What We're Listening to: Robin Hood, Space Civilization, and More
A Roundup of the Latest Episodes from Popular Podcasts
April 27th, 2023, and it's time for a break from the daily grind. Maybe you're in the same boat, and if so, we have just the thing to help you unwind: a roundup of the best podcast episodes from the past week.
Whether you're into science, history, or pop culture, we've got you covered with our picks from The Huberman Lab, Stuff You Should Know, and StarTalk. These podcasts are sure to keep you entertained, informed, and inspired while you take a break from the routine.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy our recap of the latest and greatest from the world of podcasting. Who knows? You might even find your next favorite show!
Science, Health, Productivity Hacks
The Huberman Lab Podcast
Science-Based Mental Training & Visualization for Improved Learning
Discover the fascinating world of mental training and visualization in this week's episode of The Huberman Lab Podcast, titled "Science-Based Mental Training & Visualization for Improved Learning". Dive into the concept of neuroplasticity and how it plays a crucial role in our ability to learn and adapt. Learn the difference between developmental plasticity and adult neuroplasticity, and how engaging in self-directed adaptive plasticity can enhance our learning experience.
Explore the benefits of mental training and visualization, which can complement real-world cognitive and physical training, and improve learning in various areas such as music, mathematics, and motor skills. Delve into the practice guidelines for mental training, such as focusing on the specific goal, incorporating periods of rest and sleep, and harnessing both long-term potentiation and depression aspects of neuroplasticity.
In this episode, you'll also learn about the principle of effective mental training and visualization, with insights into the importance of brief, accurate, and regular visualization practices to engage in neuroplasticity and learning. Discover how combining real-world training with mental training can maximize the benefits of visualization and improve performance.
Gain insights into the intriguing relationship between aphantasia, synesthesia, autism, and mental training, as well as the importance of first-person mental training and visualization. This episode is packed with valuable information, expert advice, and real-world examples to help you understand the science and application of mental training and visualization, and transform the way you learn and perform.
Don't miss this enlightening episode of The Huberman Lab Podcast that will leave you eager to explore the power of mental training and visualization!
Episode Summary on Dr. Pawd: https://drpawd.com/episodes/huberman/0RYyQRQFgFk/summary
History, Pop Culture
Stuff You Should Know
Was There a Real Robin Hood?
Dive into the enigmatic world of Robin Hood with hosts Chuck and Josh in this week's episode of Stuff You Should Know, titled "Was There a Real Robinhood?" Explore the legend set mostly in the 1400s or 1500s in England's Sherwood Forest, and uncover the different theories about whether Robin Hood was a real person or a purely fictional character.
The hosts delve into the story of Fulk FitzWarin, a man with a personal vendetta against King John, who some believe may have inspired the tale. Another theory suggests that Roger Godberd, once a friend of the Sheriff of Nottingham and later an outlaw, could have been the true identity of Robin Hood. Discover how the character evolved from a working-class hero fighting against local authorities in early ballads to a more altruistic figure in later tales, known for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.
The episode also highlights the strong female character of Maid Marian, who originally had her own set of ballads before merging into Robin Hood's story. Finally, learn about the treacherous end of the legendary outlaw, killed by a nun who over-bled him during a medical procedure.
Join Chuck and Josh on this fascinating journey through the legend of Robin Hood and decide for yourself if there was a real man behind the myth.
Episode Summary on Dr. Pawd: https://drpawd.com/episodes/stuff_you_should_know/KX2I9IYI62o/summary
Why does everyone love Dolly Parton?
In this fascinating episode, hosts Chuck and Josh delve into the life and career of the beloved Dolly Parton. Born in 1946 in a two-room cabin in Tennessee, Dolly's passion for music began early, writing her first song at the tender age of 5. With the help of her uncle Bill Owens, she made her way to Nashville and kickstarted an extraordinary career.
Not only did Dolly achieve immense success in the music industry, but she also made her mark in television and film, starring in classics such as "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias." She has been nominated for 53 Grammys, winning 10, and even has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Dolly's talents extend beyond singing and acting, as she skillfully plays multiple instruments, including the guitar, banjo, fiddle, and saxophone. Her creativity knows no bounds, as she enjoys writing songs from a male perspective, penning hits for artists like Merle Haggard and Kenny Rogers.
But what truly sets Dolly Parton apart is her unwavering kindness and philanthropy. Through the Dollywood Foundation, she has supported literacy programs and distributed over 204 million books across various countries. Moreover, her music has touched people worldwide, even reaching Nelson Mandela's prison cell in Zimbabwe, where he requested her song "Jolene."
Join Chuck and Josh as they explore the incredible life of Dolly Parton and uncover why she is so universally loved and admired. From her humble beginnings to her global success, Dolly's story is a testament to her talent, resilience, and generosity.
Episode Summary: https://drpawd.com/episodes/stuff_you_should_know/21nf48ZVd0U/summary
Science, Space, AI
StarTalk
The Research Powering Humanity's First Space Civilization with Ariel Ekblaw
In this fascinating episode of StarTalk, Neil deGrasse Tyson chats with Ariel Ekblaw, CEO of the Aurelia Institute, founder and director of the MIT Space Exploration Initiative, and author of "Into the Anthropocosmos." They delve into the cutting-edge research on tessellated electromagnetic space structures that could power humanity's first space civilization.
Discover how tesserae platforms use pentagons and hexagons to form efficient "buckyball" structures for space habitats, with self-assembling pieces that intelligently detect and correct errant attachments. Learn about the importance of artificial gravity in maintaining human health in space, and how rotating spacecraft could mimic Earth's 1G for a more comfortable life.
As we explore the concept of terraforming planets like Mars, AI-assisted space habitats emerge as a sustainable alternative. With AI playing a critical role in creating responsive space habitats and ensuring safety, the human element remains essential in avoiding potential harm.
Imagine a future space colony where a variety of jobs, from doctors to comedians, exist alongside innovative safeguards against space debris, such as self-healing habitat skins. Don't miss this captivating conversation about the boundless possibilities of space exploration and the technology that could revolutionize life beyond our planet. Tune in to StarTalk now!
Episode Summary: https://drpawd.com/episodes/startalk/RQFrUHoDaV0/summary
Some Personal News
As we wrap up this post, I would like to share a bit of personal news. I left my full-time job as a Software Engineer last week. My current plan is to continue to build Dr. Pawd as well as explore my interests and hobbies for a while.
I started another newsletter yesterday - “Confessions of a Code Addict”. In this newsletter I will cover my more personal passion, which is coding and computer science. The first post covers why I am doing it, if you are interested in coding, whether as a beginner or an expert, I think you will find it valuable - so please subscribe to it as well. Thank you!