Science Friday at the Aspen Ideas Festival

Ira Flatow and the Science Friday staff are headed to Aspen, Colorado, for a live discussion as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival.

Mathematicians Jo Boaler, Jordan Ellenberg, and Steven Strogatz will join Ira for a conversation about all things math, including how it’s taught, and whether learning complex subjects like trigonometry really make a difference in people’s lives.

And science writer Sam Kean talks about the brain injuries that led to some neuroscience breakthroughs. From “HM,” who lost his memory during surgery, to Phineas Gage, whose grisly encounter with a tamping iron put him into high school psychology books, Kean explains how the field of neuroscience emerged from stories of brains gone awry.

Plus, David McCandless, the designer and journalist behind the popular infographics blog Information Is Beautiful, takes us through some of his “best of” science and health graphics. Ever wonder what dietary supplements are backed by hard science? Or exactly what kind of stars populate our galaxy? McCandless shows us how graphics can tell science stories using the “language of the eye.”

Can’t make it to Aspen? Don’t worry! We’ll broadcast the show on July 3rd as part of our regular programming. You can tune in on to your local public radio station. Or, subscribe to our podcast to get the latest SciFri delivered to your phone each week.

Live show date: Tuesday, June 30, 2015