FULL EPISODE: Radioactive Fungi, Assassin Fungi - July 8, 2026

Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson brings us science news with the following: The same unknown chemical signature has been detected on Pluto and Titan; Physicists simulated a black hole in a lab, and then it started to evaporate; Inside Chernobyl, a fungus has been quietly feasting on radiation; Alzheimer's has been killing brain cells in a way scientists have never understood until now; and Scientists ranked 258 spider species by speed and the fastest can outrun you. Motivated by the World Cup, sport and exercise psychology professor Catherine Sabiston goes over stress and coping among athletes in must-win situations, and the superstitions, rituals, and routines of players (and fans). Fungi expert and entomology professor Raymond St. Leger educates us about an amazing fungus whose broad diet enables it to better kill insects and help plants. For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld talks about who gets whom in a romantic breakup: specifically with kids and custody, as well as friends within social groups. Research fellow in law Temitope Lawal discusses AI in policing and why the safeguards in place can't keep up. Mathematician Emma Zajdela goes over the mathematics of poker and how bluffing is an essential part of a winning strategy. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (00:59) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Catherine Sabiston (30:00) Raymond St. Leger (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (49:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (59:50) Temitope Lawal (1:09:50) Emma Zajdela (1:19:09) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices