? 35:41

28d ago35:41

35:41

There’s no topping a saucy debate on Canadian restaurant chain Boston Pizza. Then, are long weekends overrated? We let two weekend warriors battle it out. Featuring: Ivan Decker, Maddy Kelly, Abdul Aziz, and John Hastings.

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Robots that eat other robots, and an ancient hot spot of early human relatives 34:45

1M ago34:45

34:45

First up on the podcast, South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind is home to the world’s greatest concentration of ancestral human remains, including our own genus, Homo, Australopithecus, and a more robust hominin called Paranthropus. Proving they were there at the same time is challenging, but new fossil evidence seems to point to coexistence. Producer…

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Is moving for love a good idea? And is it better to be a jack of all trades or a master of one? 37:38

1M ago37:38

37:38

We’re bringing you a moving debate on whether it’s always great to move for love, and hammering it home when a jack of all trades takes on a master of one. Featuring: Isabel Zaw-Tun, Paul Myrehaug, Chad Anderson, and Graham Chittenden.

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Which ocean wins: Atlantic or Pacific? And does growing up poor make you stronger? 38:09

1M ago38:09

38:09

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Studying a shark-haunted island, and upgrading our microbiomes with engineered bacteria 36:50

1M ago36:50

36:50

First up on the podcast, Réunion Island had a shark attack crisis in2011 and closed its beaches for more than a decade. Former News Intern Alexa Robles-Gil joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about how researchers have used that time to study the island’s shark populations and test techniques for preventing attacks, in the hopes of protecting lives and…

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A tardi party for the ScienceAdviser newsletter, and sled dog genomes 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

First up on the podcast, Newsletter Editor Christie Wilcox joins host Sarah Crespi to celebrate the 2-year anniversary of ScienceAdviser with many stories about the amazing water bear. They also discuss links between climate change, melting glaciers, and earthquakes in the Alps, as well as what is probably the first edible laser. Next on the show, …

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Are staycations the best? And is it okay for one partner to be more successful? 38:47

2M ago38:47

38:47

This week’s episode brings it home when we discuss if a staycation is the best type of vacation, and whether it’s okay for one partner to have the secret to success. Featuring: Patrick Ledwell, John Sheehan, Chris Wilson, and Stacey McGunnigle.

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Losing years of progress against HIV, and farming plastic on Mars 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

First up on the podcast, U.S. aid helped two African countries rein in HIV. Then came President Donald Trump. Senior News Correspondent Jon Cohen talks with producer Kevin McLean about how in Lesotho and Eswatini, treatment and prevention cutbacks are hitting pregnant people, children, and teens especially hard. This story is part of a series about…

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Is Coke better than Pepsi? And are family doctors overrated? 36:47

2M ago36:47

36:47

This week’s episode is one for the bever-ages! First, two comics try to burst each other’s bubble when they decide if Coke is superior to Pepsi. Then, it’s time to check-up on the importance of family doctors. Featuring: Dave Hemstad, Lisa Baker, Clifton Cremo, and Martha Chaves.

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Sold by Patricia McCormick 42:37

2M ago42:37

42:37

Send us a text Wendy and Amy discuss Sold by Patricia McCormick and sip a Frozen Lemon Fizzer prosecco cocktail. We talk about the horrific reality of child sex slavery, gender dynamics and women as property. Pop a cork to the strength of a woman! Ingredients for Today's Frozen Lemon Fizzer: 4 scoops lemon sorbet, 1 3/4 fl. oz. limoncello, 2 oz. Pr…

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10 Great Pub Quiz Questions! | Do Penguins Have Knees? ...and more! 9:12

2M ago9:12

9:12

Gaffers! | Darts! | Extremely Difficult World Capitals Question! This one's tricky... but if it was too easy it wouldn't be fun would it. Do penguins have knees? People have asked this for decades. And we can finally reveal the answer! Join us for ten of the greatest pub quiz questions, in the comfort of your own home, or the discomfort of the gym.…

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Will your family turn you into a chatbot after you die? Plus, synthetic squid skin, and the sway of matriarchs in ancient Anatolia 44:57

2M ago44:57

44:57

First up on the podcast, Contributing Correspondent Andrew Curry joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss a pair of Science papers on kinship and culture in Neolithic Anatolia. The researchers used ancient DNA and isotopes from 8000 to 9000 years ago to show how maternal lines were important in Çatalhöyük culture. ● E. Yüncü et al., Female lineages and c…

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Is Canada’s national anthem the best? And does everything happen for a reason? 35:59

2M ago35:59

35:59

It’s all about true patriot love when we ask if Canada’s national anthem is at the top, and a fateful debate questions whether everything happens for a reason. Featuring: Jon Steinberg, Ali Hassan, Courtney Gilmour and Nour Hadidi.

