Vaguely Scientific
Science & Ideas
About
Our panelists answer audience-submitted questions that range from the serious to the ridiculous using as much science as they can muster! Hosts Jim, Derek, and a rotating panel use their expertise (or lack thereof) to tackle these questions in a manner that can only be described as "vaguely scientific."
Episodes
- Vaguely Scientific #200: A Look Back
In episode 200 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek are joined by twenty panelists to revisit questions that have been answered over the years, celebrating the 200-episode milestone.
- Vaguely Scientific #199: Let Your Hair Down
This episode of Vaguely Scientific features Jim, Derek, and guest Ben Burns exploring two distinct topics: the biological feasibility of a character like Rapunzel having exceptionally long hair, and the potential for domesticating bears.
- Vaguely Scientific #198: Chugga Choo Choo
In episode 198 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek are joined by guests Justin and Hunter for an April Fools special. They discuss brief questions with minimal scientific explanation and include a segment called Science Fact or Fict…
- Vaguely Scientific #197: Embrace Your Hirsute
In episode 197 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek are joined by Dave to discuss erasing memories. They also explore the potential connection between a Saiyan's hair and their power.
- Vaguely Scientific #196: Different Sounds for Different Creatures
In episode 196 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and Aly explore the concept of sound, including the hypothetical scenario of a tree falling in an empty forest. They also touch upon differing personal preferences for various subjects.
- Vaguely Scientific #195: 300,000 Hamster Hours
On Vaguely Scientific #195, Jim, Derek, and Andy engage in a thought experiment about which animal would win in a fight. They also perform calculations to determine the amount of electricity that could be generated using 300,000 hamster ho…
- Vaguely Scientific #194: Cool Is Just Stuck
In episode #194 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek, along with guest Mark, examine the effectiveness of roundabouts compared to traditional intersections. The panel also delves into the linguistic persistence of the word 'cool'.
- Vaguely Scientific #193: Going Through Bird Town
In episode 193 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and guest Sydney explore a hypothetical scenario about birds causing power outages and discuss the possibility of creating honey without bees.
- Vaguely Scientific #192: Time for Waterworld Again
Jim, Derek, and Brian discuss potential changes to Earth's land and water ratios. They also explore the Fountain of Youth and its potential side effects.
- Vaguely Scientific #191: Liquid Nitrogen Would Kill Mr. Fantastic
In episode 191 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek, with guest Jeremiah, explore the mythical gremlins
- Vaguely Scientific #190: Sympathy for the Grinch
This holiday episode of Vaguely Scientific features Jim, Derek, and Joe discussing the Grinch's change in character and exploring ideas for updating Santa Claus's transportation methods.
- Vaguely Scientific #189: Sleeping on a Sheep Lung
The podcast episode features Jim, Derek, and Joel discussing ineffective remedies for insomnia and debating the feasibility of a masked vigilante protecting their secret identity.
- Vaguely Scientific #188: A Good Ghost Host
Jim, Derek, and Anne discuss which appliances would be obnoxious if a ghost inhabited them. They also consider if an entire species could be erased from the fossil record.
- Vaguely Scientific #187: Super Saiyan God Particle
Jim, Derek, and Dac explore the physics behind Dragonball Z energy beams and consider how well they could hide a paperclip from a detective over a week.
- Vaguely Scientific #186: Vaguely Spooky 8 - Dreamscapes
Jim and Derek, joined by Mark and Spooky Dave, explore hypothetical Freddy Krueger kills and the difficulty of eliminating slashers. The panel also shares their preferences for scary media.
- Vaguely Scientific #185: A Parade on Aircraft Carriers
In this episode of Vaguely Scientific, Jim and Derek are joined by Chris to discuss using weapons of mass destruction for planetary terraforming and the feasibility of building a bridge across an ocean.
- Vaguely Scientific #184: Wood Isn't Brave Enough
In episode #184, Vaguely Scientific features Jim, Derek, and Jonathan discussing the thermal properties of wood and the hypothetical pain experienced by invulnerable individuals.
- Vaguely Scientific #183: A Labyrinth with Sticky Walls
Jim, Derek, Justin, and Aly discuss the concept of a separate internet and explore using modern technology to make labyrinths more effective traps.
- Vaguely Scientific #182: Turn Down the Brightness of Your Moon
Jim, Derek, and Hunter discuss the challenges of taking clear photos of the moon. The episode also delves into unusual approaches to generating electricity.
- Vaguely Scientific #181: Solid, Liquid, and Gas Consonants
In episode 181 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and guest Mark debate whether the letter R is a vowel and consider different options for pirate limb replacements.
- Vaguely Scientific #180: Sonic Breathes Carbon Monoxide
In episode 180 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and Joe explore Moon landing conspiracy theories and consider if Sonic the Hedgehog could breathe underwater via bubbles.
- Vaguely Scientific #179: We're All Connected to Moose
This episode of Vaguely Scientific features Jim, Derek, and Aly discussing the scientific basis of Spider-Man's Spider Sense. They also explore real-world animals that have not yet been featured as Pokémon characters.
- Vaguely Scientific #178: No Pizza to Yes Pizza in 30 Seconds
This episode of Vaguely Scientific features Jim, Derek, and Catherine discussing the origins and meaning of the 'nine lives' myth for cats. They also explore the unique taste of microwaved food.
- Vaguely Scientific #177: Maine, Are You Okay Up There?
On Vaguely Scientific #177, Jim, Derek, and guest Ryan discuss fictional towns they would not want to live in. They also explore the in-game mechanic of Mario dying when the timer expires.
- Vaguely Scientific #176: A Violent Rebellion Against the Lions
In episode #176 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek, along with guest Big A, discuss determining a new 'king of the jungle' and explore strategies for becoming proficient at rock paper scissors in anticipation of an upcoming tournam…
- Vaguely Scientific #175: No Toe Stub Lad
Jim, Derek, and Dave discuss whether mermaids lay eggs or give live birth, and consider what F-tier superpowers might be.
- Vaguely Extra #13: Old Timey Outtakes
Vaguely Extra #13 presents outtakes that are three years old. These segments were recorded between episodes 92 and 104 and are presented for entertainment.
- Vaguely Scientific #174: That's Thermodynamics, Baby
In episode #174 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and guest Jeremiah explore the concepts behind walking on lava and the challenges of establishing a sealed, plant-based environment for perpetual living.
- Vaguely Scientific #173: We're Not Gonna Say No to a Lightsaber
Jim, Derek, and Joel consider which fictional tools or weapons they would choose to possess. They also explore whether intelligent zombies would pose a greater or lesser threat compared to regular zombies.
- Vaguely Scientific #172: Fire Hates Rabbits
Jim, Derek, and Sydney discuss why campfire smoke seems to follow people and explore the hypothetical concept of OSHA regulations in a world with superheroes.
- Vaguely Scientific #171: She's Right, But WHAT?
Jim, Derek, and Justin host Vaguely Scientific's 2025 April Fools Extravaganza, answering listener questions, playing Science Fact and Fiction, and reading spam.
- Vaguely Scientific #170: Save It for Later
In episode 170 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and guest Sierra discuss items to include in a time capsule. They also explore why people are unsettled by hearing their own voice played back through a headset.
- Vaguely Scientific #169: The Glasserole
Jim and Derek, joined by Anne, explore the feasibility of creating Captain America. They also consider which three scientists they would choose to meet and what they would serve them, while pondering how truly terrible a scientist can be.
- Vaguely Scientific #168: Spooky Gravity
Jim, Derek, and Brian discuss if ghosts could use human elevators and explore how cell phones might alter movie narratives.
- Vaguely Scientific #167: A Less Pleasant Way to Decelerate
In episode #167 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and Jonathan explore the potential consequences of falling to the ground in an indestructible case. They also examine the concept of a perpetual motion machine.
- Vaguely Scientific #166: 30 Horses on Individual Hamster Wheels
In episode #166 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and guest Mark discuss the appeal of rhymes. They also explore a thought experiment about using a large number of horses to power a carriage.
- Vaguely Scientific #165: Arizona Is a Real Place That Still Exists
In episode 165 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and Chris discuss the concept of Merlin living his life in reverse and explore reasons why people choose to live in cold climates.
- Vaguely Scientific #164: The Jolly Prometheus
Jim, Derek, and Joe discuss the possibility of Frosties variations, the feasibility of living in a gingerbread house, and which obscure media could become Hallmark ornaments.
- Vaguely Scientific #163: Peppers Are Berries
In episode #163 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek, with guest Aly, delve into the classifications of foods like tomatoes and mushrooms, exploring how definitions can be flexible. The episode also touches upon notable symbiotic rel…
- Vaguely Scientific #162: Where in the Toy Is the Soul?
In episode #162, Jim, Derek, and Dac explore the physics of how Katamari balls collect objects in the game Katamari Damacy. The discussion also touches on the societal dynamics of toys as depicted in Toy Story.
- Vaguely Scientific #161: A Living Creature That Will Swallow Your Mail
In episode 161 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek are joined by Big A to explore hypothetical scenarios. The discussion covers what life might be like with perfect memory and considers the possibility of using animals, similar to T…
- Vaguely Scientific #160: Vaguely Spooky 7 - Spooky Scary Skeletons
In this Halloween episode of Vaguely Scientific, the panel explores methods for inducing white hair through fear, investigates the mechanics of skeleton movement without muscles, and offers advice on candy distribution for trick-or-treater…
- Vaguely Scientific #159: Hibernation Grime
Jim, Derek, and Catherine explore sleep patterns, addressing why individuals are often awake at bedtime and sleepy in the afternoon. They also consider how human life might change if hibernation were possible.
- Vaguely Scientific #158: Heat Lightning Is Passive Aggressive
Jim, Derek, Aly, and Justin discuss a hypothetical world where human moods affect the weather, and consider potential field trip destinations with Ms. Frizzle.
- Vaguely Scientific #157: Destroying the Food Industry
Jim, Derek, and Joel discuss the character Krang from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Daleks from Doctor Who. They also explore a hypothetical scenario: would we rather never have to sleep again or never have to eat again?
- Vaguely Scientific #156: The Thumb Wars Meta
In episode #156 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and Sydney explore a hypothetical scenario of humans having only thumbs for hands. The discussion then shifts to the Animal Olympics, with the panelists debating which animals would compet…
- Vaguely Scientific #155: Why Dog?
In episode #155 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek, with guest Anne, explore the topic of animal communication and debate the objective best piece of playground equipment.
- Vaguely Scientific #154: Saturn and the Secret Rings
In episode 154 of Vaguely Scientific, hosts Jim and Derek, joined by guest Mark, discuss Saturn's rings. They also explore the challenge of searching through print books, comparing it to using Ctrl+F.
- Vaguely Scientific #153: Side Effects Include
In episode 153, titled "Side Effects Include," hosts Jim and Derek are joined by Chris. The discussion covers identifying dangerous near-Earth asteroids and the concept of translating video game stat buffs to the real world.
- Vaguely Scientific #152: Plantimals
In episode 152 of Vaguely Scientific, Jim, Derek, and Sierra explore the question "how a raven is like a writing desk," finding surprising similarities. They also contemplate a world where humans possess the ability to photosynthesize.