Here We Are - podcast cover

Here We Are

Globetrotting and mind exploring comedian Shane Mauss interviews scientists each week on journey to answer the biggest questions about the meanings of life (as well as a bunch of other random stuff you never imagined you would care about). Favorite topics include: psychology, biology, evolution, cognitive biases, behavioral economics, mating, animal behavior, neuroscience, and the subconscious
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Episodes

Wearable Tech + Covid w/Prof. Michael Snyder

Wearables can do so much more than count your steps. They can also be used for detecting abnormalities caused by Covid up to 10 days before symptoms arise. In this episode, Dr. Michael Snyder explores the many uses of wearable health monitoring technology Michael Snyder is a genomicist, systems biologist, and entrepreneur. He is the Stanford B. Ascherman Professor and Chair of Genetics and Director of Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. Years ago he star...

Jan 05, 20211 hr 23 min

The Courage to Suffer

Authors of ‘The Courage to Suffer: A New Clinical Framework for Life's Greatest Crises’ join me to talk about mental health, spirituality, what happens when a crisis makes you rethink the coherence of the very narratives that used to keep you going. Rather than trying to dismiss and escape suffering we can find ways to accept and thrive within it. Sara A. Showalter Van Tongeren has more than twelve years of clinical social work experience in settings such as private practice, foster care, inpati...

Dec 29, 20202 hr 4 min

Comedy Sex God | Pete Holmes

This week I talk with my good friend and multi-talented Pete Holmes! I wanted to have a spiritual conversation with someone outside of academia for a change. Pete and I always have really great philosophical discussions and I really appreciate his take on a lot of things. Check out Pete's philosophical/spiritual autobiography "Comedy Sex God" on Amazon or wherever you get your books! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 22, 20202 hr

Holiday Covid Update w/Nina Fefferman

Covid update with my favorite guest on the subject! Nina Fefferman has spent her career modeling future pandemics. Because of Covid, she’s gone from a theoretical to an applied mathematician. Her interdisciplinary makes her one of the most knowledgeable people at the intersection of mathematics and evolutionary biology. She consistently takes us on a path through the either/or fallacies of health VS economy which have become so politicized and guides us through an exploration of nuance and compl...

Dec 15, 20202 hr 29 min

Anthropologists on Witchcraft

Take a peek inside the life of the people who get to peek inside the lives of others. This week I talk with two anthropologists about what it's like to go and live in an extremely different culture. We talk about shamanism, leadership, witchcraft and what past health care and court systems might have looked like. Zach Garfield is an evolutionary anthropologist who investigates how behaviors such as leadership and followership, decision-making, and economic strategies are related to group-level p...

Dec 08, 20201 hr 46 min

Biodiversity Loss

On this episode, we chat about biodiversity loss as a key issue in our modern world. We emphasize the impact it has on increasing of disease in our modern environment which isn’t something normally addressed in public discourse. This doesn’t just impact humans, but the majority of wildlife has lost habitat and the space needed to avoid pathogen spread. Additionally, globalization has introduced invasive viruses to novel environments which lack defense to them. Dr. Debra Miller is Professor and D...

Dec 01, 20201 hr 40 min

The Economics of Covid | Solo Episode

In this rare solo episode, I explore what it's like as a comedian, show producer, and science communicator trying to navigate Covid, the economy, public perception, regulations, and marketing while considering the many additional variables and challenges that come along with planning a tour. Thank you for watching and being an inquisitive being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 27, 20201 hr 20 min

Your Brain on Birth Control w/ Dr. Sarah Hill

Professor Sarah Hill of the Hill Evolutionary Social Psychology Lab at Texas Christian University returns to the show to talk about her new book ‘This Is Your Brain on Birth Control: The Surprising Science of Women, Hormones, and the Law of Unintended Consequences’ Sarah is such a dream guest. In addition to being very funny and not afraid to talk about social taboos, her work is also not just really unique and mind-blowing but is also incredibly important information for anyone and an absolute ...

Nov 24, 20201 hr 3 min

Do You Really Need Spine Surgery?

David Hanscom is author of the book ‘Do You Really Need Spine Surgery?’. He is a renowned complex deformity spinal surgeon of 30 years and his experiences both in the medical industry and with his own health gave him a new perspective on chronic pain, the medical industry, and mental health that is a fresh perspective in a world where questionable surgeries and treatments can often be overprescribed. His pioneering book, ‘Back in Control: A Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain’ showed suffers h...

Nov 20, 202058 min

Underwater Volcanoes + Scallop Porn

Volcanic activity, submarine adventures, and scallop porn are on today’s menu. If that is somehow not enticing enough, you’re also going to find out what percentage of a scallop’s body weight is gametes. Guess high as it may be nature’s most impressive money shot. Skylar Bayer is a marine ecologist who studies population dynamics and marine conservation. She’s also does a ton of science communication including producing the science storytelling show The Story Collider. She even shares a fun stor...

