On Today's Podcast
African Grey Parrots Are Popular—And It’s Fueling Illegal Trade
Talkative African grey parrots are charismatic internet stars. A global scramble to source and sell the birds threatens their survival.
Listen NowNovember 21, 2025
Flora and “Part-Time Genius” co-host Mangesh Hattikudur put one lucky listener to the test with food science trivia. Plus, talkative African grey parrots are charismatic internet stars. A global scramble to source and sell the birds threatens their survival. And, Google’s tool for predicting how proteins “fold” turns 5 this year.
29:07
Can Mass Transit Solve City Sprawl?
L.A. commuters spend 60 hours a year stuck in traffic. But is mass transit a viable alternative?
7:07
These Smartphone Apps Track Every Step of Your Day
“Quantified self” apps count your steps, measure your sleep, and collect a bevy of other details.
27:42
Science Fairs 2.0
A report card on the state of science fairs today, and a look into the future.
13:06
Birding the Fall Migration
Birding tips on how to get the most out of the fall bird migration.
5:31
A Chronicle of a Whale’s Life, Captured in Earwax
Researchers say earwax can provide data about pesticide exposures, hormone levels, and even stress levels of the endangered blue whale.
Small Talk with Scientists: The Ig Nobel Prize Winners Unwind
Here’s what it’s like to party with researchers whose work might first make you laugh, then make you think.
Here’s What a Fire Whirl Looks Like
Firefighter Greg Sanders encountered a flaming, cobra-like swirl while doing reconnaissance work in Virginia.
A New Beginning: Science Friday Partners with PRI
We’re excited to work with PRI to expand their science and technology coverage.
Voyager: The Story JPL Tried to Kill
When trouble with Voyager turned into trouble for me.
5:35
World’s Largest Volcano Discovered on Pacific Seafloor
A 145-million-year-old volcano covers an area the size of New Mexico.
38:12
Chemistry Research Roundup
A look at highlights from this week’s American Chemical Society conference.
2:41
Stephen Hawking Looks Back
Stephen Hawking says that, were he to start from scratch, he wouldn’t focus on physics.
11:49
Are We There Yet? Voyager 1 Finally Answers ‘Yes’
Scientists announced this week that Voyager has finally reached interstellar space.
17:07
U.S. Cities Quench Growing Thirst with Saltwater
Desalination is growing in popularity, but is it sustainable enough to solve our water problems?
17:08
Food Failures: When Home Canning Goes Wrong
Jars broke? Lids buckled? Home canning expert Jessica Piper explains common preserving pitfalls.
Afloat in a French Flying Machine
The Tissandier brothers contributed to France’s reputation as the balloon capital of the world.
How Stephen Hawking Got Sucked Into Black Holes
An excerpt from “My Brief History.”
What’s the Best Way to Dispose of Pet Poop?
Prevent disease by tossing feces in the trash.
12:02
Do Your Gut Bacteria Influence Your Metabolism?
The microbes in your gut may help determine if you are thin or obese.
17:32
Life From Mars
Could Mars have been a better starting point for the origins of life on Earth?