The future is full of epic “what ifs." What if we could read minds? What if a hostile attack took down our nation’s power grid? In every episode of Hyperthetical, host Kerry Bishé asks one of these questions. Then, we explore that question two ways - through speculative science fiction, and through insight from the world’s most brilliant scientists. The result is a genre-bending story woven with real facts and science, bringing together education and imagination. Time travel into a near-future where our biggest “what ifs” become “now whats?”
What if we received a signal from intelligent life in outer space?
Dr. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, joins Kerry to discuss how, where, and why they’re looking for intelligent life beyond Earth. You know, the kind of life smart enough to build a radio transmitter and phone home if need be. And just what might happen if such a discovery were to occur? It’s the finale of Season One!
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10 Jul 2024
Mixed Signals
What if we received a signal from intelligent life in outer space? When Astrid and Jules’ night out is derailed by the sudden news of alien contact, the couple realizes they have existential wrinkles to work through before they can fully commit to each other.
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2 Jul 2024
What if we were able to halt the aging process?
Molecular biologist Dr. Ting Wu joins Kerry to talk about the human genome, the ethical ramifications of altering our genes, and technology that could extend our lives…possibly indefinitely.
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25 Jun 2024
Just a Number
What if we were able to halt the aging process? Cleo, a young woman raised in rural Tennessee, is faced with a difficult choice: eternal life chasing her dreams, or a relationship with her family.
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18 Jun 2024
What if we could design the genetics of our children?
Molecular biologist Dr. Tshaka Cunningham joins the show to guide us through the intricacies of both gene editing and gene therapy (and just what the difference between the two actually is!) From altering our physical traits to preventing or curing disease, we cover all things across the molecular board.
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11 Jun 2024
The Idea of Me
What if we could design the genetics of our children? Jeanne’s parents edited her genes before she was born to prevent her from inheriting sickle cell disease, but that tiny change ends up having huge consequences for Jeanne’s future.
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4 Jun 2024
What if a computer virus deleted all of the world’s digital data?
Kerry speaks with computer scientist Dr. Jen Golbeck about all things data. She expounds on ways to secure your digital presence in an ever-online world, to ways society may react if digital infrastructures were eliminated in the blink of an eye.
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28 May 2024
CTRL+Z
What if a computer virus deleted all of the world’s digital data? When a hacker collective successfully deletes all the world’s digital data, Calvin, a megalomaniacal Silicon Valley CEO, and his assistant Ruby are forced to confront what this digital loss might mean for the world.
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21 May 2024
What if a supervolcano erupted?
Kerry gets into the hot and thick of it with Dr. Madison Myers, a volcanologist who details what occurred in the Earth’s past when supervolcanos erupted, and what we might expect if one were to become active today!
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14 May 2024
Disruption
What if a supervolcano erupted? When an earth-shattering supereruption interrupts Steve and Christina’s one on one date on a reality dating show, they are forced into an extreme situation where they might actually have to get to know one another.
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7 May 2024
What if a hostile attack took down the nation’s power grid?
Electrical engineer Dr. Emmanuel Taylor joins Kerry to discuss national power systems that are integral to the function of our everyday lives, and just what may happen in a best (and worst) case scenario involving power grids going powerless.
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30 Apr 2024
Black Start
What if a Hostile Attack Took Down the Nation’s Power Grid? When the US electrical grid is annihilated, Camilla, a NewYork City mother, must relearn the city and community she thought she knew while maintaining equilibrium for her young son.
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23 Apr 2024
What if sea levels rose by six feet?
Glaciologist Dr. Twila Moon joins Kerry for a special Earth Day conversation about ice... really big ice! They not only discuss the implications of melting ice and sea level rise, but touch on Dr. Moon's awe-inspiring study of glaciers in Nepal, and even how ice sheets in Antarctica can unexpectedly affect us all around the world.
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16 Apr 2024
Fire Island
What if sea levels rose by six feet? KC is a climate change refugee who moves to New York City and befriends Mel, an NYC native who introduces KC to a beloved island that will soon be underwater forever.
9 Apr 2024
What if we could read minds?
Kerry sits down for a one-on-one interview with neuroscientist Dr. Patrick House to talk about the biggest thing on the top of their minds, the brain!
9 Apr 2024
Mind Over Matter
What if we could read minds? A young activist fighting for mind reading regulations in near-future Washington DC finds herself caught between her strict principles and her closest relationships.
14 Mar 2024
Introducing Hyperthetical
Hosted by Kerry Bishé comes a new genre-bending science podcast that explores when WHAT IFS become NOW WHATS? From the producers that brought you ARRIVAL, THE BIG SICK, and PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.5 / 5
54 ratings
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