SIO438: That's Absurd Please Elaborate

SIO438: That's Absurd Please Elaborate

Author: seriouspod.com March 28, 2024 Duration: 55:20

I'm joined by Trace and Julian from the podcast, That's Absurd Please Elaborate! It's an incredibly fun and cool science show where they take questions that might seem weird or crazy but answer them using science! They're here to talk science communication, and what some of their favorite questions they've answered have been. Could vampires evolve through natural processes? Could x-rays cook soup? Could we teach aliens left and right?

Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here!

Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content


The conversations on Serious Inquiries Only start from a simple premise: that complex ideas deserve clear, thoughtful examination without sacrificing wit or approachability. Host Thomas guides these explorations, sitting down with experts and thinkers to untangle questions from the realms of science, political discourse, philosophical debate, and skeptical inquiry. What you’ll hear isn’t a stiff interview or a lecture, but a genuine dialogue that values curiosity over confrontation. The tone is friendly and the pace is engaging, allowing for both depth and detours, ensuring that even the most rigorous topics feel like a compelling chat rather than homework. This podcast operates on the belief that serious subject matter doesn’t have to be dry or inaccessible, and that humor is a powerful tool for understanding. Each episode is built on a foundation of critical thinking, aiming to dissect arguments, examine evidence, and navigate the nuances of issues that shape our world. It’s a space for listeners who want to engage with substantive content but appreciate a conversational, human touch in the process. You can find Serious Inquiries Only, created by seriouspod.com, within News podcast categories, where it offers a blend of intellectual substance and relatable delivery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 825

Serious Inquiries Only
Podcast Episodes
AS234: Scientifically Speaking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:37
It’s time for some science up in this podcast! Joining me for the second time is Krakus Varsovian, who you may remember from an episode back in September. The state of science funding in Canada back then was dire, but it…
AS233: The Gender Wage Gap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:32
In the spirit of Equal Pay Day which happened recently, I’ve got Miss Bea Haven from Promoting Secular Feminism on to talk about gender inequality in income. Is the 79 cents figure a myth? well… sort of but also sort of…
AS232: Finding Uncommon Ground [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:24
Today’s episode was scheduled to be a Tommentary, but after a back and forth with a listener by the name of Ben Young, I decided to have him on for a little chat in place of my normal monologuing! We touch on a number of…
AS231: Dr. Kevin Folta, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:34
It’s part 2 with Kevin! Lots more on GMOs and labeling controversies. Also, I found out WE AREN’T EVEN USING FISH GENES. My mind is blown. I’ve been defending something we weren’t even doing. Though I still maintain it w…
AS230: Dr. Kevin Folta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:19
In light of all this GMO debate, Dr. Kevin Folta was kind enough to hop on the show and educate us! Kevin is the professor and chairman of the horticultural sciences department at the University of Florida. He doesn’t li…
AS229: No Straw Men Allowed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:16
It’s a Tommentary episode! Last week I let a straw man argument get by me and I even encouraged it. So, I spend the first part of this Tommentary trying to right that wrong. I never want to perpetuate straw man arguments…
AS228: Should We Label GMOs? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:44
In today’s show, I’ve got two siblings! We’ve got Melonnie, a listener of the show and someone wary of GMO products. Also on is Derek, her brother and a scientist who has some expertise on GMO foods. Will Melonnie’s conc…
AS227: Tommentary Time, Easter Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:50
Several announcements in this show!!! One you may already have noticed, and another has something to do with this page here. I’m very excited! In this episode I’ve got a ton of Tommenting for you guys. I start with some…
AS226: Sarah Morehead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:56
Sarah Morehead recently wrote a must-read article, which you can find here. It deals with something I also expressed an opinion about online, which is the disgusting positive reaction people seem to have over news of Jar…
AS225: Andrew Torrez on Scalia’s Legal Activism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
Have you always known Scalia was the worst but didn’t quite have the legal expertise to say exactly why? I’ve got the podcast for you! My guest is Andrew Torrez who is a graduate of Harvard Law and owns his own practice…