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PODCAST

What The If?

Learn how to think like EINSTEIN! Every week we learn science running imaginative thought experiments. Our brilliant guests are some of the world’s greatest science fiction writers, scientists & science communicators. Leap into a journey to answer the most fascinating question in the universe: What The IF?

science & medicine history

All Episodes

00:56:33

REPOPULATE The Earth!

What The If? ·

2024/03/01

In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking journey of what could happen if humanity had to restart on Earth after different timeframes due to a complete extinction event. Imagine waking up as a clone with no prior knowledge of the world, or as a human re-seeded by aliens or from other human colonies. We explore scenarios spanning 100 years to 10,000 years, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for rebuilding civilization. From the survival of concrete structures and the

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00:58:55

STEAM World!

What The If? ·

2024/02/23

Our podcast episode embarks on a thought-provoking adventure led by the curiosity of Lars from Sweden. Imagine a society where modern conveniences and technological advancements are powered not by electricity, but by steam and sheer ingenuity. From the whimsical to the profound, we delve into the implications of such a world, exploring everything from the resurgence of gas lighting and the peculiar logistics of podcast delivery, to the potential environmental impacts and the quirky ways we might

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00:47:44

The HOLODECK

What The If? ·

2024/02/16

This week's episode takes a leap inspired by the latest in AI video generation to explore the concept of the Star Trek holodeck. Imagine a future where holodecks are a part of every household. We dive into the endless possibilities and the transformative potential of having personal holographic spaces. How would education, entertainment, and our understanding of history change if holodecks were real? Join us on a journey through the implications and exciting prospects of integrating holographic

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00:49:20

TARDIGRADE Powered Humans!

What The If? ·

2024/02/09

Dive into the microscopic world of tardigrades as we explore the astonishing resilience of these tiny creatures. From the depths of space to the highest peaks and the hottest springs, tardigrades have proven themselves as the ultimate survivors. Join us as we discuss their unique abilities, including possibly surviving in the vacuum of space, withstanding extreme temperatures, and even the potential of tardigrade-inspired human resilience. Imagine a world where humans possess the hardiness of

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00:57:01

Holographic TEACHERS!

What The If? ·

2024/02/02

Dive into a world where the chalkboard meets the hologram in this riveting episode of "What The IF"! Join Philip, Matt, and Gaby as they venture into the classrooms of the future, where holographic teachers reign supreme. Imagine Albert Einstein teaching physics, and Marie Curie guiding you through chemistry, all from the comfort of your classroom, or even your living room. But it's not all quantum leaps and bounds; our hosts ponder the quirks of remote learning, from the intimacy of tea and cookies

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00:54:27

SHOCK Week!

What The If? ·

2024/01/13

In our latest episode, we're diving into a wild world where electric shocks can lead to new genes! Picture this: zebrafish larvae in a tank, minding their own business, when suddenly, zapped by electric eels, they start glowing green. It's all about natural electroporation – sounds fancy, right? We chat about how this bizarre experiment opens doors to understanding genetic flexibility and the randomness of gene transfer. Imagine the evolutionary twists this could cause! Join us as we mix hard

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00:20:45

MUSIC of Gravitational Waves: Beyond The IF!

What The If? ·

2024/01/05

We've got a special treat for you! Usually reserved exclusively for our Patreon supporters, we're sharing a "Beyond The If" segment with everyone this time.We had a blast reflecting on our recent episode with C. Renee James. Our chat wandered from discussing the fascinating world of drumming, the intriguing connections between science and music, to sharing personal stories about our own musical journeys. It's these light-hearted, behind-the-scenes conversations that remind us how much fun

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00:55:48

MUSIC of Gravitational Waves! With C. Renee JAMES

What The If? ·

2024/01/05

Join us for an enthralling podcast episode where hosts Matt, Gaby, and Philip, along with guest C. Renée James, dive into the captivating world of gravitational waves. We explore the concept of 'hearing' these space-time ripples, originating from pulsars and black hole mergers. James enlightens us on the nuances of these waves, from their cosmic chirps to their detection by LIGO. This humorous and curious conversation not only demystifies complex physics but also provides a unique 'soundtrack' to

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00:53:54

BRAIN Swap!

What The If? ·

2023/12/29

Dive into an electrifying journey of mind-bending possibilities with Matt, Gaby, and Philip on the latest episode of "What The If." This rollercoaster of intellectual exploration was sparked by a fascinating suggestion from Dean Victoria Rosner of the Gallatin School at NYU. Imagine a world where mind swaps are not just a sci-fi fantasy but a mind-twisting reality. Delve into the intriguing intricacies and ethical dilemmas posed by such an extraordinary concept. The trio navigates through a

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00:23:28

Santa's Physics Extravaganza: Beyond The IF!

What The If? ·

2023/12/22

We've got a special treat for you! Usually reserved exclusively for our Patreon supporters, we're sharing a "Beyond The If" segment with everyone this time. 🌟 In this laid-back, post-show chat, we delve into some extra thoughts and fun reflections right after recording our "Santa's Physics Extravaganza!" episode. It's like a backstage pass where we continue the conversation, sharing more insights, laughter, and those spontaneous moments that happen once the main recording stops. From discussing

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00:52:51

Santa's Physics Extravaganza!

