Best Put A Shark In It Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 301: WTF was the Bok Game?!?!?! 1:09:35

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4h ago1:09:35

1:09:35

Strap in for a chaotic episode as Phil, Ant, and Rich attempt to analyse the un-analysable. The Springboks' win over Argentina had everything: 97 points, 12 tries, a hattrick, a bizarre drop-goal attempt from your own in-goal, and a coming-of-age masterclass from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. We break down the madness, the genius, and the sheer lunacy…

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Salty permafrost’s role in Arctic melting, the promise of continuous protein monitoring, and death in the ancient world 46:22

5d ago46:22

46:22

First up on the podcast, Science News Editor Tim Appenzeller joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss why a salty layer of permafrost undergirding Arctic ice is turning frozen landscapes into boggy morasses. Next on the show, glucose isn’t the only molecule in the body that can be monitored in real time; proteins can be, too. Freelancer producer Zakiya W…

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Episode 300: Lions Kicked into the Bottomless Pit 55:05

7d ago55:05

55:05

This week, Dick blows the whistle on the TRC’s scheduling shenanigans, accusing them of high tackle interference with the Women’s RWC and AFL finals. It’s a calendar clash of titanic proportions, and someone’s getting yellow-carded.We scrum down on the age-old debate: Six Nations or TRC—which competition reigns supreme? Spoiler: it’s less “crown je…

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Why the planet is drying out much faster than before, according to a new study 5:50

9d ago5:50

5:50

According to a new study, the planet is drying at an unprecedented pace, presenting a critical threat to humanity. Researchers found that “continental drying is having profound global impacts” that “threaten water availability” across the globe. To learn more, Ali Rogin speaks with ProPublica climate investigations editor Abrahm Lustgarten for our …

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Ep. 180: Lumos sleep mask and From Hockey to Triathlon: The Unlikely Journey of a Future Doctor 57:06

11d ago57:06

57:06

In this episode: Diving into the chaotic yet exhilarating world of triathlon and medicine, this episode showcases the fascinating journey of Pavlos Antoniedes, a medical student who somehow juggles both rigorous academic studies and being a national-level triathlete. Imagine the life of someone who, while mastering the complex anatomy of the human …

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Protecting newborns from an invisible killer, the rise of drones for farming, and a Druid mystery 35:00

12d ago35:00

35:00

First up on the podcast, freelance science journalist Leslie Roberts joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about the long journey to a vaccine for group B streptococcus, a microbe that sickens 400,000 babies a year and kills at least 91,000. Next on the show, there are about 250,000 agricultural drones employed on farms in China. Countries such as South …

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Economic fallout mounts as Trump halts near-finished wind power project 6:22

14d ago6:22

6:22

Last month, the Trump administration abruptly halted construction on a nearly completed $6 billion, 65-turbine wind farm off the coast of New England, known as Revolution Wind. The holdup has put thousands out of work and raises big questions about not just the future of this project, but similar efforts across the eastern seaboard. Science corresp…

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Episode 299: Razor out, Gatland in! 1:10:05

14d ago1:10:05

1:10:05

What a weekend of rugby... The Wallabies and Argentina got our morning's off to a great start with a highly entertaining clash, followed up by what was one of the all-time great halves of rugby from the Springboks and a record defeat for the All Blacks. The Springbok Women then closed out the double up with an inspired debut in the World Cup knocko…

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Lisa Lawson explores the neuroscience of adolescence in ‘Thrive’ 6:16

15d ago6:16

6:16

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is perhaps best known for its work helping America’s youth. Lisa Lawson, the president and CEO, has done extensive research into the development of teenagers. She joined Geoff Bennett to discuss her new book, "Thrive: How the Science of the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Imagine a Better Future for All Children." PBS News i…

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An aggressive cancer’s loophole, and a massive field of hydrogen beneath the ocean floor 35:14

