Think from KERA

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Why we’re not trying to beat Russia and China Jun 24, 2025

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In the second Trump administration, competition among the U.S., China and Russia is starting to look more like collaboration. Stacie E. Goddard is Betty Freyhof Johnson ’44 Professor of Political Science and associate provost at Wellesley College. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how, despite big talk and tariffs, Trump is hoping to shift America’s foreign policy towards alliances. Her article “The Rise and Fall of Great-Power Competition” was published in Foreign Affairs."

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Our obsession with health trackers Jun 23, 2025

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With rings to track our sleep, bracelets to track our heart rate and other health gadgets, are we reaching the point of information overload? Adam Clark Estes, senior technology correspondent at Vox, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss his experience wearing a multitude of health trackers – which had some benefits but also sent his anxiety levels sky high. His article is “I covered my body in health trackers for 6 months. It ruined my life.”

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Pregnancy and the digital rabbit hole Jun 20, 2025

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We’ve all been warned not to consult Dr. Google, but when you're pregnant online advice is all too available. Amanda Hess, critic at large for The New York Times, joins guest host Courtney Collins to discuss the hazards of birthing and raising children in a digital world with both helpful and harmful information at our fingertips, and how parents can cut through the online chatter. Her book is “Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age.”

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What makes a genius Jun 19, 2025

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Acing that Mensa test might not be the definite sign of genius you think it is. Helen Lewis is a staff writer at The Atlantic and host of the BBC podcast series “The New Gurus” and “Helen Lewis Has Left the Chat”. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why the very idea of “genius” is a social construct, why the label excludes as much as it includes, and why it’s time to look at creativity in a new way. Her book is “The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea.

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The value of wacky sounding science Jun 18, 2025

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More than a million dollars in taxpayer money was spent observing shrimp on treadmills — and it might’ve been a great investment. Carly Anne York, associate professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss seemingly wacky scientific inquiries – into everything from worm blobs to elephant pee – and how they’ve yielded real breakthroughs that add to both knowledge and the economy. Her book is “The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog: And Other Serious Discoveries of Silly Science.”

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The most taboo abortions Jun 17, 2025

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Late-term abortions are taboo to talk about, but they may be a battleground for all abortion rights. Amy Littlefield, The Nation's abortion access correspondent, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why late-term abortions are both rare and mischaracterized, what she witnessed when she visited an abortion clinic, and where public support for these types of abortions stands now after Dobbs. Her article is “What Would It Mean to Defend All Abortions?”

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What RFK gets wrong about autism Jun 16, 2025

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is focused on addressing why nearly three percent of children are diagnosed with autism. Vox senior correspondent Dylan Scott joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why Kennedy’s inquiry may be misdirected, how he’s discounting the fact that around 80 percent of autism causes are genetic and why a smoking gun is unlikely to be found. His article is “RFK Jr. is looking in the wrong place for autism’s cause.”

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Sunlight can be medicine. Literally Jun 13, 2025

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Sunshine might be more than a balm for the winter blues — it may also combat autoimmune diseases. Science journalist Rowan Jacobsen joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why researchers are focused on patients with multiple sclerosis and their responses to UV therapies, how these therapies might calm the immune system, and the promise this strategy holds for treating other illnesses. His article “Can Sunlight Cure Disease?” was published in Scientific American.

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The secrets of superstar siblings Jun 12, 2025

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From the Wright brothers to the Williams sisters – how do some families produce extraordinary siblings? New York Times Magazine staff writer Susan Dominus joins host Krys Boyd to discuss her exploration of high-achieving siblings, what their parents did right (and what you might be doing wrong), and how a little friendly competition might be a key motivator. Her book is “The Family Dynamic: A Journey Into the Mysteries of Sibling Success.”

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Are you raising a bully? Jun 11, 2025

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Parents are taught the warning signs for when a child is being bullied, but how do you recognize when it’s your child doing the bullying? Elizabeth Englander is executive director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University, professor of psychology and a founding member of the Social and Emotional Research Consortium. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why children bully, what to do to intervene and what can happen if a kid doesn’t get help. Her article “What to Do If Your Child Is the Bully” was published in Scientific American.

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