Nov 09, 20201 hr 28 min

Narcissism + Social Psychology

Shane talks with personality expert, William Keith Campbell. He is an American social psychologist known for his research on narcissism. He is a professor in the Department of Psychology in the University of Georgia's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Thank you for watching and being an inquisitive being. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞: Stand-up comedian, adventurer and science enthusiast Shane Mauss has been interviewing scientists each week since 2014. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsi...

Oct 26, 20201 hr 38 min

The Media Dilemma

Technology is amazing. But it also comes with a number of concerns. How much should we worry and about what? Did you know that there used to be similar concerns about books? Socrates believed that writing was not an effective means of communicating knowledge and now we know he said that over two thousand years ago because of writing. But maybe this time the threat is real. What does the research have to say? Ken Reid – Comedian, TV nerd, and host of the fantastic podcast ‘TV Guidance Counselor’ ...

Oct 23, 20202 hr 6 min

Gene Editing Flies

I am pleased to welcome back the most enthusiastic guest I've had, Barrett Klein, along with first time guest, Lyric Bartholomay. We discuss genetically modified flies, what could cause some people to be more attractive to mosquitoes and other buggers, and why you should save bugs from your shower drain! Entomologist, Barrett Klein is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Lyric Bartholomay is a vector biologist from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Reg...

Oct 14, 20202 hr 10 min

DMT and The Structure of Reality

On this special episode I talk all about DMT with neurobiologist, pharmacologist, chemist, writer, Dr. Andrew Gallimore. What in the world is going on with this crazy chemical? What's at the bottom of reality? Can DMT somehow help us answer the deep questions we have about reality? Learn more about Andrew's work here: http://www.buildingalienworlds.com/ https://twitter.com/alieninsect https://www.instagram.com/alieninsect/ Thank you for watching and being an inquisitive being. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫�...

Oct 10, 20202 hr 18 min

Volcanoes + A Submarine

Shane learns about volcanoes and finds out what it's like to live in a submarine talking with Associate Professor of Geology at The University at Buffalo, Tracy Gregg. Outro music by Jake The Hawk https://jakethehawk.bandcamp.com/ Thank you for watching and being an inquisitive being. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞: Stand-up comedian, adventurer and science enthusiast Shane Mauss has been interviewing scientists each week since 2014. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin this former factory work...

Oct 08, 20201 hr 34 min

Bored in the House w/ Joe Reddin

Shane has returned guest, Joe Reddin, on the podcast. They talk about boredom during this odd time for humans. Joseph P. Redden is a Professor of Marketing at the Carlson School of Management. He received his Ph. D. in Marketing from the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania. He is currently focused on how to help consumers extract more enjoyment without changing the product, how to reduce consumer boredom, and how to encourage (and enjoy) healthier eating. Thank you for watching a...

Sep 23, 20201 hr 22 min

Birdbrain

Today on the Here We Are podcast, I'm joined by Corina Newsome, who is an American ornithologist, birder, science communicator, and graduate student at Georgia Southern University. We talked about the racism that exists within the birding community. I explain why I think the bowerbird is the most ridiculous bird. Follow Corina: https://twitter.com/hood_naturalist https://corinanewsome.wixsite.com/hoodnaturalist https://www.instagram.com/hood__naturalist Thank you for watching and being an inquis...

Sep 14, 20201 hr 18 min

Neuroplasticity + Alzheimer's

Shane talks with Biology professor, Dr. Nipun Chopra, about link between Alzheimer's disease and various environmental factors. Dr. Nipun Chopra is a graduate of DePauw University ('06) and received his PhD training from the Indiana University school of Medicine, with a focus on Medical Neuroscience. During his PhD work, his research focused on identifying microRNA that regulate key proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease. Nipun's Twitter: https://twitter.com/NipunChopra7 Thank you for watching...

Sep 10, 20201 hr 34 min

The Changing Environment

How can we get people to care about the planet? Why is there so much division surrounding climate change? Shane asks Tracy Fanara these big questions. Tracy tests environmental myths to justify action or to alleviate public misconceptions, then communicates results to the public through through media interviews, public seminars, citizen science programs, and scientific investigative docu-reality videos. https://inspectorplanet.com/ Thank you for watching and being an inquisitive being. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮�...

Sep 07, 20201 hr 26 min

Consciousness + Simulation w/ Dr. Eliot Winer

What are thoughts? If a computer can think, is it conscious? What can machine learning teach us about the brain? Today Shane talks with Dr. Eliot Winer, Professor of mechanical engineering at Iowa State University and Associate Director at Virtual Reality Applications Center. Learn more about Eliot Winer: https://www.brain.vpresearch.iastate.edu/people/eliot-winer Thank you for watching and being an inquisitive being. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞: Stand-up comedian, adventurer and science ent...

