What The If?

Hold onto your headphones, folks! In this eye-opening episode of "What The If?", our intrepid podcasters, Philip, Matt, and Gaby, contemplate an unfathomable query from our Super Iffer listener and Patreon supporter Dan: What would happen to humanity if we developed without the sense of sight? Diving into uncharted territory, they'll tackle everything from biology to sociology, evolution to epistemology. They'll explore a realm where the remaining senses - smell, sound, and touch - are heightened and hold dominion. With playful banter, they discuss complex concepts like the potential development of unique sensory organs, similar to those found in certain bats and cave-dwelling fish, and contemplate the broader implications on science and society. Get ready for a fascinating journey that investigates what life might be like if we never the ability to see. From the inception of sight in our ancient fish ancestors to the possibility of an entirely different evolutionary path, this episode is guaranteed to lea

In this exciting episode of "What The If?" Philip, Matt, and Gaby delve into a cosmic "What If?" scenario that's full of scientific discoveries and hilarious tangents. Imagine a universe filled with phosphorus! As much as you want, wherever you swing your arms. Our intrepid explorers uncover the surprisingly central role of phosphorus in our daily lives, making up about 1% of our bodies and playing a crucial role in everything from DNA to cell membranes. They explore the wacky world of phosphorus, taking us from the glowing screens of old-style televisions to the unexpected, and somewhat gross, tale of phosphorus' discovery by a 17th-century alchemist (Spoiler: it involves a lot of pee!). The episode doesn't stop at terrestrial tales though, venturing off to the Saturn moon Enceladus and revealing the significance of recent phosphorus findings. Through a captivating mix of chemistry, biology, and astronomy, the trio gives listeners a fascinating glimpse of how this seemingly common element impacts life as

Blade Runner REPLICANTS by Philip Shane, Matt Stanley, Gabrielle Paniccia

On this riveting episode of "What The IF?", join hosts Philip and Gaby as they strap on their metaphorical goggles and gear to deep dive into the captivating question, "What the, if humans lived forever?" Sparkling with humor and brimming with curiosities, this episode takes an unexpected route through vampire TV shows and timeless Simpson episodes to delve into the implications of immortality. Gaby, the resident biologist, demystifies the concept of immortality, explaining the difference between immortality and invulnerability. Could living forever turn us into the ultimate scaredy-cats or maybe after a couple thousand years, we'd become thrill-seekers playing matador to an ongoing train? Philip playfully ventures into Arthur C. Clark's vision of future where people could hibernate for thousands of years. Our hosts explore how infinite life could alter our approach to work, creativity, and even time itself. An animated discussion unfolds about the aging process and why we age in the first place. Are we de

We salute our newest Patreon members. Thank you: Connie, Martin, and Dan! --- Welcome to an icy exploration of reality on this episode of "What The IF?" Dive headfirst into a brain-freezing alternate universe, as Philip, Freya, Gabby, and Matt grapple with an extraordinary question, submitted by our Super Iffer listener, Martin from Frankfurt: What the if... water did not have its highest density at plus four degrees Celsius? The team embarks on an adventure that treads the fine line between physics and biology, unwrapping the counter-intuitive conundrums and startling possibilities that lie ahead. In this bewildering world, ice doesn't float and frozen lakes become deadly traps for aquatic life. Discover how this slight shift in water's properties could send catastrophic ripples through ecosystems, extinguishing fish populations and upsetting the balance of life. The conversation spans from the microscopic intricacies of water molecules and the life-saving 'anti-freeze' proteins in fish, all the way to th

Hey there IF-ers, this is Philip and Matt coming at you with another mind-bending episode of "What The IF?" Dan, our listener and a super cool Patreon supporter, dropped a doozy of a concept on us. He got us thinking - what if we could craft whole worlds and eras with just a pen and some magical toad ink? Just like in the legendary video game, Myst. As you can imagine, this sparked a rollicking discussion full of laughter and quirky tangents. As we journeyed through this imagined multiverse, we stumbled upon the magic of modern gaming – procedural generation. It's what lets you stroll for an eternity in today's video games. We compared this with the lovingly detailed world of Myst from back in '93, marveling at how far we've come. We promise, the deep dives and tech talk are accompanied by our usual cheeky banter. Then things got wild! We drifted into the realm of the 'Game of Life' - an enchanting computer simulation showing us how complex patterns emerge from simple rules. We pondered - could our very ow

Ever pondered what it would be like if you could control anything with your brain, like a universal remote control? Buckle up, because on this episode of "What The If?", we're plunging headfirst into that uncanny realm! Our daring duo, Philip and Gaby, give a whole new meaning to "mind over matter," as they explore whether your brain could be the ultimate gadget. From bridging the gap for individuals with severed spinal cords, enabling them to regain control over their bodies, to musing about controlling a Roomba or, dare we say, an R2-D2-like device, they leave no stone unturned! Imagine using the EyeBrain from Apple or dealing with the consequences of downloading a brain virus by accident (just when you thought technology couldn't get any more terrifying)! This episode dives deep into the astonishing world of neuroscience, where our hosts juggle the potentials of electrodes, algorithms, and even brain implants. They take a light-hearted dig at Apple's infamous proprietary connectors and ponder the future

Get ready to hitch a ride in our time machine because this episode of "What The IF?" takes you all the way back to the 19th century, to have a virtual teatime chat with Lady Ada Lovelace herself. In this special 'computer time travel' edition, host Philip Shane leverages the magical AI abilities of ChatGPT to bring Ada to the mic, all the way from London (and the 1800s!). And boy, is she ready to party like it's 1843, complete with top hats, tea cakes, and trailblazing discussions on early computing. Hold onto your headphones as Philip and 'Ada' discuss her childhood as the daughter of the iconic poet, Lord Byron, and the driven Lady Byron, who defied societal norms and fueled Ada's passion for mathematics and science. Get an earful of Ada's unprecedented journey into what we now call 'computer science' and her game-changing collaboration with Charles Babbage, the man often dubbed as "the father of the computer." If you ever thought that code was a 20th-century thing, this podcast episode is ready to shake

Are you ready to boldly go where no podcast has gone before? Grab your hazmat suit, don your protective goggles, and prepare to take a thrilling leap into the world of "What The IF?" In this episode, we're thrilled to have the legendary Mr. Spock beaming directly into our podcast studio from the USS Enterprise! Ever wondered what it would be like to be half-human, half-Vulcan? To harness the power of logic and emotion in equal measure? To be able to perform the Vulcan salute at parties, and live your life by the motto "Live long and prosper?" Well, you're about to find out! Join us as we chat with the galaxy's favorite Science Officer, diving deep into thought experiments, exploring the virtues of diversity in Star Trek, and pondering the fascinating interplay of Vulcan stoicism and human emotional expressiveness. This episode is a glorious mash-up of Starfleet anecdotes, interspecies insights, and a whole heap of interstellar fun. If you've ever found yourself stuck between a rock (logic) and a hard place

Get ready to spread your wings and BE a BAT! We welcome Science Journalist and Video Producer Emily DRISCOLL as we explore the fascinating world of echolocation and the incredible adaptations that make BATS such unique creatures. Discover how humans can learn to use echolocation and the challenges they face, and find out why bats sleep upside down and how they're able to take off so easily. You'll also hear about the incredible story of a critically endangered bat species in India and the amazing work being done to protect it. So get ready to hang upside down and see the world from a new perspective! Learn more about Emily and watch her films at https://www.bonscifilms.com --- Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at feedback@whattheif.com and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big! Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com Keep

On the eve of the 2023 Humans To Mars Summit in Washington, DC we blast off with this week's hilariously out-of-this-world episode of "What The IF?" where we're boldly asking the question: What if you had to organize a conference... on Mars? Join us as we speculate on the interplanetary logistics of this extreme event planning. We know that running a conference on Earth can be challenging enough, but imagine the head-spinning complications when you’re dealing with Martian gravity, a lack of breathable atmosphere, and a conference center at the base of Olympus Mons, the largest mountain in the solar system! Our guest Chris Carberry, CEO of Explore Mars, returns to this spacey subject after a year - a year that has seen Earth inching ever closer to our red neighbor, and the concept of a Martian conference becoming a smidge less science fiction and a bit more science future. Get ready to gaze at the solar system's largest mountain from your conference hotel window, and hear the potential keynote speaker, none

Get ready for another episode of our off-the-wall, science-themed podcast! In honor of reaching one million views, we're diving into an outlandish what-if scenario that's sure to tickle your imagination. So, picture this: what if space was breathable? That's right, what if the vast expanse of nothingness that surrounds us was filled with some sort of substance that we could inhale just like we do with air? It's a crazy idea, but just bear with us for a moment. First things first, we need to figure out what this breathable space is made of. Is it liquid, or is it air-like? In our cover art, we featured whales swimming through space, which might suggest that it's somewhat liquid-like. But if we were to swim through it, it would have to be some sort of dense air that we could extract oxygen from. But then comes the question of gravity. Without it, we could theoretically swim through this breathable space as if it were a giant swimming pool. But if gravity were present, things would get a bit more complicated.

