Brains Matter ©

206 – Dr Darryl Carlton – Two PhDs That Explain Why IT Projects Fial

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 05:27:22 +0000

In today’s episode, I talk to Dr Darryl Carlton about the following:

– Darryl’s background

– What defines an IT project failure?

– Examples of worldwide technology project failures

– Who is accountable for these failures?

– What is situational incompetence?

– How does it manifest itself in project leadership?

– The incorrect assumption about senior executive support

– Do project methodologies help?

Download Episode 206

205 – Dr Darryl Carlton – On the Cusp of a Revolution : How do we prepare for AI?

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 21:29:46 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to Dr Darryl Carlton about the evolution of Artificial Intelligence and what it means to us.

I speak to him about the following topics:

What is AI? (Generative & AGI)
Uses of Generative AI
The fear of losing jobs
What does society mean in a world with AI?
Accuracy of large language models
Would reliance on AI make us dumber?
Will AI be genuinely innovative?
AI Governance Worldwide

Download Episode 205

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X7i3t6Ighac

Darryl’s books: AI Digest Volume 1: https://amzn.to/4kLlbDI

AI Digest Volume 2: https://amzn.to/43QDPno

Governing AI in Australia: https://amzn.to/4izVVyo

AI Governance: Applying AI Policy and Ethics through Principles and Assessments https://amzn.to/4kYNtdK

BM204 – The Science of Sleep

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 07:41:42 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to Ashen Vithana, a sleep scientist, and Alex Young, an entrepreneur and futurist, from the http://youtube.com/@thesnoozestrategists podcast.

I speak to them about the following topics:

– What is sleep science?
– What makes for a good sleep?
– Is there an impact from watching screens before bed?
– Are sleeping pills a good idea?
– What is the impact of exercise on sleep?
– How useful are wearable health devices?
– How does shift work impact sleep?

Download MP3 of Ep 204

Become a Patreon

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n394qJ2NK3M

The theme music, “Soul of the Machine”, was composed and performed by Clive Weeks.

BM203 – Dr Jürgen Knödlseder – Sustainability in Science Research

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 08:01:47 +0000

In this episode, I speak to Dr Jürgen Knödlseder on the following topics:
– What are the components of a carbon footprint in science, particularly in astrophysics research?
– How was the lab’s carbon footprint estimated?
– How do we continue to do research and minimise our carbon footprint?
– What are some new ways that conferences are being conducted?
– Looking at new research with “old” data
– Are there enough astronomers to justify all the new instruments coming online?
– How increasing co-operation and reducing competition will help reduce wastage
– A rundown on Dr Knödlseder’s foray into local politics from the lens of environmentalism

Download MP3 of Ep 203

Become a Patreon

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QivSmBRi08E

BM202 – Dr Jürgen Knödlseder – Measuring Gamma Rays

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Tue, 30 May 2023 23:04:23 +0000

In this episode, I speak to Dr Jürgen Knödlseder on the following topics:
– What are gamma rays?
– How do we detect gamma rays?
– The process of finding where the measurements of radioactive aluminium came from
– The work Jurgen did on the Integral satellite
– How do you focus gamma rays?
– What is Bragg Reflection?

Download MP3 of Ep 202

Become a Patreon

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g6bMPpRHN3U

BM201 – Ayush Pandhi – Polarisation and Magnetism in Space

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 09:46:40 +0000

In this episode, I speak to PhD student, Ayush Pandhi on his research into how polarised light is affected by magnetism in space.

Ayush’s paper referenced in this episode can be found here: https://arxiv.org/abs/2208.06417

Download MP3 of Ep 201

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BM200 – Jamali Kigotho – Rooftop Wind Turbines

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 07:05:38 +0000

In this episode, I speak to engineering student Jamali Kigotho, who talks about his work on designing rooftop wind turbines for residential areas, how it would work and the possibilities around this.

Download MP3 of Ep 200

Become a Patreon

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O_HvFKvIeN8

199 – Luke Steller – Does Venus have conditions for life?