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How effective are plastic bag bans? And a whole new way to do astronomy 37:25

2M ago37:25

37:25

First up on the podcast, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is just coming online, and once fully operational, it will take a snapshot of the entire southern sky every 3 days. Producer Meagan Cantwell guides us through Staff Writer Daniel Clery’s trip to the site of the largest camera ever made for astronomy. Next on the show, probing the impact of plas…

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Are shopping carts better than baskets? And is an invitation to the cottage the secret to summer fun? 37:04

2M ago37:04

37:04

Our season finale episode is a grocery grudge match and a real re-treat! Featuring: Matt Wright, Jan Caruana, Laurie Elliott, and Tamara Shevon.

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The tape that led to a fusion breakthrough 50:41

2M ago50:41

50:41

In 2021, Commonwealth Fusion Systems proved it had built the most powerful magnet in the world. The breakthrough was based on a specific material - a tape - that conducts massive amounts of current with very little loss. Rick Needham, Chief Commercial Officer for CFS, says the breakthrough led to a $1.8 billion Series B fundraising round. Since the…

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Why peanut allergy is so common and hot forests as test beds for climate change 37:22

3M ago37:22

37:22

First up on the podcast, Staff Writer Erik Stokstad talks with host Sarah Crespi about how scientists are probing the world’s hottest forests to better understand how plants will cope with climate change. His storyis part of a special issue on plants and heat, which includes reviews and perspectives on the fate of plants in a warming world. Next on…

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Frontier Forum: Fixing distributed energy's finance gap 41:55

3M ago41:55

41:55

Clean energy attracts nearly $3 trillion in investment annually, but most of that capital flows to massive utility-scale projects through the world's biggest banks and large-scale asset managers. Meanwhile, smaller distributed projects — rooftop solar, batteries, microgrids — face a structural financing challenge that Amanda Li calls "death by a th…

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Which is better: Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? And do coaches matter? 35:16

3M ago35:16

35:16

We’re pitting parental holidays against each other, and deciding if coaches are a make or break mentor. Featuring: Dave Hemstad, Elvira Kurt, Emmanuel Lomuro, and Patrick Dussault.

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Avoid getting ill on a plane - choose window or aisle seat? | 10 of the best quiz questions! 9:12

3M ago9:12

9:12

Dwarfs! | Dolphins! | Marbles! Life-changing trivia - hear ten talking points and thrilling trivia to test your team at work or family around the dinner table! Protect your brain by using it - Memorise these epic facts! Learn about how we feel after a few drinks by comparing ourselves to dwarves; large cats and who wrote the Mr Men and Little Miss …

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Farming maize in ice age Michigan, predicting the future climate of cities, and our host takes a quiz on the sounds of science 42:05

3M ago42:05

42:05

First up on the podcast, we hear from Staff Writer Paul Voosen about the tricky problem of regional climate prediction. Although global climate change models have held up for the most part, predicting what will happen at smaller scales, such as the level of a city, is proving a stubborn challenge. Just increasing the resolution of global models req…

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Are jeans the best pants? And is food delivery easier than ever? 38:15

3M ago38:15

38:15

We decide if wearing denim is a dream and whether ordering delivery is a breeze. Featuring: Stacey McGunnigle, Myles Anderson, Graham Clark and Lachlan Patterson.

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FOAK tales 52:55

3M ago52:55

52:55

This week, we're bringing you a special episode of Catalyst with Shayle Kann, a show about how to decarbonize the planet. In this episode: what it takes to secure investments for first-of-a-kind infrastructure projects. First-of-a-kind projects need infrastructure investment, the kind of money that costs less than venture capital and usually comes …

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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson 36:56

3M ago36:56

36:56

Send us a text Wendy and Amy discuss a beloved middle-grade read, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. We talked about friendship, grief and gender roles. We also explored how a book like this can help when tackling tough topics with young readers. Pop a cork to classics that never get old! Ingredients for Today's Slow Gin and Blackberry Spa…

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Tickling in review, spores in the stratosphere, and longevity research 52:30

3M ago52:30

52:30

First up on the podcast, Online News Editor Michael Greshko joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about stories set high above our heads. They discuss capturing fungal spores high in the stratosphere, the debate over signs oflife on the exoplanet K2-18b, and a Chinese contender for world’s oldest star catalog. Next on the show, a look into long-standing …

