Mazshow

Dive into the primate family tree with evolutionary anthropologist Dr. John Hawks in Chapter Six of  A Most Interesting Problem . Explore Darwin’s anatomical and behavioral comparisons between humans and other apes, then uncover how modern genetics quantifies our 96–99% DNA similarity with chimpanzees and bonobos. Learn which traits humans share with our primate cousins—opposable thumbs, tool use,...

Confront the darkest chapter of Darwin's legacy as bioarchaeologist Dr. Kristina Killgrove examines his problematic views on civilization, intelligence, and race. When Darwin ranked human societies from "savage" to "civilized" with Europeans at the pinnacle, he reflected the Victorian prejudices of his era—but his words would echo through a century of scientific racism and eugenics. This episode t...

Journey from Darwin's fossil-free world of 1871 to today's treasure trove of human ancestry with renowned paleoanthropologist Dr. Yohannes Haile-Selassie. When Darwin published "The Descent of Man," he had virtually no fossil evidence to support his bold claim that humans evolved from "some lower form"—yet he courageously predicted our origins lay in Africa. Fast-forwar...

Explore the deep roots of human morality in Chapter Three of  A Most Interesting Problem  with evolutionary psychologist Dr. Brian Hare. Journey back to Darwin’s original insights about sympathy, social instincts, and cooperation, and discover how modern research reveals these moral foundations extend far beyond humans. From chimpanzees helping one another to capuchin monkeys protesting unfair tre...

Journey into the most complex structure in the known universe—the human brain—as we explore Chapter Two of "A Most Interesting Problem" with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Suzana Herculano-Houzel. Darwin believed our mental powers evolved gradually from those of other animals, but he could never have imagined the quantitative revolution that would prove him right. Discover why counting neur...

What happens when a virus born in the forests of Tanzania hitchhikes across continents? In this episode, we unravel the story of Chikungunya—a mosquito-borne virus that causes debilitating joint pain and fever, and has sparked outbreaks from Africa to Asia to the Americas. We explore its mysterious origins, the science behind its rapid spread, and the human toll it leaves behind. From historical o...

She lit up screens with quiet intensity—from The Walking Dead to indie gems that whispered truths louder than blockbusters ever could. But behind Kelley Mack’s rising star was a story that ended far too soon. In this episode, we trace her artistic journey, unpack the roles that defined her, and reflect on the impact she left on fans and fellow creatives alike. Through interviews, archival clips, a...

Step back in time to the Victorian era as our host unravels the remarkable evidence for human evolution that Charles Darwin first assembled without ever seeing a strand of DNA. In this debut episode of "Darwin Revisited," we dive into "A Most Interesting Problem," focusing on Chapter One, where anatomist Dr. Alice Roberts explores the striking anatomical and embryological clues...

Explore the profound story of Islam's arrival in Iran and its immediate aftermath. For decades, Abdul Hossein Zarinkoob's influential book, "Two Centuries of Silence," has shaped our understanding of this pivotal era, especially the first two centuries after Islam's entry. This podcast critically revisits Zarinkoob's narrative, drawing on seven decades of new research and...

A comprehensive overview of  Louis XIV's life and reign , focusing on his  ambition and obsession with magnificence . It details the  construction and expansion of the Palace of Versailles , highlighting the king's desire to  demonstrate his absolute power  and establish France as a  cultural leader in Europe . The narrative also explores his  personal relationships , including his  variou...

Ready to keep the momentum going beyond the podcast? In Episode 8 of "HMW: Turning Problems into Possibilities," hosts deliver the ultimate innovation step-by-step guide for embedding the “How Might We” mindset into your own work and organization. Explore a curated set of practical resources: HMW question templates, brainstorming and sketching sheets, SCAMPER prompts, dot-voting kits, an...

What happens when fame meets an invisible enemy? In this episode, we spotlight Justin Timberlake’s struggle with Lyme disease to explore how it impacts lives—from red carpets to remote hiking trails. Learn practical ways to prevent tick bites, early signs to watch for, and how to manage symptoms if the worst strikes. It's a gripping blend of celebrity insight, medical awareness, and actionable...

How can the power of “How Might We” reshape communities, policies, and public services—not just products? In Episode 7 of "HMW: Turning Problems into Possibilities," hosts take you outside the design studio and into the worlds of civic innovation and social impact. Discover how reframing public challenges as HMW questions sparks greater empathy, creativity, and buy-in from diverse stakeh...

