Isn't Life Curious?

Isn't Life Curious? · cacpodcast.com

Isn't Life Curious? is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by scientist and educator Jason Wilson. The show delves into the complexities and wonders of life on Earth through engaging conversations with a diverse range of guests, including critical thinkers, philosophers, comedians, and everyday people. Each episode offers listeners a chance to explore profound questions about our human experience, making it a perfect listen for those who love to ponder the curious nature of life. Tune in to discover new perspectives on what makes life so uniquely fascinating.

139 episodes

2mo ago latest

fortnightly cadence

English language

Explicit rating

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Episodes 139

Your Disposable Vape Pens May Be Leaching Plastic feat. Alex Eckman (2025 ElSohly Award Winner)
2mo ago · 1:00:32
Hey everybody! Welcome back to the Curious About Cannabis series on Isn’t Life Curious? On this episode we connect with Alex Eckman, a scientist and curious mind that inadvertently discovered that disposable vape pens may be leaching substantial amounts of plastics – possibly exposing users to unique health risks that are currently unmonitored in the industry. But don’t fret – there is good news at the end of this story! Along the way we explore Alex’s background, his experience with LSSU’s collegiate cannabis science program, and the unique obstacles and challenges the encountered when naviga
Smelling Mushroom Extracts with Murphy Murri
3mo ago · 1:43:43
In this episode we are joined once again by extraction technologist Murphy Murri – but this time we focus on mushroom extraction and the diversity of extracts that can be obtained from functional mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps, Oyster, Shiitake, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms. We take a look at what some of these extracts look like, how they smell and how they taste while chatting about some of the differences between cannabis and mushroom extraction. Stay tuned for a follow up episode where Murphy Murri and Tess Eidem, PhD will be sharing results from research they have conducted on workplace sa
Where Have I Been? Let’s Talk About It
4mo ago · 46:17
Here’s what I have been up to lately and why you may have a hard time finding me on social media these days. Recently CAC in collaboration with Train with Mary Jane released a first of its kind multi-accredited endocannabinoid science course for sports clinicians! At the end of March I had the opportunity to host the ElSohly Award Symposium at the American Chemical Society Conference in Atlanta. Beyond that I have been teaching Cannabis science and pharmacognosy at Beal University while also helping labs and developing software tools at Tagleaf. I have been busy like usual, but the truth is –
Cannabis Education for Athletic Trainers and Sports Clinicians w/ Elizabeth Thompson PhD & Patrick Neary PhD
7mo ago · 38:46
Accredited cannabis education for athletic trainers and sports clinicians is here! In this episode we drop in with our friends Drs. Elizabeth Thompson and Patrick Neary to get updates on the million dollar NFL-funded cannabinoid research project that they have been working on as well as share an exciting announcement about a collaboration between Curious About Cannabis and Train with Mary Jane to provide accredited cannabis and cannabinoid education to sports clinicians and athletic trainers through a new course available through the Natural Learning Academy. Accredited in both the United Stat
Cannabis Quality, Aroma, and Terpenes – What Do We Really Know? with TJ Martin, Iain Oswald, Kyle Boyar, & Evan Friedmann
1y ago · 42:21
In this episode you’ll get to hear two extended excerpts from a long conversation that myself and several of my Cannabis science colleagues had about Cannabis quality, chemistry, and beyond at the end of the American Chemical Society Spring Conference on March 27th, 2025. The conversation was recorded at Abstrax Headquarters in Irvine, CA with Evan Friedmann, Kyle Boyar, TJ Martin, and Iain Oswald. Catch the rest of the conversation on The Noid Knowledge podcast with Evan Friedman and be on the lookout for the full extended edit whenever we find the time to put it together!
Why Do You Believe What You Believe? with Anthony Magnabosco
1y ago · 1:24:46
