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!
Episodes
Shower thoughts, electric shocks and ladybirds
Why do we have some of our best ideas in the shower? Do towels dry better in a machine or in the sun? And how do fizzy drinks...get fizzy?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
BONUS EP: We're giving away a Dr Karl shirt!
Would you like a one-of-a-kind piece of Dr Karl memorabilia in your wardrobe?! This November, one lucky listener who asks their question live on Science with Dr Karl will win a bespoke Dr Karl shirt, loved and worn by the man himself (it's clean, we promise!).
Night sweats, time travel and dog poo
Why do farts follow you? When riding a bike, how do you gain speed without pedalling? And why do we experience itchiness?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Bruising, cockatoo schedules and roasted potatoes
How do bandages affect bruising? Can bunions return after surgery? And why does a sauna feel hotter when you chuck water on the coals?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Coral bleaching, bioluminescence and intelligent fish
Do fish have feelings? Does Shark Tale stack up scientifically? And how can you get involved in marine science?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Dyslexia, El Niño and itchy ears
Why do we dance when we hear music? Can you smell someone's sickness? And why do cats always land on their feet?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Tanya Bunter. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Glowing planets, shrinking brains and living till you're 150
How is it possible to day dream? Can screen time and AI impact how you age? And what makes the colours of the sunset?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Tanya Bunter. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
The full moon, earworms and tickling
Why does cola taste different when it's in a can? How come we shouldn't reheat meat more than once? And why do we sneeze when we get into hot cars?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Tanya Bunter. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Honeybees, climate change and pollination
Why is the sun so good at removing tomato stains? Why do plants change colour in response to cold weather? And are we getting closer to what was portrayed in the movie Avatar? Dr Rose Kerr and Dr Clancy Lester answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Radio stars, spiral galaxies and threadworms
When will Australia have a total solar eclipse? What determines the life cycle of a star? And why does our body go into 'survival mode'? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
The third eye, scented candles and norovirus
Why do our ears produce wax? What is the storage capacity of the human brain? And will we ever run out of music combinations? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Black tea, pins & needles and toilet doors
Does sneezing cure nausea? Why do brown paper bags ripen produce? And how does aromatherapy work? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Calcium v. iron, E=mc² and The Pill
Is nicotine a laxative? Are mental health conditions hereditary? And can you retrain gut bacteria?Dr Kate Thomas, Dr Caitlin Thurn and Dr Karl answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Axolotls, hydration and escalators
What does space smell like? Why does a beer taste different with breakfast? And why is the 'feels like' temperature different to the actual temperature?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Endometriosis, oversleeping and 'irritable male syndrome'
Does sex get rid of a headache? If you're on hormonal contraception, do you still release an egg each month? And when you eat corn, why does it come out the other end in one piece? Dr Naomi Koh Belic and Dr Theresa Larkin answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Alzheimer's, furry friends and spider webs
Why do our dogs love us so much? Can the temperature change our sense of smell? And could the evolution of dinosaurs happen again?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Cold sores, facial hair and double rainbows
Why do you get a full body shiver after using the toilet? Why is the sky a different colour in WA? And why are celestial orbits on the same horizontal plane?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Dirt bikes, flat earthers and illegal drugs
How do one way mirrors work? Why do you need to sneeze when you look at the sun? And why does driving feel faster at night?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Sam Lane. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Thylacines, blocked noses and bird flu
How different would the environment be if the thylacine wasn't wiped out? Are animal sightings symbolic? And why do bower birds collect blue items?Dr Karl and Deadly Science's Corey Tutt answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarlFollow Deadly Science here: https://www.instagram.com/deadly
Pokémon, off-grid festivals and cannabinoids
Why is red light more environmentally friendly? Which science fiction is the most realistic about our present and future? And what triggers thirst versus hunger?Dr Karl and Sci_Burst’s Ella and Isabel answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarlListen to Sci_Burst here or wherever you get y
The meaning of life, shark attacks and the Large Hadron Collider
What is the best kind of shade? Why are some rocks older than others? And is winter the dustiest season?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Gamer brain, VR immersion and gacha gambling
Can we be profiled by the video games we play? Why does time fly when you're having fun? And what can gaming teach us about real-world science?Dr Karl and Professor Marcus Carter answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarlFind out more about Marcus' work with Sydney Games and Play Lab here
Shower farts, regenerative bodies and bass face
