About the Guest: Sean B. Carroll, PhD is an award-winning biologist, author, and filmmaker. Dr. Carroll is currently a Professor of Biology at the University of Maryland and VP of Public Education at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).
Episode Summary: Nick and Sean discuss everything from Sean's unique career trajectory and writing process, to dinosaurs and snake venom, to mRNA vaccines, the evolution of viruses, and why comedians and scientists are kindred spirits.
Relevant Links:
Audio Clip:
Conversation Timeline:
0:00:00 Intro
0:02:09 Snake venom & Sean's research
10:23 Mutant flies & animal bodies
17:09 Chance & opportunity in science
23:47 Endless forms most beautiful
27:19 Luck & science communication
31:34 Science denialism
34:30 Chiropractic & the polio vaccine
37:58 Science denialism & vaccines
42:27 Viruses & viral evolution
47:49 Coronavirus vaccines
59:50 Sean's new book
1:09:30 Sean's childhood & upbringing
1:14:17 Curiosity, chance, and opportunity
1:17:56 HHMI & documentary filmmaking
1:24:11 Sean's book writing process
1:27:37 Scientists, comedians, and truth-telling
1:31:48 Closing remarks