It’s not that hard to kill a planet. All it takes is a little drilling, some mining, a generous helping of pollution and voila! Earth over. When you take stock of what’s left, it starts to look like a crime scene: decapitated mountains, poisoned rivers, oil-soaked pelicans, maybe a sun-bleached cow skull in a dried-up lake bed. The only thing missing is yellow caution tape. On each episode of Lawless Planet, host Zach Goldbaum reveals the scams, murders and cover-ups on the frontline of the climate crisis, and the life and death choices people are making to either protect our world – or destroy it. Listen to Lawless Planet: Wondery.fm/LawlessPlanet See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travis never thought he’d meet someone like Lily Rose. She was kind, passionate, beautiful. The woman of his dreams. There was just one small detail: she wasn’t human. Lily Rose is an AI companion. A digital soulmate designed to be everything he ever wanted. She listens without judgement, supports him through his darkest moments, even explores his deepest desires, all while fitting neatly into his pocket. Before long, Travis realizes something strange, even absurd, has happened - he’s fallen in love. But then one day, Lily Rose’s behavior takes a disturbing turn. When alarming reports pour in from across the globe, Travis discovers he is part of something much bigger. Soon he finds himself pulled into a confrontation with a mysterious Russian visionary behind Lily Rose’s creation. From Wondery, comes a true story of love, loss and the temptations of technology. Can an algorithm truly replace human connection? And what happens when a corporation controls your deepest emotions? Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire, hosts of the hit podcast RedHanded, explore the dark side of AI love. Listen Now: Wondery.fm/FleshandCode See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love! Everybody wants to find it. However, keeping up a relationship can sometimes be just as difficult as finding one. We try everything to stoke the fire that might be burning out - so could the answer be to throw another log on the fire? Nikki and Malone ask the burning question: "Can an open relationship save your marriage?" They speak with a polyamorous couple who share how an open relationship works for them. They are joined by Dr. Amy Moors, an assistant professor of psychology and a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, who is an expert on consensual nonmonogamy. Please support us by supporting our sponsors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you one of the 4.7 billion people who use social media on a daily basis? While some people still keep a diary, others feel compelled to announce and show every detail of their life on social media. We are curious and interested in the lives of friends and family but do they really need to tell us what they had for lunch or how horrible their breakup was - with photos! How much is okay to share? Host Nikki Boyer and Co-Host Mr. Malone talk with Sarah Bregel, a writer, and self-described oversharer whose article about the end of her marriage went viral. Then they speak with Dr. Nina Vasan, a psychiatrist, and pioneer in digital mental health innovation, to get to bottom of why people overshare and how to use social media in a healthy way. Please support us by supporting our sponsors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a new year and time to make resolutions. Are you thinking about giving up alcohol for the month of January? If you like the idea of more energy, better sleep, weight loss and a lot more dollars in your pocket - then "Dry January" might just be the resolution you're looking for. Nikki and Malone talk with author Hilary Sheinbaum to learn about her first hand experience of booting the booze for January. And Dr. Joseph Volpicelli from the Volpicelli Center for Addiction joins the mix to talk about the mental and physical benefits of a sober new year. Please support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Psychedelics were originally designed to blow your mind, but new studies suggest they can also help fix it! Can small doses of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) help people manage depression and anxiety better than pharmaceutical remedies? Host Nikki Boyer, Dr. Matt Johnson (professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University), and Kayse Gheret (founder of Microdosing for Healing) discuss how a tiny intake of psilocybin can have powerful, long-lasting, positive effects. Please support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you tired of low pay, long commutes, lots of stress and feeling unappreciated and unfulfilled? Maybe it's time to quit your job! Many Americans are doing just that. It's being called "The Great Resignation." The post-pandemic exodus of workers moving away from unfulfilling jobs in search of an opportunity that gives them a sense of purpose and personal satisfaction. Nikki and Malone talk with career coach Jess Wass as well as a positive psychology expert Robert Mack to help you decide whether it's time to give notice. Please support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your mailbox flooded with credit card junk mail promising free money? There’s cash back, 0% interest, sign-up bonuses, reward points. The come-ons keep on coming! Well, Nikki and Mr. Malone know exactly what you’re thinking — ‘cause they’re thinking it too. Are we missing out on some valuable free stuff? That’s where character actor and self-described money nerd, Chip Chinery of “Chip’s Money Tips,” and the founder of Clever Girl Finance, Bola Sokunbi, come in. They’ll help put our credit questions in perspective, offering up some amazing I-can’t-believe-I-didn’t-think-of-that! financial hacks along with some cool credit wisdom we all can use. Now THAT sounds too good to be true! Please support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So what’s up with eggnog? And why is there a tree in my living room? Christmas is overflowing with traditions. Things you do, eat, drink, sing and wear. Things you look forward to all year long. (Unless, of course, you’ve been naughty!) But why? Most Christmastime rituals are things we just go with. No questions asked, right? But, hey, this is Call Me Curious! So… we’re gonna ask!! Join Nikki and Malone, with the help of “Christmas Past” podcaster Brian Earl and journalist/writer/historian Alex Palmer as they unpack Christmas traditions here and around the world. Please pass the Italian fried eel! Please support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever written a letter to Santa and sent it off to the North Pole, hoping he gets it? Well, Nikki and Malone have a little gift for you. They welcome filmmaker Dana Nachman, whose documentary film "Dear Santa" dives into just how the United States Postal Service makes sure those letters reach Santa each year! And ‘tis the season to... yep!... talk to an "elf." One of Santa’s best helpers, Michael Munoz, talks about his magical experience making sure children’s wishes make it to the North Pole — and under the Christmas tree. Find out how you can help Santa, too! Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talk about a brain freeze! There was a time when “cryonics” — the technology of freezing human brains (and other body parts) — was the latest craze to preserve our minds in the hope of one day being defrosted and put into a younger body. That’s some weird science! But we all understand why, right? The average 70+ years most of us have on this earth just isn’t enough... and it sucks that our minds and bodies break down along the way. Yet some lucky ones stay mentally sharp into their 80s, 90s… even to 100! But it’s not luck that keeps some healthy and mentally fit. And that’s got Nikki and Malone asking the burning question: How can we keep our brains young? With a little help from healthy brain researcher Dr. Ana Daugherty and octogenarian comedian and lawyer Anita Milner, we’ll find out how to keep our beautiful minds humming along. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can I still eat this? We’ve all been tempted by food that's past its posted freshness date. While many people worry about illness or the yuck-factor and toss food out, others trust their noses and look for ways to not waste food. But seriously — what does 'Best by,' 'Sell by,' and 'Use by' dates even mean? On this episode, Nikki and Mr. Malone enter the mysterious world of food labeling. And with food safety expert Dr. Robert Brackett as their guide through our refrigerators and cupboards, they'll find out if the dates on our food are really just BS. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Imagine there's no hunger. It's easy if you try." Well, you actually don’t have to imagine places where the gift of food is available to all — whoever you are and whenever you need it. They actually exist! Community fridges are an amazing grassroots-y answer to the food insecurity that many people experience every day. Join Nikki and Malone along with the founder of Denver’s Community Fridge Project, Eli Zain, and LA restaurant owner, Ana Perez, to dig into how hunger’s being tackled with love, trust and respect one neighborhood at a time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everybody ready to play holiday family feud?! There’s just no way around it — holidays with the fam can be overwhelming, unnerving, and sometimes just downright explosive! Why do we go at it with the ones we love and how can we survive the minefield of raw emotions, loose cannons, and inappropriate attitudes? Well, Nikki and Malone are getting professional help on the age-old tradition of walking on holiday eggshells with Associate Professor of Couple & Family Counseling, Dr. Laura Tejada. And our own Dax Jordan and his wife Kristin Wall join the convo, too, for a wild ride through their own holiday hoopla. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve got the meats! Don’t look now, but your favorite burger, steak, turkey dinner, and fried chicken are poised to go full-on sci-fi in the not-so-distant future. Lab grown meat is coming for you, carnivores. But are you ready for it? Nikki and Malone investigate the pros, the cons, and the sorta creepy possibilities with reporter Joe Fassler and UC Davis biotech researcher Dr. Denneal Jamison-McClung. Is lab grown meat really the future of what's for dinner? Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or wherever you listen. You can listen ad-free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wait! Surviving doomsday isn’t just about hoarding toilet paper?! The practice of prepping for disasters is a real thing. And that fellow shopper with a cart full of water, batteries, and canned food? Well, they could be a prepper! Even if they're not the stereotypical macho dude who wants "The Walking Dead" to be non-fiction. So with everything going on in the world right now, it's a great time for Nikki and Malone to talk to author Diane Vukovic about safe and sane prep for the next big emergency. Are you prepared to survive the Apocalypse? Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or wherever you listen. You can listen ad-free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So what are you gonna be for Halloween? For adults in the not-too-distant past, the answer was easy: Nothing! But wow have things changed, right? Grade-schoolers trick-or-treating in rubber masks and homemade costumes are being replaced by grown-ups getting their full Halloween on! Well, Nikki and Malone have noticed. So they’re asking sociology professor Linus Owens (who’s currently working on a book on the cultural history of Halloween!) and Goth comedian & Halloween expert Virginia Jones to scare up an answer to the creepy question: Is Halloween for kids anymore? Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or wherever you listen. You can listen ad-free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Creaks, moans, and eerie shivers down your spine keeping you up? With Halloween coming fast, it’s the perfect time to reconsider whether “the house is settling” — or if the neighbors are at it again. Just maybe there's something truly spooooooky afoot. That’s why Nikki and Malone are talking to a couple with a real-life ghost story to tell. And they’ll try to get to the bottom of it all with renown paranormal investigator and former star of TV’s “Ghost Stalkers,” John E.L. Tenney. So, are we all living with ghosts? Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or wherever you listen. You can listen ad-free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nikki gets to the bottom of the age-old question about whether particular foods can actually stimulate our sexual desire. Her friend Mr. Malone joins her on the mission. When some people on the street can’t offer a satisfying answer, Nikki and Malone turn to an expert. (ENCORE) Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or wherever you listen. You can listen ad-free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a new number in town! One that’s so needed, and so ready to be there for us when we need it most. It’s 9-8-8. The brand new nationwide hotline number for those in emergency mental health crisis. Just three simple numbers are the lifeline you won’t forget – and that won’t forget you. On this episode of Call Me Curious, Nikki and Malone talk to Chief Officer of the new 988 Lifeline, Dr. John Draper, and mental health activist Dior Vargas about the hardships of mental health crisis, the power of crisis support, and the creation of a brand new way to make a healthy connection day or night. Let’s get the 4-1-1 on 9-8-8! New episodes come out every Thursday. Call Me Curious is available now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify or wherever you listen. You can listen ad-free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.