Inquiring Minds

Indre Viskontas
Inquiring Minds

Each week we bring you a new, in-depth exploration of the space where science and society collide. We’re committed to the idea that making an effort to understand the world around you though science and critical thinking can benefit everyone—and lead to better decisions. We want to find out what’s true, what’s left to discover, and why it all matters.

  1. NOV 26

    Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future with Vince Beiser

    In this episode of Inquiring Minds, Indre Viskontas sits down with award-winning journalist and author Vince Beiser to delve into the environmental, social, and ethical implications of our growing reliance on electronics and artificial intelligence. Drawing from his new book, Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future, Vince sheds light on the often-overlooked competition and global race for the critical metals essential for renewable energy, digital technology, and the foundation of the future. Together, they explore the environmental havoc and political upheaval these resources are already causing—such as unsustainable mining practices and the limitations of recycling—the ways the situation could worsen, the steps we can take to minimize the damage, and the hidden human cost behind the gadgets we use every day. The result is a gripping and sobering account of the battle between what civilization demands and what the planet can withstand. They also discuss: The trade-offs between recycling and reducing consumption. How mining for essential metals like cobalt and lithium impacts the environment and marginalized communities. Promising innovations in resource extraction and sustainable practices. The importance of reducing reliance on cars and investing in bike-friendly, walkable cities. This conversation highlights practical steps individuals and corporations can take to align their values with their actions, from supporting right-to-repair legislation to embracing reuse over constant upgrades. Listen in to uncover actionable insights and hope for building a more sustainable technological future.

    44 min
  2. MAY 14

    “The Good Stuff” about Quanta and Fields with Sean Carroll

    Indre welcomes Sean Carroll, Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University and host of the Mindscape podcast, back to Inquiring Minds today for an engaging exploration of his latest book, "The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Quanta and Fields." Together, they delve into the intricacies of quantum mechanics and field theory, unpacking the critical roles of quanta and fields within modern physics. In his trademark style, Sean blends his expertise in both physics and philosophy to render these complex topics thoroughly accessible and relevant not only to specialists but to all who are captivated by the frontiers of scientific understanding. Venturing beyond the book’s content, he and Indre also examine how these theories permeate daily scientific conversation and enhance our understanding of fundamental principles. There’s a very good reason why Sean Carroll has an open invitation to return to the Inquiring Minds podcast whenever he chooses, and it becomes readily apparent in today’s enlightening discussion that both educates and inspires while illuminating the ongoing journey towards unraveling the universe’s most profound mysteries. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Explore Sean’s Preposterous Universe: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/

    39 min
4.4
out of 5
822 Ratings

About

Each week we bring you a new, in-depth exploration of the space where science and society collide. We’re committed to the idea that making an effort to understand the world around you though science and critical thinking can benefit everyone—and lead to better decisions. We want to find out what’s true, what’s left to discover, and why it all matters.

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