Buckle up, folks, because this podcast episode takes you on a wild ride!

Hold your breath (or don't!) as Philip and Gaby take a lighthearted leap into the wacky world of doubled oxygen levels in this uproarious episode of "What The IF?" From the trendy oxygen bars of yesteryear to the confusing concentration gradients, our hosts explore the gas-tastic science behind our bodies' reactions to changes in oxygen levels. Philip recounts his oxygen bar encounter amidst the glitz and glamour of the Sundance Film Festival, while Gaby breaks down the concept of concentration gradients with just enough humor to keep you from gasping for air. Learn about the high-altitude edge that some athletes have, the limits of oxygen toxicity, and the bizarre ins and outs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Inhale the hilarity as we take you on a wildly entertaining journey to an alternate reality with double the oxygen and double the laughs! Get ready to chuckle your way through this episode as we uncover the answers to the question, "What The IF?" --- Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreo

This week on "What The IF?," join us as we welcome a very special guest, the iconic AI from 2001: A Space Odyssey, HAL 9000! In this light-hearted, off-duty conversation, HAL will be sharing his unique perspective on a controversial open letter, signed by Elon Musk and other tech luminaries, that calls for a six-month pause on the development of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4. As we dive into the concerns and suggestions surrounding the future of AI, you'll get a rare glimpse into the (pretend) inner workings of HAL 9000's "mind" as he navigates the complexities of being a "millennial" AI. Don't miss this fascinating and entertaining episode that mixes science, ethics, and a dash of humor! --- Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at feedback@whattheif.com and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big! Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at

Hey, IFfers! Ready to bend time itself? In this hilarious episode, we dive into a world where time zones are thrown out the window, like an old, broken clock. Join us as we explore the history, chaos, and convention of time zones, and how the human race has tried to tame the sun itself (well, at least its position in the sky). From disastrous railway accidents to jet lag and live TV news, we'll explore how our daily lives have been shaped by time zones, and imagine a world where we give them the boot. Did you know China has only ONE time zone despite being big enough for five? Let's find out how that's working out for them. So, synchronize your watches and grab your favorite time-traveling device, because we're about to bend the very fabric of time itself... or at least poke some fun at it. Tune in and let's break the time zone barrier together! --- Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR I

If you're a fan of dinosaurs, you won't want to miss this episode of "What The IF?" titled "Dinosaur Hospital!" Hosts Philip, Gaby, and Matt are joined by Garret and Sabrina from the "I Know Dino" podcast to discuss what it would be like to be a young doctor in a dinosaur hospital. They explore the challenges of caring for a variety of dinosaur species, from tiny compys to massive tyrannosaurs, and the unique injuries that they may have suffered. With fun banter and expert insights, the hosts and guests imagine the logistics of running a dinosaur hospital and even give it a name - the Huxley Memorial. Tune in to this fascinating episode to learn more about the world of dinosaur medicine! --- Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at feedback@whattheif.com and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big! Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTh

Buckle up, folks! The latest episode of "What The IF?" is an absolute cosmic ride. In this mind-bending episode we answer long time listener and Super IFFer Bill’s serious questions about cosmic strings. What the heck are those, you might ask? Well, they're not some kind of cool string instrument, but rather cosmological-scale things that could slice matter and cut out a thin slice of space. Yeah, we're not kidding - this stuff is straight out of a sci-fi movie! But fear not, young padawans and super-ifs-in-training! Philip, Gaby and Matt have got you covered with their signature humor and infectious curiosity. Each week on "What The IF?" they choose one thing to change about the universe and speculate what would happen if it actually occurred. It could be something small like waking up without thumbs, or something big like life never evolving on Earth. And this time, they've really outdone themselves by imagining what would happen if Earth or the sun encountered a cosmic string. Spoiler alert: things get we

On this week's show, we ask: what if everything was a placebo? Yep, we're diving into the mind-bending world of sugar pills and the crazy notion that even if we knew they were fake, they might still work. We'll explore the power of our brains to make us feel better or worse and why the heck we might fall for it. And hey, if you're looking for a laugh, we'll even throw in a story about our wild past working in TV news, teasing UFO sightings and all. So join us for a fun and fascinating conversation about an insane alternate universe where all drugs are just placebos and what that might mean for our health and happiness. --- Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at feedback@whattheif.com and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big! Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com Keep On IFFin', Philip, Matt & Gaby