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 09:35:16 +0000

In this episode, PhD student Luke Steller returns to talk to us about Venus and the asteroid Bennu. We discuss:

* What does the discovery of Phosphene on Venus mean?
* What creates Phosphene?
* Could life exist on Venus, and how could life arrive on Venus?
* Could life evolve on Venus itself?
* Some information about the Osirus Rex spacecraft and its interaction with asteroid Bennu
* What could the samples from Bennu tell us?

Download MP3 of Ep 199

Become a Patreon

Also check out Feedspot’s Top 20 General Knowledge Podcasts here: https://blog.feedspot.com/general_knowledge_podcasts/

198 – Luke Steller – What are the ingredients of life?

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 07:41:47 +0000

In this episode, I talk to Luke Steller, who is a PhD candidate at the Australian Centre for Astrobiology at the University of New South Wales.

I spoke to Luke about:
– Luke’s background
– How he became interested in astrobiology
– Ancient life on Earth
– How understanding ancient life on Earth influences the search for life elsewhere
– Understanding how hot springs are involved in the formation of life
– Life near deep sea vents
– What do we think is required to form life?
– The variability of life
– The Miller-Urey experiment
– The origin of life versus habitability
– What might extraterrestrial life look like?

Download MP3 of Ep 198

Become a Patreon

197 – Dr Onisha Patel – Structural Biology & Superstars of STEM

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 06:34:28 +0000

In this episode, I talk to Dr Onisha Patel, who is a structural biologist at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne, Australia

I speak to her about:
– How she got into science from her interest in art
– What inspired her growing up
– Structural Biology and what it is
– Why knowing the shape of proteins is useful
– Pseudo Enzymes
– Understanding cancers through these techniques
– Mixing art with structural biology
– Her research
– The Superstars of STEM Programme

Download MP3 of Ep 197

Become a Patreon

196 – Monash Solar Decathlon Team

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 03:50:29 +0000

In this episode, I talk to Bec Lin, Shiyen Perera and Cyndy Li from Monash University who are all part of the Monash Solar Decathlon Team, and took part in the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Challenge.

I speak to them about:
– Their backgrounds
– The Monash Solar Decathlon Team itself
– The US Department of Energy competition
– The individual projects each of the teams worked on, plus an outline of the winning project from another MSDT team

Download MP3 of Ep 196

Become a Patreon

195 – Dr Dyani Lewis – Studying Chlamydia

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 09:07:03 +0000

In this episode, I speak to Dr Dyani Lewis on the research work she is undertaking as part of a larger team in studying chlamydia

Download MP3 of Ep 195

Become a Patreon

194 – David Lee – Coding Skills at School

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 09:59:47 +0000

In today’s episode I talk to Davie Lee, a technology professional who has started up a programme to work with schools to help teach coding skills.

The things we talk about include:

David’s background
What David’s aim was with GI Jamie
The skills that coding can help you learn
The great things David has seen that the students have done
David’s future plans for GI Jamie

Download MP3 of Ep 194

David’s website can be found at https://gijamie.com.au

This episode’s Patreon listener is Brenton Edwards.

Become a Patreon

193 – Troy Love – Humour in Lockdown

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 17 May 2020 09:04:01 +0000

In today’s episode I talk to Troy Love, from Great Talk and Humour Australia about the importance of humour and happiness

The things we talk about include:

How Troy got into his current line of work
Dealing with the corporate environment when it comes to humour
The value of humour to people
How to use humour to help others
The correlation between comedy and mental health
Do we all have a sense of humour?
Some of the tricks behind presenting with humour
Some suggestions for then pandemic lockdown

For those who are struggling with mental health, please contact your local qualified professionals.

Download MP3 of Ep 193

Become a Patreon

192 – Dr Karen Lewis – Discovering Moons Around Extra Solar Planets

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 02:18:51 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to Dr Karen Lewis about her research into looking for moons around extra solar planets.

Download MP3 of Ep 192

191 – Jamali Kigotho – Sustainability in Kenya

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 22:21:10 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to award winning Science & Engineering Monash University student, Jamali Kigotho on his keen interest in sustainability in Africa, along with a few other things!

We discuss:
– His background
– His interest in science and engineering
– The work he has done in Kenya in looking at sustainable solutions for local communities to make a real on the ground difference
– His work with the Tandum organisation
– His interaction with the International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD)

And a host of other things!

