Best The Stupid Scientist Podcasts (2025)

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77 | Akiko Iwasaki and the art of creativity maintenance 40:33

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3h ago40:33

40:33

Akiko Iwasaki, a Yale professor and Howard Hughes Investigator, was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2024. Together, we reflect on how diverse backgrounds enrich research, allowing people to discover different things in the same data. Akiko explains how leading large collaborations requires managing expectations, not micr…

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How to Spend Your Time and Money Better (with Nobel Prize Winner Richard Thaler) 48:48

13h ago48:48

48:48

We all behave irrationally. We pay for expensive gym memberships and only go once. We spend windfall cash on things we'd never buy with our salaries. We plan to do nice things in the distant future, but don't actually write them down in our calendars. These things can be bad for our happiness, so why do we do them? Economist Richard Thaler won a No…

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Eat Like the People Who Live Happily to 100 (with Dan Buettner) 39:21

8d ago39:21

39:21

Your eating habits could be cutting years off the end of your life. But there's a simple solution - eat like the people who live happily and healthily into their 80s, 90s and beyond. Dan Buettner studies the inhabitants of so-called "Blue Zones" - where people live long lives. Food and eating culture seem to play an important role this longevity. D…

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229: Blake Kasemeier - Is art anything you can get away with? 1:00:15

2h ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Blake Kasemeier tells stories, mostly with words, and also makes videos you've probably watched on your phone before. He is a multifaceted content creator, writer, and poet, and in this chat, we dive into authenticity in art, the journey of content creation, and the importance of perspective. Blake shares his experiences navigating vulnerability in…

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Dear Horse World - Matt Brown: Why Asking “Why?” Is the Hardest—and Most Important—Question in Equestrian Sport Today 1:10:30

11d ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Matt Brown has ridden at the top of the sport. But when he watched a replay of one of his proudest rounds, he didn’t see a confident partnership—he saw a horse responding to pressure, not trust. That moment changed everything. In this episode, Matt joins us to talk about why he stopped carrying a whip in eventing competitions—and how that decision …

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76 | Can Google’s Co-scientist project give scientists superpowers? 40:13

22h ago40:13

40:13

To answer this question, we speak with Dr. Alan Karthikesalingam and Vivek Natarajan from Google DeepMind about their groundbreaking AI co-scientist project. Beyond their work at Google, Alan is an honorary lecturer in vascular surgery at Imperial College London, and Vivek teaches at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Together, we discuss…

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Why Having the Courage to Defy Makes us Happier (with Dr Sunita Sah) 39:53

15d ago39:53

39:53

We all go along with things we don't want to do... or worse, things that make us feel uncomfortable or morally uneasy. We comply for lots of reasons. We don't want to make trouble, or upset our friends, our bosses or people in authority. But Dr Sunita Sah says we should be more ready to defy. Defy: the Power of No in a World That Demands Yes is one…

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Dear Horse World, It’s Tik Maynard: Master Trailering with Trust and Respect 8:19

7d ago8:19

8:19

Trailer loading isn’t just about getting your horse from A to B—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it depends on trust, preparation, and practice. In this episode of Dear Horse World, you’ll hear the first video from Tik Maynard’s Trailering 101 & Common Trailering Problems Masterclass on NF+. Tik explains why most “loading problems” are really rela…

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Dear Horse World, It's Dr. Stephen Peters: Evidence-Based Horsemanship & the Equine Mind - Part 2 58:47

14d ago58:47

58:47

Equine Neuroscience in Action: Turning Science into a Stronger Bond In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Stephen Peters, we move from theory to application — how to take the neuroscience of learning and connection and put it to work with your horse. We explore: Why drilling a task can reduce dopamine and motivation How reward-based training works…

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Stop Caring What Other People Think of You (Bruce Hood on 10% Happier with Dan Harris) 1:08:23

