57 episodes

Is something taking over your brain? Zombified is a podcast about how we are vulnerable to being hijacked by things that are not us. From microbes hijacking behavior, to humans influencing each other, to our brains being taken over by social media, we talk about why zombification happens, why we are susceptible to it, and what we can do about it. Hosted by Dr. Athena Aktipis, a Psychology Professor at Arizona State University and the founder of the Zombie Apocalypse Medicine Alliance, and co-hosted by zombie enthusiast Dave Lundberg-Kenrick, “Zombified” takes a radically interdisciplinary approach to the science of zombification. If you enjoy fresh brains, this podcast is for you!

Zombified: Your Source for Fresh Brains Athena Aktipis

    • Science
    • 4.8 • 122 Ratings

Is something taking over your brain? Zombified is a podcast about how we are vulnerable to being hijacked by things that are not us. From microbes hijacking behavior, to humans influencing each other, to our brains being taken over by social media, we talk about why zombification happens, why we are susceptible to it, and what we can do about it. Hosted by Dr. Athena Aktipis, a Psychology Professor at Arizona State University and the founder of the Zombie Apocalypse Medicine Alliance, and co-hosted by zombie enthusiast Dave Lundberg-Kenrick, “Zombified” takes a radically interdisciplinary approach to the science of zombification. If you enjoy fresh brains, this podcast is for you!

    The Rise of AI: Andrew Maynard

    The Rise of AI: Andrew Maynard

    The Dawn of AI is here! But where does that leave us? Will it improve our lives, zombify us, or completely replace us? We talk to tech expert, thought leader and futurist Andrew Maynard about whether or not we can peacefully coexist with the advancing algorithms or whether we are at the beginning of the robot apocalypse.

    • 1 hr 37 min
    Russian Shenanigans: Scott Ruston

    Russian Shenanigans: Scott Ruston

    Who is that person saying awful things to you on-line? A Russian agent? A zombified member of the opposite political party? Or just your own crazy relatives? We talk to Research Professor and strategic communications expert Scott Ruston about ways enemies of the state may actually be turning us against each other.

    • 2 hr 4 min
    Parasitized: Kelly Weinersmith

    Parasitized: Kelly Weinersmith

    Do you like the idea that bugs could crawl right out of your eyes, and that fungus could control your brain? That's weird, but this episode is for you! Join us for a rollicking fun conversation with parasitologist and science communicator extraordinaire, Kelly Weinersmith, about the weird and wonderful world of parasites!

    • 1 hr 32 min
    Psychedelified: Shane Mauss

    Psychedelified: Shane Mauss

    Behold the twisted paths of the mind, where laughter and shrooms dance a cosmic Macarena. Delve with us into the mind-bending musings of comic and psychonaut Shane Mauss, to awaken our inner selves from the slumber of the undead, and to discuss how psychedelic tourism may create it's own zombie society. Prepare for a mind-expanding mix of science and comedy!

    • 1 hr 19 min
    Mental Immunity: Andy Norman

    Mental Immunity: Andy Norman

    Bad ideas are attempting to take root inside your brain! Listen to this episode with Andy Norman (author of Mental Immunity) to learn how to protect your brain without having to quarantine your mind!

    • 1 hr 17 min
    The Mad Scheme: Gary Dirks

    The Mad Scheme: Gary Dirks

    Can we harness the sun and reach the Green place, or has the world become too addicted to guzzaline? Witness our discussion with Gary Dirks - Senior Director of ASU's Global Futures Laboratory - as he guides us beyond the mad scheme to a better tomorrow.

    • 1 hr 28 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
122 Ratings

122 Ratings

mspassell ,

4645688 stars!!!

So glad to know there is a Zombie Apocalypse Medicine Alliance.

Dkainaat ,

Zombie Friends (Episode 6)

This is an interesting podcast. I throughly enjoyed the fact that this platform is not just about science there is interaction between students and teachers and especially in this podcast. Jamie Krems is a graduate of ASU she was a gradstudent of the graduate program Athena Aktipis is a professor in. I didn’t know that people who live with dogs in their home have the more similar biomes to dogs than those who don’t. Dogs are man’s best friends. I would choose dogs over humans anyday. I think about manipulation too. This is my understanding and perspective on the topic:
When people are discovering the foundation of their cognitive on an individual level is when we’re building understanding of what is true to us and what isn’t-friendships in particular. Male friendships are a lot like female friendships but men are more action and women are more words. There are stereotypes of women backbiting about others but in my experience I have witnessed men doing that more. What I have experienced are beautiful connections with both women and men. If you are true if you find good female friends the bond shared between women is amazing it is important that women energize their feminine energy we need that.
But again, aside from the sexist personal experience I think people as a whole depends on person to person how one fits in a social setting. There are two types of friends:
1. Who motivate you and push you to do good (obviously excluding all sorts of stupidity that friends end up doing together)
2. Who force you to do things against your liking gradient
“Friends do manipulate eachother.” I agree on this. The way a human being’s psyche is shaped has a lot to do with the company they are in. Friends who motivated their friends to do something good are true to them and want them to do good. You feel good within yourself the gut feeling is real it tells you if something is right by you or not.
However when people feel the need to “fit in” with certain people and do things that aren’t really alined with their morals or beliefs or something their interested in I think that’s where you know that the relationship between you and your friends is toxic.
Thank you for this podcast. I want to hear more!

Maiwand91 ,

Great podcast

Very informative podcast that I listen to while driving. Many interesting topics are covered which keep your attention and make you think. Definitely recommend!!

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