Download MP3 of Ep 191

Happy New Year

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 05:26:40 +0000

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2020! Get ready for more shows coming out this year.

190 – Nick Robinson – The Wild Top End

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 08:05:32 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to Nick Robinson about his new IMAX documentary, “The Wild Top End 3D”

We discuss:
– How he got into documentary making
– The process of making a documentary and an IMAX documentary
– The background of making The Wild Top End
– Some amazing facts from the documentary and some of the amazing people involved in the film

Download MP3 of Ep 190

A big thank you to Kate Piasecka and IMAX Melbourne for making this episode happen.

189 – Dyani Lewis – Journey to Becoming a Science Journalist

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:18:53 +0000

In today’s episode I speak to Dyani Lewis about her path from a science researcher to the path of a science journalist.

Download MP3 of Ep 189

188 – Michael Dalton-Smith – Volcanoes 3D

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 08:08:45 +0000

In today’s episode I speak to Michael Dalton-Smith, who is a Canadian adventurer with over ten years of experience filming in some of the most remote and challenging places in the world. He spoke to me about the release of his latest documentary on IMAX, “Volcanoes 3D”

We spoke about:

– Michael’s background
– What inspired him to get into documentary making
– His non volcanic interests
– The making of the documentary
– Some amazing facts about volcanoes

Download MP3 of Ep 188

A big thank you to Kate Piasecka and IMAX Melbourne for making this episode happen.

187 – Dr Dyani Lewis – Plant Genetics

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 06:08:43 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to Dr Dyani Lewis on the topic of plant genetics.

Download MP3 of Ep 187

186 – Dr Jake Owens – Giant Panda Conservation

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 09:02:26 +0000

With the release of IMAX’s “Pandas 3D” recently, I talk to Dr Jake Owens, an American conservational biologist based at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China, and the project work he has been doing in terms of Panda re-introduction to the wild and conservation work that the documentary is based on.

I spoke to Jake about:
– His background and journey into the world of conservation
– His previous projects and conservation work
– The work being done in China to reintroduce the Giant Panda to the wild
– His involvement with the “Pandas 3D” IMAX documentary

Download MP3 of Ep 186

A big thank you to Kate Piasecka and IMAX Melbourne for making this episode happen.

185 – Kirsten Banks – Archaeoastronomy and Aboriginal Astronmy

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Tue, 22 May 2018 02:35:31 +0000

In today’s episode, I talk to Kirsten Banks, a young female physics and astronomy student at the University of New South Wales.

Topics we cover include:

– How Kirsten got into physics and astronomy
– Her interest in archeaoastronomy
– Australian Aboriginal astronomy
– Research interests
– Females in science and physics

Download MP3 of Ep 185

184 – Dr Zara Dennis – SciFly STEM Outreach

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 04:22:52 +0000

In today’s episode I speak to Dr Zara Dennis, who has appeared on the podcast previously. We catch up on what she’s been up to since we last spoke, and I talked to her after she

Topics we cover include:

– Mixing Zara’s interest in flying with education
– What sparked her interest in flying
– Her piloting career
– The Growing Teacher Tall Poppies Award
– The Amazing Spaghetti Machine contest
– Her collaboration with PrimeSci in providing holiday programmes to children
– Taking her classes out to remote and rural communities
– Women in Aviation International’s involvement in the programme
– Future extensions to the Sci Fly programme
– The need to encourage females into STEM subjects

Download MP3 of Ep 184

The web page of Sci Fly STEM Outreach is:

http://www.sciflystemoutreach.com.au/

Competition

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 08:58:08 +0000

Hi all,

The winner of the online tutoring competition that was mentioned in episode 183 has been announced. The winner is:

Giuliana De Bellis

Congratulations Giuliana! Please contact the folks out at MyWebTutor to collect your prize.

