Dr Karl Podcast

Dr Karl Podcast

Join Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Lucy Smith and their scientific guests, with a bunch of curious triple j listeners for a weekly injection of science, myth-bashing and answers!
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Episode's summary

Hosts Lucy and Dr. Carl announce a special giveaway for the month of November. A listener who submits a question via text or Google form and is featured on the Science with Dr. Carl segment will have the opportunity to win one of Dr. Carl's iconic, asymmetric strawberry-patterned shirts. The shirt was custom-made by Dr. Carl's wife, Mary, under her bespoke brand, the House of Mary. The winner will be selected during the final show on Thursday, November 26. Participants are encouraged to submit questions via the provided text line or show notes link and must be available to take a call to participate in the segment.

Chapters

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Highlights

And I'm very confident that there is no other shirt like this in the entire known universe.

00:00:50 · Dr. Carl emphasizes the extreme uniqueness of the prize being offered.

Your wife, Mary, makes your shirts under the tag, the bespoke brand, the House of Mary.

00:01:05 · Lucy explains the origin and craftsmanship behind the giveaway item.

Episodes

1243-

BONUS EP: We're giving away a Dr Karl shirt!

Hosts Lucy and Dr. Carl announce a special giveaway for the month of November. A listener who submits a question via text or Google form and is featured on the Science with Dr. Carl segment will have the opportunity to win one of Dr. Carl's iconic, asymmetric strawberry-patterned shirts. The shirt was custom-made by Dr. Carl's wife, Mary, under her bespoke brand, the House of Mary. The winner will be selected during the final show on Thursday, November 26. Participants are encouraged to submit questions via the provided text line or show notes link and must be available to take a call to participate in the segment.

03 Nov 2026
1242-

Night sweats, time travel and dog poo

In this episode of Science with Dr. Carl, the hosts answer a wide range of listener questions covering biology, physics, and everyday phenomena. The discussion explores topics such as the effects of hurricanes on flowers, the mechanics of binoculars, and the science behind night sweats after long-distance running. The conversation also delves into complex scientific concepts including the properties of antimatter, the unpredictability of turbulent airflow, and the albedo of a hypothetical water-covered moon. Additionally, the episode touches on biological mysteries like facial asymmetry, why dogs engage in coprophagia, and the physics behind gaining speed on a bike pump track.

29 Oct 2026
1241-

Bruising, cockatoo schedules and roasted potatoes

In this episode of Science with Dr. Karl, the hosts explore a wide range of scientific curiosities, from the biological mechanisms of avocado trees and the physics of heat absorption in cookware to the mechanics of bruising and wound healing. The discussion also covers why cyclones do not cross the equator due to the Coriolis effect and the impact of saltwater on sinus pressure. Dr. Karl further addresses listener questions regarding the expansion of the universe, the speed of light, and medical topics such as bunions and epilepsy-related déjà vu. The episode concludes with insights into sauna thermodynamics and information on how listeners can submit their own scientific inquiries.

22 Oct 2026
1240-

Coral bleaching, bioluminescence and intelligent fish

Host Lucy Smith sits down with marine scientists Mike Emsley and Daniel Ceccarelli from the Australian Institute of Marine Science to explore the complexities of reef monitoring, fish ecology, and the impacts of climate change. The discussion covers the daily work of surveying the Great Barrier Reef, the effectiveness of marine protected areas, and the environmental threats posed by deforestation and El Niño. The episode also addresses a variety of listener questions, ranging from shark behavior and evolutionary timelines to plant movement, bioluminescence, and fish intelligence. The experts conclude by discussing fish sentience, venomous species, and how the public can monitor reef health via the AIMS dashboard.

15 Oct 2026
1239-

Dyslexia, El Niño and itchy ears

In this episode of Science Hour, Dr. Carl and Dr. Tanya Bunter discuss recent Nobel Prize discoveries regarding brain stimulation and neutrinos, while addressing listener questions on topics ranging from the physics of how cats land on their feet to why crying causes itchy ears. The discussion explores the complexities of serotonin production, the evolutionary origins of language, and the mechanics of weather patterns like El Niño. The episode also delves into various scientific curiosities, including the ability to smell diseases, the neurodevelopmental nature of dyslexia, and the science behind dancing rhythms. The doctors conclude by investigating the physiological sensation of frisson and the chemical mystery of why saliva can effectively remove bloodstains from fabric.

08 Oct 2026