19d ago35:14

35:14

First up on the podcast, aggressive tumors have a secret cache of DNA that may help them beat current drug treatments. Freelance journalist Elie Dolgin joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about targeting so-called extrachromosomal DNA—little gene-bearing loops of DNA—that help difficult-to-treat cancers break the laws of inheritance. Next on the show, …

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Episode 298: Eden Park Remains a Fortress 50:59

21d ago50:59

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Rain and the ref seem to be common excuses going around the South African water coolers this week, but in all honesty the Boks had only themselves to blame for gifting Ardie Savea a victory in his 100th Test. While the Springbok men failed to create history, the women will write a new chapter as they appear in their first ever RWC quarter final aga…

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How researchers restored a thriving habitat for Atlantic puffins in Maine 8:49

22d ago8:49

8:49

Atlantic puffins face an increasingly precarious foothold due in part to a loss of habitat and to troubles tied to warming ocean waters and climate change. But an effort off the coast of Maine continues to provide a crucial nesting habitat for these seabirds and a place for them to thrive. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien traveled to the colony …

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Ep. 179: Arnica and Stephanie VanBebber on Marathons and Cancer: Should You Be Worried? 1:06:36

25d ago1:06:36

1:06:36

In this episode: In the MMB we take a look at the science behind the popular homeopathic remedy arnica. Is there any merit to this topically applied plant derivative for treating delayed onset muscle soreness? Plus, our guest, Stephanie Van Bebber, brings her expertise in clinical research to the table as we navigate through the headlines that have…

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Finding HIV’s last bastion in the body, and playing the violin like a cricket 32:57

27d ago32:57

32:57

First up on the podcast, despite so many advances in treatment, HIV drugs can suppress the virus but can’t cure the infection. Where does suppressed HIV hide within the body? Staff Writer Jon Cohen joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about the Last Gift Study, in which people with HIV donate their bodies for rapid autopsy to help find the last reservoi…

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News Wrap: Judge rules White House unlawfully blocked Harvard’s research grants 6:16

27d ago6:16

6:16

In our news wrap Wednesday, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully terminated Harvard's research grants, Florida is moving to become the first state to eliminate all vaccine mandates for children to attend school and President Trump is defending a military strike on a boat in the Caribbean, saying it will prevent further att…

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As rising sea levels swallow Bangladesh’s land, its climate refugees are forced to adapt 8:37

27d ago8:37

8:37

Few countries in the world are considered more vulnerable to the impact of rising sea levels and climate change than Bangladesh, a nation of 175 million people squeezed into a landmass the size of Iowa. In partnership with the Pulitzer Center, Fred de Sam Lazaro traveled to Bangladesh to look at efforts to build resilience in the face of the escala…

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Episode 297: Springbok Women Shatter their Ceiling 48:08

27d ago48:08

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Aseza Hele, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Nadine Roos, Nolusindiso Booi... A special generation of Springbok women have made history with a first ever appearance in the RWC knockouts. Ant and Andy revel in the green glow and recount this historic moment. The Springbok men also feature, with a recap of the Wallabies win and a nervous note on the upcomi…

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Epidemiologist breaks down new restrictions on COVID shots 8:07

28d ago8:07

8:07

Many Americans who want to get the newest COVID vaccines may now have a harder time doing so. The Food and Drug Administration limited approval for the shots to adults 65 and older or those who are "high risk" for severe disease. The vaccine was previously available to individuals six months of age and older. Amna Nawaz discussed the changes with D…

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How medical advancements could reshape the outlook for children with Trisomy 18 8:21

29d ago8:21

8:21

Trisomy 18, also known sometimes as Edwards syndrome, is often fatal within weeks after a baby is born. But now, parents and doctors are finding ways of getting more time with those children with greater interventions and incredible commitments. Stephanie Sy discussed the difficult ethical questions around it with Dr. Sheri Fink. PBS News is suppor…

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50 years after ‘Jaws,’ researcher dispels myths about sharks 6:43

