The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner

Novelist Jennifer Vanderbes discusses the secret history of thalidomide in America.

Mathematician Coco Krumme discusses her book "Optimal Illusions: The False Promise of Optimization" 

Science writer Benjamin Ehrlich discusses his new book "The Brain in Search of Itself.”

Author Chris Miller talks about the intersection of chipmakers and geopolitical crises.  

Mycologist Keith Seifert discusses what could be responsible for the next pandemic. 

Tech journalist Robert Buderi discusses his new book  "Where Futures Converge: Kendall Square and the Making of a Global Innovation Hub."

Undark magazine editor Ashley Smart discusses the intersection of science and society. 

Science journalist Chelsea Conaboy discusses how parenthood evolves the brain.

Author Rachel Gross discusses her new book Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage.

Science journalist Richard Conniff discusses public health policies.

Knight Science Journalism @MIT director Deborah Blum discusses the challenges and tactics of contemporary science journalism.

Physician Carl Erik Fisher discusses the past, present, and future of addiction.

Mathematician Manil Suri discusses why the objectivity of math is essential to preserving civil society. 

 Elder justice leader M.T. Connolly discusses her new book "The Measure of Our Age." 

University of Minnesota neuroscientist David Redish discusses the science of our choices.

Raj Vinnakota of Institute for Citizens & Scholars discusses how rejuvenate American citizenship. 

University of Nebraska sociologist Kelsy Burke discusses pornography in American society.

Historian Alex Prud'homme discusses diplomacy in American political life. 

Army National Guard veteran Joseph Earl Thomas discusses his new book "Sink: A Memoir." 

University of Oklahoma bestselling author Honorée Fanonne Jeffers discusses free speech and book banning.