Dr Karl Podcast

Dr Karl Podcast

Join Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Lucy Smith and their scientific guests, with a bunch of curious triple j listeners for a weekly injection of science, myth-bashing and answers!
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Episodes

1014-

Honeybees, climate change and pollination

17 Sep 2026
1013-

Radio stars, spiral galaxies and threadworms

In this episode of Science with Dr. Carl, host Lucy Smith and Dr. Carl interview radio astronomer Dr. Laura Dreesen about solar eclipses, the discovery of radio stars, and recent astronomical breakthroughs like long-period radio transients and early spiral galaxies. Dr. Carl then addresses a variety of listener questions, covering topics from the physiological effects of conditioning and biological responses to red light to the physics of planetary motion and the expansion of the universe. The episode also explores the chemistry of silicon sealant, the relationship between mass and energy via E=mc², and the impact of intestinal worms on human immunity.

10 Sep 2026
1012-

The third eye, scented candles and norovirus

In this episode of Science with Dr. Carl, the hosts explore a wide range of biological and physical phenomena, from the complex color-changing mechanisms of cuttlefish to the mathematical vastness of musical note combinations. The discussion also addresses listener questions regarding seismic activity, the visual effects of the moon's halo, and debunking the TikTok trend claiming the human forehead is magnetic. Dr. Carl further delves into the science of daily life, explaining why scented candles smell stronger when extinguished and how shift work can disrupt gut rhythms. The episode concludes with insights into the storage capacity of the human brain, the biological functions of vitamin D, kneecaps, and earwax, and a reminder regarding hand hygiene to prevent stomach bugs.

03 Sep 2026
1011-

Black tea, pins & needles and toilet doors

In this episode of Science with Dr. Carl, the hosts and Dr. Carl answer a wide range of listener questions, covering topics from planetary gravity and the physics of clothing to the physiological connection between black tea and nausea via the vagus nerve. The discussion also explores the use of ethylene gas in ripening fruit, public toilet door design, and the temperature required to freeze Earth's oceans. The episode further delves into building safety codes, the risks of nerve compression during sleep, and the mechanics of sneezing. Finally, the doctors explore the science behind aromatherapy and how certain scents might trigger neural responses, before concluding with some lighthearted banter.

27 Aug 2026
1010-

Calcium v. iron, E=mc² and The Pill

Celebrating National Science Week, this episode of Science with Dr. Karl features guests Kate Thomas and Caitlin Thurn to explore a wide range of scientific inquiries. The discussion covers topics from the energy implications of E=mc² and the impact of AI on protein folding to the physiological effects of high altitude and nutrition. The hosts also delve into evolutionary parenting strategies in animals, the genetics of mental health, and medical clarifications regarding birth control and pseudohypoaldosteronism. From the physics of light reflection to the biological effects of nicotine, the episode addresses diverse listener questions through a scientific lens.

20 Aug 2026