The Really Big Questions (TRBQ)

TRBQ explores questions that intrigue both scientists and philosophers — questions about what makes us human. Veteran public radio journalist and curious guy Dean Olsher asks the questions.

We are all dead stars

May 20, 2014Environment

The universe would be filled with nothing but hydrogen if not for the death of stars. Check out this video from PRI’s The Really Big Questions. The universe would be filled with nothing but hydrogen if not for the death of stars. Check out this video from PRI’s The Really Big Questions.

Welsh conductor Grant Llewellyn conducts an orchestra in 2007.

There’s a reason why great music can give you a ‘skin orgasm’ — chills down your spine

April 11, 2014Environment

Want to send a ‘rational’ valentine to that special, pragmatic someone?

February 12, 2014Lifestyle & Belief

Scientists say they’ve found romantic love, in brain scans

February 2, 2014Lifestyle & Belief

TRBQexplores questions that intrigue both scientists and philosophers — questions about what makes us human. The project is a collaboration between Peabody Award-winning SoundVision Productions, The Exploratorium in San Francisco and Public Radio International. TRBQ specials air on public radio stations around the country. Veteran public radio journalist and curious guy Dean Olsher asks the questions.What is This Thing Called Love? We’ll ponder the why behind humans’ drive to pair up. Why do human beings feel romantic love? What happens to the brains of people who are in love? How can scientifically studying love help us navigate our relationships?Why Do We Share? Why don’t we share? What drives us to be greedy one day and giving the next? We’ll look at the research in psychology, economics, neuroscience, and anthropology as we explore the mysteries of cooperation, resource allocation and collaborative problem solving.Why Does Music Move Us? Music can make us run faster, learn better, buy more, recover from surgery sooner, even live longer. Music exists in every culture. Does that mean it offers an evolutionary advantage? We’ll delve deeper into what music can teach us about the human brain.What is a Good Death? Many Americans are trying to take control of their deaths, creating advance directives and asking for “green burials,” but strong forces exist to countermand their wishes. Most of us say we want to die at home, or in hospice, but the number of Americans dying in intensive care units continues to rise. Why don’t we get the death we hope for?What’s Your Story? Why do stories have such a powerful influence on our beliefs and our behavior? Research confirms that our minds depend on story as the main roadmap for comprehending, deciphering, recalling and organizing our lives. But our drive to create a coherent story can come at the expense of accuracy. If some of our stories about ourselves are not true, what can we believe?TRBQ includes radio specials, podcasts, museum exhibits and public events.