Access Reality

A discussion with Matt Stoller, Author of Goliath: The 100-Year War Between Monopoly Power and Democracy. Matt is a former senior policy advisor to the US Senate Budget Committee where he helped create legislation on Federal Reserve policy. Matt is also a former producer at MSNBC and political comedy show co-host with Russell Brand. Topics discussed include:

-Definition of the "left" in the American political spectrum

-Is a radical realignment under way in the American political structure vis a vis the reemergence of populism?

-US global trade policy and the commerce relationship with China

-Origin of the trade war between the United States and China

-Is Trump attempting to reverse the de-industrialization of the United States? 

-Should giant tech and social media platform monopolies be considered public utilities?

Dr. Julia Kregenow is an Associate Teaching Professor at the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at Penn State University. She has authored several books including A Student's Guide to the Mathematics of Astronomy, ABCs of Space, and Astrophysics for Babies. Issues discussed include:  -How does propulsion and fuel work in space? 

-Why is the speed of light constant?

-Can we move faster than the speed of light? 

-Directionality in space 

-How does gravity work for Jupiter and moons around planets? 

-What are the effects of dark energy and dark matter in space? 

-Space rumours: is there another sun in our solar system? is there a planet number 9? is there a planet Vulcan?

A conversation with Jatan Mehta on the current status and future goals of the Indian Space Research Organization programs. Jatan is a science writer and former science officer at the Teamindus Moon Mission. His writings can be found on his public website Japan.space. Issues discussed include:

-The scope and purpose of the Indian space program

-Successes and failures of past Indian space missions

-Future plans and goals of the Indian space program

-Budget and public perceptions of the Indian space program

-How does the Indian space program compare to its International counterparts?

-Prevalence and nature of space-related conspiracy theories and thinking in India compared to the west

Dr. Robert Zubrin, former engineer at Lockhead Martin and president and founder of the Mars Society joins us today for a groundbreaking conversation. We discuss the obstacles and opportunities with a fully functional human Mars colony. Questions discussed include:

-Can Mars be terraformed and, if yes, how and how long would that take? 

-What key requirements need to be met for a Mars colony to be successful?

-The merits and issues with underground bases on Mars

-What will be the main export of a Mars colony to Earth?

-Can Mars soil grow plants?

-What would be the best political system to run a Mars colony?

-What currency will be used in Mars colony?

-Whatever 

-Is Saturn's moon Titan a better option for human colonization than Mars?

Dr. Phillip Ball, is a past editor for Nature and author of multiple works on subjects which include quantum physics, patterns in nature, molecular biology, complexity, history of science, and the science and psychology of colour.

Topics discussed included:

-The past, present, and future of the interdisciplinary approach to knowledge

-Quantum mechanics and what it may or may not tell us about the true nature of reality

-The meaning of, and evidence for, Quantum Biology

-Many Worlds Theory: where did it come from and what does it imply to our existence

-What is the place and validity of the Simulation Hypothesis?

-Where does colour from?

-Why is symmetry a prevalent feature in animals?

-How can Entropy, the third law of thermodynamics,  be reconciled with the existence of living biological organisms?

Dr. Ryan Watkins is a planetary scientist who focuses on moon exploration. She is also on the science advisory board for Blue Origin's moon lander program. Our discussion addressed the following questions:

-What is the makeup and composition of the moon surface?

-What are the barriers to long-term bases or settlements on the moon?

-What are the current and future missions planned for the moon?

-Did the US government actually nuke the moon?

-What are the existing/planned regulations for companies and countries going to the moon?

-How does the moon compare to other moons in our solar system?

-Why is there a dark side of the moon?

-What are the geological differences between the near and far sides of the moon?

-Is the moon originally a part of earth?

-What are Blue Origin's current and future plans for space exploration?

-What is the future of humanity's presence on the moon?

Dr. Tristram Wyatt is an Evolutionary Biologist and senior research fellow at the University of Oxford. He authored the textbook "Animal Behaviour: A Very Short Introduction". We discuss with Dr. Wyatt the following questions: The significance of pheromones in both animals and humans Do commercially sold human pheromones work? What is Positive Publication Bias and how does that impact science? Is all group animal behaviour in the wild instinctual and preprogrammed? Are the behaviours of wild animals different from that of domesticated pets? Are Dolphins really smarter than humans?  How are some animals smarter than humans? Why are humans the only animal species capable of creating a civilization? Differences between human and animal cultures Are humans just another type of animal? Is ocean acidification really happening? What are its effects on marine life?

Scott McArthur, renowned Tedx speaker and HR & business consultant, breaks down leadership and people management. In this frank and insightful conversation, Scott demystifies the complexities of hiring, managing, and retaining employees. Issues address include:

-What is the common denominator of successful leadership styles?

-How to create the "right" culture within an organization

-How to shift or turn around a preexisting negative workplace culture

-How to deal with unmotivated employees

-The role, value, and negative consequences of hierarchy in an organization

-How to hire the right employees

-Can a leader make "friends" with his employees and still be effective?

-Do labour laws negatively impact the employer-employee relationship?

-What is the right type and frequency of employee activities should a company sponsor outside of work?

Scott shares his thoughtful and experience-hardened insights into all of these critical questions.

A discussion with Dr. Jay Coakley, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Colorado on the role of sports in society today. Dr. Coakley is an internationally respected scholar and his book, Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies, is taught in universities worldwide. Issues discussed include:

-What are the positive and negative impacts of sports on society today?

-Should sports be viewed as two distinct entities (personal vs commercial) rather than one?

-Is sports massively overrated by today's society?

-Has Sports helped defuse or fuel racism?

-How does sports  differ in the United States from other countries?

-What does that most popular type of sports tell you about a country?

-Do sports coaches have undue influence and power over youth? Do we need to keep this in check and how? 

-Should youth be encouraged to play multiple sports or rather focus on one?

-Should sports be less or more competitive?

-How has sports negatively impacted the quality and integrity of academics at universities and colleges?

-Will there be any long-term changes to sports in the post Corona Virus era?

Scott McArthur is a renowned Tedx speaker, former scientist, as well as a human resources and business development specialist. Scott discusses whether and how we are resistant to change and how we respond to facts versus emotions. Specific issues discussed include: 

-How science and business communicate differently?

-What makes someone successful in business versus science?

-Why anti-vaccine and flat earth beliefs have surged?

-What is the single best way to tell if an online source or vendor is credible?

-How to decide which field to work or study in?

-How to make changes in your life?