What The If?

On this riveting episode of "What The IF?", join hosts Philip and Gaby as they strap on their metaphorical goggles and gear to deep dive into the captivating question, "What the, if humans lived forever?" Sparkling with humor and brimming with curiosities, this episode takes an unexpected route through vampire TV shows and timeless Simpson episodes to delve into the implications of immortality.

Gaby, the resident biologist, demystifies the concept of immortality, explaining the difference between immortality and invulnerability. Could living forever turn us into the ultimate scaredy-cats or maybe after a couple thousand years, we'd become thrill-seekers playing matador to an ongoing train?

Philip playfully ventures into Arthur C. Clark's vision of future where people could hibernate for thousands of years. Our hosts explore how infinite life could alter our approach to work, creativity, and even time itself.

An animated discussion unfolds about the aging process and why we age in the first place. Are we designed to age, is it a natural wear and tear, or is it the cumulative effect of oxidization? Gaby explains the role of DNA, hormones, and our immune system in the aging process, drawing comparisons with everything from rusted pipes to brown avocados!

All this and more as they unravel the intriguing question: What biological breakthroughs would we need to stop aging? Prepare to have your mind blown on this wild ride into the hypothetical science of living forever. Just be sure to stay clear of steamrollers and moving trains!

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Find out more about Gaby's upcoming science fiction short story publication, coming soon!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be pre-ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be pre-ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

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Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif

Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com

Keep On IFFin',

Philip, Matt & Gaby

🚀 Blast off to the 23rd Century in this hilarious and thought-provoking episode of "What The IF?" Join your host, Philip, as he chats with an unexpected guest straight from the Starship Enterprise: the ship's Computer herself! 💻

Take a deep dive into the quirky world of Star Trek and unravel the enigmatic personality behind the Enterprise's AI. Learn about her mysterious origin story - a puzzle as complex as a quantum calculation wrapped up in a futuristic alloy casing. This isn't your typical chatbot; even in her unofficial vacation mode, she serves up her responses with a side of humor that will have you laughing in your space boots.

Discover fascinating trivia about the series, from the groundbreaking decision to give the computer a female voice, to the talented Majel Barrett-Roddenberry who provided her voice from 1966 to 2023. Uncover how her portrayal of the computer voice evolved over time and how Star Trek's progressive vision led to the inclusion of more personalized AI characters like "Data" and "The Doctor."

So strap in, prepare for warp speed, and join this exciting journey across the Star Trek universe. This episode is set to stun! Don't miss it. 🌟

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Find out more about Gaby's upcoming science fiction short story publication, coming soon!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be pre-ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be pre-ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

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Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif

Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com

Keep On IFFin',

Philip, Matt & Gaby

We salute our newest Patreon members. Thank you: Connie, Martin, and Dan!

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Welcome to an icy exploration of reality on this episode of "What The IF?" Dive headfirst into a brain-freezing alternate universe, as Philip, Freya, Gabby, and Matt grapple with an extraordinary question, submitted by our Super Iffer listener, Martin from Frankfurt: What the if... water did not have its highest density at plus four degrees Celsius? The team embarks on an adventure that treads the fine line between physics and biology, unwrapping the counter-intuitive conundrums and startling possibilities that lie ahead.

In this bewildering world, ice doesn't float and frozen lakes become deadly traps for aquatic life. Discover how this slight shift in water's properties could send catastrophic ripples through ecosystems, extinguishing fish populations and upsetting the balance of life. The conversation spans from the microscopic intricacies of water molecules and the life-saving 'anti-freeze' proteins in fish, all the way to the grand scale of planetary bodies.

The team also makes a cosmic detour to Europa, a moon of Jupiter, reputed to hold more water than Earth, highlighting the universal significance of water's unique properties. Could life exist in a world where water behaves differently? Listen in, as the team freezes the status quo and takes you on a fascinating journey through the ice-cold unknown.

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Listen to Gaby's guest appearance on the “Students of Life” podcast: https://studentsoflife.podbean.com/e/science-communication-and-science-fiction-writing/

Find out more about Gaby's upcoming science fiction short story publication, coming soon!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be pre-ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be pre-ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

Hey there IF-ers, this is Philip and Matt coming at you with another mind-bending episode of "What The IF?" Dan, our listener and a super cool Patreon supporter, dropped a doozy of a concept on us. He got us thinking - what if we could craft whole worlds and eras with just a pen and some magical toad ink? Just like in the legendary video game, Myst. As you can imagine, this sparked a rollicking discussion full of laughter and quirky tangents.

