It’s more than just the longest or shortest day of the year. We explore the science, the history, and the beautiful human meaning of the word solstice, a powerful moment when the sun itself seems to pause.
The Great Coffee Volcano: The Science of Boiling Over
It happens in a split second: the dreaded coffee overflow. But why do coffee and other liquids boil over so dramatically while water stays calm? We uncover the simple science behind this frustrating kitchen phenomenon.
That Tree You Never Planted: Why “Now” Is the Most Powerful Time to Start
We all have regrets about things we didn’t start. But the famous proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now,” is a powerful call to action. Let’s explore why starting today is everything.
Ghost Orbs of the Sky: The Enduring Mystery of Ball Lightning
It’s a mystery that has baffled scientists for centuries. We’re diving into the strange, electrifying world of ball lightning, the unexplained phenomenon that continues to float just beyond the reach of science.
You Are an Ecosystem: Meet the Trillions of Creatures in Your Human Microbiome
You are not just you. You are a walking, talking home to trillions of microbes. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the human microbiome and discover how this inner ecosystem shapes your health, your mood, and your life.
Unmasking You: The Messy, Beautiful Art of Authenticity
It’s more than a buzzword. How do you define authenticity for yourself? Let’s explore what it truly means to be you and how to courageously close the gap between who you are and who you pretend to be.
Beyond Your Eyeballs: Is the Reality You See Even Real?
Are you sure the world is as it seems? Dive into the mind-bending question of the nature of reality. This is a spark of encouragement to show you that if reality is a matter of perception, you have the power to change it.
You’re a Palm Tree, Not an Oak: A Pep Talk on Building Resilience
Life throws punches. We’re talking about the art of taking a hit and not just surviving, but bouncing back stronger. This is your pep talk on building resilience, the single most important skill for navigating life’s challenges.
The Celebrity Scandal Myth: Is All Publicity Really Good Publicity?
We’ve all heard the saying, but is it true? We’re busting the myth that all publicity is good publicity, exploring how for every star born from scandal, another’s career is buried by it. It’s time to think critically about the attention economy.
The CEO in Your Skull: Meet Your Amazing Frontal Lobe
Ever wonder who’s calling the shots in your head? Meet your frontal lobe, the powerful, and sometimes peculiar, CEO of your brain. We’re exploring the science behind your decisions, personality, and self-control in a way you’ll actually understand.
Recent Posts
The Story of Literature EP4 | The Brush and the Sword: Poetry and Philosophy in East Asia
Focusing on the interconnected traditions of China, Japan, and Korea, this episode explores a literature where poetry, philosophy, and governance are deeply intertwined. We’ll discuss the wisdom of Confucius, the breathtaking beauty of Tang Dynasty poetry, and the creation of the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji in Japan.
The Story of Literature EP3 | The Ocean of Stories: Epics and Wisdom of South Asia
This episode dives into the immensely rich and ancient literary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. We explore the spiritual depth of the Vedas and the Upanishads, and unravel the sprawling narratives and profound moral questions of the great epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which continue to influence billions of lives today.
The Story of Literature EP2 | Echoes of Olympus: The Greek and Roman Foundations
We journey to ancient Greece and Rome to uncover the cornerstones of Western literature. From the epic poems of Homer and the tragedies of Sophocles to the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the poetry of Virgil, this episode explores how these classical works shaped our ideas of heroism, democracy, drama, and rhetoric.
The Story of Literature EP1 | The First Scribes: Tales from the Fertile Crescent
This episode travels back to the dawn of writing in Mesopotamia. We explore the world’s first known literary work, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and discuss how ancient civilizations in the Near East used cuneiform script not just for records, but to wrestle with the fundamental human questions of life, death, friendship, and the divine.
Author Reflection | Listening Comprehension Practice
Listen to an author reflect on their literary prize nomination. A great exercise for TOEFL/IELTS, with script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz to test your comprehension of personal storytelling.
The Narrative Thread: Are You the Author or the Character?
This piece explores the art of finding meaning in life by viewing our existence through the lens of a story. Delve into philosophical nuggets on free will, destiny, and memory to question whether you’re the author or the character in your own epic.