How closely have you examined your deeply held beliefs? How confident are you that your beliefs are true? What are the reasons you have that give you your level of confidence in your belief? In this throwback episode we take a critical look at beliefs. Beliefs of all kinds. Belief in God, karma, the law of attraction, ghosts, spirits – anything. In this episode of Isn’t Life Curious? I had the chance to sit down for a conversation with Anthony Magnabosco – a leader in a movement that seeks to critically examine and question deeply held beliefs through repeated non-confrontational questioning k
Restoration Agriculture Beyond Permaculture with Mark Shepard
1y ago · 1:36:48
In this throw back episode from the very beginning of the Isn’t Life Curious? series we join farmer and permaculturist Mark Shepard to discuss practical solutions to surviving and thriving on planet Earth. Mark is the CEO of Forest Agriculture Enterprises LLC, founder of Restoration Agriculture Development LLC and award-winning author of the book, Restoration Agriculture: Real-World Permaculture for Farmers. Mark has also been a farmer member of the Organic Valley cooperative, the worlds largest Organic Farmer’s marketing co-op, since 1995. He is most widely known as the founder of New Forest
Metaphysical Mysteries with Philosopher Neil Manson, PhD
1y ago · 1:20:37
Is life really all that special? Or is it just a happy accident that we are here? Neil Manson, PhD is a philosopher and professor of philosophy specialized in tackling these very questions. An expert on philosophy of science and philosophy of religion, Dr. Manson and I dive down a metaphysical wormhole to explore the ways humans have tried to wrestle with our place in the universe. If there is a multiverse, what does that mean for our traditional concepts of God? If we live in a simulation, then what ethical obligations do I have to you or anyone else? Take a deep breath and let’s have an exis
Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong? (IV) feat. Kyle Boyar
1y ago · 1:18:32
Do we even test for the right things? Now that medical and adult-use cannabis programs have been around for some time, and with them mandated lab testing of products – we have a lot of data that we can begin to review in order to assess how well we are managing the quality of cannabis in the market. In this episode we are joined by microbiologist and analytical technologist Kyle Boyar to confront the idea that there may be some things that regulators require testing for that will almost never show up in a sample, while there are certain toxins that show up more often than we might expect which
Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong? (Part III) feat. Dr. Josh Swider of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs
1y ago · 1:13:39
Continuing our series on the issues facing the Cannabis testing industry, we sit down with Josh Swider of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs to discuss the ways that he and his lab have felt the effects of potency inflation and lab shopping over the past several years. One by one Josh has watched clients disappear after complaints that his THC potency numbers were not high enough compared to his competitors. This is a story all too familiar to most labs that have ever operated in the space. Eventually the requests to boost THC results became much more direct as clients started offering bribes inc
Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong (II) feat. Josh Smith of Therapeutic Health Choice Labs
1y ago · 2:15:12
In this extended 2+ hour episode, Josh Smith of Therapeutic Health Choice, an analytical lab based out of Michigan, takes us on a deep dive into his experiences of Cannabis testing fraud as we explore some potential ways to fix issues like lab shopping and bring scientific integrity back to the cannabis industry. About Josh: Josh Smith is a seasoned biotech executive with a graduate degree in Clinical Microbiology and over 24 years of experience in biotechnology, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical R&D. He has played a key role in pioneering various projects, including founding Premium CBD L
Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong (Part I) with Yasha Kahn of MCR Labs
1y ago · 1:15:53
This is the first of a series of conversations with lab owners and industry experts revolving around the topic of fraud, mismanagement, and poor regulations facing Cannabis testing labs. With issues ranging from THC potency inflation, under-reporting of contaminants, perverse incentive structures promoted by regulations, market manipulation, and more – this series dives deep into a very controversial issue to try to understand the problem at its foundation and find meaningful and practical solutions forward to restore trust and bring greater transparency to the Cannabis industry. Yasha Kahn is
