Volcanoes may be some of the most fearsome, yet fascinating places on earth. What can they tell us about the geology of the planet? On this episode, Jess Phoenix discussed the science of volcanology.

The problems facing the American health care system are perhaps nowhere else more evident than in small rural hospitals. On this episode, Brian Alexander discussed his book, The Hospital.

What is life? At the boundaries of science, the definition of what constitutes life remains ill-defined. On this episode, Carl Zimmer discussed the scientific quest to define life.

A good diet and exercise are important for optimal health, but are they equally important for weight loss? On this episode, Dr. Herman Pontzer discussed these issues and his new book, Burn.

The world of espionage is filled with individuals that one may not think would be a spy. On this episode, Larry Loftis discussed the story of Aline Griffith in his book, The Princess Spy.

The opioid epidemic continues to have severe repercussions in society, enabled by both giant pharmaceutical companies and unscrupulous physicians who profited from these drugs. On this episode, Charlotte Bismuth discussed her book, Bad Medicine.

How can enduring change be implemented through psychotherapeutic practices? How can the neuroscience of memory inform these clinical approached? On this episode, Dr. Richard Lane discussed his book, The Neuroscience of Enduring Change.

The history of women would be quite different were it not for the pioneering work of Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell. On this episode, Janice Nimura discussed their story and her new book, The Doctors Blackwell.

Wisdom is a trait that appears to increase with age, but what are the scientific roots of these changes and can they be facilitated? On this episode, Dr. Dilip Jeste discussed his new book, Wiser.

Ritualistic behaviors are not limited to humans, but abound in the animal kingdom. What can we learn from these ritualistic animal behaviors? On this episode, Dr. Caitlin O'Connell discussed her new book, Wild Rituals.