Aug 25, 20201 hr 8 min

Evolutionarily Speaking w/ Herman Pontzer

How does our evolutionary history shape our current world? What's up with sexy jawlines? Will being quarantined while staring at computer screens all day change how humans look? In this episode Shane talks with returned guest Herman Pontzer, who is a Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University. You can learn more about Pontzer's work at https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/people/herman-pontzer Thank you for watching and being an inquisitive being. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐀�...

Aug 17, 20201 hr 24 min

Siding With Science

In this episode of the Here We Are podcast Shane is joined by returned guest, Nina Fefferman. They discuss the ways to remain dignified when having conversations with people who may not respect science. Responsible skepticism is an important part of learning how to rely on expertise. Thank you for watching and being an inquisitive being. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞: Stand-up comedian, adventurer and science enthusiast Shane Mauss has been interviewing scientists each week since 2014. Origina...

Aug 14, 20202 hr 21 min

Why I Started The Here We Are Podcast

Shane Mauss does the first ever solo episode of the Here We Are Podcast to celebrate episode number 300. For the first time he discusses what this podcast truly means in terms of the greater picture. Hear how this former factory worker who never had an interest in school deviated from a traditional stand up comedy career to peek behind the scenes of science and academia. Hear why a quest to understand life and to answer the biggest questions about existence and consciousness has him talking with...

Aug 12, 20201 hr 32 min

Neurodiversity Ft. A Little Cerebral

Shane talks with Dr. Claire Thomas-Duckwitz and Natalie McKechnie Mannherz, OTR (of the A Little Cerebral Podcast) about the complexities of ADD and ADHD, non-neurotypical kids, and the struggle with returning to school this fall. A Little Cerebral is a podcast documenting the conversations between a pediatric occupational therapist and a licensed psychologist and their experiences and approaches to working with children who are neurotypical, not neurotypical, and everything in between. Claire a...

Aug 03, 20201 hr 43 min

Quarantine + Love

Dr. Scott Cloutier is an Assistant Professor, Walton Sustainability Fellow and Senior Sustainability Scholar within the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability. Scott talks with Shane about human well-being during these very odd times. More at info at http://www.herewearepodcast.com My main site for comedy, show dates and more https://www.shanemauss.com Get behind the scenes content AND support the team at Shane Mauss is creating Podcasts, Digital Content, and Live Shows! | Patreon ...

Jul 28, 20201 hr 6 min

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Pt 2

Shane returns to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to talk with education program manager and Entomologist Katherine Bartlett. Katherine talks about using differentiated instruction, teaching hacks, and pack-rats to interest young people in taking ownership of our ecosystem and environment. Support and learn more at http://www.desertmuseum.org Outro Music by The Long Hunt More at info at http://www.herewearepodcast.com My main site for comedy, show dates and more https://www.shanemauss.com Get be...

Jul 26, 202057 min

Murder Hornets!

Third time guest, Barrett Klien is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Wisconsin. Shane and Barrett talk about hornets and other insects! Laugh, Read, Learn, and/or Support: Check out my new comedy web series Quarantine Couple ! https://www.quarantinecouple.net Hunker down with an audiobook and support your local bookstore with my longtime partner Libro.fm. They're the first audiobook company to make it possible for you to buy audiobooks directly through your local bookstore. ...

Jul 20, 20201 hr 30 min

The Human Immune System

Shane speaks with self-proclaimed infectious disease geek, Jessica Brinkworth, who is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. They talk about the evolution of the human immune system, vaccine research controversy, and other related topics. Laugh, Read, Learn, and/or Support: Check out my new comedy web series Quarantine Couple ! https://www.quarantinecouple.net Hunker down with an audiobook and support your local bookstore with my longtime partner L...

Jul 16, 20201 hr 50 min

The Politics of a Pandemic

Mark A Smith is a professor of political science and an adjunct professor of comparative religion and communication at the University of Washington. Shane speaks with Mark about the political division surrounding this pandemic. Laugh, Read, Learn, and/or Support: Check out my new comedy web series Quarantine Couple ! https://www.quarantinecouple.net Hunker down with an audiobook and support your local bookstore with my longtime partner Libro.fm. They're the first audiobook company to make it pos...

Jul 13, 20201 hr 5 min

Myths of Happiness

Shane talks with Sonja Lyubomirsky, who is a Professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. They discuss what we're learning about human well-being from this global quarantine experiment. Laugh, Read, Learn, and/or Support: Check out my new comedy web series Quarantine Couple ! https://www.quarantinecouple.net Hunker down with an audiobook and support your local bookstore with my longtime partner Libro.fm. They're the first audiobook company to make it possible for you to bu...

Jul 10, 202045 min
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