The Debrief Weekly Report | A Science and Technology News Podcast

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 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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 Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they round up 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. Articles discussed in this episode: https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/century-of-science-fiction-environment-anthropocene/ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190110-how-science-fiction-helps-readers-understand-climate-change Follow the Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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://twitter.com/AmyShiraTeitel and https://www.instagram.com/amyshirateitel/ Make sure you check out "The Proof is Out There: Military Mysteries" on the History Channel. 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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, 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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 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. Links: https://www.startrekbookclub.com/books/women-on-trek-women-the-classic-series/ https://screenrant.com/the-20-greatest-female-characters-in-sci-fi-and-fantasy/ Follow the Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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. 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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 Hughes-Castleberry, and MJ Banias as they round up 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. Articles discussed in this episode: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/14-fun-facts-about-dungeons-dragons-180981905/ https://www.lemonde.fr/en/summer-reads/article/2023/07/30/how-stranger-things-helped-boost-dungeons-dragons-popularity_6072901_183.html# https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/stranger-things-dungeons-dragons/ Follow the Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

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 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

On today’s episode, Kenna and Stephanie get into some cool spacesuits because the European Space Agency and a video game company are teaming up to make some sweet spacesuit designs. Also, a new sound sensor that may just be a battery-killer, and AI-image generation tool Midjourney is accidentally creating images with nudity. 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

On today’s episode, Kenna and Stephanie descend into the darkest depths of the underworld, also known as South Dakota, and do combat with the "Hell Chicken," a new ancient creature that roamed during the Cretaceous. We also dive into how engineers built the tiniest robots ever, and how the Hubble Space Telescope recently spotted a water-laden exoplanet. 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

On today’s episode, the team travels deep into the Amazon rainforest in search of a hidden and elusive 2,500 year old civilization. They then discuss a curious air incident where a Boeing 747 suffered a strange and unknown collision with an object, and a new Japanese company building a space laser to shoot at debris. Pew pew! 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

On today’s episode, Kenna and Stephanie roll out of bed with some news about a better type of blue light that can aid sleep. They also get a full helping of veggie and try to understand why humans tend to not like the green stuff. Later, they explore dark energy and new research that is helping shed some light on the mysterious cosmic force. 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

On today’s episode, we jump into the world of hypnosis, why we should use lasers to scare crows, and the weird discovery of a giant worm creature that wants to eat you. 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on X: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on X: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on X: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Follow Kenna Hughes-Castleberry on X: https://twitter.com/kennaculture Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

On today’s episode, MJ and Steph discuss a curious new discovery in a 500 year old Rembrandt painting. They also provide some details about NASA's latest space plane, The Dream Chaser, and why Earth is being pinged with a binary code from 15 billion miles in deep space. Every Tuesday, join hosts MJ Banias and Stephanie Gerk 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org

On today’s episode, MJ and Steph talk about the recent news that the exomoons we discovered were never moons at all. The duo also explore the art of building solar cells out of wood and that students in China have built a functioning invisibility cloak. Every Tuesday, join hosts MJ Banias and Stephanie Gerk 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. For the articles discussed in this week’s episode, visit The Debrief at: https://thedebrief.org/ Follow The Debrief on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Debriefmedia Follow MJ Banias on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjbanias Follow Stephanie Gerk on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephgerk Have something to tell us? Email the show at: weeklyreport@thedebrief.org