Strap in for a frosty adventure as we dive into the Europa Clipper mission, set to blast off towards Jupiter's enigmatic ice moon. Imagine an alien world with an ocean containing twice the water of all Earth's seas, hidden beneath a 12-mile thick ice cube! We'll crack open the mysteries of Europa's crimson streaks, ponder the possibility of glow-in…

Inspired by the recent news of Earth's temporary mini-moon 2024 PT5, this episode explores a universe where such celestial visitors become commonplace. What if Earth regularly captured bus-sized asteroids as mini-moons? From space hippie lifestyles to asteroid time-shares, discover how these cosmic dance partners could impact astronomy, space trave…

Buckle up for one of our silliest episodes yet! We've really gone off the rails this time as we blast off into the world of space alcohol. What started as a question from our listener Nigel about phosphine on Venus somehow morphed into a cosmic happy hour adventure. Join us as we explore vast clouds of ethanol and methanol floating in the cosmos, b…

What if humans were the latest must-have pet for trendy aliens? This episode explores the hilarious and bizarre scenario of extraterrestrial beings snatching us up like puppies from a shelter. From alien vets poking and prodding us for space parasites to the culinary delights of human kibble, we dive into the wacky world of human domestication. Dis…

Fungal-powered robots are no longer science fiction! Scientists have created robots controlled by fungal mycelia that respond to light stimulation. These fungus-bots could revolutionize how we think about artificial intelligence and robotics. But what if our entire society became dependent on fungal-controlled machines? Explore a future where mushr…

Imagine a world where giant, bus-sized nematodes roam the streets, carrying diseases from city to city! In this mind-bending episode, we explore the consequences of scaling up microscopic worms to Dune-like proportions. How would humanity adapt to these massive, translucent creatures? We dive into the science of nematodes, discuss potential worm-wa…

A speedy little star is racing through the Milky Way at a million miles per hour, fast enough to potentially escape our galaxy. This hypervelocity object, discovered by an amateur astronomer, could be a low-mass star or a brown dwarf. We explore the consequences of such a stellar speedster entering our solar system, from gravitational disruptions t…

Imagine a world where gravity fluctuates like the weather, causing chaos in daily life. This episode explores the wild consequences of variable gravity, from spaghettification dangers to the need for gravity forecasts. Discover how changing G-forces would affect everything from air travel to Olympic sports, and ponder the evolutionary adaptations n…

What if the Earth started expanding? This episode explores the wild consequences of a constantly growing planet. From elastic roads and stretchy buildings to low-orbit volleyball games and manipults for transportation, discover how life would adapt to an ever-expanding Earth. Learn about the effects on gravity, atmosphere, and infrastructure as the…

Buckle up for a mind-bending journey into a world where memories vanish faster than you can say "What did I just...?" What if our brains could only hold onto thoughts for a measly 30 seconds? Would cavemen become the ultimate goldfish, forgetting they're running from saber-toothed tigers mid-sprint? Could humanity evolve into a society of Post-it n…

We welcome our newest Patreon supporter, Martin from Frankfurt, Germany!Inspired by the Paris Olympics which open today, we imagine Olympic events spread across the solar system in the year 3024! High jumps on the Moon, luge races on asteroids, and synchronized swimming in Titan's methane lakes. Athletes train in centrifuges to prepare for differen…

Dive into the intriguing world of microbial terraforming on Planet Hendrix! This episode explores how scientists use unique microbes to transform barren extraterrestrial landscapes into potentially habitable environments. Discover the fascinating processes behind microbial mining, mineral creation, and atmosphere alteration, and how these tiny orga…

Step into a wild world where ancient Greek philosophers are YouTube sensations! Picture Aristotle running multiple channels, Socrates hosting heated philosophical debates, and Odysseus vlogging his epic journey home. We dive into the hilarious and thought-provoking scenarios of Greek legends navigating the digital age. What if Alexander the Great l…

Explore a world where life is based on silicon instead of carbon, swimming in sulfuric acid oceans and breathing in clouds of acid rain. Imagine transparent armadillo-like creatures with glass bones, communicating through resonant frequencies. Ponder the possibilities of silicon-based trees with blue interiors and the challenges of interspecies coh…

Inspired by a fascinating article about why moths are lured to lights at night, this mind-bending episode explores a wild scenario - what if humans navigated the world like moths, perpetually drawn to the scent of pizza? Delve into the intricacies of moth navigation, ant death spirals, and how our cities and societies might be organized around an i…

In this mind-blowing episode, we explore how one man's quest to create artificial fertilizer transformed the trajectory of human history. Inspired by listener Martin from Frankfurt, we dive into the story of Fritz Haber, whose discovery of the Haber-Bosch process for synthesizing ammonia not only revolutionized agriculture and saved billions from s…

Dive into the bizarre world of anglerfish mating rituals in this wildly entertaining episode! Discover how these deep-sea creatures evolved an unconventional strategy for reproduction in the ocean's dark depths. From males biting and fusing to much larger females, to becoming nothing more than sperm-producing parasites, the strange tale of anglerfi…