What The If? ·

2023/12/22

Welcome to a holiday special episode of "What The If?" where we merge the festive spirit with the wonders of science! 🎅🌌 This time, we're tackling a delightful and thought-provoking question sent in by Bill from Virginia: "What if Santa had to obey the laws of physics?" Imagine Santa Claus navigating the challenges of real-world physics on his gift-giving spree. How does he manage to visit 2.25 billion households in one night? We dive deep into fascinating concepts like wormholes, time dilation,

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00:51:10

SLEEP No More!

What The If? ·

2023/12/10

Hey, "What The IF" fans! This is Philip, and together with Gaby, we've brewed up a sleep-deprived adventure in our latest episode. We dive into the world of micro naps, inspired by chinstrap penguins and their thousand daily snoozes. Imagine a world where humans, just like these penguins, nod off hundreds of times a day. How would our jobs, cars, and even sports adapt? From vigilant parenting to the evolution of traffic laws, we explore the hilarious and intriguing consequences of this sleep-pattern

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00:44:49

Silent But DEADLY

What The If? ·

2023/11/17

Hey there, science enthusiasts and curious minds! It's Gaby and Philip here from What The IF, and we've got a hilariously explosive episode for you! 🌌💥 Thanks to our devoted listener SpaceViking from Sweden, we're diving into a side-splitting, yet scientifically intriguing question: 'What the if... Flatulence possessed lethal properties?' Imagine a world where a simple fart could be a matter of life and death! Join us as we navigate this fragrant minefield, discussing the chemical composition of

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00:44:19

Throw It ALL In The CRISPR!

What The If? ·

2023/11/10

Hi there, Gaby and Philip here from the "What The If" podcast! In our latest episode, we're slicing into the sensational world of CRISPR - that revolutionary genetic editing tool. Join us as we dissect the New York Times headline about using CRISPR to make chickens resistant to bird flu. We delve into the science behind CRISPR, its potential to change the genetic makeup of organisms, and its limitations. Our conversation ventures into the ethical dilemmas of gene editing, the future of fighting

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00:49:07

Ultra Massive ASTEROID!

What The If? ·

2023/11/03

Hey there, science enthusiasts and curious minds! We're inviting you on a cosmic journey with us in our latest podcast episode. We're diving into the mysterious realm of asteroids and uncovering the secrets of their composition. Ever wondered how scientists figure out what these space rocks are made of without taking a trip to space? Join us as we discuss the intriguing methods used to measure the density of celestial bodies like Jupiter and asteroids, revealing their hidden natures. But that's not

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00:43:06

Ultra QUIET City!

What The If? ·

2023/10/27

Our newest listener, Suzanne, asks, "What The IF cars didn't have horns?" It's a question we all ask on those days when the traffic jam outside our window seems to have no sense of decency! Gaby, Matt and Philip imagine the world-changing ramifications of quiet cars and an even quieter planet. Utopia or Dystopia? Tune in and find out, and shhhhh.... this is a fun one! --- Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea

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00:43:33

BULK Over Beauty!

What The If? ·

2023/10/20

Hey there, science aficionados! It's Gaby, Matt, and Philip here. Ever wondered what would happen if nature's playbook was rewritten, where "survival of the fittest" strictly meant "survival of the strongest"? Dive into a world where raw power dictates evolution, and the scales of nature tip in favor of pure brawn. From peacocks that can flip tigers to other jaw-dropping power shifts in the animal kingdom, we explore the thrilling and often hilarious implications of a muscle-bound ecosystem. Join us

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00:39:37

Martinis On VENUS!

What The If? ·

2023/10/13

Hey there, fellow science enthusiasts! It's Philip, Gaby, and Matt, back with another electrifying episode. Thanks to a stellar challenge from our Super Iffer, Dan from Colorado, we're diving into the tantalizing question: Can we make Venus habitable? Together, we embark on an epic Venutian journey, weaving together the chemistry of sulfuric acid and table sugar, the unexpected utility of garbage, and the delightful twist of martinis. Are you ready to reimagine a planet with us? Dive in, and let's

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00:44:26

BEES Control The Weather!

What The If? ·

2023/10/06

Hey there, science enthusiasts! Gaby and Philip here, and we're about to take you on a flight of fancy you won't forget. Ever imagined a world where bees don't just buzz around but actually have the power to control the weather? 🐝⛈️ Dive into the hive with us as we ponder this extraordinary "What The IF" scenario! From sun showers to thunderous buzz-storms, let's explore the ripple effects of giving these tiny wonders such meteorological might. Prepare for a forecast you never saw

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00:42:07

Scoop Of EARTH!

What The If? ·

2023/09/29

Hold onto your seats as Philip and Matt take you on a space adventure like no other! This time, we're asking the zany question: What if we took a random scoop of Earth and sent it to another celestial body? Get ready to delve into the intricacies of the OSIRIS-REx mission to Bennu and what it might mean to do something similar—but in reverse. Trust us; you don't want to miss this cosmic rollercoaster! --- Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif Got an IF of your own

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380 results

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