Why Does My Weed Smell Like Cheese? and Other Funky Mysteries with Twinkle Paryani of Abstrax Tech
1y ago · 1:28:35
There is no doubt that when it comes to aroma, the Cannabis plant is LOUD. Depending on the variety, a host of smells can be found in Cannabis ranging from the sweet and floral to the funky, gassy, savory, and beyond. Chemist Twinkle Paryani has been trying to understand the chemistry behind the spectrum of aromas found in Cannabis and recently unearthed some interesting findings. Abstrax Tech: https://abstraxtech.com/ Twinkle’s publication “Nonterpenoid Chemical Diversity of Cannabis Phenotypes Predicts Differentiated Aroma Characteristics“: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.4c03
Comedian Rodney Norman Explores the Mysteries of the Universe
1y ago · 56:07
In this episode of Isn’t Life Curious? we join comedian and social media sensation Rodney Norman to talk about the meaning of life and what exactly he finds so funny about it all. Throughout the conversation we are joined by some of Rodney’s friends including Leonard, the World’s Worst Motivational Speaker, to unpack some of their most profound insights about what it means to be alive. Get ready to discover all the answers you have ever sought about life and the universe! It’s all packaged up for you in this single hour long conversation – available to you for free! (plus shipping and handling
9+ Hour Extraction Deep Dive w/ Murphy Murri (CAC Sessions)
1y ago · 9:12:11
Session Time Stamps 2:17 – Extraction Basics, Hydrocarbon Safety (2019) 1:35:18 – Remediation, CRC, Chromatography (2021) 3:17:16 – State of Industry in 2022, Medusa Stones, Gas Quality 5:40:33 – Lecture: Extraction Fundamentals (2021) 7:38:06 – Lecture: “Liquid Diamonds” and Product Terminology (2024) Turn a long drive or your lab’s downtime into a masterclass in extraction and lab safety with extraction technologist and natural products formulator Murphy Murry in this special 9-hour mega-compilation! CAC Sessions present compilations of conversations with guests through the years of the CAC
Steven Novella MD Provides a Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe
2y ago · 1:23:18
To kick off the new show, I wanted to re-release my conversation with Dr. Steven Novella, most famously known as the producer and host of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Podcast and author of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe book. Dr. Novella is a neurologist and professor at Yale School of Medicine and an advocate of the skepticism movement. In our conversation we talk about the concept of reality vs perception and how to evaluate whether we are in touch with reality or are lost in our own fictions and hallucinations that our brains produce for us so easily. We discuss some of the cog
The CAC Podcast is Now “Isn’t Life Curious?”
2y ago · 3:17
The Curious About Cannabis Podcast is now a show on the Isn’t Life Curious? network. Isn’t Life Curious? continues the curious quest of biologist and science educator Jason Wilson, MS as he delves into the complexities and wonders of life on Earth through engaging conversations with a diverse range of guests, including critical thinkers, philosophers, comedians, and everyday people. Each episode offers listeners a chance to explore profound questions about our human experience, making it a perfect listen for those who love to ponder the curious nature of life.
CBD and the CB1 Receptor: A Look at Allosteric Modulation with Rob Laprairie, PhD + Liz Thompson, MS | #102
2y ago · 55:45
How does CBD affect the CB1 receptor, really? Rob Laprairie is a cannabinoid researcher out of the University of Saskatchewan who was involved in the discovery of CBD’s allosteric binding activity on the CB1 receptor – leading to a host of speculative theories about how CBD influences the activity of THC. In this conversation, continuing our Train with Mary Jane series, we sit down with Rob and discuss his work studying the CB1 receptor to better understand how CBD and “minor” cannabinoids from Cannabis affect the body. Rob helps break down common misunderstandings about CBD’s effects, explain
Hidden Threats: Exploring Viruses and Viroids with IPM Specialist Matthew Gates | #101
2y ago · 1:27:37
In this episode we sit down with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialist Matthew Gates to delve into the often-overlooked world of cannabis viruses and viroids. In this episode, Matthew brings his extensive expertise to the table, shedding light on the insidious pathogens that can silently wreak havoc on cannabis crops. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, understanding the hidden threats posed by viruses and viroids becomes paramount. Matthew explains the various types of viruses and viroids that can affect cannabis plants, their symptoms, and the potential economic impa
Concussions and the Endocannabinoid System with Patrick Neary, PhD and Liz Thompson, PhDc, MSc | #100
2y ago · 1:13:34
Dive into a journey of discovery with our latest episode of the ‘Train With Mary Jane’ mini-series, where we delve deep into the pioneering research funded by the NFL on Cannabis and its potential to revolutionize the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in athletes. This episode welcomes the return of clinical physiologist Liz Thompson and introduces a new, distinguished guest, Dr. Patrick Neary, PhD – a researcher in the realm of kinesiology from the University of Regina, Canada, with a passion for unraveling the mysteries of concussions and TBIs. Join us as we embark on an explorati
BONUS: Will Insurance Companies Ever Cover Cannabis Expenses? with Liz Thompson PhDc, MSc
2y ago · 10:15
After our initial episode concluded with Liz Thompson, we decided we had more to talk about so we hit record! Enjoy this bonus conversation where we explore how Canada handles insurance coverage for Cannabis expenses and what the future of health insurance coverage for Cannabis could look like in Canada and the US.
Train with Mary Jane: Inside the NFL’s Quest to Research Cannabinoids for Athletic Injury with Liz Thompson PhDc, MSc | #99
2y ago · 1:20:30
Elizabeth Thompson is a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan currently working on a project that has started to get international attention – the National Football League’s (NFL) million dollar research project to understand how cannabinoids could impact the health and safety of athletes. In this behind-the-scenes conversation we hear Liz’s story about her personal connection to professional sports, her journey to understand molecular mechanisms of the body, links between the endocannabinoid system and sports injury recovery, and how a moment of inspiration snowballed into the clinical
HHC, THCP, and Beyond with Westley Cruces of Colorado Chromatography
2y ago · 1:03:33
You may have noticed that your local gas station has started selling products marketed like Cannabis products with promises that they are legal ways to get you high without THC. No, we haven’t gone back in time. This isn’t 1999 and no, you’re not reading one of those “legal bud” ads in the back of the High Times magazine. This is 2024 and we are seeing a re-emergence of synthetic cannabinoids, particularly THC analogues, now presumably legal under the guise of the 2018 Farm Bill. Colorado Chromatography is one of the leading labs responsible for producing and studying these new cannabinoids on
Is Acetone Lurking in Your Terpenes? and Other Cannabis Science Musings feat. Jeff Raber, PhD
2y ago · 1:05:43
We kick off 2024 catching up with Dr. Jeff Raber of The Werc Shop to talk about Cannabis quality, Cannabis potency testing fraud, THC inflation, acetone showing up in Cannabis extracts, preparing young scientists for working in the Cannabis industry, the launch of The Werc Shop’s ENTOUR brand and more! How do we fix the lab testing fraud issue in the Cannabis industry? Why is acetone showing up in terpene-rich Cannabis samples? How can young scientists prepare for the brutal realities of working for a startup Cannabis company? We explore these questions and more in this episode of The Curious
Looking Back on Cannabis Research from 2023 | BTS 96
2y ago · 37:22
Welcome back! In this episode we will spend some time diving into some of the top several scientific research articles about Cannabis that got my attention in 2023. Also, don’t forget to sign up for the 2024 Curious About Cannabis Master Class before we fill up! As of now we have 7 spots left before we are all full for the year. Don’t miss your chance to attend one of the most epic and rewarding Cannabis education events of the year! Articles mentioned: Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis – https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.3c04496