Explore what it means to live as Schrödinger's Cat! Delve into the mind-bending concept of being in two states at once and how it would feel to experience quantum superposition. Discover modern AI’s take on this classic thought experiment, laugh over a dance floor encounter with Mick Jagger, and hear fascinating tales from history, including an ato…

Today's cover art, crafted by listener Josh Haberman, features heavy metal merpeople in whalebone armor inspired by Gaby's vision in our "Underwater Civilizations" episode. Explore more of Josh's work at his blog: https://artofjoshhaberman.blogspot.com and share your own inspired creations!We're sharing "Space Vacuum MONSTERS!" as an encore present…

Matt & Gaby are away on assignment! So I'm alone here in the studio, presenting you with an encore presentation of my conversation with the Star Trek computer which aired last year and became one of our most popular episodes ever. Enjoy! -- Philip----🚀 Blast off to the 23rd Century in this hilarious and thought-provoking episode of "What The IF?" J…

Do we truly have free will or are our choices predetermined by the particles that make up our universe? This mind-bending episode dives into the age-old debate of free will vs determinism. Explore the fascinating implications of a world without free will - from everyday social interactions to moral responsibility. Discover how the laws of physics m…

Team IF is OFF this week, we're celebrating Gaby becoming DR. GABY with the completion of her PhD at Rockefeller University!!! We're super proud of her.So this week we present this encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes, enjoy, and keep those emails coming! WhatTheIF.com/contact -- and send your congratulations to Gaby!---We salute…

This week on "What The IF?" Philip and Gaby tackle the uproarious tale of a fish so small it could masquerade as a grain of rice, yet so loud it puts rock concerts to shame! In the streams of Myanmar, this tiny troubadour belts out love ballads louder than a jackhammer to woo its mate. The episode dives into the science behind why this minuscule cr…

Dive into the mysteries of the "Infinite Library" in this enthralling episode! Join our adventurers as they explore a hypothetical library filled with an infinite number of books, where every conceivable thought and theory is penned down. Discover the humorous possibilities of encountering books written by alternate versions of yourself, or even na…

Embark on a mind-bending thought experiment as our intrepid explorers dive deep into the annals of history, imagining how early humans might have unraveled the mysteries of solar eclipses. From cave paintings to mythical tales of celestial dragons, join the journey as Throg and his tribe attempt to make sense of the sun's sudden disappearance. Join…

Dive into an electrifying journey where the unthinkable becomes reality – a world without the power to read! In this episode, inspired by a brilliant thought experiment from Lars in Sweden, we plunge into a universe where humanity wakes up to find all written language undecipherable. Imagine your phone, books, and even street signs turning into inc…

Our special guest Chris Carberry of EXPLORE MARS, author of the new book THE MUSIC OF SPACE joins us! We imagine a civilization on a distant, cloud-covered planet called Seattle Nine. Their only glimpse into the universe beyond comes from intercepting old Earth movies and TV shows, which they believe to be real documentaries about space. As they pi…

Intriguing documents lost to history could be recovered with futuristic technology, offering insights into ancient civilizations and solving long-standing historical mysteries. From the burnt scrolls of Herculaneum and missing books of the Iliad, to the construction plans of the Egyptian pyramids and the mechanical wonders of the Antikythera mechan…

In a bizarre thought experiment ripped from a headline in Scientific American, we explore a world where humans have developed a genetic mutation similar to some Labrador retrievers that causes constant hunger. This leads us down a hilarious path of imagining cities with celery slurry piped to every home, space missions needing to carry vast tanks o…

In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking journey of what could happen if humanity had to restart on Earth after different timeframes due to a complete extinction event. Imagine waking up as a clone with no prior knowledge of the world, or as a human re-seeded by aliens or from other human colonies. We explore scenarios spanning 100 years t…

Our podcast episode embarks on a thought-provoking adventure led by the curiosity of Lars from Sweden. Imagine a society where modern conveniences and technological advancements are powered not by electricity, but by steam and sheer ingenuity. From the whimsical to the profound, we delve into the implications of such a world, exploring everything f…

This week's episode takes a leap inspired by the latest in AI video generation to explore the concept of the Star Trek holodeck. Imagine a future where holodecks are a part of every household. We dive into the endless possibilities and the transformative potential of having personal holographic spaces. How would education, entertainment, and our un…

Dive into the microscopic world of tardigrades as we explore the astonishing resilience of these tiny creatures. From the depths of space to the highest peaks and the hottest springs, tardigrades have proven themselves as the ultimate survivors. Join us as we discuss their unique abilities, including possibly surviving in the vacuum of space, withs…

Dive into a world where the chalkboard meets the hologram in this riveting episode of "What The IF"! Join Philip, Matt, and Gaby as they venture into the classrooms of the future, where holographic teachers reign supreme. Imagine Albert Einstein teaching physics, and Marie Curie guiding you through chemistry, all from the comfort of your classroom,…