183 – Anant Tanna – Outreach and Science Fun

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 02:23:02 +0000

In today’s episode, I talk to Anant Tanna once again. This time we talk about his interest in science outreach, why it’s important, and the fun of learning science.
Topics we cover include:

– Why is outreach important?
– Why is science outreach, in particular, important?
– How should outreach be approached?
– Why does science need outreach compared to other industries?
– The need to do more outreach now than in the past
– Understanding the need for fundamental research and indirect outcomes of science
– Techniques to communicate science
– Why science is fun
– Science for the right audience
– What inspired Anant to get into science

And make sure you listen right to the end! High school students have a chance to win a scholarship for one semester’s free tuition from MyWebTutor. So listen in for details on how to enter, and put your entry in for the chance to win. Entries close on the 20th of July, 2017.

Download MP3 of Ep 183

182 – Joanna Corby – Galactic Large Organic Molecules

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 04:57:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to Joanna Corby, who was visiting the University of New South Wales from the University of Virginia, while doing research into Large Organic Molecules in High Mass Star Forming Regions in our galaxy.

We spoke about

– What region of our galaxy is being looked at?
– What are the major chemically distinct regions in this area?
– Are these chemical compounds restricted to these areas?
– How complex are these molecules?
– What is the relationship between this and life in space?
– How dense are these regions
– What does it mean in terms of the process of star formation?

Download MP3 of Ep 182

181 – Anant Tanna – Searching for Invisible Galaxies

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 09:26:47 +0000

In today’s episode I speak to Anant Tanna from the University of New South Wales School of Physics, about his research on looking for invisible galaxies. During our conversation, we cover:

– What are invisible galaxies?
– How do we find distant galaxies that we can’t see via their own light?
– What are redshift distances?
– How does looking at neutral hydrogen emissions help show distances of galaxies?
– How are multiple galaxies detected along the same line of sight?

Download MP3 of Ep 181

180 – Ten Years of Brains Matter

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 10:40:48 +0000

This Episode of Brains Matter celebrates the 10 year anniversary of the show. Yes, Brains Matter has hit the double figure mark. Starting out on the 16th of October 2006, the show has covered a wide range of topics and amazing guests.

In today’s show, I speak to Clive Weeks, who has been involved with the podcast for some time, and reminisce about the past ten years. The show is also a little bit of fun and turns things around a little bit – listen in to find out!

Also featured on today’s show are:

Richard Ogley
Karen Lewis
Allie Ford
Rob Lloyd

And a special thank you to Victoria from Russia for your contribution.

Download MP3 of Ep 180

179 – Dr Michael Childress – Supernovae

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 09:20:42 +0000

In today’s episode I speak to Dr Michael Childress from the Australian National University. He talks to me about his research into supernovae. During our conversations, we cover:

– His research into the progenitors of supernovae
– The techniques used to determine what type of stars they were before going supernovae
– The difference between the types of supernovae
– At what point would a star blow up?

Listen in!

Download MP3 of Ep 179

178 – Dr Roland Crocker – Fermi Bubbles

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 06:21:10 +0000

In this episode I speak to Dr Roland Crocker from the Australian National University on the topic of Fermi Bubbles – what are they and how do they form?

Listen in to find out!

Download MP3 of Ep 178

177 – Angus Wright – ICRAR and GAMA

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Thu, 12 May 2016 10:27:57 +0000

I speak to Angus Wright from ICRAR who speaks to us about the GAMA project and radio astronomy, and the work he is doing as part of his PhD in the GAMA collaboration.

Download MP3 of Ep 177

This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics

176 – Dr Anushi Rajapaksa – Spray Vaccines

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sat, 07 May 2016 07:28:03 +0000

Do you or someone you know dislike getting the needle? Well in today’s episode, I speak to Dr Anushi Rajapaksa from the Murdoch Children’s Institute on her research into delivering vaccinations via a spray.

We also talk about DNA vaccines and personalised medicine. Sounds intriguing!

To find out more, listen into the episode!

Download MP3 of Ep 176

175 – Dr Charley Lineweaver – Is Our Solar System Special?

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 11:49:06 +0000

Listen to today’s episode as I talk to Assoc Prof Charley Lineweaver from the Australian National University on his thoughts about whether the Solar System is unique or special!

