The Biology of Superheroes Podcast

In this episode Shane and Arien discuss the insect arsenal of Scott Lang (Antman) and his predecessor, Dr. Hank Pym. Shane interviews Dr. Corrie Moreau of Cornell University about ant weaponry, ant communication and the science behind Antman's helmet. How do ants organize to perform such complicated tasks? What has made them one of the most successful groups of animals on the planet? Which ant species has the most unbearable sting? Take a listen and find out!

Music by: The Passion Hifi

In this episode, we tackle the weird and otherworldly ecosystem of The Upside Down. Shane and Arien are joined in The Lab by biologist, PhD student and science communicator, Angela Manci. We chat about dark and barren ecosystems and how animals evolve to cope with these extreme environments. We also tackle the complex life cycle of the Demogorgan and its fascinating symbiotic relationship with The Mind Flayer. Check it out!

Music By The Passion HiFi

We’re bringing a close to 2019 by wrapping up our two-part series on the Incredible Hulk. We continue our conversation about Bruce Banner by focusing on the psychology of stress and how its shapes our personalities. I sit down with clinical psychologist and host of The Arkham Sessions, Dr. Andrea Letamendi. We talk about the psychological impacts of early childhood trauma in Bruce Banner's life, what it’s like for two distinct personalities to occupy the same brain and the psychological benefits of finding our inner Smart Hulk. Check it out!

Music By The Passion HiFi

In this minisode we wrap up November 2019 chatting about the latest and greatest in the world of comic books and science, shout out some listener comments AND answer some burning questions straight from you!!!

In the first part of this month's episode we explore Bruce Banner and The Incredible Hulk through the lens of physiological stress. We chat with stress physiologist Dr. Michelle Rensel to explore what our bodies go through when we are stressed and how exposure to stressful events can impact us later in life....or even future generations. We chat about anxiety, societal implications and health outcomes. This conversation is heavier than some of our other comic book explorations, but it's absolutely fascinating - check it out!

Music By The Passion HiFi

Shane and Arien catchup on what's new in the worlds of comic books and science, share reviews, and answer comic book queries directly from YOU!

In the Season 2 premiere we explore Black Panther and the world of Wakanda live at the 2019 International Wildlife Film Festival. Billy Almon and Dr. Sebastian Alvarado join in to chat about bio-inspiration, sustainability and explore the roles of culture and genetics in shaping this incredible population. Check it out!

Music By The Passion HiFi

WE'RE BACK. Take a listen to get a sneak peak at what's in store for The Biology of Superheroes Podcast Season 2!

NO LAST SEASON SPOILERS! In this episode, we explore the biology of the dragons of Game of Thrones. We interview Dr. Bret Tobalske, Director of the University of Montana Flight Laboratory. We chat about the evolution and biomechanics of flight, the physiology of large reptiles and the biology of fire breathing. I'm joined in The Lab by special guest co-host, actor and comedian Ted Limpert. Check out the latest and greatest of TBOSP!

Music By The Passion HiFi

In this episode, we explore the biology of Danny Rand, AKA The Immortal Iron Fist! We dig into biomechanics of extreme movement, compensating for extreme forces and evolutionary tradeoffs of extreme performance. We chat with Dr. Sheila Patek of Duke University, who studies evolutionary biomechanics to get the lowdown on The Protector of K’un-Lun and nature’s real life Iron Fist, the mantis shrimp. How fast is the fastest strike in the Tree of Life? What would happen if The Iron Fist punched Luke Cage? Is it even possible to generate light and heat with a single punch? Take a listen a find out!

Music by: The Passion HiFi