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Strange metals and our own personal ‘oxidation fields’ 40:13

3M ago40:13

40:13

First up on the podcast, freelance journalist Zack Savitsky joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about the strange metal state. Physicists are probing thebehavior of electrons in these materials, which appear to behave like a thick soup rather than discrete charged particles. Many suspect insights into strange metals might lead to the creation of room-t…

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Which is better: Plastic or paper? And are you nobody until somebody hates you? 35:21

3M ago35:21

35:21

We decide if plastic beats paper and whether being hated has its benefits. Featuring: Ivan Decker, Martha Chaves, Nikki Payne, and Bruce Clark.

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Building Fervo's geothermal giant 42:38

3M ago42:38

42:38

In 2023, Sarah Jewett was on her honeymoon in France when she received a life-changing text: steam was flowing from Fervo Energy's first commercial geothermal project in Nevada. That moment confirmed their revolutionary approach—applying horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing from the oil and gas industry to tap heat resources previously cons…

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A horse science roundup and using dubious brain scans as evidence of crimes 30:27

3M ago30:27

30:27

First up on the podcast, freelance journalist Jonathan Moens talks with host Sarah Crespi about a forensic test called brain electrical oscillation signature (BEOS) profiling, which police in India are using along with other techniques to try to tell whether a suspect participated in a crime, despite these technologies’ extremely shaky scientific g…

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Should you raise your family in Winnipeg? And is compromise the best solution? 37:42

4M ago37:42

37:42

When it comes to raising kids, does Winnipeg win? And is compromise a happy ending? Featuring: Chad Anderson, Lara Rae, Courtney Gilmour, and Jon Dore.

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10 of the best Pub Quiz Questions! Woolly Mammoths vs Stonehenge, Engagement Rings and Cryptic Clothing... 8:44

4M ago8:44

8:44

High Cities | CGI characters | Rubbish Recorders! Recorder song link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF7lv1gfP1Q Become the smartest person in the room - for ten minutes! Protect your brain by using it. Memorise these epic facts! You can learn about woolly mammoths and whether they lasted long enough to see Stonehenge being built. We talk about di…

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Analyzing music from ancient Greece and Rome, and the 100 days that shook science 33:17

4M ago33:17

33:17

First up on the podcast, producer Meagan Cantwell worked with the Science News team to review how the first 100 days of PresidentDonald Trump’s administration have impacted science. In the segment, originally produced for video, we hear about how the workforce, biomedical research, and global health initiatives all face widespread, perhaps permanen…

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Does nothing beat a day at the ballpark? And is Toronto the worst city in Canada to commute in? 37:06

4M ago37:06

37:06

It’s a homerun when we talk about a day at the baseball stadium, and whether commuting in Toronto is enough to drive you up the wall. Featuring: Patrick Dussault, Simon Rakoff, Isabel Zaw-Tun, and Don Kelly.

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Terawatt Infrastructure’s billion-dollar strategy 33:43

4M ago33:43

33:43

In 2021, Neha Palmer co-founced Terawatt Infrastructure with a bold mission: create the backbone for America's electric trucking revolution. Within its first year, Terawatt secured a billion-dollar investment. But as the company developed plans for a nationwide charging network, it confronted the daunting challenge of building infrastructure for an…

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All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson 43:05

4M ago43:05

43:05

Send us a text Wendy and Amy discuss their first nonfiction read ever for the podcast, George M. Johnson's memoir All Boys Aren't Blue. We talk about the benefits of reading someone else's story and how much can be learned from them, as well as the value this book in particular brings to readers. Pop a cork to being open to others' truths! Ingredie…

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Tales from an Italian crypt, and the science behind ‘dad bods’ 32:28

4M ago32:28

32:28

First up on the podcast, Contributing Correspondent Andrew Curry talks with host Sarah Crespi about his visit to 17th century crypts under an old hospital in Italy. Researchers are examining tooth plaque, bone lesions, and mummified brains to learn more about the health, diet, and drug habits of Milan’s working poor 400 years ago. Next on the show,…

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A caterpillar that haunts spiderwebs, solving the last riddles of a famed friar, and a new book series 45:52

4M ago45:52

45:52

First up on the podcast, bringing Gregor Mendel’s peas into the 21st century. Back in the 19th century Mendel, a friar and naturalist, tracked traits in peas such as flower color and shape over many generations. He used these observations to identify basic concepts about inheritance such as recessive and dominant traits. Staff Writer Erik Stokstad …