29d ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Bruce Hood was a mentor of Dr Laurie early in her academic career and now teaches a course on happiness based on her famous Yale class. Hear him discuss his top tips on 10% Happier with Dan Harris. Find out more about Dan Harris and 10% Happier at https://www.danharris.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Dear Horse World, It's Dr. Stephen Peters: Evidence-Based Horsemanship & the Equine Mind - Part 1 1:00:32

1M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

From the Navy to Neuroscience: What Horses Can Teach Us About the Brain Before he became one of the most sought-after voices in equine neuroscience, Dr. Stephen Peters lived an entirely different life — growing up between Japan and England in a military family, serving as a Navy officer, and even working at Goldman Sachs. But a personal tragedy pul…

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“Can You Train Your Mind to Be Happier?” (with Dr Tal Ben-Shahar) 1:27:14

1M ago1:27:14

1:27:14

How do you train your mind to be happier? That was the question posed to Dr Laurie by Dr Tal Ben-Shahar at a live webinar for his Happiness Studies Academy. Tal is a leading expert in positive psychology and co-founded the academy to share his knowledge online with students from around the world. Dr Laurie is just one of the scientists he invited t…

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No Stupid Questions with Mary Hurston: Tackling Budgets and Banishing Money Myths 1:00:59

28d ago1:00:59

1:00:59

You love your horse—but your bank account? Not so much. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “Can I really afford this?” while clicking “checkout” on supplements or showing fees, you’re in good company. Most riders are doing their best to make the numbers work in a sport that doesn’t exactly favour modest budgets. In this episode of No Stupid Que…

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"Human Minds Are Stupid!" (with Rich Roll) 2:22:45

1M ago2:22:45

2:22:45

On his podcast, Rich Roll seeks to give his listeners the knowledge to unleash their best selves. He invited Dr Laurie on his show to explain the science-backed "rewirements" she recommends to make us happier. The wide-ranging interview covers lots of topics - but tackles the tricky question of why the human mind often encourages us to do things th…

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228: Kendra Adachi - What's our birth story? 42:47

1M ago42:47

42:47

In this conversation, we share our intimate journey through pregnancy and childbirth, discussing the emotional and physical challenges we faced and reflecting on the support from family, the decisions made during labor, and the transition from a home birth to a hospital setting. Kendra Adachi⁠⁠ is walking a path of deep service to awaken a remembra…

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Dear Horse World, It’s Nick Dowers: Reined Cow Horse Training Methods That Work for Any Discipline (Sponsored by YETI) 1:22:40

1M ago1:22:40

1:22:40

What If the Calmest Person in the Arena Was the Most Powerful? Nick Dowers is a cowboy, a colt starter, a reined cow horse champion—and one of the most quietly revolutionary horsemen in the game. In this episode, 2016 Road to the Horse Champion and NRCHA finalist Nick Dowers joins Noëlle to break down how foundation, feel, and trust can take a hors…

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The Joy of Not Being Dead (with Ryan Holiday on The Daily Stoic) 1:07:35

2M ago1:07:35

1:07:35

Dr Laurie often uses the teachings of the ancient Stoic philosophers to help her through daily life - so she was invited on Ryan Holiday's hit show The Daily Stoic to discuss what she's learned. Ryan started off asking Dr Laurie's thoughts on death and the importance of seeing life as finite - but never fear, the conversation wasn't at all depressi…

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Living the Dream 45:56

2M ago45:56

45:56

Kelly and Lillian discuss an article by Eyal Press about tip credit/tipped wage policies and the power of the NRA (restaurant one)By FOH

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BONUS: Free Guided Ride Series with Laine Ashker — Horse Training Exercises to Build a Balanced Canter 14:15

1M ago14:15

14:15

Why is balance the word every rider hears again and again—but still struggles to master? In this special episode, 5* eventer and Grand Prix dressage rider Laine Ashker breaks down exactly what balance means, why it matters across every discipline, and how to actually develop it—in both your horse and yourself. This conversation is the foundation of…

