FULL EPISODE: Rock Aliens and Sun Microbes - March 25, 2026

Straight from outer space (not actually), astrobiologist Sarah Rugheimer shares her take on blockbuster Project Hail Mary with David. (Check out Sarah's upcoming course Experiencing James Webb on Great Courses here.) Marketing professor Giandomenico Di Domenico (GD) explains how social media influencers increase the toxicity and power of misinformation. Economics professor Andrew Garin reveals how Seattle tried to guarantee higher pay for delivery drivers, and why it didn't work as intended. Professor of mathematical biology and public engagement Kit Yates dives into what locusts teach us about how neutrality can speed up and stabilize collective decisions. With his 40th birthday on the horizon, David discusses mid-life crises with social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld on Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday. Then, it's a rare find in our quest to interview people with the same name as your host: radio host Dave Cooper who is a presenter of a show called Gaydio Breakfast on the UK's LGBTQ+ radio station. Developmental psychologist ⁠Sarah Gerson⁠ outlines how ⁠children playing with dolls beat out tablets when it comes to helping them build social understanding⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:08) Sarah Rugheimer (10:00) Giandomenico Di Domenico (20:00) Andrew Garin (30:00) Kit Yates (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (49:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (59:50) Dave Cooper (Gaydio Breakfast host) (1:09:50) Sarah Gerson (1:19:08) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices