The Unfinished Mind: Recent Episodes
The Unfinished Mind
Welcome to The Unfinished Mind, where Polymaths can freely follow their curiosities! Polymaths are intensely curious about everything and are knowledgeable in a wide range of diverse topics. We love to learn more, and we love to have fun while doing so. So tune in every week to learn about anything from climate change to superstitions and other curiosities!
Cover art by Emily Pearson and original theme by Simran Shah.
Join our hosts Akshi and Sowmya as they discuss the heroes that capture our imagination. From the iconic Iron Man to the Amazing Spiderman to the antiheroes we see today, this episode takes a look at what makes superheroes so prominent in pop culture.
What happened to Malaysian Airlines flight 370? Who is the Zodiac Killer? Join our hosts Akshi and Sowmya as they discuss all the unsolved mysteries that keep us asking questions to this day.
Join our hosts Akshi and Somya as they discuss different undergraduate research opportunities.
Midterm season is upon us! Join our hosts Sowmya and Akshi as they discuss the science of learning.
Join our hosts Akshi and Sowmya as they discuss the history and future of urban transportation. From subways to light rails to self-driving cars.
Join our hosts as they welcome a special guest Dr. Michael Mackert. Dr. Mackert is a professor at UT Austin in the Department of Population Health and is the director of the Center for Health Communication.
This episode is a follow-up to one of our first episodes, The History of Polymaths. Here, Akshi and Sowmya discuss famous polymaths throughout history.
In 1993, the World Wide Web was launched to the public. Since then, digital culture has grown and evolved, with social media giving a level of connection that the world had never seen. Join our hosts as they take a tour through 30 years of our digital culture, from Facebook adults, to Snapchat streaks, to intense political implications.
Join us as we explore the sonic landscapes that have shaped generations, igniting movements and inspiring change across the globe. How is it that these iconic pop anthems sparked social justice movements, played roles in presidential campaigns, and moved people to put millions of dollars toward a cause?
Join us this week as we explore the indispensable and unique roles animals play in our society, from therapy dogs offering comfort to those in need, to rats detecting land mines, to elephants being used in warfare. Our hosts visit the highs and lows of how animals are used for the benefit of humans, including the history of our relationship with our neighbors on earth and how ethics have changed over time.
Join our hosts as they welcome special guest Aaditi Mahajan in exploring eastern medicine. Mahajan is a doctor of Ayurveda, a medical art originating in India that focuses on natural wellness based around five elements. Ayurveda involves treatments that have been used for thousands of years, with the goal of achieving balance and wellbeing of the body. Tune in today to get a crash course in the diversity of eastern medicine, and discover some Ayurvedic treatments that Mahajan believes college students should know.
Chemistry! Philosophy! Archaeology! And more! Join our hosts this week for a special episode on the annual Chautauqua event hosted by the Polymathic Scholars. This event is one of many based in tradition that celebrates lifelong learning. This year’s theme was “Edge of Knowing,”where a panel of speakers from multiple disciplines shared their perspectives on pushing the boundaries of what is known today.
Tune in for a very special episode as our hosts welcome Dr. Arturo De Lozanne as a guest. Dr. De Lozanne is a professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and has played an integral role in the Polymathic Scholars program. Join the hosts as they honor him, his stories, and his achievements in his last year as a professor at UT.
What is the difference between poisons, toxins, drugs, and venoms? Is alcohol a poison, and could allergies be considered a form of poisoning? Find the answer in this week’s episode.
The film industry had to come a long way before we were able to watch our favorite actors and actresses win Oscars or see film trailers at SXSW. Tune in today to explore the history and diversity of the world of film.
Sacred, inspiring, fascinating, dying - why do we see trees this way? Join our hosts this Friday as they discuss why trees hold such cultural significance, as well as what forest loss might mean for the Earth.
Why is our society enraptured by shows like The Bachelor, Survivor, and Hell’s Kitchen? Join our hosts this Friday as they discuss the psychology behind reality TV, and why the success and humiliation of strangers draws in an audience in the hundreds of millions.
Discover both the real and fantastical world of space travel in this week’s new episode. Join out hosts as they talk about how it’s possible to survive in space, from Star Trek to the Space Race.
What is a sport? Is chess, pool, or gaming a sport? Join our hosts for today’s episode on the impact of sports on society, from cornhole to the Super Bowl.
One of the most famous polymaths, Leonardo Da Vinci, designed his “ornithopter” flying machine in 1488. In 1903, the Wright Brothers completed the first successful powered flight. In 1947, the Bell X-1 was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier. Join our hosts in this week’s episode to discuss all things Flight.
From tattoos, to piercings, to lip plugs, to corsets, humans use their body as a canvas for expression. With the help of archaeological evidence, we know that people have been modifying their bodies for over 5000 years. Tune in to join our hosts in discussion the history and significance of these various forms of art.
AI is becoming increasingly present in our lives, from using ChatGPT to write an essay to talking with a customer service chatbot. Join The Unfinished Mind this week to explore the unexpected ways AI is being used today as well as the moral and ethical dilemmas that is poses.
