The 2 Best Undark: Truth, Beauty, Science Podcast Episodes
1) Ep. 21 Dangerous Dams
The environmental price of clean energy in the Balkan states and the rise of predatory journals. Plus, Part 1 of a two part series on what it means to be "alive."
2) Ep. 54: Translating Portugal’s Approach to Drugs and Addiction
Twenty years ago Portugal decriminalized all drugs as part of a bigger national strategy to fight addiction. Last month Oregon became the first U.S. state to do the same, in a policy modeled off Portu...Show More
3) How to Cover Science Under Trump
In the Season 2 finale, our hosts talk to Tom Zeller Jr., Undark’s editor-in-chief, about covering science under the Trump administration. While the podcast's topics are always politically charged, th...Show More
4) The Undark Podcast Returns — as "Entanglements"
The Undark podcast is back with a new format and a new name: Entanglements. Tune in as our hosts explore some of the most contentious topics in science today. Our first 8-episode season will launch No...Show More
5) The Undark Podcast Returns
The Undark Podcast is returning with a new format and a new name: Entanglements. Tune in to our next 8-episode season every Monday, starting November 11, 2025.
6) Ep. 63: For Deep Ocean Mining, Questions Abound
This month: Some regions of the deep ocean contain vast amounts of key minerals, like cobalt and nickel, that are needed to power clean energy technologies. But some scientists warn that mining them c...Show More
7) Ep. 62: Restoring Landscapes and Livelihoods in Western Bosnia
This month: Twenty-six years after the end of the Bosnian War, farmers in Livno are once again making cheese the traditional way, grazing herds of sheep on the wide-open plains. The animals' return is...Show More
8) Ep. 61: When Accents Speak Louder Than Words
For scientists who come from abroad to live and work in America, accents can be personal. It's discouraging to be misunderstood, even when they think they’re speaking clearly. Sometimes, it could even...Show More
9) Ep. 60: Shifting Blame Over Water Pollution
Residents of Lebanon's Beqaa Valley say pollution in the Litani River is responsible for a host of chronic health problems. While a causal link is hard to prove, cleanup efforts are precarious amid th...Show More
10) Ep. 59: Water Cremation Ignites Debate Over Dignified Death
Alkaline hydrolysis is an end-of-life option that’s gaining popularity in Canada and the U.S. It’s marketed as a greener form of cremation — a way to still end up with ashes, but without sending harmf...Show More