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Dear Horse World, It’s Dr. Alberto Rullan: The Future of Healing Is Here—But is the Industry Ready? 1:20:44

2M ago1:20:44

1:20:44

When your horse gets injured, the usual path is clear: call the vet, follow the textbook treatment, hope for the best. Now consider this—what if the future of healing wasn’t in prescriptions and routine protocols, but in something far more powerful? For decades, groundbreaking therapies like stem cells, ozone therapy, and PRP have been transforming…

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Abuse of Power 52:24

2M ago52:24

52:24

Kelly and Lillian discuss the Thomas Keller "incident"By FOH

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No Stupid Questions with Max Corcoran: Horse Care Tips and Truths from Olympic Groom and Eventing Insider (Sponsored by - YETI and Connaway & Associates) 1:17:23

2M ago1:17:23

1:17:23

High-performance horse care with no filter, no judgment, and zero dumb questions. Let’s be honest: you’ve Googled “do calming supplements actually work?” an hour before your class while your horse dances in the cross ties. You’ve wondered if your “lazy” gelding is actually just cooked, and you’ve definitely had a moment mid-warm-up where your horse…

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Anyone Can Play, Anyone Can Win (Cornholing with Michelle Hastie Thompson) 32:59

2M ago32:59

32:59

How do you put your life back together after your home and your neighborhood's been destroyed in a wildfire? By tossing beanbags at a hole? That's what Michelle Hastie Thompson did. Michelle ("Cornhole Meesh") loves the backyard game of cornholing - and uses it to help her relax, share time with her loved ones, and meet new people. So what can corn…

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Dear Horse World, It’s Karl Cook: From Olympic Athlete to Mad Scientist in the Saddle (Sponsored by Connaway & Associates) 1:14:48

3M ago1:14:48

1:14:48

Every rider knows the feeling: you're in the middle of a training session and something just doesn't click. There's a disconnect, not just with your horse, but with your approach and mindset. It's more than just a riding issue—it goes deeper, reflecting the challenges and complexities of the equestrian sport. Today, we've got a guest who isn't afra…

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The Jimi Hendrix of the Cello (with Joshua Roman) 39:07

3M ago39:07

39:07

Joshua Roman has been playing the cello everyday since he was three - but then on a concert tour he caught Covid. The illness wouldn't go away and sapped his ability to play the music he loves at the level he was used to. How can things like music help us feel better during tough times? And what can tough times teach us about appreciating and reapp…

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Dear Horse World, It’s Cassandra Ogier: The Era of Horsewomanship & the Power of the Lead Mare 1:16:41

2M ago1:16:41

1:16:41

Every horse owner knows the feeling: walking through the field, chasing after a horse that won’t come, sensing that disconnect not just with the horse, but with life. It’s more than just a training issue—it’s a reflection of something deeper, a desire for connection and harmony that feels out of reach. Being around horses is about more than riding—…

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"Birds Are Like My Afternoon Martini" (Birding with Lili Taylor) 32:15

3M ago32:15

32:15

Lili Taylor loves her acting career - but the emotional intensity of her work and the constant travel can take its toll. But Lili has found a way to relax and unwind - watching birds. As Lili explains in her new book Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing - if we stop to listen to birdsong or pause to watch their busy daily lives - we g…

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Dear Horse World, It’s Dr. John Langlois: Your TCVM Questions, Answered (Part Two) 29:39

3M ago29:39

29:39

More real horses, more real problems—and more fresh perspectives on what might be going on beneath the surface. In Part 2 of this special Dear Horse World special double episode series, we’re continuing our conversation with Dr. John Langlois, an equine veterinarian with over 40 years of experience who now works exclusively in Traditional Chinese V…

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How Good Manners Made Me Happier (with Etiquette Expert William Hanson) 41:38

3M ago41:38

41:38

You might think etiquette is outdated. Who really needs a dinner with nice napkins and four different forks? Etiquette expert William Hanson disagrees. By observing good manners we show others we respect and care about them - deepening our bonds. William (author of Just Good Manners and host of the podcast Help I Sexted My Boss) explains the origin…

