Roots of Reality

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with JR Richards about the creation of the band Dishwalla, the song "Counting Blue Cars", and the legacy of 90s music.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about growing up in the 1990s, the pop culture of the era, and how the 90s changed the world.

In this episode of Roots of Reality Experiences, Ben Baumann and Jessica Waters discuss how reproductive policy and related public discussions have evolved over time.

Historian Ben Baumann explores landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions and their impact on American society.

In this episode of Roots of Reality Experiences, Ben Baumann and Governor Whitman explore how American politics and democratic processes have evolved over time.

Historian Ben Baumann looks at how presidential authority has been exercised and contested throughout American history.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Dr. Charles Liu about science and philosophy, the free will debate, and what astrophysics can tells us about the question of free will.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the philosophical ideals that have been crucial to modern society and their origins.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Dr. Nicholas Jacobs about the nationalization of American politics, the rural urban divide, and the various misconceptions of rural voters.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the various politicians throughout history who upset voters by ignoring what they think, which would help cost them elections.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Robert Holmes about the origins of his 1980s band 'Til Tuesday, the hit song "Voices Carry", and the legacy of 1980s music.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the entertainment of the 1980s and its legacy on society today.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Dr. Daniel Martinez about the potential immortality of hydra, what our species can learn from this, and whether it would be worth living forever.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the historical hope for immortality, the science of death, and how these impact the meaning of our lives.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Dr. Camilo Ortiz about why young people today are more anxious than in the past, how to help kids become less anxious, and the increasing use of medication in society, as well as the rise in students with accommodations.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the long historical battle our species has had with mental illness, and the various types that have been prominent in society for thousands of years.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Dr. Dominik Stecula about why foreign propaganda and conspiracy theories are believed by both the far left and far right, the globalization of misinformation, and why the American political system makes these issues worse.

Historian Ben Baumann explores the historical instances in which Americans have supported authoritarian leaders and examines how similar patterns have appeared over time.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Edward Segal about the types of crises that often occur for organizations, the role of ego plays in creating a crisis, and the importance of having a good staff to prevent a crisis.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the negative influence of ultra wealthy people in the past and present, as well as what can be done about this issue.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Dr. Valentin Pereda about why it is so hard to stop the illegal drug trade, what makes drug cartels so powerful in Mexico, and what the US and Mexico can do to combat drug trafficking.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the various drug traffickers throughout history, the largest producers of illegal drugs today, and what can be done about it.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Jeff Asher about the complexities of crime data, the challenges of solving crimes, and how to prevent crime.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the history of crime going back to the ancient world, crime rates historically, and how crimes are punished.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Ambassador William Taylor about his work helping former Soviet states build democracies and a historical overview of Ukraine.