Polymath World Channel
Science & Ideas
About
Join us on our quest for the extraordinary! Sam McKee (@polymath_sam) has 9 university qualifications across 4 subjects including doctorates in history and philosophy of science and molecular biology. He researches both at two British universities and contributes to both space science and cancer research. Meet fellow polymaths and discipline leaders working on the frontiers of research from all over the world. Be inspired to pursue knowledge and drive the world forwards. Watch and share interviews with professors, lecturers, researchers, engineers, scientists and astronauts, right here! We talk to the most extraordinary people working on the frontiers for humanity, driving research forwards and changing the world that we live in. We dive deep with thinkers, academics and true icons - many of whom you won't yet have heard of. Listen to us here and on podcast whilst you drive, exercise, do chores, and be inspired to pursue extraordinary in your own life. www.sam-mckee.co.uk
Episodes
- Polymath World # Episode 52 - Samantha Tauber
Samantha Tauber, creator of VNCCII and the Galacta.i.ssance Movement, discusses her work. Her book, VNNCCII: The Awakening of a Divine Warrior, is part of a galactic library project to be sent to the Moon aboard NASA's Astrobotics mission.
- Polymath World # Episode 51 - Dr John Nelson
In this episode of Polymath World Channel, Dr. John Nelson, a theologian, discusses the absence of a physical description of Jesus in the New Testament and early Christian literature. He shares insights from his academic research and invol…
- Polymath World # Episode 50 - The Mars Society UK
This episode features a discussion with members of The Mars Society UK about Mars exploration. The conversation covers various aspects of Mars, including rocket science, engineering, robotics, and biology.
- Polymath World # Episode 49 - Dr Mirjam Schilling
Dr. Mirjam Schilling, a virologist and research fellow at Oxford University, is featured on Polymath World to discuss her research on the arbovirus family and the impact of viruses on health. She also discusses science communication and he…
- Polymath World # Episode 48 - Melody Safavizdeh
Melody Safavizadeh, who has held leadership roles at NASA JPL on missions such as Mars 2020 and Psyche, is featured in this episode. She discusses her background in systems integration, electrical engineering, and spacecraft operations, an…
- Polymath World # Episode 47 - Darwin Day 2026 Lecture
This episode presents the Darwin Day 2026 Lecture, focusing on "The Genomics Revolution in Evolution." The lecture discusses how genomics has transformed the understanding of evolution and highlights the revolutionary advancements in life…
- Polymath World # Episode 46 - Dr Denis Alexander
Dr. Denis Alexander, a molecular immunologist and former director of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, is featured on this episode of Polymath World. He discusses his extensive background in biochemistry, neurochemistry, and…
- Polymath World # Episode 45 - Dr Joshua Sijuwade
Dr. Joshua Sijuwade, a Teaching Fellow in Philosophy of Religion at the University of Birmingham, is featured in this episode. His research interests include the philosophy of religion, analytic theology, and metaphysics.
- Polymath World # Episode 44 - Professor Keith Fox
Professor Keith Fox, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at Southampton University, discusses DNA structure, recognition, bioethics, and genome modification. His work has been published in over 200 papers and articles, and he co-authored "M…
- Polymath World # Episode 43 - Dr Helen Sharman
Dr. Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, discusses her historic 1991 mission to the Mir space station. She also shares details about her career as a research scientist, her current role as a science communicator for Imperial College…
- Polymath World # Episode 42 - Dr Kim Holland
Dr. Kim Holland, a research professor at the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, discusses his work on sharks. His research focuses on the behavior, physiology, and ecology of sharks and other marine species, utilizing tagging and trackin…
- Polymath World # Episode 41 - Dr Nick Spencer
Dr. Nick Spencer, author of "Magisteria," is featured in this episode. He is a visiting research fellow at Goldsmiths, University of London, and discusses the history of science and religion.
- Polymath World # Episode 40 - Dr Julian Baggini
This episode features Dr. Julian Baggini, a philosopher, journalist, and author of over 20 books on philosophy. He is also the co-founder of The Philosophers' Magazine.
- Polymath World # Episode 39 - Howard and Michele Hall
Howard and Michele Hall, known for their underwater photography and filmmaking, discuss their experiences filming whales and other marine life. They have produced numerous award-winning IMAX films focused on marine conservation.