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Episodes 139

Your Disposable Vape Pens May Be Leaching Plastic feat. Alex Eckman (2025 ElSohly Award Winner)

Smelling Mushroom Extracts with Murphy Murri

Where Have I Been? Let’s Talk About It

Cannabis Education for Athletic Trainers and Sports Clinicians w/ Elizabeth Thompson PhD & Patrick Neary PhD

Cannabis Quality, Aroma, and Terpenes – What Do We Really Know? with TJ Martin, Iain Oswald, Kyle Boyar, & Evan Friedmann

Why Do You Believe What You Believe? with Anthony Magnabosco

Restoration Agriculture Beyond Permaculture with Mark Shepard

Metaphysical Mysteries with Philosopher Neil Manson, PhD

Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong? (IV) feat. Kyle Boyar

Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong? (Part III) feat. Dr. Josh Swider of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs

Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong (II) feat. Josh Smith of Therapeutic Health Choice Labs

Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong (Part I) with Yasha Kahn of MCR Labs

Why Does My Weed Smell Like Cheese? and Other Funky Mysteries with Twinkle Paryani of Abstrax Tech

Comedian Rodney Norman Explores the Mysteries of the Universe

9+ Hour Extraction Deep Dive w/ Murphy Murri (CAC Sessions)

Steven Novella MD Provides a Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe

The CAC Podcast is Now “Isn’t Life Curious?”

CBD and the CB1 Receptor: A Look at Allosteric Modulation with Rob Laprairie, PhD + Liz Thompson, MS | #102

Hidden Threats: Exploring Viruses and Viroids with IPM Specialist Matthew Gates | #101

Concussions and the Endocannabinoid System with Patrick Neary, PhD and Liz Thompson, PhDc, MSc | #100

BONUS: Will Insurance Companies Ever Cover Cannabis Expenses? with Liz Thompson PhDc, MSc

Train with Mary Jane: Inside the NFL’s Quest to Research Cannabinoids for Athletic Injury with Liz Thompson PhDc, MSc | #99

HHC, THCP, and Beyond with Westley Cruces of Colorado Chromatography

Is Acetone Lurking in Your Terpenes? and Other Cannabis Science Musings feat. Jeff Raber, PhD

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Episodes 139

Your Disposable Vape Pens May Be Leaching Plastic feat. Alex Eckman (2025 ElSohly Award Winner)

Smelling Mushroom Extracts with Murphy Murri

Where Have I Been? Let’s Talk About It

Cannabis Education for Athletic Trainers and Sports Clinicians w/ Elizabeth Thompson PhD & Patrick Neary PhD

Cannabis Quality, Aroma, and Terpenes – What Do We Really Know? with TJ Martin, Iain Oswald, Kyle Boyar, & Evan Friedmann

Why Do You Believe What You Believe? with Anthony Magnabosco

Restoration Agriculture Beyond Permaculture with Mark Shepard

Metaphysical Mysteries with Philosopher Neil Manson, PhD

Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong? (IV) feat. Kyle Boyar

Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong? (Part III) feat. Dr. Josh Swider of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs

Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong (II) feat. Josh Smith of Therapeutic Health Choice Labs

Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong (Part I) with Yasha Kahn of MCR Labs

Why Does My Weed Smell Like Cheese? and Other Funky Mysteries with Twinkle Paryani of Abstrax Tech

Comedian Rodney Norman Explores the Mysteries of the Universe

9+ Hour Extraction Deep Dive w/ Murphy Murri (CAC Sessions)

Steven Novella MD Provides a Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe

The CAC Podcast is Now “Isn’t Life Curious?”

CBD and the CB1 Receptor: A Look at Allosteric Modulation with Rob Laprairie, PhD + Liz Thompson, MS | #102

Hidden Threats: Exploring Viruses and Viroids with IPM Specialist Matthew Gates | #101

Concussions and the Endocannabinoid System with Patrick Neary, PhD and Liz Thompson, PhDc, MSc | #100

BONUS: Will Insurance Companies Ever Cover Cannabis Expenses? with Liz Thompson PhDc, MSc

Train with Mary Jane: Inside the NFL’s Quest to Research Cannabinoids for Athletic Injury with Liz Thompson PhDc, MSc | #99

HHC, THCP, and Beyond with Westley Cruces of Colorado Chromatography

Is Acetone Lurking in Your Terpenes? and Other Cannabis Science Musings feat. Jeff Raber, PhD

Looking Back on Cannabis Research from 2023 | BTS 96