Aristotle, NASA, and anyone with access to the Internet have all made their arguments for a round or a flat earth. How did people come to believe what they believe? Learn how humanity, from ancient times to modern day, from have come full circle (no pun intended) from flat, to round, to flat.
Join Akshi and Ren as we explore accessibility in Austin, as well as the future of inclusivity in our city! Marc Pereira discusses his work about making Austin a better place to live for everyone.
This week our hosts meet with Marc Pereira, Assistant Director of Texas LEAD and Director of Project Advance Austin. Join in the discussion about the role of disability as an identity and diversity, equity, and inclusion on the UT campus. Tune in now to learn about the direction of accessibility in Austin and future plans for a more inclusive city!
For many people, the best taco, gyro, or dumplings they’ve ever had didn’t come from a fancy restaurant. This week’s episode explores the cultural history of street food, from food trucks to night markets. Join Akshi and Ren for a deep dive into how different cultures have adapted to mobile dining, and why this has become such a popular experience worldwide.
Slow down this week as our hosts meet with Asha Nayaswami, a prominent spiritual teacher and disciple of Paramhansa Yoganada. Learn about her journey into meditation, Yoga, and spirituality in a fast-paced world.
Where is the shred of truth in Dexter, CSI, Bones, and Criminal Minds? Forensic science has been practiced since the 6th century and has recently enraptured the public eye with crime shows, podcasts and documentaries. Join Akshi and Ren this week to discover what forensic science is, how it’s done, and who it’s helped capture.
Discover the alternate meanings of “Twilight” in American and global culture. How does the word “Twilight” reflect psychological states, depths of the ocean, paranormal activity, aerospace travel, or religion? Find out more about the history, definitions, and significance behind this word in this weeks episode.
When thinking of this word, things like Halloween costumes and the wicked witch of the west may come to mind. But what is the actual history of witchcraft? How do cultures, locations, movements, and roles of power influence this topic? How is the concept of witchcraft still alive in American culture today?
Spooky season is officially here, and the Unfinished Mind is exploring all things macabre, haunted, creepy, and chilling. This week, Akshi and Ren explore the world of creepypasta, which began as an online scary story-telling community in 2007 and continues to this day. Discover how creepypasta continues the age-old narrative of horror and learn about some of the most popular stories.
What is the meaning of life? What truly matters? Is my life significant? These are the questions one asks when going through an existential crisis. These crises have been represented in literature, theatre, and showcase how societies and circumstances psychologically affect individuals. Join Akshi and Ren this week to learn more about this topic through works like “Hamlet,” “Absurdism,” and more. Decide for yourself the answers to these questions.
Wii sports, tic-tac-toe, wheel of fortune. These are all seen as fun games that do not require a lot of critical thinking or learning. But what if these games were used to to teach? Video game designers, educators, and psychologists have experimented with this idea. If a topic that students might find hard to grasp or not incredibly interesting is put into a game format, it has been discovered that students find the topic much more engaging and learn more effectively. Learn more about these math, language, spatial, and cognition games and how they are used to educate in this weeks episode.
Potatoes have made their way from their origin in the Andes into beloved comfort foods all around the world. In addition to their popularity, they have also become the center of political controversy regarding the rise of GMOs.
Humans have invented all kinds of doors: automatic, revolving, doggy, decorative, and more, made of anything from solid steel to thin paper. Even in video games, doors control how we move about in the world and discover new spaces. This weeks episode shines a light on how doors can reflect how open or closed we really are.
Since the rise of commercialized agriculture, the number of apple species has dropped 80%. This week, we learn the story of Tom Brown, who dedicated his life to restoring lost apple species in the U.S., and discuss how seed banks work to preserve plant diversity.
Tune in as Akshi and Ren give a virtual tour of Austin, detailing the best hangout spots, museums, and spots to grab a bite. If you’re a UT student, make sure to tune in and hear about restaurants that give student discounts!
The laws of U.S. citizenship have reflected values in American society since the country’s beginning. Join Akshi and Ren this Friday to unravel the complicated web of laws that define who is and who is not able to be a legal, voting citizen.
What comes to mind when we hear “nuclear?” Danger? Energy? Medicine? War? Our understanding of radiation has grown since Marie Curie isolated pure radium in 1910, and the rhetoric surrounding nuclear power has changed with time.
Join Akshi and Ren as they explore the cultural and architectural inspirations for the art of world-building and storytelling.
Join Akshi and Ren as they kick of a new season by exploring the history of collectibles and why our brains love accumulating all kinds of rare objects, from physical to digital.
Join Arya and Ren as they celebrate Earth Day and discuss the growing importance of addressing the problems that threaten our planet.
