
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 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.
The origins of BBQ, fecal bacteria and the Seven Sisters
Is it possible to turn into your roommates? How did the living DNA code come to exist? And when did we first start using kitchen utensils?Dr Karl and Zoe Kean answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Smoke alarms, airplane mode and chemtrails
Does blending ingredients in a smoothie destroy their nutrients? How do we distinguish between phantom smells and real smells? And are infrared saunas safe?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Meat glue, cold remedies and roadkill
What influences intelligence? Does the earth's rotation affect flight time? And what temperature will de-fog your windscreen?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Rollercoaster retirement, winking, and zombie stars
Why am I always running out of conditioner before shampoo? How come mozzies bite some people and not others? And does a dog's sense of smell give it a better memory?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Jaimee Taylor-Nielsen.
Alien planets, sea sickness 101 and the perfect chocolate
Is it possible to breathe through our ears? Why do we always queue in a snake form? And what's hiding in the rest of the ocean? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Jaimee Taylor-Nielsen
Jet lag, dire wolves and scented farts
What would happen if the Moon was bigger than Earth? How is sandpaper made? And does glue dry in space?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Crime scenes, sweat logic and fighting misinformation
Do cortisol detoxes work? Can our bodies predict rain with pain? And is this Halsey lyric - ‘the father's DNA stays inside the mother for 7 years’ - scientifically accurate?Bianca Nogrady and Dr Theresa Larkin answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Cloud seeding, endorphins and heartstrings
Do animals have different blood types? How was the earth's core created? And back to basics - why is the sky blue?Bianca Nogrady answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
The ethics of genetics, teleporting earthworms and perfect naps
Why are we so helpless as babies? Are cats targeting people with allergies? And if we could bring back dinosaurs, would they survive?Zoe Kean answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Heterochromia, cold water therapy and time of death
How does our body tell us we're thirsty? Do trees get cancer? And if the entire world flooded, could we all turn into fish people? Bianca Nogrady answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Patternicity, lemon tree wees and static electricity
Where is wind going? Are ants able to predict rain? And why do sportspeople train at higher altitudes?Bianca Nogrady answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Taste vs. smell, doomscrolling and insulated drink bottles
Why does the contraceptive pill affect your dreams? Can your pet watch you weld? And is there a science behind the tension shifting in a room?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Beached whales, earworms and the 'city killer' asteroid
What are the most effective ways to decrease exposure to microplastics? Is there a link between planet alignment and weather patterns? And what would happen if an asteroid hit the earth?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Panic attacks, dark matter and melting ice creams
What’s the next step in human evolution? Are there any land animals that produce electricity? How do bees select their flowers?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Cross-wiring, poison vs. venom and travelling farts
What's the difference between AM and FM radio? Why does plucking our eyebrows make us sneeze? And how do you stop a fart from following you into the next room?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Satellites, spicy breastmilk and noise-cancelling headphones
Is time an illusion? Do our brains lie to us after a late-night shift? And why did our bodies decide we don't need hairy feet?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Solar urticaria, the mirage effect and friction explained
What would it take to shift the Earth's axis? How does the body process radiation from the sun? And is memory an innate skill or something we learn?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Cat containment, cane toad consumption and the toxic male technique
What invasive species tastes the best? What would happen if we eradicated feral cats? And how does your body respond when you start eating meat again after years of being vegetarian? Dr Karl and special guest Professor Phill Cassey answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
Olfactory fatigue, genetic diseases and Facebook myths
How long can humans survive without food? Why does coffee taste different when it goes cold? And will quantum computing and AI be the end of humanity? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
A Summer of Science: The Body
In the last episode of our three-part summer series, we’ll be looking back at your best questions about the human body.We’ll delve into questions like does drinking apple cider vinegar improve gut health? How effective are collagen supplements? And what happens if you hold your urine in for too long?
A Summer of Science: The Future
In this episode of A Summer of Science, we’ll be looking back at your best questions about the future.We’ll dive into how reintroducing extinct animals might shape our future, if robots will take our jobs, and what cool burning is and the role it might play in an increasingly warmer climate.
A Summer of Science: Space
Over the next three weeks, we’ll be looking back at your best questions of 2024 and we’re kicking things off with space. In this episode we’ll answer things like is there any science behind astrology? Can you have sex in space? And do aliens really exist?