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Irish Hotep 39:40

3M ago39:40

39:40

Kelly and Lillian review the history of baseball game foodBy FOH

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Dear Horse World, It’s Dr. John Langlois: Your TCVM Questions, Answered (Part One) 49:22

3M ago49:22

49:22

Real horses, real problems—and a fresh perspective on what might be going on beneath the surface. In this special two-part Dear Horse World episode, we’re back with Dr. John Langlois, an equine veterinarian with over 40 years of experience who now works exclusively in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). After introducing us to the world…

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How Dogs Changed my Life (with The Dogist) 35:29

3M ago35:29

35:29

We all have our own ways of coping - especially when things get tough. So for the next few shows we're going to talking to people with interesting coping strategies. And we start with Elias Weiss Friedman, aka The Dogist. Throughout his life, Elias has found comfort in dogs. And when he got fired from his job, dogs came to the rescue again - they h…

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Dear Horse World, It’s Anne Kursinski: How to Build Feel and Ride with Olympic-Level Clarity (Sponsored by YETI) 1:26:13

3M ago1:26:13

1:26:13

Every rider knows the feeling. That moment when you and your horse are so in sync, it’s like you’re breathing together. No pulling, no gripping, no second-guessing—just presence, softness, and trust. But then there are the other days. You overthink. Your horse resists. Your leg tenses, your hands take instead of give. The connection frays. The conf…

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The Two Words That Saved Mel Robbins (From A Slight Change of Plans) 37:30

4M ago37:30

37:30

We’re bringing you an episode of A Slight Change of Plans hosted by Dr. Maya Shankar - the behavioral scientist who also happens to be a former student of Dr Laurie. Maya sits down with bestselling author and popular podcast host Mel Robbins to talk about letting go of perfectionism and people pleasing, and how to cope when you lose control of a si…

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What Dressage Is, and What Dressage Isn't - An NF+ Masterclass with Mette Larsen 16:37

4M ago16:37

16:37

Think dressage is just for imported warmbloods and rhinestone-studded riders? Think again. In this must-listen episode, NF+ Masterclass instructor Mette Larsen strips dressage down to what it really is: thoughtful, horse-first training that any rider can use to build better balance, deeper connection, and more confidence—arena or not. You’ll learn …

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Primate Scientist Woman 42:33

4M ago42:33

42:33

Kelly and Lillian read their favorite NYT Cooking recipe notesBy FOH

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How Smartphones Changed Childhood (And What to do About it) 39:52

4M ago39:52

39:52

The happiness of young people has taken a big hit since the advent of the smartphone - and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that there is a direct link. He warns that allowing children easy access to the internet and social media adversely impacts their sleep, their self-esteem and even how their brains develop. Jonathan explains the dange…

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227: Janne Robinson - How do you cultivate truth beyond reason? 1:16:30

4M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

Janne Robinson is a poet, author, coach, and the founder of Your Truth is Your Medicine, a year-long program that has supported over 1,000 people in creating authentic belonging across every area of their lives: career, relationships, family, place, voice, and self. For over a decade, Janne has guided people in building lives and businesses rooted …

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Dear Horse World, It’s Mirjam Dunkel: Why Less Pressure Leads to More Progress in Horse Training 1:14:03

4M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

What if going slow wasn’t falling behind—but finally getting it right? Horse trainer and quietly powerful human Mirjam Dunkel is here to remind us that taking your time isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. With a background in liberty work, classical dressage, and cowboy realness, Mirjam’s trained over 100 young horses and built a reputation on softness, cl…

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75 | Eve Marder and how Recipe Science ruins creativity 33:35

4M ago33:35

33:35

Professor Eve Marder is a pioneering neuroscientist at Brandeis University. Drawing on decades of work with a small neural circuit in lobsters, she describes how discovery often emerges from intuition, puzzlement, and the courage to follow unexpected observations. Eve highlights the central role of personal tolerance for ambiguity in shaping a scie…