Join Arya and Ren as they discuss the present and future of our own ATX in Part 2 of “The Austin Series"
Join Arya and Ren as they talk about the people who respond to the emergencies of life and the hazards of the field
Join Arya and Ren as they talk about the 5 senses and how the lines between them can blur in this week’s episode on perception and synesthesia
Join Arya and Ren as they discuss the history of our own ATX as Part 1 of “The Austin Series”
Join Arya and Ren as they explore the long history of humans using pictures in language, from hieroglyphics to emojis.
Join Arya and Ren as they discuss the history and future of unions, and the role they’ve played in the present day.
Join Arya and Ren as they explore the role of science on the big screen, as well as the times when the producers didn’t exactly do their research.
As the Texas weather continues to keep us on our toes, join Arya and Ren this week as they discuss the history, science, and superstitions behind weather predictions
Join Arya and Ren as they explore the science behind relationships and why people become so obsessed with celebrities.
With Valentine’s Day in near sight, join Arya and Ren as they explore dating app culture and the nuanced terrain of online deception.
Join Arya and Ren as they discuss a groundbreaking scientific discovery that has opened an avenue for scientists to edit the very fabric of our existence.
Join Arya and Ren as they explore the evolution of the Entertainment Capital of the World!
Join Arya and Ren as they explore sacred animals and what they represent around the world. Your pet cat might actually be deserving of the worship they demand.
With the spread of culture comes the spread of food, resulting in delectable fusions like pasta and Tex-Mex. Join Arya and Ren as they explore some foods of the world and the exciting ways they come together
Happy New Year! Are you ready to leave behind 2021 with a fresh list of new resolutions? Kick off the new year with Arya and Ren as we ring in 2022.
Join Arya and Ren as they give you the scoop on the 21st century avocado takeover! We'll return for the New Year on Dec. 31st, so stay tuned.
BOO! Sorry, did we scare you? Find out more about that fear you feel with Arya and Ren in this week’s episode!
Take a chance on this week’s episode with Arya and Ren as they head over to the blood bank of history, discussing the legend of the vampire from ancient Egypt to Twilight.
The potential cracking of the Zodiac Killer cold case this October leaves more questions than answers. What makes a serial killer and how are they captured?
Make your week a little sweeter with this Friday’s episode about sugar! Tune in to discover where sugar came from, how it’s made, and why it’s so addictive.
Most things change with time, and time itself is no exception. How did leap day, months, and kilograms come to be? Join Arya and Ren as they explore the invention of time.
Storytelling has been a major part of the human experience, from the paintings of Chauvet Cave in France to the discovery of using electromagnetic waves to broadcast sound. Get meta with us by tuning into our episode on the rise of podcasts.
Humans have been finding ways to distribute and consume media from the days of the Walkman to the rapid success of Disney+. Hop over from your end-of-the-week Netflix binge over to Spotify for this week’s episode on streaming services!
Is minimalism a design, a lifestyle, or both? Spark some joy with us as we discuss what led to contemporary minimalism and where it may lead in the future.
Take a trip with Arya and Ren as they tour the world of transportation from horses and carriages to extensive underground transit.
Have you ever woken up in a different place than where you fell asleep? Find out what goes on in your brain when your head hits the pillow with Arya and Ren.
The role of sanitation has changed throughout time and region, from the grungy halls of Versailles to mitigating plagues and pandemics. Tune in as we uncover some dirty secrets about hygiene!
What exactly is Neuralink? Dive into the history and technology behind brain-machine interfaces with Arya and Ren!
How did humans make the journey from manpower to nuclear power? Join Arya and Ren as they explore energy, including its history and the controversy around its many forms.
Get all up in these bee's business with Arya and Ren! Learn more about these fascinating insects, their sense of time and direction, and just how bizarre these bees are.
Examine the history of the standardized test, the College Board, and the correlation between income and high scores. Dive into the Varsity Blue scandal and examine the concept of intelligence with Arya and Ren this week.
Check out one of the oldest psychological debates in history--nature vs. nurture! Join Arya and Ren as we dive into its origins, the role of epigenetics, and serial killers.
How do we mourn? How does our culture influence the way we see death? Join Arya and Ren as we explore the concept of death in a slightly more serious episode this week
Let's talk about perception and visual patterns, Rorschach tests, and how we recognize other humans. Explore the concept of Pareidolia this week with Arya and Ren!
Join Arya and Ren as we briefly travel around the world with accents! What goes into an accent? How do they emerge? And why do they disappear?
Pull out your old book of fairytales for this one! Join Arya and Ren as we explore the dark history of fairytales, the Brothers Grimm, and childhood.
Information overload, echo chambers, shiny objects...Join us as we discuss micro- and macro-level distractions, our diminishing attention spans, and how social media has changed our news landscape.
Aristotle, Hypatia, Leonardo da Vinci, Mae Jemison...What do these people have in common? They're all Polymaths! Learn more about these famous Polymaths and their amazing contributions in this week's episode.
Grab your favorite mug as we dive into our daily cup of joe! Listen as Arya and Ren discuss coffee, caffeine, and coffeeshop culture.
Dive into some fun and funny superstitions with Arya and Ren, our hosts. Note: this episode was recorded previously at the beginning of October.