- Polymath World # Episode 38 - Dr Philip Goff
Dr. Philip Goff, a philosopher at the University of Durham, discusses panpsychism and the role of mind and consciousness in the universe. He also shares his perspective on Christianity and the problem of evil, and details his personal jour…
- Polymath World # Episode 37 - Professor Simon Mitton
This episode features Professor Simon Mitton, a fellow of three Royal Societies and Life Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge University. He discusses his career in astronomy, his work alongside Sir Fred Hoyle and Stephen Hawking, and…
- Polymath World # Episode 36 - Professor Bob White FRS
Professor Bob White FRS, an Emeritus Professor of Geophysics at Cambridge University and Fellow of the Royal Society, shares his insights on researching Earth's dynamic crust, volcanic rock formation, and molten rock movement under volcano…
- Polymath World # Episode 35 - Dr Tiffany Vora
This episode features Dr. Tiffany Vora, a synthetic biologist and space scientist. She discusses synthetic biology, including genomics, systems biology, computational biology, and genetic engineering, in the context of human life on Mars a…
- Polymath World # Episode 34 - Roundtable: Philosophy - Simone Weil
Dr. Chris Thomas and Dr. Alex Carter discuss the philosopher Simone Weil. The conversation covers her thought, writings, and legacy in philosophy, including her impact on philosophy of religion, feminist philosophy, and political philosoph…
- Polymath World # Episode 33 - Dr Gillian Straine
Dr. Gillian Straine, who has a PhD in atmospheric physics, discusses her journey into theology after experiencing lymphatic cancer. She now runs a health and wellbeing charity and has authored two books on cancer recovery and the intersect…
- Polymath World # Episode 32 - Dr Amna Whiston
In this episode, Dr. Amna Whiston, a philosopher specializing in moral philosophy and philosophy of mind, shares her expertise. She teaches at Oxford University and Cambridge University's continuing education.
- Polymath World # Episode 31 - Prof William Lane Craig
Professor William Lane Craig is featured on Polymath World Channel, discussing his academic journey. He holds doctorates in philosophy of religion and theology and is known for his work on the Kalam Cosmological Argument.
- Polymath World # Episode 30 - Dr Julie Keeble
Dr Julie Keeble, a senior lecturer in pharmacology at Kings College London, discusses her work in pharmacology and space science. She has sent over 30 experiments to space and researches topics like capsaicin, the element in chillies.
- Polymath World # Episode 29 - Dr Lawrence Krauss
Dr. Lawrence Krauss, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist, discusses his research, the Origins Project, and the importance of science. He also shares his admiration for Richard Feynman.
- Mars Society Conference 2025 at USC
This episode covers a lecture from the Mars Society Conference 2025 at USC, focusing on DNA repair in space. The discussion addresses the challenges of DNA double strand breaks due to space radiation and the implications for astronaut surv…
- Polymath World # Episode 28 - Ricky Arnold
This episode features an interview with NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold. He shares his experiences from 210 days and 5 spacewalks across two missions, including his time on the International Space Station.
- Polymath World # Episode 27 - PROFESSOR KENNETH MILLER
Professor Kenneth Miller, a biologist at Brown University, discusses cell and molecular biology and his involvement in the Dover vs. Kitzmiller Trial concerning "Intelligent Design" creationism.
- Polymath World # Episode 26 - DR ANKE ARENTSEN-ARDERN
Dr. Anke Arentsen-Ardern, an observational astronomer, discusses galactic archaeology. She works on the formation and evolution of the Milky Way and properties of old stellar populations.
- REACTING TO CANDACE OWENS: ARE DINOSAURS FAKE?
This episode of Polymath World Channel reacts to Candace Owens' belief that dinosaurs are fake. The discussion explores the reasons and implications of such claims and the denial of scientific evidence.
- Polymath World # Episode 25 - DR MEGANNE CHRISTIAN
Dr. Meganne Christian, an ESA astronaut, is featured on Polymath World. She discusses her background in industrial chemistry, her research in Antarctica, and her work with the UK Space Agency. Christian also speaks about her involvement wi…
- REACTION TO MOON LANDING DENIER "Candace Owens doesn't believe we landed on the Moon"
This episode from Polymath World Channel discusses a reaction to claims made by Candace Owens regarding the Moon landing. The host addresses the topic of Moon landing denial and the significance of the Apollo missions.
- Polymath World # Episode 24 - Dr Zachary Ardern
Dr Zachary Ardern, an evolutionary geneticist, discusses his work on the evolution and functions of young genes in pathogenic bacteria and viruses. This work informs research on human disease, antimicrobial resistance, and the development…
- REACTING TO CREATIONIST PSEUDOSCIENCE - This time I lost my cool...
