Think from KERA

Latest Episodes:

How to get your brain in gear Dec 10, 2024

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We’ve innovated our workplaces since the factory-floor work of the Industrial Revolution, but our brains haven’t caught up. Mithu Storoni is a physician, neuroscience researcher and ophthalmic surgeon. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why the 9-to-5 workday breaks up the natural rhythms of optimal brain function and offers tips for finding the best time to do your most creative and productive work. Her book is “Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work.”

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Could DNA testing cost you your life insurance? Dec 09, 2024

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Genetic tests can help predict future health risks or just be a fun way to learn about your ancestry – but is that information just for you? Kristen V. Brown, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss giant loopholes in anti-discrimination laws that might allow disability and long-term care providers to exploit genetic testing results — even if a person never gets sick — and what that means for those told by a physician they should get tested. Her article is “Genetic Discrimination Is Coming for Us All.”

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Malcolm Gladwell revisits ‘The Tipping Point’ Dec 06, 2024

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Twenty-five years after the success of “The Tipping Point,” Malcolm Gladwell is back with new insights. The author and co-founder of Pushkin Industries joins host Krys Boyd to discuss new anecdotes from social science that help explain the world around us – and to update the theory of contagion for our modern world. His book is “Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering.”

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Why don’t fish sink? Dec 05, 2024

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For scientists to solve the mysteries of the ocean, they need to start with questions like “how do fish float?” Duke University biology professor Sönke Johnsen joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the wonders of vertical migration, why sharks must keep swimming to stay alive, and the clues offered to biologists that help piece together the questions of aquatic life evolution. His book is “Into the Great Wide Ocean: Life in the Least Known Habitat on Earth.”

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How does RFK Jr. define health? Dec 04, 2024

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President-Elect Trump has tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services department with promises that dismay many public health officials. Yasmin Tayag, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss RFK Jr’s strategy to “Make America Healthy Again,” his distain for everything from vaccines to fluoride to processed foods – and his approach to managing a $1.7-trillion agency. Her article is “‘Make America Healthy Again’ Sounds Good Until You Start Asking Questions.”

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The states that voted for Trump…and abortion rights Dec 03, 2024

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Of the states that just passed measures protecting abortion, a majority of them also delivered their Electoral College votes to Donald Trump. New York Times Magazine staff writer Emily Bazelon joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why Democrats’ call to restore reproductive rights didn’t bring voters to their side, how Trump has been inconsistent in his messaging about the issue, and what this signals for efforts to keep abortion legal in America. Her article is “America’s Split Screen on Abortion.”

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The politics of school vouchers Dec 02, 2024

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Despite hard evidence that they work, school voucher programs are still gaining steam. Josh Cowen, professor of education policy at Michigan State University, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why “school choice” is such a hot-button issue, the influential people behind its growth, and why this push is signaling distrust of public schools. His book is “The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers.”

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For better cities, think small Nov 29, 2024

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The truly walkable city seems like something only small European cities can obtain, but urban planners have grand plans. Natalie Whittle is a contributor to the Financial Times, and she joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the idea of the 15-minute city, where cars aren’t necessary, bikes abound, and all amenities are a short walk away. Her book is “Shrink the City: The 15-Minute Urban Experiment and the Cities of the Future.”

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ARCHIVE: The foods that keep your brain young Nov 28, 2024

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A look at brain-friendly eating patterns, understanding how “good” and “bad” fats affect us and simple recipe ideas for incorporating these foods into every meal. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Are we losing our appetite for big portions? Nov 27, 2024

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As Thanksgiving’s heaping helpings loom, it might be good to remember both obesity and food waste are linked to your plate’s portions. Hank Cardello is Chair of the Portion Balance Coalition and executive director of the Leadership Solutions for Health + Prosperity program at Georgetown University’s Business for Impact. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how restaurant meals and prepared foods have doubled in size since the 1970s – and why cutting them back down would be good for the planet and people. His research paper on the topic is called “The Power of Portions.”

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