The Curiosity Desk

Is There A Better Way To Board A Plane?

First up misinformation researcher Joan Donovan joins with Craig Newmark – founder of Craigslist – on internet scams in the age of A.I. Craig’s heading the public service campaign Take9 [https://pausetake9.org/]  with muppet Count von Count.  Then, we're learned about some under-explored Massachusetts and New England history with Greg Jackson, host of the podcast History That Doesn’t Suck, ahead of a show at the Wilbur. Lastly, we answer the question on everyones minds... Is there a better way to board an airplane? Edgar meets astrophysicist Jason Steffen, who claims to have designed the most scientifically-sound method for packing in passengers efficiently. We’ll also get some perspective from GBH transportation reporter: Jeremy Siegel.

Who's Afraid Of Recombinant DNA?

First up,  50 years ago this month, a contentious Cambridge City Council meeting around the issue of recombinant DNA research would go on to shape the future of scientific research in Cambridge and beyond. We’ll discuss with GBH’s Craig LeMoult, and historian of science Luis Campos.  Then... what can we humans learn about leisure from the mighty gorilla? Edgar talks with Animal behaviorist Jennifer Verdolin.  We close out our show with our first ever “Ask the Bike Repair Expert,” with B.U.’s Jay Diengott & Traci Laichter from SeaportTMA.

Why Did We Stop Keeping Pigeons As Pets?

First up, we check in with professor Rocky Weitz from the Tufts Fletcher School. Now that we are 5 months out from the US government overthrowing Maduro we ask - how are Venezuelans faring today, and how far off is true democracy?  Then, GBH’s Gal Tziperman-Lotan & Senior Producer Aidan Connelly return with Four Things To Know for June 9th. We round out our show with Pigeon Palooza! We’ll start with journalist Rachel Nuwer and author Rosemary Mosco on man’s long & storied relationship pigeons. And we’ll end meeting pigeon racer and one of the few professional pigeon breeders in the U.S., Guy Quartarone from Landing Strip Loft.

What Were Our Founding Fathers Drinking?

First up, Edgar meets Clear Scientific’s Shekar Shetty & Winston Henderson to learn about their work developing the world’s first antidote to methamphetamine overdoses.  Then, we’re talking about the integral role alcohol played in the founding of our country with Brooke Barbier, author of the book Cocked and Boozy: An Intoxicating History of the American Revolution. Lastly, when did brands become so chronically online? Digital marking authority Thomas Lee dives into the business of companies pretending to be regular people on social media.

What's Real About Reality Show Cooking?

It’s our Friday menagerie of misfit news. GBH’s Paris Alston & Jeremy Siegel join us to talk about the Nantucket school committee meeting gone awry, the enduring Allston snow pile, and if we’re being wimps about a little weekend rain. Then: Next week, the world will learn whether Rubato Chef Laurence Louie wins season 23 of Bravo’s Top Chef. He knows, of course, because filming wrapped month ago. We’ll ask: what’s it like behind the scenes of a major reality TV cooking competition?  And finally, Milton resident Maritta Cronin was recently recognized for a staggering 65 years of perfect town meeting attendance. She joins to talk about her town, alongside Milton Town Clerk Susan Galvin.