So Curious!

Join us for a special bonus episode of So Curious! as we explore the intersection of science, technology, and health in celebration of The Franklin Institute’s new Body Odyssey exhibit. Host The Bul Bey dives into thought-provoking conversations with three incredible guests. Dr. Harvey Rubin sheds light on how artificial intelligence is transforming medicine, from diagnosing rare diseases to designing digital twins of cities. Dr. Tonia Hsieh takes us into the fascinating world of biomechanics, explaining how the movements of lizards and other animals inspire breakthroughs in robotics and prosthetics. And Dr. Jayatri Das, chief bioscientist at The Franklin Institute, connects the dots, offering insights into how emerging technologies like AI are shaping the future of health and healthcare. Packed with curiosity, big questions, and inspiring ideas, this episode is your invitation to think differently about the world around—and within—you. Learn more about the Body Odyssey exhibit and get tickets at FI.edu.

In a special bonus episode of So Curious, Bey and Kirsten are joined by Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer and Director of the Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute! The three discuss how Derrick came to be in the field of astronomy, what being in space would actually be like, how sci-fi shapes our understanding of outer space, and so much more. Be sure to check out Derrick's new podcast, The Curious Cosmos, for more amazing space talk! New episodes will be released every Tuesday throughout the fall.

Hope you have your dancing shoes on, because in this final episode of So Curious' 4th season, Bey and Kirsten explore the science behind why music makes us dance! First, they sit down with McMaster post-doctoral fellow Dr. Daniel Cameron to learn about his research into rhythm and the brain. Then, the two are joined by Dr. Jayatri Das, Chief Bioscientist of The Franklin Institute, to explore the incredible ways dance incorporates various sensory systems in our bodies. And to close out the season, Bey and Kirsten are joined by Philadelphia's DJ Phreakwency to explore the history of dance music, the experience of being a DJ, and what in his experience gets the crowd moving! Links for Today's Episode: Dr. Daniel CameronMcMaster UniversityDJ PhreakwencyBass Down Low, at The Dolphin in Philadelphia.

This week, So Curious takes to the stage! Exploring how and why humans play and perform music. First, Bey and Kirsten sit down with jazz educator and researcher Dr. Martin Norgaard to learn about jazz improvisation, and what happens in the brain while musicians are improvising. Then, the two are joined by Dr. Jayatri Das for another Body of Knowledge segment, this time to explore the physiology of singing and why we find songs so moving. And to round out the episode, veteran music teacher Beth Carson joins to discuss her years in the classroom, the importance of music education, what it's like to teach young children to perform. Links for Today's episode: Dr. Martin Norgaard research into musical improvisation in the brainsinging-responsive brain cellsmoving performance of Creep on America's Got Talentcomposer bust of Beth Carson

This season of So Curious, we've talked plenty about the music humans make. But what about the music made by other animals? First, Bey and Kirsten sit down with birdsong researcher Dr. Stephen Nowicki to learn the surprising science behind how and why birds sing. Then, the two are joined by Dr. Lori Marino to explore the songs and sounds of dolphins and whales. And to close the episode, inter-species musician David Rothenberg joins to speak about the music he makes in collaboration with animals, from his philosophy behind doing so to the logistics of playing music deep in the wilderness. Links for Today's Episode: Dr. Stephen Nowickibird communication research labDr. Lori MarinoThe Whale Sanctuary ProjectDavid Rothenbergmore of his musicPaul WinterR. Murray Schafer

We all have memories closely tied to music in our life - but why are those connections so strong? In today's episode of So Curious, Bey and Kirsten look to get to the bottom of this question. First, the two sit down with memory expert Dr. Andrew Budson to learn how memory works in the brain, and the many ways music interacts with that. Then, they speak with head of Northern Illinois University's Marketing program, Dr. Vijaykumar Krishnan Palghat, to learn about sonic logos and the surprising ways music and sound is used in the world of branding. From music as treatment for Alzheimer's disease, to why we can all sing the Nokia ringtone long after the brand disapeared, we're digging deep into why music makes us remember. Links for Today's Episode: Dr. Andrew BudsonWhy We Forget and How to Remember Better: The Science Behind Memory CBS Sunday Morning feature on Glenn Campbell's final tourDr. Vijay Krishnanfull clip of Indian Classical violin

We've all heard the phrase "music is the universal language," but what if that music/language connection went deeper than we thought? First, hosts Kirsten and Bey speak with Dr. Ani Patel, the leading expert on the link between language and music in the brain, to learn about his research and the surprising links that have been found between the two. Then, our hosts sit down with Philly-based hip hop artist A.Rob to chat about how language and music interact in the world of rap, from the concept of flow to his experience as a bilingual rapper. Links for today's episode: Dr. Ani Patel Sound Health NetworkA.Robhis musicancient Arabic rap-battlesZajal

This season, we've already looked at how music can affect our mental health, but what about our physical health? To explore this question, Bey and Kirsten sit down with sports psychologist Professor Costas Karageorghis to learn how music can improve athletic performance, including how to build your ideal workout playlist, according to science! Then, professional musician and Curtis Institute professor Mary Javian joins to discuss how music is being used to improve the world of healthcare for both patients to doctors. Links for Today's Episode: Prof. Costas Karageorghis,Applying Music in Exercise and SportMichael Phelps' pre-race playlistMary JavianMaslow's Hierarchy of Needs

In the future, how will we make and experience music? In today's episode, Bey and Kirsten speak with some of the folks inventing that future. First, they sit down with with Dr. Jason Freeman to learn about (and hear samples from!) Georgia Tech's annual Guthman Musical Instrument Competition, an international contest showcasing newly invented instruments. Then, it's time for a field trip! So Curious goes on the road to visit Dr. Youngmoo Kim and his colleagues at Drexel University's Music and Entertainment Technology Lab. From vests that allow the deaf to experience music through their skin, to AI that can create music from noise, check out some of the incredible tech innovations being developed right here in Philadelphia! Links for today's episode: Dr. Jason Freeman,Guthman Musical Instrument Competition's pageMusical Instrument Collection at The MetDr. Youngmoo KimMusic and Entertainment Technology Lab ExCITe Center at Drexel UniversityMagnetic Resonator PianoDaniel BelquerMusic: Not ImpossibleMandy HarveyBeacon Street StudiosCharis Cochran

The human brain is amazingly complex, and full of fun little oddities when it comes to how it interacts with music! To explore some of these quirks, Bey and Kirsten sit down with one of the founders of the field of music cognition, Dr. Robert Zatorre from McGill University, to talk everything from perfect pitch to how we can hear songs in our head. Then, they're joined by Dr. Jayatri Das, chief bioscientist at the Franklin Institute, for another Body of Knowledge segment, this time exploring the science behind auditory illusions and misheard lyrics! And to round out the episode, Bey and Kirsten chat with Philadelphia-based composer Andrea Clearfield to learn about her experience with synesthesia, and how seeing colors when she hears music (and vice versa) affects her creative process. Links for today's episode: Dr. Rober Zatorremore examples of auditory illusionThe infamous dressAndrea ClearfieldCal-3MILA, Great Sorcerer

We've all had music affect our mood, but how can the emotional power of music be harnessed to treat mental health? Today, Bey and Kirsten speak with two mental health professionals to learn about how music is incorporated into their practices. First, the two sit down with Dr. Marisol Norris to explore the field of music therapy, even trying out an exercise together! Then, they speak with intergenerational trauma expert Dr. Mariel Buqué to learn about her therapy practice and how she incorporates sound baths into her work. Links for today's episode: Dr. Marisol NorrisThe Black Music Therapy Network, Inc.Dr. Mariel Buqué Break the Cycle Resources for today's episode: NAMINAMI Philadelphia's crisis text lineBlack Emotional and Mental Health CollectiveTherapy for Black GirlsBlack Mental Health Alliance

The hills are alive... with curiosity! Why do instruments "sound" different from one another, and how do we respond to the different sounds we hear? To explore these questions, Bey and Kirsten speak with music perception researcher Dr. Stephen McAdams, going in depth about timbre, orchestration, and the ways we perceive tone qualities. Then, the two sit down with electronic musician and educator Ben Runyan to learn about the history and technology behind synthesizers, including a live jam session! Links for today's episode: Dr. McAdamsACTOR Project Snowball the cockatoo dancingBen RunyanCity RainSynthHacker's Youtube tutorialsfree online synth!

Why does music exist? It's a big question, so Bey and Kirsten turn to the past for answers! They sit down with evolutionary biologist Dr. David George Haskell, ethnomusicologist Dr. Carol Muller, and acoustician Philip Faraci, exploring the ways anatomy, culture, and physics have shaped music over time. Links for Today's Episode: Dr. George HaskellSounds Wild and BrokenHenkjan HoningRorogwela Lullaby's evolutionGriot musical traditionSouth African jazz from Hugh MasekelaPhilip FaraciIndian ragasfull raga performance

So Curious is back! And to kick off this season on the science of music, we're looking at a question we've all asked before; why do we like the music we like? To get to the bottom of this, Bey and Kirsten sit down with three experts across the fields of music cognition, psychology, and audio engineering to explore the ways our brains, personality, and experiences help shape musical preferences. Links for today’s episode: Dr. Psyche LouiMIND LabDr. David GreenbergDr. Susan RogersThis Is What It Sounds Like

We all know the feeling of being moved by a song, but have you ever wondered why? The Bul Bey and Kirsten Michelle Cills get to the bottom of this mystery, interviewing experts in neuroscience, acoustics, biology, and musicology. And it’s not all serious - we’re here to entertain! Catch new episodes every Tuesday this summer!

Just like anything else, the mental health world is susceptible to buzzwords. Lately, the term "wellness" has been tossed around everywhere, but what does that word even mean? In the last episode of this season, Bey and Kirsten do what they do best, and turn to science for some answers! First, the two sit down with cross-cultural wellness researcher Dr. June Kim for some definitions. Then, Dr. Glenn Fox joins to share his work, scientifically measuring the affect practicing gratitude can have on our mental health. And to close out the season, Bey and Kirsten chat with Malaika Gilpin, co-founder and director of the One Art Community Center in West Philly, to learn some of the practical ways they help promote wellness in the local community. Links for Today's Episode: Dr. June KimDr. Glenn FoxMalaika Gilpin Resources for Today's Episode: My Grief AngelsUp the Block

Inevitably, we all deal with the loss of a loved one, but why is something as universal as grief still so difficult to process? To get some answers from science, Bey and Kirsten sit down with grief researcher Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor to explore how grief affects our brains and bodies. Then, the two chat with creativity expert Natalie Nixon, looking at how creativity can help one to find meaning following a loss. And to round out the episode, Marguerite Nicosia from the Shanthi Project returns with another mindfulness exercise. Links for Today's Episode: Dr. Mary-Frances O'ConnorNatalie NixonShanthi Project Resources for Today's Episode: My Grief AngelsThe National Alliance for Children's GriefNAMI

Hope you're hungry! Today's episode is all about food, both how food impacts our mind, and how our mind impacts our relationship with food. To explore how what we eat impacts the way we feel, Bey and Kirsten sit down with psychiatrist Dr. Drew Ramsey to discuss nutritional psychology. Then, the two chat with self described anti-diet dietician and food writer Christine Byrne, investigating the ways language and societal pressure can negatively affect our relationship to food, and how we can combat these stigmas. Links For Today's Episode: Dr. RamseyBring Change To MindChristine Byrne' Resources For Today's Episode: National Eating Disorders Associationeating disorder information + support pageProject Heal

From doom scrolling to video games, we're constantly hearing how digital technologies are ruining our mental health, but do these claims hold any credence? To try and get to the bottom of this question, Bey and Kirsten sit down with three different guests - trauma researcher Roxanne Cohen Silver, author Jordan Shapiro, and the Franklin Institute's own Dr. Jayatri Das - to investigate the 24 hour news cycle, fears around kids using new technology, and the potential of chatbots and VR in mental health treatment. Links for today's episode: Dr. Roxanne Cohen SilverDr. Jordan Shapiro Resources for today's episode 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineNAMIVOICES Center for Resilience

We all experience stress, but what is it exactly? And how does it affect our mental health and behavior? Join Bey and Kirsten as they explore the topic with two experts in the field. First, they chat with Dr. Jeremy Jamieson to understand how stress can impact decision-making and even be beneficial at times. Then, they dive into the science behind stress with Dr. Jenna Rieder, learning how it interacts with hormones in our bodies. Get ready to uncover the secrets of stress and how it affects us! Links for Today's Episode: Dr. Jeremy Jamieson Social Stress Research LabDr. Jenna Rieder