The 2023 Ig Nobel Prizes, Part 1

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the topic of modern psychological cynicism, as well as its roots in the philosophy of the ancient Cynics. (part 2 of 4) (originally published 4/17/2025)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe batten down the hatches for 1974’s “Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla,” in which Earth’s mightiest monster teams up with an ancient mythological guardian to battle Godzilla’s own cyborg doppelganger and vanguard of an alien ape invasion ...  Show more

In 1991, the editor of a satirical science journal launched an award for the scientifically ridiculous (and ridiculed), the Ig Nobel Prize. Learn how it all got started and some of the early tech-related prize winners!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

“We weren’t sure it was true!” Drew Weissman’s research partner and co-laureate Katalin Karikó called him early this morning with some incredible news – they had both been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The two have a 20 year history of working together.  ...  Show more

The Nobel Prize has rewarded some amazing discoveries. It’s also contributed to scientific tunnel vision. This week, how the Nobel impacted our understanding of an enormous cosmic mystery, and what a new and improved Nobel Prize could look like. For more, go to http://vox.com/une ...  Show more

From who historically wins the awards, to how they portray the process of science and collaboration, host Maddie Sofia and NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce discuss the many problems with Nobel Prizes in science. Email the show at shortwave@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.c ...  Show more