Download MP3 of Ep 175

174 – Dr Zara Dennis – From Sports Science and Geophysics to Teaching

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:51:47 +0000

Listen in as Dr Zara Dennis talks to us about her journey from sports science to teaching high school physics. In particular, Zara talks to us about:

– Her interest in geophysics and outer space
– Working with lasers
– What led to doing her PhD
– PhD that looked at electromagnetic to find gold mineralisation
– An explanation of the experiments Zara used for her research
– What other uses could these techniques be used for?
– Life as a teacher
– How cool science is!

Download MP3 of Ep 174

Brains Matter is Back From Hiatus

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:07:17 +0000

Hi listeners!

As you would have noticed, the Brains Matter podcast has been on a bit of a hiatus over the past year and you haven’t heard much from the show. If you’ve wondered why, well there’s been a combination of factors, from technical issues to funding issues, and in amongst this all was a dispute with a Chinese company who tried to hijack my domain name and a few other wrangles.

The Ordinary Guy in February

But perhaps the main factor has been several health related events – I’ve had to rush (or be rushed myself) to the Emergency Department four times in the past year for family members and as you can all appreciate, these things have taken precedence.

Hopefully I haven’t lost too many listeners, but I do plan on getting back to my regular output soon. I look forward to hearing from you all and thank you for your support.

173 – Assoc Prof Brad Carter – Space Weather

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 20:34:41 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to Associate Professor Brad Carter from the University of Southern Queensland about Space Weather. What is it? How do we measure it? And what does it mean for the formation of life?

Download MP3 of Ep 173

This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics

172 – Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith – The SKA

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 02:03:07 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith from the CSIRO, about the Square Kilometre Array project.

– What is the the Square Kilometre Array Project?
– The results of the decision on where to host the project
– What are the different parts of he SKA project
– The Murchison Widefield Array

Download MP3 of Ep 172

This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics

171 â€“ Sarah Bruzzese â€“ Astronomical Society of Australia Poster Sessions

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 21:15:31 +0000

During the Astronomical Society of Australia conference, I went and visited the Poster Sessions where students showcased their research. In todayâ€s episode, I speak to Sarah Bruzzese, one of the poster session presenters.

Download MP3 of Ep 171

This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics

170 – Sarah Sweet – Astronomical Society of Australia Poster Sessions

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 08:16:06 +0000

During the Astronomical Society of Australia conference, I went and visited the Poster Sessions where students showcased their research. In today’s episode, I speak to Sarah Sweet, one of the poster session presenters.

Download MP3 of Ep 170

This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics

169 – Dr Charley Lineweaver – The Birth, Life, and Death of our Planet… and the Universe

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 13:59:26 +0000

The following recording is of the 2013 Astronomical Society of Australia’s Harley Wood Lecture, hosted by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics.

People, planets, stars, and even universes are born, they live for a while, and then die. Associate Professor Charles Lineweaver reviews what we now about the origin of the Earth and the origin of the life on it – the coming extinction of this life and the death of the Earth and Sun. The second law of thermodynamics is relevant to the birth and death of the universe.

Download MP3 of Ep 169

This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics

168 – Matt Witkowski – Leukaemia and the Ikaros Gene

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 06:45:52 +0000

In today’s episode, I talk to Matthew Witkowski, a PhD student at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, on his research into the relationship between the Ikaros Gene and Leukemia.

We discuss:

– Matt’s background
– A definition of leukaemia
– Matt’s work in his PhD
– What is the Ikaros gene?
– What is the relationship between Ikaros and leukaemia?
– What are the possible outcomes from this research?

Download MP3 of Ep 168

167 â€“ Robert Lloyd â€“ 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who â€“ Part 2

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 26 May 2013 03:09:29 +0000

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the classic science fiction show, Doctor Who. I spoke to actor and comedian (and honourary 10th Time Lord) Rob Lloyd, also known as the Number 1 Doctor Who fan in the world, about the show.

This is the second part of a two part interview.

Topics we discuss include:
– Doctor Who’s companions
– Doctor Who villians
– Other related shows
– The 50th anniversary of Doctor Who and what’s in store
– Rob’s background and Doctor Who shows

NOTE: This episode comes with a language warning

Today’s listener of the episode is Ellis Collins from Nottingham in the UK

Download MP3 of Ep 167

166 – Robert Lloyd – 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who – Part 1

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Sun, 12 May 2013 09:10:31 +0000

Something a bit different for this episode – this year marks the 50th anniversary of the classic science fiction show, Doctor Who. I spoke to actor and comedian (and honourary 10th Time Lord) Rob Lloyd, also known as the Number 1 Doctor Who fan in the world, about the show.