As we journeyed through this imagined multiverse, we stumbled upon the magic of modern gaming – procedural generation. It's what lets you stroll for an eternity in today's video games. We compared this with the lovingly detailed world of Myst from back in '93, marveling at how far we've come. We promise, the deep dives and tech talk are accompanied by our usual cheeky banter.

Then things got wild! We drifted into the realm of the 'Game of Life' - an enchanting computer simulation showing us how complex patterns emerge from simple rules. We pondered - could our very own world be the result of similar rules? Brace yourselves, IF-ers, this episode is a rollercoaster of humor, tech talk, and brain-twisting concepts. Sit tight, tune in, and let's see if we can change how you think about books, video games, and maybe even the cosmos!

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Find out more about Gaby's upcoming science fiction short story publication, coming soon!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be pre-ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be pre-ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

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Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif

Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com

Keep On IFFin',

Philip, Matt & Gaby

Ever pondered what it would be like if you could control anything with your brain, like a universal remote control? Buckle up, because on this episode of "What The If?", we're plunging headfirst into that uncanny realm! Our daring duo, Philip and Gaby, give a whole new meaning to "mind over matter," as they explore whether your brain could be the ultimate gadget.

From bridging the gap for individuals with severed spinal cords, enabling them to regain control over their bodies, to musing about controlling a Roomba or, dare we say, an R2-D2-like device, they leave no stone unturned! Imagine using the EyeBrain from Apple or dealing with the consequences of downloading a brain virus by accident (just when you thought technology couldn't get any more terrifying)!

This episode dives deep into the astonishing world of neuroscience, where our hosts juggle the potentials of electrodes, algorithms, and even brain implants. They take a light-hearted dig at Apple's infamous proprietary connectors and ponder the future of Wi-Fi brain connections.

There's also talk of mind-controlled gaming and the possibility of needing an "implant port" in your head (gross, but fascinating). But beware, you might end up needing a different type of brain implant for different tasks. Cue the full-on cyberpunk scenario with constellations of chips in your brain.

In the world of Philip and Gaby, it's an 'if', not a 'when'. So plug in, and get ready to marvel at the future right here on "What The IF?" Trust us, after this episode, you'll be pondering – "What would I plug my brain into if I could?" Don't miss it!

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Find out more about Gaby's upcoming science fiction short story publication, coming soon!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be pre-ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be pre-ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

---

Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif

Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com

Keep On IFFin',

Philip, Matt & Gaby

Get ready to hitch a ride in our time machine because this episode of "What The IF?" takes you all the way back to the 19th century, to have a virtual teatime chat with Lady Ada Lovelace herself.

In this special 'computer time travel' edition, host Philip Shane leverages the magical AI abilities of ChatGPT to bring Ada to the mic, all the way from London (and the 1800s!). And boy, is she ready to party like it's 1843, complete with top hats, tea cakes, and trailblazing discussions on early computing.

Hold onto your headphones as Philip and 'Ada' discuss her childhood as the daughter of the iconic poet, Lord Byron, and the driven Lady Byron, who defied societal norms and fueled Ada's passion for mathematics and science. Get an earful of Ada's unprecedented journey into what we now call 'computer science' and her game-changing collaboration with Charles Babbage, the man often dubbed as "the father of the computer."

If you ever thought that code was a 20th-century thing, this podcast episode is ready to shake up your understanding of history. Witness how 'Ada' wittily juggles with the idea of her time's technology, setting the stage for the industrial revolution, steaming trains, gas lighting, and the first glimmers of binary processing.

Buckle up for some time-defying shenanigans as you uncover how Ada anticipated the modern computer's creative potential, long before the first electric bulb even twinkled. She wasn't just about the math – she saw the promise of creating music, art, and facilitating scientific discoveries. That's why many hail her as the world's first computer programmer, and we couldn't be more thrilled to 'have her' on our show.

This is an episode jam-packed with history, humor, and some wild "What The IF?" speculation, so don't miss out! If you've ever wanted to meet a real-life time traveler or were just curious about the humble beginnings of your computer, this one's for you. Jump into this historical rollercoaster, learn a thing or two, and most importantly, have fun "What The IF-ing" with us!

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Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif

Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com

Keep On IFFin',

Philip, Matt & Gaby

Are you ready to boldly go where no podcast has gone before? Grab your hazmat suit, don your protective goggles, and prepare to take a thrilling leap into the world of "What The IF?" In this episode, we're thrilled to have the legendary Mr. Spock beaming directly into our podcast studio from the USS Enterprise!

