James Smithson may be best known as the namesake of the Smithsonian Institution, but his scientific accomplishments are often overlooked. On this episode, Steven Turner discussed his new book, The Science of James Smithson.

The sense of smell is of profound importance, but few may realize it until it is gone. The diversity of chemicals producing smells is even more astounding. On this episode, Harold McGee discussed his new book, Nose Dive.

Although the advances in artificial intelligence have been striking in recent years, has as much thought been given to the ethical issues surround the design of these systems? On this episode, Brian Christian discussed his new book, The Alignment Problem.

The natural history of the earth and solar system can be surprisingly gleaned from the study of meteorites. On this episode, Dr. Tim Gregory discussed his new book, Meteorite: How Stones From Outer Space Made Our World.

Bones may be some of the most remarkable biological structures in our bodies, but few may stop to realize their many functions. On this episode, Dr. Roy A. Meals discussed his book, Bones: Inside and Out.

Did the early Christian church inherit a psychedelic Eucharist from the Greeks? What evidence exist from the historical record and archeological chemistry? On this episode, Brian C. Muraresku discussed his new book, The Immortality Key.

Through advances in modern medicine and public health, infant mortality has been largely relegated to the past. On this episode, Dr. Perri Klass discussed how science and medicine gave children a future.

Artificial intelligence has expanded greatly, such that it has reshaped the modern world. What is the future of AI? On this episode, Michael Kanaan discussed his book, T-Minus AI.

Mental health issues often hides in the darkness, but what can we be done to increase understanding and awareness of mental health? On this episode, Terri Cheney discussed her book, Modern Madness: An Owner's Manual.

The internal narratives that form a basis for personality psychology may be a factor that distinguishes the 45th President of the United States. On this episode, Prof. Dan McAdams discusses his new book, The Strange Case of Donald J. Trump: A Psychological Reckoning.