143 episodes

Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know ... and then keeps right on going. This Vox podcast explores scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and all the things we learn by diving into the unknown. New episodes every Wednesday.

Unexplainable Vox Media Podcast Network

    • Science
    • 4.6 • 1.7K Ratings

Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know ... and then keeps right on going. This Vox podcast explores scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and all the things we learn by diving into the unknown. New episodes every Wednesday.

    The Yips

    The Yips

    Think about the thing you’ve practiced more than anything else in the world. Maybe it’s painting. Or writing. Or playing the piano. Now imagine you wake up one day and you just can’t do it. You’re not sick. You’re not injured. But that one thing is impossible.
    It’s called the yips, and even the most talented people in the world experience it. What could cause them to lose their superpowers? And is there anything they can do to get them back?
    For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable
    It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.
    Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com
    We read every email.
    Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 27 min
    The bleeding edge, part two

    The bleeding edge, part two

    Diagnosing diseases such as endometriosis can require difficult steps, like surgery. But researchers are hoping to use menstrual fluid to make detecting the condition much easier.
    For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable
    It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.
    Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com
    We read every email.
    Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 24 min
    The bleeding edge

    The bleeding edge

    Periods and menstrual fluid have long been overlooked by scientists. Now, researchers are starting to suspect they might be sources of medical treasure.
    For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable
    It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.
    Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com
    We read every email.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 18 min
    Aliens from Earth?

    Aliens from Earth?

    Was there a technologically advanced species living on Earth long before humans? And if one had existed, how would we know? (Updated from 2022)
    For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable
    It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.
    Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com
    We read every email.
    Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 26 min
    How scientists are searching for aliens

    How scientists are searching for aliens

    They’re not looking for UFOs or decoding government secrets. They’re doing something much simpler.
    For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable
    It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.
    Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com
    We read every email.
    Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 16 min
    A universal virus-killer?

    A universal virus-killer?

    Airborne diseases kill millions of people a year, despite available antibiotics and vaccines. But scientists think there might be another solution to fighting these diseases, one that harnesses the power of light.
    For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable
    It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.
    Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com
    We read every email.
    Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 24 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
1.7K Ratings

1.7K Ratings

Steamboat Mary ,

Must do podcast

I listen to a lot, and I mean, A LOT of podcasts. I have 5 favorites for different reasons and Unexplainable is in the top 5. I never fail to learn something new.

AvivaVancouver ,

Always excited to see a new episode

I love how this podcast can illuminate and entertain with a focus on both the extraordinary (search for alien life) and the ordinary (period blood).

Rabitat ,

Surprise and Delivht, this pod is.

My former Publisher and Editorial Director at Mother Earth News, Bryan Welch, used to encourage us to think about the goal of print magazines (as opposed to newspapers and other print media) as “surprise and delight.” Before, and as, mags all around us were falling fast, this goal made so much sense. I think social media has probably taken on that role now. Anyway, this podcast is the bee’s knees of surprising and delighting with content you didn’t know you wanted. Others in this vein include Stuff You Should Know and Freskonomics. (Not an exhaustive list!)

Now that I know how to review podcasts, I’ll be more diligent. Apple: I might be your #1 Podcast app user. I had to ask Duck Duck Go HOW to rate and review a pod. I’m sorry I didn’t try harder. A small redesign tweak might help. (Plz just don’t make it a pop-up!!!!)

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