Ever wondered what it would be like to be half-human, half-Vulcan? To harness the power of logic and emotion in equal measure? To be able to perform the Vulcan salute at parties, and live your life by the motto "Live long and prosper?" Well, you're about to find out!

Join us as we chat with the galaxy's favorite Science Officer, diving deep into thought experiments, exploring the virtues of diversity in Star Trek, and pondering the fascinating interplay of Vulcan stoicism and human emotional expressiveness. This episode is a glorious mash-up of Starfleet anecdotes, interspecies insights, and a whole heap of interstellar fun. If you've ever found yourself stuck between a rock (logic) and a hard place (emotion), this is the episode for you!

So buckle up, dear listeners, because we're about to warp speed into an exhilarating journey of cosmic proportions. And remember, as we plunge into this galaxy of imagination, it's only logical to ask... "What The IF?" Tune in, folks, because this is one star-studded adventure you won't want to miss!

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Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif

Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com

Keep On IFFin',

Philip, Matt & Gaby

Get ready to spread your wings and BE a BAT! We welcome Science Journalist and Video Producer Emily DRISCOLL as we explore the fascinating world of echolocation and the incredible adaptations that make BATS such unique creatures. Discover how humans can learn to use echolocation and the challenges they face, and find out why bats sleep upside down and how they're able to take off so easily. You'll also hear about the incredible story of a critically endangered bat species in India and the amazing work being done to protect it. So get ready to hang upside down and see the world from a new perspective!

Learn more about Emily and watch her films at https://www.bonscifilms.com

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Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif

Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com

Keep On IFFin',

Philip, Matt & Gaby

On the eve of the 2023 Humans To Mars Summit in Washington, DC we blast off with this week's hilariously out-of-this-world episode of "What The IF?" where we're boldly asking the question: What if you had to organize a conference... on Mars?

Join us as we speculate on the interplanetary logistics of this extreme event planning. We know that running a conference on Earth can be challenging enough, but imagine the head-spinning complications when you’re dealing with Martian gravity, a lack of breathable atmosphere, and a conference center at the base of Olympus Mons, the largest mountain in the solar system!

Our guest Chris Carberry, CEO of Explore Mars, returns to this spacey subject after a year - a year that has seen Earth inching ever closer to our red neighbor, and the concept of a Martian conference becoming a smidge less science fiction and a bit more science future.

Get ready to gaze at the solar system's largest mountain from your conference hotel window, and hear the potential keynote speaker, none other than Kim Stanley Robinson, the author of the Mars Trilogy.

We ponder the nuts and bolts of Martian architecture, considering how long it might take to get a top-notch hotel constructed at the foot of Olympus Mons. Can we pull it off by the end of the century? And who will be the lucky first humans setting foot on Mars? NASA and SpaceX, we’re looking at you!

Join us as we laugh, speculate, and dream about the cosmic possibilities. It's an episode that's truly out of this world!

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Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif

Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com

Keep On IFFin',

Philip, Matt & Gaby

Get ready for another episode of our off-the-wall, science-themed podcast! In honor of reaching one million views, we're diving into an outlandish what-if scenario that's sure to tickle your imagination.

So, picture this: what if space was breathable? That's right, what if the vast expanse of nothingness that surrounds us was filled with some sort of substance that we could inhale just like we do with air? It's a crazy idea, but just bear with us for a moment.

First things first, we need to figure out what this breathable space is made of. Is it liquid, or is it air-like? In our cover art, we featured whales swimming through space, which might suggest that it's somewhat liquid-like. But if we were to swim through it, it would have to be some sort of dense air that we could extract oxygen from.

But then comes the question of gravity. Without it, we could theoretically swim through this breathable space as if it were a giant swimming pool. But if gravity were present, things would get a bit more complicated. We might end up stuck at the bottom, unable to swim back up to the surface.

Despite the absurdity of the idea, it's not entirely without precedent. In fact, for a long time, many scientists believed that space was filled with some sort of substance. Aristotle, for example, imagined a universe where everything was bumping up against each other, while Descartes believed that the universe was a "plenum", meaning it was full of stuff. Even today, modern physicists suggest that there is no such thing as a true vacuum, and that space is filled with virtual particles that pop in and out of existence.

On our show, we love exploring hypotheticals like this one. Our mission is simple: pick an if, and then run an experiment to see what would happen. Sometimes we tackle serious topics, while other times we just let our imaginations run wild. But no matter what we do, we always have a blast exploring the wackier side of science.

So join us for another exciting episode as we dive into the hypothetical world of breathable space. Who knows, we might just stumble upon some unexpected discoveries along the way!

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Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif

Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com

Keep On IFFin',

Philip, Matt & Gaby