Revenge Donations - July 10, 2025

Foreign correspondent Tony Five covers the strange tale of the Sycamore Gap Tree and its trunk and the sorry state of X's Grok chatbot. Consumer behavior researcher Ethan Milne explains the rise of retributive philanthropy (or revenge donations). Evolutionary psychologist Dr. Carey Fitzgerald reveals that common sounds like coughs and sneezes can impair your learning. On It's Time For Technology Time, tech expert Carmi Levy discusses stories: China's new robot soccer league; Nvidia now at record $4 trillion valuation; TikTok is being flooded with inappropriate AI videos generated by Google tools; and TikTok building new version of app ahead of expected US sale. Head of the laboratory of neurogenetics of language at Rockefeller University Dr. Erich D. Jarvis educates us as to why scientists are mapping the genomes of every animal, plant, and fungal species in the US. Tony Five attends a short Advice For Your Tomorrow's Self, Yesterday (AFY-TSY) and then caller Gillian from London, Ontario tells the two how she's been enjoying her wedding gift. Assistant professor of psychology Dr. Saida Heshmati describes how when people express love, they feel more loved. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:51) Tony Five pt. 1 (09:59) Ethan Milne (19:59) Dr. Carey Fitzgerald (29:59) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (39:49) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (49:49) Dr. Erich Jarvis (59:49) Tony Five pt. 2 (1:09:49) Dr. Saida Heshmati (1:19:29) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices