Finding Genius Podcast

Animal species have been going extinct since the dawn of time – which begs the questions: why is it happening, and which ones are next? Professor Corey Bradshaw joins the podcast to address this interesting research topic and convey his perspective as a global-change ecologist.  Corey is the Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology at Flinders University where he studies how human endeavor and climate fluctuations have altered past, present, and future ecosystems. Using methods such as species extinction modeling, Corey is uncovering just how much deforestation has occurred as a result of rapid urbanization and increasing agricultural intensification… Jump in now to discover: How humans are altering the face of the planet. Which factors are greatly threatening animal populations. How deforestation is contributing to the extinction of certain species. What “co-extinction” is, and how climate change may be the dominant driver. Want to find out more about Corey and his w...

Joining us today to discuss mushroom-forming fungi is Dimitrios Floudas, a researcher and principal investigator at BECC (Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate). Through his work at BECC, Dimitrios is researching how mushroom-forming fungi break down organic matter produced by other organisms.  While studying at the University of Athens, Dimitrios became very fascinated by fungi – particularly in their diversity and metabolic versatility. Since then, he has studied fungal ecology and function – attempting to understand the evolution and decomposition mechanisms of these complex organisms… Click play to hear Dimitrios talk about: The fundamental questions surrounding fungal biology.  When fungi break down organic matter, and how it is done.  The kinds of materials that fungi typically break down.  The importance of quantifying the composition of fungus.  To learn more about Dimitrios and his research, click here now! Episode also av...

Today we connect with Thomas Purifoy, a filmmaker who is devoted to developing unique learning resources to advance the Kingdom of God. Thomas has been involved in many thought-provoking films, including Is Genesis History?, Samaritan, and more… Thomas oversees three companies: Compass Cinema, Compass Classroom, and Compass Creative. Using outlets such as documentaries, schooling curriculums, and marketing, he is on a mission to educate people from all walks of life. Join us now to discover: How Thomas got involved in these projects. What the public response was to Is Genesis History? Why it is important to have “synthetic views that are comprehensive”.  Arguments against metamorphism in rocks.  To find out more about Thomas and his work, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

With technology rapidly improving, modern therapeutic devices are coming in many shapes and sizes. Researchers are using all sorts of alternative approaches to healing the body – including sound frequencies. Joining us today to discuss his work in this intriguing field is James Bare, the inventor of the Rife and Bare System.  Trained as a chiropractor, James has always had an interest in electronics, resonances, and inventors that have made a difference in the world. By inventing the Rife-Bare Device, James is seeking to make a real impact on the medical world by utilizing the power of therapeutic frequencies… Click play now to hear about: How James was introduced to the Rife machines.  The basic concept behind the Rife-Bare Device. What people use the Rife-Bare device for.  How frequency devices may be able to stimulate the growth of plants.  To learn more about Rife-Bare devices for yourself, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:...

What does it mean to have a metaphysical understanding of the world around us? Dr. Wolfgang Smith, a mathematician, physicist, philosopher of science, and metaphysician, joins the podcast to discuss this intriguing topic and others like it… Born in 1930, Dr. Smith has seen the world of physics develop and change before his very eyes. Not only has he personally met the great Albert Einstein himself, but Dr. Smith has also contributed a plethora of important theories to the scientific community over the years… Jump in and you’ll discover: How the field of physics has developed over the years. Why we may be approaching the end of an era in the field of physics. What scientism is, and how Dr. Smith defines it.  The difference between the corporeal world and the physical world. From authoring books such as The Quantum Enigma: Finding the Hidden Key to contributing to scientific documentaries, Dr. Smith has certainly been a prolific researcher. Join the conversation now to hear...

How do emerging pollutants such as microplastics and pesticides affect aquatic ecosystems? Ecotoxicologist Susanne M. Brander joins the podcast today to discuss her work on this poignant topic of research… Susanne is an Associate Professor at Oregon State University in the College of Agricultural Sciences, in the Fisheries and Wildlife Department, and at the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station.  In addition to this, she is also an adjunct member of the OSU Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Department, a part of the OSU Marine Studies Initiative – and is affiliate faculty in the Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing. In this episode, Susanne fills us in on: The two different ways that her team researches microplastics.  The types of plastics that scientists are finding in ocean waters, and where they may come from. Where her research lab draws her samples from. How long it takes for certain plastics to degrade.  To find out more about Susanne and...

In this episode, we connect with Angelos Deltsidis, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor and Post-harvest Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia. As an expert in the field of horticulture, Angelos focuses his research on an intriguing area of specialization: post-harvest fruit and vegetable physiology. So, what happens to fruits and vegetables once they are harvested? Angelos is determined to find out… Jump in to explore: How fruits and vegetables can transform after they are harvested. Why scientists are interested in slowing down the degradation process of fruits and vegetables. Which fruits can produce ethylene, and what it does for the ripening process.  The importance of eating fruits and vegetables that are fresh and stored properly.  To find out more about Angelos and his research, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

Mitch Hunter joins the podcast today to discuss plant diversity, sustainability, and more. As the Associate Director of Forever Green Initiative and Adjunct Assistant Professor at The University of Minnesota, Mitch is interested in developing cropping systems that promote greater diversity, resilience, and sustainability. Mitch is a Minnesota native, and his work at U of M greatly centers around his expertise in the science of soil management and crop production. Using his deep knowledge of this topic, Mitch is on a mission to diversify agricultural landscapes with new crops – thus improving the environment and creating new economic opportunities for farmers and businesses alike … Click play to uncover: How Mitch is working with Forever Green Initiative to improve soil health and increase crop diversity.  What cover crops are, and what can be done to improve them.  The factors that drive farmers’ selection of cover crops. The benefits of planting early, and the challeng...

Why can some plants survive in cold climates, but others cannot? Al Pacheco Kovaleski, an expert in cold hardiness and dormancy in plants, joins us today to discuss his perspective on this intriguing topic… Al is an Assistant Professor, in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Here, he researches how plants control their cold hardiness and dormancy during the winter, and how that leads to bud break and flowering in the spring.  Listen in now to discover: The strategies plants use to survive cold winters.  How evolution influences whether or not plants are able to live year-round.  What you can do to add renaissance to your plants – even in harsh conditions. Why the study of acclimation is so complicated. What insights does he share with fellow horticulturists? Click play to find out! To learn more about Al and his research, visit Plantresilience.cals.wisc.edu now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/3...

What does it truly mean to walk with God? Daniel Krynzel, the Founder of Godspeed, joins the podcast today to share his perspective on this question, and others like it… Daniel has always known there was a God, and the economic crisis of 2008 made His presence clearer than ever. After losing everything and turning to alcohol, Daniel had truly hit rock bottom. It was at this point that God stepped in to help – and Daniel listened… Click play to uncover: How Daniel heard God’s voice, and what it sounded like.  What listening to God can do for the trajectory of your life.  The steps Daniel took to find his financial purpose.  How to take action with the prompts you receive.  Godspeed with Daniel provides people with the resources they need to get answers from God directly . Want to learn more about how you can take this journey yourself? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

Energy and food production is constantly evolving, and as resources seem to dwindle, experts are looking at alternative approaches to a multitude of ecological issues. Joining us today to discuss his perspective on this matter is Rob Avis, an expert in renewable energy and regenerative design. Rob is the Owner, Lead Instructor, and Engineer at Verge Permaculture – an internationally-recognized and award-winning regenerative design, consulting, and education center. With a background in the oil and gas industry, Rob saw the need for a global mindset shift. Now he is focused on creating cultivated ecosystems that provide food and other crucial resources… Jump in now to explore: What inspired Rob to pursue permaculture. The importance of using energy more efficiently.  The reality of our society’s energy consumption. Want to find out more about Rob and his work? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

In this episode, we discuss microfossils, crystals, and more with geoscientist Juan Manuel García-Ruiz. Juan is a Research Professor of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) at the University of Granada, where he explores the interconnectivity of crystals and the origins of life.  As an internationally recognized expert in mineral genesis, Juan does extensive fieldwork visiting crystal sites hundreds of thousands of years old – and you would be surprised at what he has discovered… Join us now to find out: What a biosignature is, and what it tells us about different materials. What Juan has found in his work with giant crystals. How researchers measure the age of crystals. The speed at which crystals grow.   To learn more about Juan Manuel García-Ruiz and his work, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

Geocentrism. Preformationism. Ice pick lobotomies cure depression. What do these ideas have in common? They were once accepted as true, influencing how people understood and interacted with the world around them. From our modern-day vantage point, we can laugh at the absurdity – at the foolishness of our forefathers. We might even consider them hoodwinked by holes in their own scientific knowledge. But we can also learn something, which is that humans love storytelling. Whether we tell them or listen to them, stories help us make sense of the world. That doesn't make them true. It might take a year, century, or millennium, but every story – and the compelling beliefs they engender – is liable to be disrobed, layer by layer…  Often until the emperor has no clothes. Press play to explore: What the Nuremberg Code entails, its importance, and its place in the medical ethics profession today. AIDS, autism, and Cohh-viddd-19 - possible connections, big implications. Horm...

Joining us today is plant physiologist Nicolas Cafaro La Menza, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Here, he researches the development of agronomic strategies and tools to enhance agroecosystems management. Based at a research station in West Central Nebraska, Nicolas works in both research and extension. Nicolas closely studies the nutrients and resource use of crops to enhance plant growth – specifically looking at factors such as sunlight, water, phosphorus, and nitrogen… Click play to find out: The importance of maintaining well-balanced nutrient levels in crops.  How nitrogen levels in soybeans can be altered to achieve higher yields.  The kinds of crops that react well to nitrogen fixation.  Why phosphorus is a less mobile nutrient than nitrogen.  Click here to learn more about Nicolas and his research! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Che...

These days, there is a new type of trash we are confronted with: plastic and microplastic pollution. Scientists around the world are still puzzled by the impact this problem may have on humans and the environment. Today we sit down with researcher Win Cowger to discuss his thoughts on this important issue. Win Cowger, Ph.D. is an Environmental Scientist at the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution and Research. Also known as “Dr. Trash”, Win is interested in advancing science on the transport and fate of trash in watersheds and river flow. He believes that by tracking trash, we will be able to identify solutions to plastic pollution while also assessing how well they work…  Join us now to discover: What ignited Win’s interest in environmental research. How trash and microplastics move around in the environment.  How trash in rivers differs from trash in garbage cans.  Potential trash solutions for countries like India.  To learn more about Win Cowger and his...

In this episode, we sit down once again with Omar Mo, the Founder and CEO of Nomads Cast. Omar is an expert in digital marketing, podcasting, and content generation. Using his knowledge in this field, he helps businesses enhance their brand by facilitating the production of lead-generating podcasts and content. Joining Omar is ChatGPT, an AI chatbot launched in November 2022 that is known for its detailed responses and articulate answers. Today, we analyze what ChatGBT is capable of, its strengths and weaknesses, and its implications for different agencies. Tune in now to discover: What ChatGBT can be used for, and the importance of using specific prompts.  The most fascinating features of ChatGBT. How ChatGBT can be used to facilitate productive conversations.  Could AI tools like ChatGBT be the future of communication and information? Click play to find out now! You can find out more about Omar and Nomads Cast here , and try ChatGBT for yourself here ! Episode al...

What can be learned about all cancer by studying rare cancer? Since they make up a large portion of total cancers when combined, valuable insight can be gained. Press play to learn: Why rare cancers have a worse prognosis How driver mutations affect cancer How researchers determine which mutations to treat Holly Barker, Ph.D., a Stafford Fox Centenary Fellow of Rare Cancer Biology and Genomics, stops by to share her work researching rare forms of cancer. While rare cancers only make up around one-fifth of all diagnosed cancer cases, they account for around one-third of cancer deaths. Moreover, due to misdiagnosis or lack of appropriate treatment, they tend to be much more dangerous than other forms. Treating specific mutations within the cancer genome can be more targeted and, therefore, more effective. In addition, when sequencing the genome, insights on precisely how to treat specific cancer a patient suffers from can be pinpointed. To learn more, visit wehi.edu.au/researc...

“Tapping...works so well and so quickly because we’re actually speaking to the survival system in its native language…it's listening to your body, it’s not listening to your thoughts…or all the strategies you have or all the skills you’ve built—it doesn’t care about those things,” explains Rachelle McCloud. She’s describing the emotional freedom technique, which has not only transformed her life but the lives of so many of her clients. Tune in to discover: How EFT mitigates the internal conflict between your body’s survival system and your ability to heal emotionally. The important difference between chemical communication and energetic or electrical communication in the body. Fight, flight, freeze, faint, fawn: The most common ways our bodies respond to stress. Rachelle McCloud is a mental health therapist who has spent years helping people work through anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders with an unconventional technique that in many ways is similar to acupuncture....

“You can’t be afraid of anxiety and depression; you need to approach it head on and realize exactly what it is, and exactly how the mind frames things to keep us involved with…the habits of anxiety and depression,” says Luciani. Anxiety and depression aren’t usually seen as habitual, but should they be? Press play to discover: How someone gets into a habit loop of anxiety and depression The connection between insecurity (lack of self-trust), the desire to control life, and stress When and why anxiety and depression begin to replace ‘stress’ or ‘duress’ In what ways people can become victimized by their own mind Joe Luciani is a clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Unlearning Anxiety and Depression: The 4-Step Self-Coaching Program to Reclaim Your Life. But it wasn’t until he chose to break away from his formal training and look at therapy with a fresh and intuitive standpoint—one that is a matter of engagement between therapist and patient—that he even started unde...

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It’s a saying you’ve probably heard before, but today’s episode puts a spin on it and places it in the context of mental health: “If it’s not ‘wrong,’ don’t try to fix it as if it is.” Tune in to discover: How and why psychiatric diagnoses have become more like labels that act as consumer brands rather than scientifically-based medical diagnoses The power of labeling and its effect on self-perception and perception of others The definition of meta-emotions and how people experience them How developmental expectations of adolescents and young adults differ between cultures, and the conflict they can create within the person who is held to those expectations The critical difference between ordinary, understandable emotions and clinical conditions perceived as “wrong” and in need of medical treatment Dr. Sami Timimi is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist who has worked at National Health Service in the UK his entire working life. ...

“The people who listen to my show…want to listen to someone who has been through it, and knows what it’s like…to struggle to get out of bed because you feel like the entire world is closing in on you,” says Jeremy Godwin. Press play to discover: How the virus situation has increased loneliness and disconnection from others, and where mental health falls on most people's list of priorities The value of practical advice that’s rooted in research when navigating mental health issues The impact of paying attention to the negative as opposed to the positive things in our environment In 2011, the pressure from Godwin’s corporate job combined with unresolved family issues, seemingly insurmountable financial concerns, and unaddressed issues from childhood led him into a total mental breakdown. For the following three years or so, he wrestled with all-consuming anxiety and depression. More often than not, he really believed there was no way out. He joins the show to...

“You’ve got to teach what you’ve learned,” says Bianca Rodriguez, and that’s exactly what she does. Only, it took her decades to truly learn what she’d been through, and how she could use her experience to help others. Tune in to discover: The definition of trauma and the many different ways it can occur Which side of the brain stores unprocessed traumatic memories How bilateral stimulation and EMDR can help people process painful and traumatic memories The importance of having some level of emotional stability before trying to process traumatic memories In addition to emotional, physical, and sexual trauma, Rodriguez knows firsthand that there’s also something called medical trauma, which is when a physical condition or disease causes a person to feel like their wellbeing or life is threatened. When Rodriguez was just three years old, she developed severe asthma and was hospitalized numerous times. And every time she would have an asthma attack, she truly felt as though she w...

Can attempting to predict the future lead to more harm than good? Based on recent theory, transcending these uncertainties may lead to a healthier mental state. Press play to learn: How uncertainty can harm your mental health Solutions to limiting beliefs The best way to cope with challenging conversations Mel Schwartz, psychotherapist, marriage counselor, author, and two-time TEDx speaker, shares his work and knowledge surrounding the power beliefs hold over you. While fear and anxiety can often sprout from many external sources, one of the most significant sources may reside inside. The beliefs we hold about our situation may actually be the limiting factor in our happiness. Rather than living with these beliefs, it can be profoundly helpful to challenge them and attempt to shift our ways of thinking. Constructive change and conversation can build confidence and allow you to change direction to find the happiness you may not have previously thought possible. To learn more, ...

Joining us today is Dr. Michael Gonsior, a tenured associate professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. With a background in analytical chemistry and engineering, Dr. Gonsior found his passion in water chemistry, and he is using his knowledge to research the ocean at a molecular level .  Dr. Gonsior has worked all over the world studying marine biogeochemistry, specifically trying to characterize “dissolved organic matter” in the ocean – a material researchers are still trying to understand…  Jump into the conversation now to uncover: How microplastic accumulates in the global ocean.  The organic matter that researchers are finding in the ocean, and where it comes from.  Why we must rethink the age of the deep ocean, and how old it may actually be. How viruses influence the growth of algae. Want to learn more about Dr. Gonsior and his research? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/3...

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kimball, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota. As a plant breeder by trade, Jennifer works with cultivated wild rice, a crop species naturally grown in Minnesota. Jennifer works closely with farmers to research the breeding, genetics, and conservation of wild rice. From environmental management to developing new and improved rice breeding techniques, Jennifer is a central figure in Minnesota’s wild rice research community… Tune in now to learn about: How wild rice is grown and harvested. How long it typically takes to grow wild rice.  What makes wild rice a challenging crop to work with. The diversity of plant and animal life that exists in cultivated wild rice farms. Rotation crops that are grown in rice farms.  To find out more about Jennifer and her work with wild rice, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9...

In this episode, we chat with Marc Sholes, a New York City-based psychotherapist and psychoanalyst that specializes in adult treatment, and marital and couples therapy. With over 35 years of experience, Marc has learned that patients are able to reclaim healthy parts of their personalities through the process of self-discovery – which allows them to live healthy and fulfilling lives.  As the author of the book Reset Your Romantic GPS: Why You Steer Toward The Wrong Partners, And How To Change Direction For The Better , Marc outlines how people can achieve healthy relationships that they are actually prepared for. He joins us today to discuss the details of this book, and what you can do to enhance your approach to your own romantic relationships… Join the conversation now to discover: What “attachment theory” is, and how it relates to our romantic relationships. The importance of making a person feel deeply understood. The four attachment styles, and how they influence rom...

Today we connect with Jon Eckert, a Professor of Educational Leadership, and the Lynda and Robert Copple Endowed Chair for Christians in School Leadership at Baylor University. He joins us in this episode to discuss strategies for effective teaching and learning – and how he supports people moving into educational leadership.  With over two decades of experience in education, Jon offers unique insight into the world of collective leadership, teaching effectiveness, science education, and more. Jon’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of productive educators is making a real difference, and he explains his unique insight in this engaging and informative conversation… In this podcast, you will learn: How improvement science dictates Jon’s approach to educational leadership.  The importance of meeting each student where they are at.  How students shift their engagement with leadership the more they are exposed to it.  Why bringing teams of educators toget...