Should you depart from your favourite dish? How soon can we become superhumans? And where is the universe going?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Sam Lane. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Dog breath, ugly cry face and sleeping pelicans
What is the best method for dunking biscuits in a hot cuppa? Does water weigh the same inside our bodies as out? And is telling a burp from a fart just a gut feeling? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Magic mushrooms, hiccup rhythms and meteorites
What will humans evolve next? How do our phones make 3D scans? And why do random objects appear in the ground? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Peptide tans, brain charge and seeing in the dark
Are we being stalked by fish? Can pine cones predict the weather? And how do planes actually take off?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
The history of burials, mushroom spore suits and hydro cremation
Why are we obsessed with true crime? Do we need to be afraid of death? And does our water come from dead people?Dr Karl and Dr Hannah Gould answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarlAnd stay up to date with Dr Hannah via her socials!If you or anyone you know needs support, help is availab
AI ethics, touching grass and the AMOC
Could artificial intelligence learn to have a personality? How powerful would AI become with a quantum computer? And what is the best way to adapt to a rapidly-changing world?Dr Karl and Dr Petr Lebedev answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarlAnd make sure to stay up to date with Petr v
The vagus nerves, lightspeed travel and peripheral night vision
Is blood really a liquid? Can cats predict a period? And would a soft drink save your life in the wild?Dr Karl and Dr Theresa Larkin answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarlStay up to date with Theresa's work via her socials: @drtheresalarkin
Rogue planets, dark matter and time dilation
When are we going to start time travelling? Why does our brain slow down in near-death experiences? And how do we know what it's like to lick different surfaces? Dr Karl, Professor Geraint Lewis and Caitlin Thurn answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarlAnd search Artemis Project to find
Nose picking, dermatillomania and the weight of the world
What do we want from the moon? Are our feet faster than us? And what's Dr Karl's favourite flavour of milk? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Leech brains, animal instincts and echidna quirks
Is it bad to rub your eyes? What do birds get up to during migration? And which hair colour is the strongest? Zoe Kean answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Sam Lane. Got a question for Dr Karl - submit it here https://ab.co/askKarl
Artemis II, decomposition and breast milk
Do soap suds affect cleanliness? How does salt in the ocean form? How many mushrooms would it take to decompose a human body?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Faster-than-light travel, the Van Allen Belt and AI space exploration
Why do we go to space? How do you design a rocket? And what movie about space gets it most right?Dr Karl and special guest Jaxon Liebeck answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Super voids, satellite noise and asteroid navigation
Are black holes really holes? How heavy is a dark star? And what happens when we're mindful?Dr Karl and Dr Laura Driessen answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Morning vs. motion sickness, sunburnt eyes and colour blind dreams
Does light travel forever? Why does the dancefloor get so sweaty? And can your friends match your freak?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Share house smells, sleeping mosquitoes and multiverse supercomputers
Why are chocolate and coffee the perfect pair? What's the point of having hairy feet? And how do you make the perfect frozen marg?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Synesthesia, lime cordial v. bacteria & fusion reactors
Does a plucked hair grow back? Why does nicotine suppress your appetite? And how high is the sky?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith
The Challenger Legacy - new Dr Karl podcast
Doctors, here's a sneak peek of a brand new podcast co-hosted by Dr Karl.
Murphy's Law, mouth ulcers and MSG
Where is the centre of the universe? What would happen if the speed of light increased? And what is Dr Karl's favourite maternity fact?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Human buoyancy, acclimatising and syncing periods
Would we die without dioxygen? Where did spiders come from? And can you learn to hack the cold?Dr Karl and Zoe Kean (OAM!) answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Human cannonballs, outrunning the Sun and burning beds
Does Missy Higgins have geometrically impossible standards? How high do hot air balloons go? And how much is too much 'Sugar On My Tongue'? Dr Karl answers these questions and more in this special episode of Science with Dr Karl with Lucy Smith.
Hangovers, mosquitos and manifestation
What's the fastest way to cool down a room? How helpful is a stiff drink on a sick day? And is weeing in the shower good for you? Join Lucy, Dr Karl and special guests for a look back on some of our favourite questions from this year all about life hacks!
Bionic eyes, poop schedules and aphantasia
Does Halsey understand DNA properly? How long should we cryogenically freeze ourselves for? And can we learn how to remember everything?Join Lucy, Dr Karl and special guests for a look back on some of our favourite questions from this year all about the human body!
The age of space, explosive planets and black hole portals
How much can a black hole consume? Would anything happen if we all jumped at once? And which planet would have the best gigs?Join Lucy, Dr Karl and special guests for a look back on some of our favourite questions from this year all about space!
Disappearing poos, capsaicin receptors and cane toads
What muscles are required for a yawn? How does jewellery affect our skin? And what's the connection between atoms and physical pain?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
The speed of darkness, sticky spider webs and drinking snow
How far into space could we hear the Js? What actually causes 'the runs'? And is drinking snow hydrating?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Hair loss, bone density and body glitter vs. sunscreen
Can you taste with just a sense of smell? Is it possible for your immune system to reset? And what causes period shits?Dr Karl and Dr Theresa Larkin answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Hair of the dog, photographic memories and shingles
Where does all our energy go when we die? Why do humans laugh? And is rain water or tap water better for plant growth?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Frozen vs fresh veggies, soap suds and nangs
Would an invisible person be blind? Can you have too much muscle? And who teaches bees how to make honey?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Frisson, cryogenic freezing and thylacines
What's the deal with Neil the Seal? Can you sniff a fart away? And what does sickness smell like?Dr Karl and Zoe Kean answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Pollen peaks, jump scares and alcohol vs mood
Is there a link between albedo and climate change? Are four-leaf clovers really that lucky? And could ants rule the world?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Butt breathing, plovers and flammable water
How will the universe end? What makes weight lighter in the pool? And with enough helium, could we float?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
AI consciousness, sleep paralysis and onion tears
Do ants outweigh humans? Are we getting any more water on Earth? And why do dreams leave us on cliffhangers?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Motion sickness, 3I/ATLAS and cross-breeding
What would happen to the universe if we could time travel? How fast does the earth move? And at what point does our brain switch from awake to asleep?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
The science of cringe, meat juice & psychedelic shrimp
Will trees adapt to climate change? What causes migraine auras? And what happens in your body when you quit vaping?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Fibre, the carnivore diet & drunk hamsters
How does boiling water affect tea? What is the instant smell from a packet of salt and vinegar chips? And how do carbohydrates and protein interact in our digestive system?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Smelly sneezes, stress seizures & sound proofing
What's the correlation between black holes and time travel? Do batteries weigh less when they are empty? Why do some people develop indigestion later in life?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Wee-Lemons, Life On Mars & Moon Balloons
Should you really be weeing on your lemon tree? How close are we to finding proof of life on Mars? And what would happen to a helium balloon in zero gravity?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
BONUS: Parmigianas, shopaholics and small talk
It turns out, you have A LOT of science (and not-science) questions for Dr. Karl - and he's going to answer them!
Hypnotism, Sunscreen and Simulation Theory
What is the science behind Deja-Vu? Do we all see the same colours? Does cotton cause indigestion?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Jaimee Taylor-Nielsen.
BONUS: Life on Mars, bum cracks and the power of optimism
It turns out, you have A LOT of science (and not-science) questions for Dr. Karl - and he's going to answer them!
Changing seasons, vape smoke and heat cream vs. hand lotion
What would happen if we all jumped at once? Is there anything a black hole can't swallow? And what cooks faster, baked or boiled sweet potato?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Science with Dr. Karl LIVE - Hosted by Lucy Smith: Part Two!
Whether you listen on the radio every Thursday, on YouTube or from your podcast feed, we've taken the show you know and love and brought it to the live stage!
Manifestation, earthquakes and sun sneezes
Why does saliva assist suction (get your head outta the gutter!)? Can our eyes really change colour? And which planet would host the best for gigs?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Science with Dr. Karl LIVE - Hosted by Lucy Smith: Part One!
Whether you listen on the radio every Thursday, on YouTube or from your podcast feed, we've taken the show you know and love and brought it to the live stage!
3I/ATLAS, The Great Attractor and parent black holes
What's on the other side of a black hole? How hot does 'hot' go? And seriously, what came first: the chicken or the egg?Dr Karl and Krystal De Napoli answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith during National Science Week.
A Special Message from Dr. Karl!
Dr. Karl is jumping into your feeds with a very important message!
Star colours, harvesting lightning and undiscovered elements
Why is gossip so irresistible? Which is faster between heating and cooling? And do we need to prepare for aliens this November?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Second winds, fish farts and hot chips
How old is space? Why do we need sleep? And what determines our poop schedule?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Nap sweats, drunk bugs and taste buds
Was there rain during the ice age? Why do back scratches feel so good? And how does Dr. Karl start his day?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Sleep inertia, space rocks and longevity pills
Is dirt as dirty as it seems? What's the purpose of a virus? And is Australia apocalypse-ready?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Outback hygiene hacks, echidna entrées and a world without friction
How do First Nations teachings inform modern-day science? Do animals love the same way humans do? And how do spiders find their way home?Dr Karl, Corey Tutt and Tiahni Adamson answer these questions and more for this NAIDOC Week special of Science Hour on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Queen bees, anaphylaxis and bee hotels
Do bees have different personalities? Can local honey really cure your allergies? And how can we support native bee populations?Bee expert Clancy Lester and Bianca Nogrady answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Chocolate dreams, deep sea pressure and the Goldilocks Zone
Could we evolve into sea being if we were in water enough? What causes knots in your muscles? And do fish ever get thirsty?Bianca Nogrady answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Bee stings, broken hearts and brain rot
Why is the dead of night so cold? Can the Earth generate its own electricity? And can we clear up whether water is clear?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Aphantasia, smelling to survive and bionic vision
Why is it colder the closer we get to the Sun? Are stiff drinks or soft drinks better for fighting sickness? And can we recreate the human brain?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Plastic sweat, alien life and how to be a morning person
How did a crackle of cockatoos figure out a water bubbler? Why do we get weak - literally - when we laugh? And would having an exoskeleton be all it's cracked up to be?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Colder temperatures, dog lookalikes and colour perception
How scientifically accurate is Bee Movie? What would happen if the Earth had a twin? And what is Dr. Karl's favourite story?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Slow-mo animals, breathing powers and the science of cat scratches
Can we sniff our farts away? Are birthday twins just a coincidence? And why do menstrual cramps hurt more than stomach aches?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Bec Charlwood.