30d ago6:43

6:43

This year marks the 50th anniversary of "Jaws," the 1975 Steven Spielberg blockbuster about a ravenous great white shark. The film packed theaters and instilled a deep, lasting fear of sharks. While many Americans are terrified of them, shark attacks are relatively rare and the species is widely misunderstood. William Brangham discussed more with K…

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How coyotes are adapting to urban life and thriving in U.S. cities 6:25

1M ago6:25

6:25

In cities across America, it’s become increasingly common to see coyotes in parks, golf courses and other green spaces. John Yang speaks with New York Times reporter and photographer Loren Elliott and urban ecologist Christopher Schell to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c…

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

1M 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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California farms face pressure to boost efficiency as water supply declines 8:09

1M ago8:09

8:09

The demand for water from the Colorado River is of paramount importance out West and the focus of some big battles. It's been especially critical for farming and agriculture. In California's Imperial Valley, there are growing questions over the use of that resource and whether bigger changes are needed. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. …

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As glaciers melt, scientists study potential for more violent volcanic eruptions 6:44

1M ago6:44

6:44

Scientists are flocking to Iceland to investigate an increasingly crucial question: Will melting glaciers accelerate and intensify earthquakes and volcanic eruptions? William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

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Ep. 178: Cutting through the creatine hype and From Cross Country to Caribbean: Embrace Your Inner Roller Skier! 1:06:45

1M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

In this episode: Creatine is all the rage being pushed by nutritionists and coaches on anyone who will listen. This supplement would seem to be the answer to all that ails you if you give any credence to the innumerable influencers who proselytize about its benefits. But what does the science say and specifically, what does it say with respect to e…

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

1M 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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Florida’s climate-focused tech sector faces uncertainty after federal cuts 8:40

1M ago8:40

8:40

South Florida is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Start-ups, local governments and researchers are working to make the area more resilient, but federal funding cuts may hinder those efforts. William Brangham traveled to the region and reports for our series, Tipping Point. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/fu…

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Episode 296: McReight with a Side of Tries 1:03:45

1M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Well, nobody saw that coming. The Springboks spontaneously combusted as the Wallabies ran in wonder try after wonder try at Ellis Park to take a famous victory. But, the pod believes a victory next week is still the most likely outcome as some mitigating factors emerge. Perhaps some hard but necessary lessons learned in this shock defeat?Music by @…

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A photographer’s quest to raise awareness of fireflies under threat with dazzling images 2:56

1M ago2:56

2:56

For many people, fireflies are part of the story of summer, evoking memories of lazy, hot evenings spent trying to catch them in glass jars. Now, one man is still trying to catch them — not with a jar, but with a camera — to raise awareness about the threats facing these glowing insects. John Yang reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs…

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How a White House plan to overturn a key EPA regulation threatens children’s health 5:01

1M ago5:01

5:01

In July, the Trump administration proposed revoking a landmark 2009 finding that’s been the basis for EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. If the proposal is finalized, experts warn that it could jeopardize the health of millions of Americans, especially children. John Yang speaks with pediatrician and clinical profes…

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AI-generated models shake up the fashion industry and raise concerns 7:50

1M ago7:50

7:50

The rise of artificial intelligence has touched nearly every industry, disrupting long-established workflows and raising concerns about job losses. Now, the fashion world is reckoning with these changes as AI takes hold, from virtual fitting rooms to AI avatars starring in marketing campaigns. Ali Rogin reports on the refashioning of the industry a…

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

2M 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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How Maryland’s riverkeepers protect the state’s waterways 2:47

2M ago2:47

2:47

Fred Tutman is the riverkeeper of Maryland’s longest and deepest intrastate waterway. He's an advocate for the Patuxent River and one of the longest-serving waterkeepers in the Chesapeake region. Our journalism training program, PBS News Student Reporting Labs, traveled to Maryland to learn about Tutman's unique job. PBS News is supported by - http…

