2026 Episodes of the Curious Conversations Podcast
Episode Listing
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Lifestyle Choices and Brain Health with Ben KatzVirginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast explores how lifestyle choices influence brain health, memory, and cognitive function with Ben Katz.
Date: May 11, 2026 - -
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Cycling Safety and Infrastructure with Laura HammVirginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast explores cycling safety, infrastructure, and research on bicycle and vehicle interactions with Laura Hamm.
Date: May 04, 2026 - -
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Fertilizer and the Iran War with Rory MaguireIn this episode, expert Rory Maguire explores how fertilizer production connects to global conflict, including impacts of the Iran war on agriculture.
Date: Apr 27, 2026 - -
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The Connection Between Renting and Education with Tom MayockIn this episode, Tom Mayock explores the connection between renting and education, including housing access, affordability, and student outcomes.
Date: Apr 20, 2026 - -
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Food Facts with Melissa WrightMellisa Wright explores food safety, common misconceptions, and practical tips for handling and preparing food in this episode of “Curious Conversations”.
Date: Apr 13, 2026 - -
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Fungi and Cloud Seeding with Boris VinatzerIn this epsisode, expert Boris Vinatzer explores how fungi influence cloud formation and weather through ice nucleation.
Date: Apr 06, 2026 - -
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Scams and Cybercrime with Katalin PartiThis episode explores scams and cybercrime, including common tactics and prevention strategies, with expert Katalin Parti.
Date: Mar 30, 2026 - -
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The Chesapeake Bay's Blue Catfish Problem with Michael SchwarzThis podcast episode explores the Chesapeake Bay’s invasive blue catfish problem, its ecological impacts, and potential solutions with Michael Schwarz.
Date: Mar 23, 2026 - -
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Airborn Pathogen Detection and Mitigation with Linsey MarrVirginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast explores airborne pathogen detection and mitigation, with expert Linsey Marr.
Date: Mar 16, 2026 - -
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A New Way to Treat Kidney Stones with Adam MaxwellVirginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast explores a new way to treat kidney stones using sound waves, with biomedical engineer Adam Maxwell.
Date: Mar 09, 2026 - -
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Antarctic Bottom Water with Brian RomansIn this episode, Brian Romans discusses Antarctic Bottom Water: how it forms, its role in global ocean circulation, and its climate significance.
Date: Mar 02, 2026 - -
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The Mysteries of Microplastics with Austin GrayVirginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast explores the science of microplastics, their environmental and health impacts, with expert Austin Gray.
Date: Feb 23, 2026 - -
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The Unknowns of Sharks with Francesco Ferretti"Curious Conversations" podcast episode explores global knowledge gaps in shark ecology and conservation with expert Francesco Ferretti.
Date: Feb 16, 2026 - -
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Data Centers and Water with Landon MarstonLandon Marston discusses data centers and water use while exploring environmental impacts, cooling demands, and sustainable resource challenges.
Date: Feb 09, 2026 - -
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Detecting Dark Matter with Patrick HuberPatrick Huber joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about world of neutrino physics and its implications for understanding dark matter.
Date: Feb 02, 2026 - -
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Smart Mobility and the Future of Transportation with Mike MollenhauerMike Mollenhauer joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about how smart mobility and infrastructure are influencing the future of transportation.
Date: Jan 26, 2026 -
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life.
Produced and hosted by Virginia Tech writer and editor Travis Williams, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
If you know of an expert (or are that expert) who’d make for a great conversation, email Travis today.