FULL EPISODE: Better Conversations For Mother's Day - May 8, 2026

Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson covers the following science news stories: Social media use may reflect stress relief and belonging more than habit; Pentagon begins release of UFO files; Frozen desert in Antarctica offers a glimpse into one of the harshest and most Mars-like environments on Earth; and Asteroid trajectory data could help design faster Mars missions cutting the round-trip travel time to under a year. Social-personality psychologist William Chopik reveals what your personality traits say about your sexual fantasies. In advance of Mother's Day, David calls his mother to say – based on "science" – how a mom can get their children to call them back. Marketing researcher Daniel Winkler weighs in on whether fans still listen to an artist's music despite their controversies. Fright-seeker and psychology researcher Jane Wiley discusses how the benefits of frightening activities depend on what you do afterward. Criminologist Nancy La Vigne outlines what happened when a Pennsylvania county payed incarcerated people in jail. Media and psychology researcher (and former Olympic athlete) Valerie Gruest explains how viral 'fitspiration' posts may do more harm than good for young adults. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:26) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) William Chopik (30:00) David's Mom Clara (39:50) Mid-show teaser (41:08) Daniel Winkler (49:50) Jane Wiley (59:50) Nancy La Vigne (1:09:50) Valerie Gruest (1:19:13) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices