2025 Episodes of the Curious Conversations Podcast

Shaily Patel explores how ghost stories serve as cultural metaphors for trauma, memory and belonging in this podcast episode.

Abhishek Reddy discusses how screen use, sleep patterns, and medication access relate to adolescent suicide risk and what families can do.

Webster Santos discusses insights into drug discovery and weight-loss therapies, exploring scientific advances and health implications.

In this episode, Julia Basso explains how dance and movement practices link body and brain, exploring their effects on mood, health, and social connection.

Virginia Tech’s Michael "Mike" Evans discusses innovations in controlled environment agriculture and their role in advancing sustainable food production.

Cayelan Carey explains how ecosystem forecasting helps predict water quality in lakes and reservoirs using sensor data and modeling tools.

Jonas Hauptman discusses his research into bamboo as a sustainable building material, exploring its challenges, non-traditional use, and potential for addressing housing needs.

Chris Williams explains how additive manufacturing (3D printing) differs from traditional methods, explores various materials, and discusses future applications.

Bryan Hsu discusses bacteriophages, their role in gut health, and their potential in addressing antibiotic resistance through phage therapy.

David Bieri discusses the human side of economics, the value of historical context, and the importance of rethinking economic ideas and institutions.

Matt Wisnioski and Michael Meindl explore how “The Magic School Bus” shaped science, education, and entertainment.

Eiman Elgewely joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about her work using virtual reality and the principles of interior design to explore historical spaces.

Alex DiFeliceantonio discusses ultra-processed foods, their health impacts, and how dopamine influences food choices in Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations.

Shalini Misra explores how digital technologies are changing the Appalachian Trail, balancing tradition, accessibility, and environmental preservation.

Brendan David-John discusses the use of gaze data in virtual and augmented reality, including privacy concerns and current mitigation research.

Liesel Ritchie discusses how sociology helps explain community resilience in disasters, the role of social capital, and the importance of local relationships.

Tombo Jones discusses drone regulations, safety, and counter UAS strategies, highlighting Virginia Tech’s role in advancing uncrewed aircraft systems.

Dustin Read discusses public perceptions of affordable housing, the role of profit status, and how development size impacts community support.

Laszlo Horvath discusses packaging design complexities, including affordability, sustainability, and the impact of tariffs and supply chain disruptions.

Ella Atkins discusses air travel safety, VFR vs. IFR challenges, recent collisions, and how technology and automation can enhance aviation safety.

Eli Vlaisavljevich discusses histotripsy, an ultrasound therapy for cancer, its mechanics, clinical applications, and future directions in treatment.

Louis Hickman discusses ‘The 5 Love Languages,’ their impact on relationships, research findings, and the role of personality, self-care, and adaptability.

Adam Coates explores the factors behind California wildfires, fire behavior science, urban challenges, and the role of prescribed burning in prevention.