FULL EPISODE: Won't Anybody Think of the Lobsters?! - April 20, 2026

Biology and environmental science researcher Eleftherios Kasiouras gives details of his study confirming lobsters can feel pain. Behavioral scientist Elizabeth Trinh extols the benefits of small talk by saying how boring topics are more enjoyable than you think. Biology professor Lauryn Benedict outlines how parrots don't just mimic words, some use proper names like humans to identify individuals. Scientist Arun Asthagiri – who studies music and the brain – explains that live music causes brain waves to synchronize more strongly with rhythm than recorded music. Los Angeles-based journalist Fortesa Latifi tells David about the sharenting economy, and discusses its perils. (Check out Fortesa's book Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online here.) Marketing professor Alexander Fulmer explores whether serendipity can be harnessed, and tells us how unplanned outcomes offer benefits. Management professor Brian Swider reveals how if you're a perfectionist at work, your boss's expectations may matter more than your own. Psychology researcher Heather Heap shares how humor helps older adults navigate aging. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:25) Eleftherios Kasiouras (10:00) Elizabeth Trinh (20:00) Lauryn Benedict (30:00) Arun Asthagiri (39:50) Fortesa Latifi (49:50) Alexander Fulmer (59:50) Brian Swider (1:09:50) Heather Heap (1:18:50) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices