Enjoy some podcasts from Serena Hirani related to health, education, culture and society.

Are We the last Humans?

Humans have found ways to survive and reproduce despite unfavorable genetic traits. In this episode we discuss what modern technology means for human evolution. Listen

Self Control and Willpower

Are you born with willpower or can some techniques help to strengthen willpower? In this episode, we discuss the benefits of self-control and delayed gratification on an individual and societal level. Listen

Graffiti: Vandalism or Beauty?

Graffiti is a form of self expression that directly reaches others in the community. In this episode, we discuss the societal impact and importance of street art in modern culture. Listen

An Anthropological Take on Gender

Contrary to popular belief, there are very few significant biological differences between males and females. In this episode we talk about the basis of sex, biological sex vs gender, and gender roles. Listen

Implications of Regenerative Medicine

Designer babies, 3D printed organs, growing tissue in a lab - in this episode we talk about the ethical, societal, and legal implications of regenerative medicine. Listen

Culture, Happiness, and Health

In this episode we discuss the intersection between culture, happiness, and health. Our current culture of extreme individualism, competitiveness, and isolation has contributed to a lot of unhappiness driving a society which has become more alienated and anxious. Listen

Love Is An Evolutionary Advantage

The ability to love is literally written in our DNA. In this episode, we talk about love, relationships and evolution. Listen

How Progress Is Limiting Our Growth

Progress is undoubtedly important, but progress for the sake of progress is not helping us be better, it is limiting our growth as a society. In this episode, we talk about mechanical pencils and how they relate to human progress and innovation. Listen

How Our Environment Changes Who We Are

The famous debate about nature versus nurture has been a hot topic in the world of genetics for a long time - now we know for a fact, it is almost always both. In this episode we talk epigenetics and its role in culture, society, and evolution. Listen

A Scientific Study of Skin Color

Around the world, for thousands of years, the practice of colorism has linked those with lighter skin tones to positions of power and wealth. In this episode we talk about the history and science of skin color, the practice of colorism, and its implications. Listen

Mental Health and Stigma

More than 50% of U.S. adults will need mental health treatment at some point during their lifetime. In this episode we talk about mental illness and the stigma behind it. Listen

Mental Illness Is MisUnderstood

Nearly 1 in 5 people in the US are affected by mental illness. In this episode we debunk some of the most common misconceptions about mental illness. Listen

Why We Are The Way We Are - An Anthropological Perspective

Understanding anthropology involves debunking a lot of myths and pushing past our own assumptions to reevaluate our own ideas of what's "normal" or "good." In this episode, we talk about anthropology. Listen