SparkDialog

Is our Universe all that there is? Is it possible that there are actually more universes than there are atoms in the observable Universe? Such an idea - the concept of the multiverse, is hard, if not impossible, to prove, but is supported by scientific theories like inflation and mathematical theories like string theory. Today we are joined with Dr. Jerry Cleaver, who talks about what the multiverse is and the philosophical puzzles that it produces.

There are now instances when robots, machines, and artificial intelligence will need an ethical framework. From self-driving cars to autonomous weapons systems to robots in healthcare, machines will be called upon to make ethical decisions. But how do we even begin to describe morality in lines of code and mathematics that a robot can understand? Today we talk to Dr. Don Howard, a philosopher who speculates about a robotic moral code.

Why are some habits so hard to break? How much control do we have over our own brains? Today we talk to Dr. Alan Weissenbacher, a neuroscientist who drew his inspiration from his work with recovering addicts. By understanding how pathways in the brain form, we have insights into addictions, bad (and good) habits, and how we can build better brains.

Climate change is often viewed as a political problem. But in reality, it is a scientific issue, and perhaps equally as important, it is a moral and spiritual issue. How are religious communities responding?  Today we are talking to three people involved in various religious environmental organizations, each representing a different faith community - Soltan Bryce from the Green Muslims, Cassandra Carmichael from the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, and Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb from the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life.

Was the Star of Bethlehem a real event? If so, was it a comet, a supernova, an alignment of planets, or something else? In today's podcast, we are joined by Dr. Peter Barthel, a professor in astrophysics and the co-editor of “The Star of Bethlehem and the Magi” for a discussion where we explore some of the latest understanding and analysis surrounding the star of Bethlehem.

Culture affects many things within our lives - even how we approach considerable ventures such as space exploration. Today, we talk to Dr. Susmita Mohanty about how the philosophical underpinnings and culture within India's space program lead to a differing mindset than the space programs in the West.

You don’t always think of fashion and science together.  But why not?  Our clothes can get very close and personal to us, more so than most other things in our everyday lives.  Adding a flair of technology can allow our clothes to monitor our well being, protect our bodies in new ways, and be quite a fashion statement.   Today, our guest is Anouk Wipprecht, a fashion-tech designer who combines robotics, engineering, machine learning, and fashion in her futuristic dresses.  After listening to the podcast, check out her designs at her website.

Going to space is always a risky business.  If you forget something or if something breaks, you may be days, months, or even years away from receiving a spare part.  This risk could be life threatening.  But all that is about to change.  Today, we talk to Brad Kohlenberg from a company called Made In Space.  This company is seeking to revolutionize the space industry by moving 3D printing in space, giving astronauts the opportunity to print any part they may need, making space safer, and eventually, accessible to many more.  Seriously, this is the future, and it’s awesome.

This podcast is also associated with the debut of SparkDialog Video!  Check it out here.

There are humans living and working in space as we speak.  It’s a fact we often forget.  This inspired today’s guest, Liam Kennedy, to invent a computer called the ISS Above (www.issabove.com/), which connects people on Earth with those in space and serves as a reminder of humanity’s potential.  Liam talks about his invention, the plight of an inventor, and what it’s like to live on the International Space Station.  Today’s podcast also features a surprise visit from a computer!

It’s a galaxy-eat-galaxy Universe out there.  Today we’re talking about how big galaxies eat little galaxies, and looking at the fabulous arcs of stars stripped and tossed across the dark sky.  Our guest today is Dr. Robyn Sanderson, who looks at these tidal tails, and uses them to understand everything from galactic formation to dark matter.