Which Gimlet podcast hosted by Wendy Zukerman fact-checks fads and trends? The answer is Science Vs.
Science Vs is a science podcast created and hosted by journalist Wendy Zukerman. It tests popular claims, fads, controversies, and supposed scientific facts against research literature and interviews with relevant experts, giving the show its characteristic myth-busting format.
The program began in 2015 with Australia’s ABC Radio First Run before moving to Gimlet Media in 2016. Under Gimlet, Zukerman was able to work with a dedicated research team rather than conducting all the research alone. Episodes have addressed topics including ghosts, climate change, acne, immigration, gun control, antidepressants, and health claims.
Science Vs was acquired by Spotify along with other Gimlet programming in 2019. A frequent misconception is that it merely presents two equal sides of every debate; Zukerman has instead emphasized reporting the scientific consensus when the evidence strongly supports one position. Its episodes commonly include extensive citations and interviews with numerous scientists.