The podcast Science Vs has the goal of separating fact from myth. Host Wendy Zukerman uses scientific techniques to explain everyday questions. These might be trivial topics like finding the funniest joke in the world. Or, the podcast might examine how much is too much caffeine.
Other subjects are more serious and even controversial. For instance, the podcast explores the abortion pill. It investigates how it works and whether it's dangerous, as some suggest. Another episode talks about providing healthcare to trans kids. The host explores whether or not the current practices are all wrong. Each episode presents the most recent research and expert interviews.
The host of Science Vs is a science journalist. Zukerman has worked on the Australian TV shows Catalyst and The Checkout. Her articles have appeared in multiple notable publications. Those include The Australian, Cosmos, New Scientist, and more. Zukerman created the podcast in 2015 as part of ABC Radio. Her plan with this show was to make scientific topics accessible to everyday people.
The show attempts to not be too serious. Even with topics like immigration, gun control, and climate change, the host manages to stay funny and entertaining. However, the one thing Zukerman is serious about is the facts. Listeners can expect to hear many quotes from notable studies and research papers. Each episode features dozens of opinions from scientists, as well as longer interviews. The fact-checking on this podcast is meticulous, ensuring each claim has a basis. It also presents a conclusion based on the facts at the end of each episode.
Science Vs is an excellent podcast for people who feel curious about the world they live in. It discusses anything from health and nutrition to current events and trends. For instance, one episode might examine Gwyneth Paltrow's suggestion of vaginal steaming. But another may investigate Ayahuasca and what exactly it does to the brain.
New episodes of Science Vs come out on Thursdays.
Episodes