This is the first of a two part interview.

Topics we discuss include:
– What is Doctor Who?
– What are some of the characteristics of the show?
– The Classic Doctor Who vs the Modern Doctor Who
– The actors who have played The Doctor

Today’s listener of the episode is Aatayna Hussain from Canada.

Download MP3 of Ep 166

165 – Dr Michael Brown – The Peer Review Process

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:09:40 +0000

In today’s episode, I talk to Dr Michael Brown from Monash University about the peer review process in science.

We talk about:
– What the Peer Review Process is
– How the Peer Review Process helps
– The issues with Peer Review
– What is the issue with positive and negative scientific results?
– The effects of these on the various areas of science
– What is being done to reduce these issues with the process?

Today’s listener of the episode is Angela Boldt from Texas, USA.

Download MP3 of Ep 165

Dr Brown’s article in The Conversation: Peer Review isn’t perfect and the media doesn’t always help

164 – Sir Paul Nurse – Making Science Work Part 2

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:08:44 +0000

This episode is part 2 of 2, of a talk given by Sir Paul Nurse, who is President of The Royal Society in the UK, and the Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology for 2001, on the wonder of science and how it enhances our culture and civilisation. He also discusses how science can not only help solve the world’s big problems, but be harnessed to improve health, quality of life and the strength of the economy.

Today’s listener of the episode is Kevin Chin from Melbourne, Australia.

Download MP3 of Ep 164

Apologies for the quality of the audio in this episode.

163 – Sir Paul Nurse – Making Science Work Part 1

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:01:21 +0000

This episode is part 1 of 2, of a talk given by Sir Paul Nurse, who is President of The Royal Society in the UK, and the Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology for 2001, on the wonder of science and how it enhances our culture and civilisation. He also discusses how science can not only help solve the world’s big problems, but be harnessed to improve health, quality of life and the strength of the economy.

Today’s listener of the episode is Shantu Patil from Karnataka, India.

Download MP3 of Ep 163

Apologies for the quality of the audio, and also this episode comes with a language warning.

162 – Dr Michael Brown – Lies, Damned Lies, and NRA Statistics

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:48:44 +0000

In today’s episode, I talk to Dr Michael Brown from Monash University about the mis-use of statistics in the public sphere, and specifically, about the American National Rifle Associations misrepresentations of data.

We talk about:
– The Australian context
– Australian gun control laws
– The subsequent experience after the implementation of these laws
– What the NRA are doing with Australian statistics
– Why are they doing this?
– The tactics used by those wishing to mis-use statistics

Today’s listener of the episode is Steve Briggs, from Melbourne, Australia.

Download MP3 of Ep 162

Dr Brown’s article in The Conversation: Faking Waves; how the NRA and pro-gun Americans abuse crime stats

161 – Sir Harry Kroto – The State of Science

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:17:33 +0000

In todayâ€s episode, I talk to Sir Harold Kroto, who shared the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for the co-discovery of carbon-60, or Buckminsterfullerine.

We continue the discussion from episode 160, and talk about
– Stereotypes of scientists
– Science and natural philosophy
– What are non-science people interested in?
– Kids as scientists
– Meccano and engineering
– Some of the issues children face today and the barriers to science
– Science and funding

This is part 2 of a 2 part interview.

Today’s listener of the episode is Mulia Marzuki, from Melbourne, Australia.

Download MP3 of Ep 161

160 – Sir Harry Kroto – Buckminsterfullerine

mail@brainsmatter.com (Brains Matter) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:01:30 +0000

In today’s episode, I talk to Sir Harold Kroto, who shared the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for the co-discovery of carbon-60, or Buckminsterfullerine.

He talked to me about the discover of carbon-60, as well as the state of science in the UK and worldwide.

This is part 1 of a 2 part interview.

Today’s listener of the episode is Renee Webster, from Melbourne, Australia.

Download MP3 of Ep 160