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How to Think Like a Child (with David Yeager) 35:06

4M ago35:06

35:06

Why do kids do disruptive, annoying or maddening things? Usually when children behave badly, the first thing adults do is yell at them, tell them they're bad and dole out punishments. Developmental psychologist David Yeager says that's the wrong approach. Instead parents need work out why their child made bad decisions in the first place. David is …

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226: Amy Young - How do you cultivate trust beyond reason? 1:16:55

4M ago1:16:55

1:16:55

Amy Young is a speaker, intuitive, and coach who helps women unravel old narratives, reclaim their power, and rise into the most authentic, unstoppable version of themselves. Known for her fierce honesty and depth-meets-humor style, Amy draws on her connection with the Divine Feminine to guide transformational breakthroughs. She is the creator of I…

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No Stupid Questions - Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Vet, Dr Langlois (Sponsored by YETI) 1:25:49

4M ago1:25:49

1:25:49

This episode is brought to you by YETI. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) might sound ancient—but it’s helping modern horses in ways you might not expect. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. John Langlois, a Florida-based equine veterinarian with over four decades of experience, who now works exclusively with TCVM. After a long career…

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Dense Bean Salad 43:52

4M ago43:52

43:52

Kelly and Lillian discuss an academic paper detailing the rise of takeout and delivery and the ties to technological innovationBy FOH

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How to Tackle Bad Behaviour (with Dr Becky Kennedy) 45:35

4M ago45:35

45:35

Clinical psychologist Dr Becky Kennedy thinks every child is “good inside” even when they’re behaving badly. So to tackle tantrums or rule-breaking, she argues that parents must set clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour, but also seek to understand why their children are misbehaving. If a child is acting "badly" because they are disappointed, s…

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Dear Horse World, It’s Dr. Jill Hechtman: Riding while Pregnant - Myths, Risks & Science-Based Advice 57:19

4M ago57:19

57:19

Content note: This episode discusses pregnancy, postpartum mental health, and the emotional challenges of stepping back from riding. Please take care while listening. If you're an equestrian navigating pregnancy, trying to conceive, postpartum, or simply curious about how reproductive health intersects with riding, you're likely facing a storm of m…

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Is a "Viking" Childhood a Happier Childhood (with Helen Russell)? 38:56

4M ago38:56

38:56

Nordic countries are known to be happy - so should we all raise our children like the Scandinavians do? British parent Helen Russell moved to Denmark and was shocked that Danish children play outside in all weathers; are given sharp tools and they're shown how to light matches. In her book The Danish Secret to Happy Kids: How the Viking Way of Rais…

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Building Bravery Through Competence - An NF+ Masterclass Exclusive with Boyd Martin 11:18

4M ago11:18

11:18

Olympic eventer Boyd Martin breaks down what bravery in the saddle really means—and it’s not just charging ahead without fear. In this personal masterclass, he unpacks the emotional side of riding, from self-doubt and performance pressure to the inner fire that drives us. Boyd shares how years of preparation, partnership with the horse, and mental …

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How Not to Repeat Your Parents' Mistakes (with Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach) 37:53

5M ago37:53

37:53

Parents are never perfect - but their mistakes can have a lasting impact on their children. We all carry with us ideas and attitudes planted in us during childhood - and they're not always very helpful for leading a happy life. How can we unlearn some of these things and also prevent ourselves from passing them on if we have kids? Glennon Doyle and…

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Reducing the Stress of Parenting with Dr Vivek Murthy 34:38

5M ago34:38

34:38

Too many parents feel “exhausted, burned out, and perpetually behind” according to the former US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy. He says more needs to be done to protect parental mental health. Vivek talks to Dr Laurie about his experience as a dad and the loneliness, guilt and shame parents can feel as they struggle with the challenges of raising…