This episode features a reaction to a creationist pseudoscience video. The host discusses the misinformation, factual errors, and disrespect for science present in the video. The Polymath World Channel presents interviews with researchers…
- Polymath World # Episode 23 - Dr Kat Arney
Dr. Kat Arney, a geneticist and science communicator, discusses how she communicates complex scientific problems in a simple manner. She talks about the challenges of curing cancer in humans, and topics like genetics, genomics, and persona…
- Reaction to “Why Evolution Is FALSE”
This episode of Polymath World Channel reacts to a video from Answers In Genesis (Canada) that argues against evolution. The host discusses the video\
- Polymath World # Episode 22 - Dr Sam Gregson
Polymath World Episode 22 features Dr. Sam Gregson, a particle physicist and science communicator. He shares his experiences from working at CERN and his journey into science communication as the "Bad Boy of Science."
- Polymath World # Episode 21 - Dr Max Baker-Hytch
Dr. Max Baker-Hytch, a Senior Tutor in philosophy at Oxford University, specializes in epistemology and philosophy of religion. He is the author of "God and the Problem of Evidential Ambiguity" and has published numerous research articles…
- Reaction to Creationist Pseudoscience: "Evolution is a Fact - Debunked"
This episode responds to a video by Reasons For Hope, analyzing its scientific claims. The host shares research and observations on creationist pseudoscience.
- Polymath World # Episode 20 - BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY
This episode features an interview with Alistair Scott, former president of the British Interplanetary Society. He discusses the history and work of this space advocacy group, including its early discussions of moon landings and its contin…
- Polymath World # Episode 19 - Dr Lindsey Compton
Dr. Lindsey Compton, an associate professor of genetics at the University of Birmingham, researches plant genetics using potatoes as a model organism. Her work aims to tackle world hunger and malnutrition through efficient genetic research…
- Polymath World # Episode 18 - Dr Peter Swan
Dr. Peter Swan, Chief Architect of the Space Elevator Consortium, discusses the concept of space elevators. He shares his research on easier access to orbit and details the feasibility and execution of space elevators.
- Polymath World # Episode 17 - Chris Sembroski
Chris Sembroski, an astronaut on the Inspiration4 mission, discusses his journey on the first all-civilian spaceflight and his work as an engineer for Blue Origin. He also lectures in aviation and engages in science communication, advocati…
- REACTING TO CREATIONIST PSEUDOSCIENCE: "Frank Turek Unpacks the 4 BEST Arguments Against Evolution"
This episode from Polymath World Channel reacts to Frank Turek's arguments against evolution. The host analyzes Turek's claims about Intelligent Design Creationism.
- Polymath World # Episode 16 - Professor Paul Heslop
Professor Paul Heslop, a mathematical physicist at Durham University, is interviewed. He discusses his research in areas such as supersymmetric field theory, supergravity, scattering amplitudes, and AdS/CFT, along with unified theories and…
- Reaction to Creationist Pseudoscience: "Go Where The Evidence Leads"
This episode reacts to intelligent design creationism. It discusses claims made by Christian apologist Tim Barnett and Stand To Reason.
- Polymath World # Episode 15 - Lieutenant Colonel Charles Gemar
This episode features an interview with Lieutenant Colonel Charles Gemar, a former NASA astronaut. He shares details about his three Space Shuttle missions: STS-38, STS-48, and STS-62, as well as his career before and after NASA.
- Polymath World # Episode 14 - Professor Simon Walker-Samuel
Professor Simon Walker-Samuel, Professor of Biophysics at UCL, discusses his work in biophysics and the development of virtual tissue models of disease. His research combines biomedical imaging, computational modelling, and machine learnin…
- POLYMATH WORLD ROUNDTABLE CHAT: EVOLUTION, CREATIONISM AND INTELLIGENT DESIGN PSEUDOSCIENCE
This Polymath World Roundtable Chat features a discussion on evolutionary biology, creationism, and intelligent design pseudoscience. The conversation explores understanding and accepting evidence for evolution, combating creationism, and…
- Polymath World # Episode 13 - Lord Martin Rees
Lord Martin Rees, a prominent astrophysicist and the 15th Astronomer Royal, discusses high-energy astrophysics, cosmology, and galaxy formation. He has authored popular science books and is associated with Cambridge University and the Inst…
- Polymath World # Episode 12 - Dr Matt Wilkinson
Dr. Matt Wilkinson, a lecturer in evolutionary biology at Cambridge University, discusses the evolution of locomotion and pterosaurs. He is the author of "Restless Creatures" and is passionate about science communication.