The Debrief

The Debrief Weekly Report | A Science and Technology News Podcast

Get your weekly burst of scientific illumination from The Debrief’s network of rebellious journalists as they warp through the latest breaking science and tech news from the world of tomorrow. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they roundup the latest science and tech stories from the pages of The Debrief. From far-future technology to space travel to strange physics that alters our perception of the universe, The Debrief Weekly Report is meant for the dreamers who love the science and technology of the future. Visit The Debrief at: https://the...

Author

The Debrief

Category

Technology

Podcast website

sites.libsyn.com

Latest episode

Apr 29, 2025

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Episodes

We Can See Right Through You | Electric Gold, Biohybrid Robots, and Turning Living Skin Transparent 10.09.2024

On this week's episode, Kenna and Stephanie become totally clear on a new method that can turn living skin transparent. They then discuss some shocking new research on whether gold can make electricity and how a new type of "biohybrid" robot is changing our understanding of robotics.   Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they round up the latest sci...

Will China Hydrate the Moon? | Rogue Planets, Raindrop Power, and China's Watery Lunar Plans 03.09.2024

On this week's episode, Kenna and Stephanie dip their toes into a story about Chinese scientists who say they have found a way to produce water on the Moon. They then take a long look into deep space and the discovery of six new "rogue planets" by the James Webb Telescope. Finally, they discuss a new smart window technology, and its ability to generate power from raindrops.   Every Tuesday, join h...

The Science Behind Science Fiction | An Interview with Dr. Erin Macdonald 30.08.2024

In this bonus episode of the DWR, Steph and Kenna invite astrophysicist, aerospace engineer, and science fiction consultant, Dr. Erin Macdonald to share her insights in the world of astrophysics and Star Trek. The trio discuss how science advising works for television, and the state of science today.  Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they round u...

Is That A "Hidden Consciousness" In Your Brain, Or Are You Just Happy to See Me? 27.08.2024

Stephanie and Kenna are back for a new season of The Debrief Weekly Report. In this episode, they take a mental dip into new findings regarding "hidden consciousness" inside the brain. They also discuss why playing video games is good for your mental well being, and a brand new bandage that uses water and electrical currents to heal wounds faster!     Stories featured in this episode: https://thed...

These Robots Kill Cancer Cells | Medical Nano Technology, Laser Communication in Space, and LSD Micro-dosing for Sleep 02.07.2024

Join Stephanie and Kenna for the last episode of the season as they discuss a new nano robot developed in Sweden that can kill cancer cells in mice. They also open a channel to the ISS and discuss how NASA is using laser relays to send photos and messages to astronauts. Lastly, they take a trip and talk about how a new study says that micro-doses of LSD can aid in healthy sleep. The Debrief Weekly...

Twinkle Twinkle Artificial Star | Lost Ancient Temples, Magnetic Winds Feeding Black Holes, and Building a Fake Star for Science 25.06.2024

In this week's episode of the DWR, Stephanie and Kenna discuss NASA's plan to build an artificial star for astronomical measurements. They also explore a lost Greek temple mentioned in ancient graffiti, and a new black hole discovery using magnetic winds to feed. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they round up the latest science and tech stories f...

The Quest for "The Quest" | Shackleton's Lost Ship, The Einstein Telescope, and the Power of Algae 18.06.2024

In this week's episode of the DWR, Stephanie and Kenna go green as they discuss a novel breakthrough in the successful generation of electricity by algae. The dynamic duo also discuss the Einstein Telescope and the discovery of the lost ship, The Quest, off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they round up the late...

That Washing Machine is a 3D Printer | LSD School, Night Vision Coating for Glasses, and 3D Printing in Space 11.06.2024

In this week's episode of the DWR, MJ and Kenna discuss the successful 3D printing of metal material on the ISS. The dynamic duo also dives into the first-ever Master's Degree in Psychedelics offered at the University of Ottawa and a new metal coating that changes regular glasses into night-vision goggles. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they ro...

Legends vs. Canon: The Evolution of Star Wars Lore 24.05.2024

In the fourth bonus episode of the DWR, Steph and Kenna discuss the Star Wars Expanded Universe and its impact on fan experiences. The dynamic duo also dives into how the expanded universe has helped bring in more fans, creating a multigenerational experience. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they round up the latest science and tech stories from...

The War Waged Over Memories | False Memories and Disinformation, New Solar Energy Tech, and the lost Roanoke Colonists 21.05.2024

On this week's episode of The Debrief Weekly Report, Kenna and Steph seek out the lost settlers of the Roanoke colony, and new research that may have solved the riddle of what happened there all those years ago. Things also get hot when they discuss a new solar power system that can generate tons of heat, and how false memories are becoming much more prevalent in the age of disinformation.    Ever...

That Lava Tube is Full of Humans | Pollution Combatting Swarms, Lava Tube Archaeology, and Solar Storms 14.05.2024

On this week's episode of The Debrief Weekly Report, Kenna and Steph dive head first into a lava tube in Saudi Arabia that once served as a human dwelling. They also discuss how a new swarming technology can be used to clean up microplastics and other pollutants in our oceans, and recap on the wild solar storm that hit Earth over the weekend.   Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughe...

Neanderthal Skull Puzzle | Roman Dodecahedrons, Long Lost Chinese Forests, and the Subtle Art of Building an Ancient Head 07.05.2024

On today's episode, Kenna and Stephanie stare into the eyes of an ancient Neanderthal, explore who she was, and how scientists were able to reconstruct her face. They also dive deep into underground Chinese forests inside giant sinkholes, and the mysterious Roman dodecahedrons. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they roundup the latest science and...

