Baloney Detection with Dr. K

Episode DescriptionWhether you actively use it, or want it to just go away, AI is a part of your life now. Our background episode on AI talks about large language models (LLMs), the AI platforms, chatbots, and some of the issues that arise from basic usage. Adrianna joins me for what is to be the first of several AI-based episodes for Season 3. Welcome back to Baloney Detection with Dr. K! Trigger warning: We discuss suicide from timestamp 26:02 to 31:00, so of you wish to avoid this subject, skip over this part of the episode. View this episode's transcript.Reach out to Dr. K!Send us an email, suggest a topic, or ask a question at baloneydetectionpodcast@gmail.com. Make sure to also follow us on Instagram!

Episode DescriptionAre you ready for season three? Enjoy our preview for what is to come this year from Baloney Detection!View the transcript for this episode

Episode DescriptionThe end of the semester comes up fast and with it we are at the end of Season 2 of Baloney Detection. I am very grateful for all of the guests that we have had this year and also what Adrianna brought to the podcast this spring. Adrianna and I talk about how this spring has unfolded and about a few current events topics that have come up since our last episode. Thank you for listening and we will see you in September! View the Episode Transcript

Episode DescriptionWe are stepping away from our usual topics for a discussion of empathy with my colleague from the UW-Green Bay Psychology Department, Alison Jane Martigano. Alison Jane has been researching empathy in its various forms, with virtual reality as one of the important tools for measurement. Alison Jane describes her research, along with some important details about what empathy is, how it impacts our lives and relationships, and how levels of empathy have changes with university populations.  View the transcript for this episode.

Episode DescriptionI am very proud to share with you two interviews with my research students. Claire Bassett has been working with me throughout the current academic year, first getting more data for a project involving “liquid oxygen supplements”, and then some photochemical experiments that she developed. Grafton Smith and Logan Severns have been working with me for several years with various projects, but recently they have been exploring mechanochemistry with a rock tumbler. You read that right: a rock tumbler! All three students will explain their projects in their own words because as independent study students, I am just a guide. They developed their own ideas and have the results to show for it.  View the transcript for this episode.

Episode DescriptionThis is a topic that I have been thinking about for a very long time. Social media and YouTube have a litany of channels that create “debates” that allow for extremely controversial opinions and beliefs to be shared. This is very common on YouTube channels like Jubilee which generates a lot of views with shows like “Surrounded” and “Middle Ground”. But does this promotion of extremely controversial ideas really make us more understanding? Thinking back on how well-known scientists like Peter Hotez and Anthony Fauci and how they have been pushed aside for other less experienced voices who promote misinformation and conspiracy makes me question whether or not we should allow the fringe to share their views. I speak about these things, along with a Pseudoshort about research ideas in this episode.  View the episode transcript.