Curiosity Theory

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer talk openly about the challenges men face when it comes to mental health. 

A lot of conversations about men’s mental health swing between two extremes. One says toughness is all you need. The other says toughness is the problem. The truth is more complex than that, because men are more complex than that. In this episode we explore building a real toolkit: disc...

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer sit down with Maynard Okereke (aka @hiphopmd) to talk about what it means to lead with curiosity in a world full of noise and how to leverage ambition and drive without burning out.

From fighting misinformation to raising curious kids, this episode explores how science, skepticism, and storytelling come together. 

🎙 Hosted by:
 Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@Dr.Stark...

Why does astrology still hold so much power in the age of science?

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@Dr.Starkid) and Justin Shaifer (@Mr.Fascinate) break down the surprising psychological and cultural forces behind astrology’s popularity. They unpack how it differs from astronomy, how belief systems spread through algorithms, and what science communicators can do to meet people where they are without compromis...

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer open up about what happens when your curiosity fades — and how to get it back.

They reflect on burnout, rediscovery, and why staying curious is more than a mindset. It’s a survival strategy. From childhood documentaries to academic setbacks, this episode is packed with real talk, personal stories, and unexpected laughs.

If you’ve ever felt lost, uninspired, or ...

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer go deep into the science (and speculation) of alien life.

They break down how we search for exoplanets, what biosignatures NASA is actually looking for, and why life doesn’t need to look anything like what we expect.

From Venus to Alpha Centauri to unknown surprises, this episode is for anyone who’s ever looked up and wondered: are we the only ones out here?

🎙 ...

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer break down the science of thinking clearly — especially in an online world full of misinformation, pseudoscience, and expert denialism.

They talk about how to spot bad logic, why expertise is under attack, and how to stay grounded when even basic truths are constantly questioned.

🎙 Hosted by:
 Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@Dr.Starkid)
 Justin Shaifer (@Mr.Fascin...

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer break down the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence.

From the tension between hype and reality to expert disagreements and a little solar physics just because, this is an honest, nuanced, and human conversation about a technology shaping everything.

*In this episode Dakotah said there were 1 million automobile accident deaths in the US annually, but...

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer sit down with comedian Manny (@delamomanny) to talk about identity, creativity, and how much (or how little) people really change over time.

They dig into ambition, self-esteem, neurodivergence, streaming culture, and the challenge of balancing hustle with staying grounded.

🎙 Hosted by:
 Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@dr.starkid)
 Justin Shaifer (@mr.fascinate)

👤 Gue...

In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer are joined by Ashley Christine — better known online as @modernday_eratosthenes — to unpack the challenge of staying true in a world made for noise.

We discuss vulnerability in writing, the tension between internet freedom and regulation, voter confusion, and the art of grabbing attention with meaning.

🎙 Hosted by:
 Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@starkidphd)
 Justin ...

n this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler (@starkidphd) and Justin Shaifer (@mr.fascinate) are joined by comedian and content creator Jazmyn W (@jazmynw) to explore how comedy, creativity, and chaos intersect in the digital age.

We talk about pre-show rituals, growing an audience online, navigating perception, and how to stay authentic when you're constantly being watched.

It’s funny, thoughtful, and real — and it pu...

Welcome to the very first episode of Curiosity Theory — where we explore the questions that drive us and the stories that shape us.

In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Dakotah Tyler (astrophysicist & former D1 football player) and Justin Shaifer (science communicator & media producer) kick things off with a raw and real conversation about how curiosity has changed their lives.

We talk about:

The spark t...

Curiosity Theory is built on the belief that curiosity isn’t just a personality trait. It’s a vital human force. In ancient times, it helped us survive. Today, it helps us stay engaged, connected, and sane in a world that often numbs us out.

We see curiosity as a muscle. When we train it—through science, ideas, stories, and questions—we grow. When we ignore it, we drift into apathy and disconnection.

This podcast ...