In our latest episode, we're diving into a wild world where electric shocks can lead to new genes! Picture this: zebrafish larvae in a tank, minding their own business, when suddenly, zapped by electric eels, they start glowing green. It's all about natural electroporation – sounds fancy, right? We chat about how this bizarre experiment opens doors…

We've got a special treat for you! Usually reserved exclusively for our Patreon supporters, we're sharing a "Beyond The If" segment with everyone this time. We had a blast reflecting on our recent episode with C. Renee James. Our chat wandered from discussing the fascinating world of drumming, the intriguing connections between science and music, t…

Join us for an enthralling podcast episode where hosts Matt, Gaby, and Philip, along with guest C. Renée James, dive into the captivating world of gravitational waves. We explore the concept of 'hearing' these space-time ripples, originating from pulsars and black hole mergers. James enlightens us on the nuances of these waves, from their cosmic ch…

Dive into an electrifying journey of mind-bending possibilities with Matt, Gaby, and Philip on the latest episode of "What The If." This rollercoaster of intellectual exploration was sparked by a fascinating suggestion from Dean Victoria Rosner of the Gallatin School at NYU. Imagine a world where mind swaps are not just a sci-fi fantasy but a mind-…

We've got a special treat for you! Usually reserved exclusively for our Patreon supporters, we're sharing a "Beyond The If" segment with everyone this time. 🌟In this laid-back, post-show chat, we delve into some extra thoughts and fun reflections right after recording our "Santa's Physics Extravaganza!" episode. It's like a backstage pass where we …

Welcome to a holiday special episode of "What The If?" where we merge the festive spirit with the wonders of science! 🎅🌌 This time, we're tackling a delightful and thought-provoking question sent in by Bill from Virginia: "What if Santa had to obey the laws of physics?"Imagine Santa Claus navigating the challenges of real-world physics on his gift-…

Hey, "What The IF" fans! This is Philip, and together with Gaby, we've brewed up a sleep-deprived adventure in our latest episode. We dive into the world of micro naps, inspired by chinstrap penguins and their thousand daily snoozes. Imagine a world where humans, just like these penguins, nod off hundreds of times a day. How would our jobs, cars, a…

Hey there, science enthusiasts and curious minds! It's Gaby and Philip here from What The IF, and we've got a hilariously explosive episode for you! 🌌💥 Thanks to our devoted listener SpaceViking from Sweden, we're diving into a side-splitting, yet scientifically intriguing question: 'What the if... Flatulence possessed lethal properties?' Imagine a…

Hi there, Gaby and Philip here from the "What The If" podcast! In our latest episode, we're slicing into the sensational world of CRISPR - that revolutionary genetic editing tool. Join us as we dissect the New York Times headline about using CRISPR to make chickens resistant to bird flu. We delve into the science behind CRISPR, its potential to cha…

Hey there, science enthusiasts and curious minds! We're inviting you on a cosmic journey with us in our latest podcast episode. We're diving into the mysterious realm of asteroids and uncovering the secrets of their composition. Ever wondered how scientists figure out what these space rocks are made of without taking a trip to space? Join us as we …

Our newest listener, Suzanne, asks, "What The IF cars didn't have horns?" It's a question we all ask on those days when the traffic jam outside our window seems to have no sense of decency! Gaby, Matt and Philip imagine the world-changing ramifications of quiet cars and an even quieter planet. Utopia or Dystopia? Tune in and find out, and shhhhh...…

Hey there, science aficionados! It's Gaby, Matt, and Philip here. Ever wondered what would happen if nature's playbook was rewritten, where "survival of the fittest" strictly meant "survival of the strongest"? Dive into a world where raw power dictates evolution, and the scales of nature tip in favor of pure brawn. From peacocks that can flip tiger…

Hey there, fellow science enthusiasts! It's Philip, Gaby, and Matt, back with another electrifying episode. Thanks to a stellar challenge from our Super Iffer, Dan from Colorado, we're diving into the tantalizing question: Can we make Venus habitable? Together, we embark on an epic Venutian journey, weaving together the chemistry of sulfuric acid a…

Hey there, science enthusiasts! Gaby and Philip here, and we're about to take you on a flight of fancy you won't forget. Ever imagined a world where bees don't just buzz around but actually have the power to control the weather? 🐝⛈️ Dive into the hive with us as we ponder this extraordinary "What The IF" scenario! From sun showers to thunderous buz…

Hold onto your seats as Philip and Matt take you on a space adventure like no other! This time, we're asking the zany question: What if we took a random scoop of Earth and sent it to another celestial body? Get ready to delve into the intricacies of the OSIRIS-REx mission to Bennu and what it might mean to do something similar—but in reverse. Trust…

Hey there, science enthusiasts! It's Philip, Matt, and Gaby back at it with another riveting episode of "What The IF?". Ever imagined aliens stranded on Earth, akin to Mark Watney from "The Martian"? Dive deep with us into this whimsical scenario. What if they're just like us, on a cosmic road trip, only to face the misfortune of a "flat tire"? We'…