What does it take to make breakthrough innovation an everyday reality—not just a one-off workshop? In Episode 6 of "HMW: Turning Problems into Possibilities," hosts dive deep into the strategies and rituals that transform “How Might We” from a tool into an enduring part of your team or organization’s culture. Learn how industry leaders and grassroots teams alike embed HMW into meetings,...

When an 8.7 magnitude earthquake strikes off Russia’s eastern coast, the reverberations threaten paradise. Hawaii braces as a tsunami warning ripples across the Pacific—prompting sirens, shutdowns, and a scramble for safety. In this gripping episode, we dive deep into tectonic tension, coastal vulnerability, and how islanders prepare for the unthinkable. From seismic science to survival strategies...

Ready to compress months of product development into a single week? In Episode 5 of "HMW: Turning Problems into Possibilities," hosts explore digital product sprints—the high-velocity, time-boxed innovation process that's transforming how teams build and test new features. Learn the five-day sprint framework popularized by Google Ventures: Understand, Sketch, Decide, Prototype, and V...

When nature trades spirals for a straight-up smackdown, you get a derecho—a storm so fierce it flattens cities and vanishes calm in minutes. In this episode, we dive into the origin of this underrated weather monster, the science behind its explosive energy, and the lifesaving strategies you need when one strikes. From historical firsts to modern devastation, let’s explore how a word from 1888 sti...

You’ve generated a flood of creative solutions, but now what? In Episode 4 of "HMW: Turning Problems into Possibilities," hosts guide you through the essential steps to evaluate, select, and bring your best ideas to life. This episode tackles the art of prioritization: how to move from a wall of sticky notes to a focused shortlist using tools like dot voting and the Impact/Effort Matrix....

Before Bo Burnham and Randy Rainbow, there was Tom Lehrer—a math professor with a piano, a poison pen, and the guts to turn Cold War panic and social taboos into showtunes. In this episode, we trace Lehrer's meteoric rise from Harvard lecture halls to nationwide infamy, explore the reasons behind his abrupt retirement from public performance, and unpack the legacy he left behind—one of blister...

How do you transform a powerful "How Might We" (HMW) question into a wave of creative, actionable solutions? In Episode 3 of "HMW: Turning Problems into Possibilities," we unlock proven strategies to supercharge your idea generation. Learn why traditional brainstorming often falls flat—and discover smarter approaches like Brainwriting (silent, simultaneous idea generation), Crazy 8s (rapid visual...

How do you craft a question that sparks real innovation rather than dead ends? In Episode 2 of "HMW: Turning Problems into Possibilities," we break down the art and science behind a great How Might We (HMW) question. Listeners will learn why the way you frame a challenge can make or break the creative process. The hosts explore the "Goldilocks Principle"—ensuring your HMW is no...

Twenty years after his fist-pumping debut, Happy Gilmore is back — and his golf rage hasn’t mellowed one bit. In this episode of Reel Resonance , we break down the chaotic charm of Happy Gilmore 2 , from viral influencer duels to Shooter McGavin’s redemption arc. Is the sequel a heartfelt hole-in-one or a nostalgia-fueled mulligan? We explore the generational humor, online spectacle, and what crit...

HMW: Turning Problems into Possibilities We introduce the concept of  "How Might We" (HMW) questions  as a powerful tool for innovation. The first episode, "The Three-Word Revolution," explores the  historical origins  of HMW questions, tracing their development from Procter & Gamble in the 1970s, through academic roots with Sidney Parnes, to their institutionalisation by I...

“He wasn’t just a wrestler. He was a movement. But even movements fade. So what happens when the biggest name in the ring becomes the ghost of his own creation?”Step inside the ring and beyond the curtain as we explore the life, myth, and unraveling of wrestling’s most iconic figure—Hulk Hogan. From muscle-bound glory and mainstream fame to scandal, reinvention, and the symbolic death of Hulkamani...

Discover the riveting true story of Krystyna Skarbek —the fearless, ingenious woman who became Britain’s first and boldest female special agent. Outwitting the Nazis with cunning stunts, daring mountain crossings, and breathtaking escapes, Skarbek risked everything to smuggle secrets, sabotage the enemy, and save countless lives. Join us for a gripping journey into the shadows of World War II of c...