Could Humans Become Nocturnal?

07/20/21 • 42 min

Today’s episode is about a future where humans get weird with sleep. First, what if we tried to take shifts all day, every day? Second, what if we tried to become nocturnal?

Guests:

Dr. Matthew Wolf-Meyer, an associate professor of anthropology at Binghamton University and author of The Slumbering Masses: Sleep, Medicine, and Modern American Life.
Sarah Kaplan, a science reporter at the Washington Post who’s worked the night shift.
Dr. Bala Koritala, a researcher at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Alexandra Mariani, a listener who works the night shift at a hospital.
Kelton Minor, a PhD student at the University of Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science.
Dr. Kaitlyn Gaynor, a researcher at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis.

Voice Actors:

→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Matt Lubchansky.

Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]

Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox

Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:

REALM: Part podcast studio, part magical refuge. One of their most recent series is Spider King. After taking the rap for a crime he didn’t commit, an incarcerated Black man makes a dangerous bargain to earn his freedom. For fans of Jordan Peele and Lovecraft Country, this poignant and intimate body-horror narrative eviscerates the prison industrial complex while exploring the traumas that arise as a result of it.
Shaker & Spoon: A subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/ffwd.
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Today’s episode is about a future where humans get weird with sleep. First, what if we tried to take shifts all day, every day? Second, what if we tried to become nocturnal?

Guests:

Dr. Matthew Wolf-Meyer, an associate professor of anthropology at Binghamton University and author of The Slumbering Masses: Sleep, Medicine, and Modern American Life.
Sarah Kaplan, a science reporter at the Washington Post who’s worked the night shift.
Dr. Bala Koritala, a researcher at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Alexandra Mariani, a listener who works the night shift at a hospital.
Kelton Minor, a PhD student at the University of Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science.
Dr. Kaitlyn Gaynor, a researcher at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis.

Voice Actors:

→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Matt Lubchansky.

Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]

Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox

Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:

REALM: Part podcast studio, part magical refuge. One of their most recent series is Spider King. After taking the rap for a crime he didn’t commit, an incarcerated Black man makes a dangerous bargain to earn his freedom. For fans of Jordan Peele and Lovecraft Country, this poignant and intimate body-horror narrative eviscerates the prison industrial complex while exploring the traumas that arise as a result of it.
Shaker & Spoon: A subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/ffwd.
Tab for a Cause: A browser extension that lets you raise money for charity while doing your thing online. Whenever you open a new tab, you’ll see a beautiful photo and a small ad. Part of that ad money goes toward a charity of your choice! Join team Advice For And From The future by signing up at tabforacause.org/flashforward.
Tavour: Tavour is THE app for fans of beer, craft brews, and trying new and exciting labels. You sign up in the app and can choose the beers you’re interested in (including two new ones DAILY) adding to your own personalized crate. Use code: flashforward for $10 off after your first order of $25 or more.
Purple Carrot: Purple Carrot is THE plant-based subscription meal kit that makes it easy to cook irresistible meals to fuel your body. Each week, choose from an expansive and delicious menu of dinners, lunches, breakfasts, and snacks! Get $30 off your first box by going to www.purplecarrot.com and entering code FLASH at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way ...

Previous Episode

Could Mind Control End Crime?

Today’s episode is about a future where we try to control crime with brain implants.

Guests:

Stephen Kinzer, a journalist and author of Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control.
Dr. Shaun Patel, a neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Steph Griffiths and Dr. Jarkko Jalava, co-authors of The Myth of The Born Criminal: Psychopathy, Neurobiology, and the Creation of the Modern Degenerate.
Dr. Liat Ben-Moshe, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and author of Decarcerating Disability: Deinstitutionalization and Prison Abolition.
Dr. Hank Greely, director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences at Stanford University.
Dr. Apryl Alexander, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Denver.
Elliott Fukui, a community organizer and facilitator.
Dhruv Mehrotra, a data reporter at Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting.

Voice Actors:

→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.

Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]

Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox

Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:

Dipsea: An audio app full of short, sexy stories designed to turn you on. Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to DipseaStories.com/flashforward.
BetterHelp: Affordable, private online counseling. Anytime, anywhere. Flash Forward listeners: get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/flashforward
Realm: Part podcast studio, part magical refuge, realm is the audio entertainment company that creates original fiction podcasts, including official continuations of popular franchises like Orphan Black. Check out Elixer, a Prohibition-inspired fantasy, wherever you get your podcasts.
Shaker & Spoon: A subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/ffwd.
Tab for a Cause: A browser extension that lets you raise money for charity while doing your thing online. Whenever you open a new tab, you’ll see a beautiful photo and a smal...

Next Episode

What Could A Better Economy Look Like?

Today’s episode is about a future where the economy revolves around gifts, instead of money.

Guests:

Ilana Strauss, a journalist and producer at National Geographic’s podcast, “Overheard.”
Dr. Niels Thygesen, an associate professor at the Copenhagen Business School.
Dr. James Parisot, a researcher at the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley and author of How America Became Capitalist: Imperial Expansion and the Conquest of the West.
Dr. Anna Grear, a professor of law at Cardiff University and author of The Great Awakening: New Modes of Life Amidst Capitalist Ruins.
Ricardo Nuñez, the director of economic democracy at the Sustainable Economies Law Center.
Dr. Sara Nelson, an economic policy fellow at the University of British Columbia.
Dean Spade, an activist, professor at Seattle University School of Law, and author of Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next).
Dr. Hyunseok Hwang, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Houston.
Monica Byrne, a novelist, playwright, and author of The Actual Star.

→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Matt Lubchansky.

Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]

Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox

Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:

Threatened: A new podcast from Bird Note about stories from around the world about people who are taking action on behalf of our fragile ecosystems and the birds that depend on them.
BetterHelp: Affordable, private online counseling. Anytime, anywhere. Flash Forward listeners: get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/flashforward
Skillshare: Skillshare is an online learning community where millions come together to take the next step in their creative journey, with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people, on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Start with two free months of Premium Membership, and explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/flashforward.
Shaker & Spoon: A subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/ffwd.
Tab for a Cause: A b...