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New study highlights ‘grave, growing’ danger of plastic pollution to world’s health 4:49

2M ago4:49

4:49

In Geneva, negotiators from 175 nations are trying to hammer out the first-ever legally binding treaty on plastic pollution. The urgency of the talks was underscored this week by a new study published in The Lancet. It calls plastics a “grave, growing and under-recognized danger to human and planetary health.” John Yang speaks with Tracey Woodruff,…

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How radioactive rhino horns could help save the species from poachers 2:10

2M ago2:10

2:10

The black market trade in rhino horns is driving the species to near extinction. Now, scientists at a rhino orphanage in the Bushveld of South Africa are trying to protect them from poaching in a rather surprising way. John Yang reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

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Scientists face ecological and economic hurdles to save Mississippi River Delta 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

The iconic Mississippi River Delta is of enormous importance to the country, especially near the Gulf Coast. It's an economic engine and a key wildlife habitat. But it's shrinking considerably due to a variety of factors, including engineering done decades ago. Science Correspondent Miles O'Brien looks at those problems and efforts to prevent furth…

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Ep 177: Shark Deterrents: The Science Behind the Hype or Just Another Marketing Gimmick? and From Photography to Shaving: How Adam Barker is Changing the Game 1:05:23

2M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

In this episode: Follow Jeff and Juliet as they discuss the latest in shark deterrent technology, it’s clear they’re not just swimming in shallow waters; they’re making waves with some serious scientific discussions. After that, we’re diving right into the wild world of photography and entrepreneurship with our guest, Adam Barker, who’s here to cha…

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

2M 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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Federal mRNA funding cut is ‘most dangerous public health decision’ ever, expert says 7:52

2M ago7:52

7:52

Many public health experts and scientists say they are stunned by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s decision to cancel nearly half a billion dollars in federal funding for future vaccine development. MRNA technology was central in the battle against COVID and can be developed more quickly than traditional vaccines. Geoff Bennett discussed the…

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How a Kentucky community is using AI to help people find common ground 9:02

2M ago9:02

9:02

The rise of artificial intelligence has sparked concerns across various sectors, including employment, education and national security. But one Kentucky county is taking a different approach, using the technology to boost something far more human: civic engagement. Judy Woodruff reports on an experiment that revealed surprising levels of agreement.…

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New book explores the science behind ‘super aging’ and longer, healthier lifespans 4:48

2M ago4:48

4:48

Imagine a future where the aging process can be delayed and more people live active, healthy and disease-free lives well into their 90s. That reality may be sooner than you think, according to Dr. Eric Topol, author of the new book “Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity.” Ali Rogin speaks with Topol about the rapidly advancing scienc…

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

2M 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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Episode 295: Is this the Best Lions Side of all time? 44:44

2M ago44:44

44:44

Short answer, no. The consensus is that even Ireland is better than the B&I Lions. The real question is Argentina better than the Lions? They beat them. But England B beat Argentina. So are England B better than the Lions? And are England B better than England A? Is Maro Itoje the problem? If you asked Andre Piardi, he'd probably say "si". But then…

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How Ben & Jerry’s is recycling food waste into energy 7:05

2M ago7:05

7:05

It may sound like the stuff of sci-fi movies, but diverting food waste from the landfill and converting it into electricity has become a real thing. William Brangham visited Ben & Jerry’s Vermont ice cream factory and the operations next door to find out how it works. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on …

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"Sleep Like a Pro: The Truth About Cooling Blankets and Your Recovery" and How One Guy's Trash is Another's Treasure": Recycling Shoes 1:11:58

2M ago1:11:58

1:11:58

In this episode: In a world where our running shoes are often treated like disposable fashion items, Stuart Jenkins, CEO of Blumaca, is on a mission to change the narrative. With a background in competitive running that once led him to the Olympic trials, he’s now tackling the issue of foam waste in footwear with a sense of urgency that’s downright…