Voyager's Whisper in the Darkness | Martian "Spiders," Advanced House Plants, and the Space Probe that Refuses to Quit 30.04.2024

On today's episode, Kenna and Stephanie open a channel to the Voyager 1 probe, and discuss how some clever NASA engineers have reestablished a link with the decades old system. They also chat about some fancy house plants that can clean your home's air, and the "spiders" that haunt Mars. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they roundup the latest sc...

EcoFrontiers: Sci-Fi for a Greener Tomorrow 26.04.2024

In the third bonus episode of the DWR, Steph and Kenna discuss the themes of environmentalism within science fiction. The dynamic duo also dives into how science fiction has helped and hindered environmental movements and how sci fi has inspired several different science fiction subgenres, such as cli-fi and solarpunk, and where things stand today.  Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna...

Let Slip The Mysterious Dogs of War | Hypersonic Missiles, Lost Cosmonauts, and Compound 19 23.04.2024

On today's episode, MJ Banias sits down with guest co-host, author, and historian Amy Shira Teitel from the History Channel's "The Proof is Out There: Military Mysteries." The two discuss their time on the show, and some bizarre moments from the halls of military history. They talk hypersonic missiles, lost cosmonauts, and the secret Soviet base, Compound 19. You can follow Amy's work at https://t...

The Curious Case of the Vanishing Meteorites in Antarctica | Blue Energy Research, Muscle Tissue Powered Robots, and a Meteor Mystery 16.04.2024

On today's episode, Kenna and Stephanie ride the waves into "blue energy." They also hunt for clues to find the vanishing meteorites in the Antarctic, and work up the strength to take on a novel robot that utilizes biological muscle tissue. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they roundup the latest science and tech stories from the pages of The Deb...

Tweets of the Mind | Neuralink Mental Miracle, 2024 Solar Eclipse, and a New 'Natural' Weightloss Drug 02.04.2024

On today's episode, Kenna and Stephanie explore the power of the mind, and the recent news that a man 'tweeted' using Neuralink technology. They then stare too long at the sun and talk about the upcoming April solar eclipse, and how some computer science nerds are developing a 'natural' weightloss drug. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they round...

O for A Muse of Fire | Shakespeare's Mysterious Sister, Nuclear Weapon Detection, and the Birth of a Star 26.03.2024

On today's episode, Kenna and Stephanie get all Shakespearean discussing a mysterious document written by William Shakespeare's sister. Speaking of stars hiding their fires, a novel discovery in outerspace has a young star finally being born, and a new test that seems to uncover secret nuclear tests being performed underground. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, an...

Feminine Futures: Women's Role in Shaping Sci-Fi Narratives 22.03.2024

In the second bonus episode of the DWR, Steph and Kenna highlight the importance of Women's History Month by discussing various women within science fiction. The dynamic duo also dives into where science fiction got women wrong and how the genre is shifting to highlight more strong female leads.    Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they round up t...

An LSD Trip to the Stars | Novel LSD Research, Ancient 'Hand' Relic, and Space Sickness 19.03.2024

On today's episode, Kenna and Stephanie talk about new LSD policies that may alter how we deal with mental health in the future. The duo also dive into a new form of space sickness and the discovery of a 2,000 year old relic in the shape of hand. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they roundup the latest science and tech stories from the pages of T...

We're Not Saying It's Aliens: AARO's UFO Report, Glowing Plant Products, and Cuttlefish Sex Ink? 12.03.2024

On today's episode, Kenna and Stephanie talk about the latest report from the government concerning the UFO/UAP phenomenon. Next, they dive into a new glowing plant product and the weird mating habits of the cuttlefish. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they roundup the latest science and tech stories from the pages of The Debrief. From far-future...

Our Stressed Out Little Planet: Giant Snakes, Mental Health, and Life Seeking Satellite Swarms 05.03.2024

On today's episode, MJ and Stephanie dive into mental health studies and the future of work. The pair also get into a satellite swarm that astronomers want to build to look for life, and the discovery of a giant creature in the Amazon. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they roundup the latest science and tech stories from the pages of The Debrief....

Ancient Bacteria is Coming Back to Life: DARPA's New Marine Experiment, Universal Anti-Venom Progress, and the Ancient Bacterial Problems 27.02.2024

On today's episode, Kenna and Stephanie unleash the bacterial beast as ancient and dormant bacteria are waking up. They also dive into DARPA's new marine project, and take a bite out of the snake venom situation. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they roundup the latest science and tech stories from the pages of The Debrief. From far-future techno...

Dungeons, Dragons, and Decades: A 50-Year Quest 23.02.2024

In the first bonus episode of the DWR, Steph and Kenna discuss the 50th anniversary of Dungeons and Dragons, including how it almost disappeared entirely and its current resurgence. The dynamic duo also dives into how the Satanic Panic of the 1980s almost killed off DND and how Netflix's Stranger Things has been increasing its player database.    Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hug...

That 'Death Star Moon' is Fully Operational!: Deep Sleep Science, Blueberry Mysteries, and Saturn's Eeriest Moon 13.02.2024

On today's episode, Kenna and Stephanie explore Saturn's "Death Star" moon and the recent findings that could hint at what lurks beneath its dark surface. The dynamic duo also dive into the deep sleep science of hibernation and why blueberries are blue. How did we not know this? Turns out, we just figured it out. Every Tuesday, join hosts Stephanie Gerk, Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as...

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