Monday Science

• Black Mirror S7 Ep6 -Recap - USS Callister

  In this final Monday Science Live before our summer break, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham wraps up the Black Mirror Season 7 series with an in-depth look at USS Callister: Into Infinity, a bold sequel to the iconic Season 4 episode.We follow Nanette Cole and her crew—digital consciousnesses cloned without consent—as they fight for survival and freedom in a vast online universe controlled by 30 million players.This episode explores:The science and ethics of cloning human consciousness from DNAConsent, autonomy, and digital imprisonmentThe risks of advanced VR and mind uploadingWhat it truly means to be “real” in a virtual worldDr. Bahijja also reflects on key takeaways from the entire season and invites listeners to continue the conversation while the podcast takes a short break.This is the last live episode before Monday Science goes on pause...join us as we end the season!🎧 Follow @DrBahijjaRaimiA and @MondayScience for updates and return dates.

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• Black Mirror S7 Ep5 Recap - Eulogy

  In this emotional and thought-provoking episode, we explore Eulogy — a Black Mirror story that dives deep into the ethics of memory, grief, and technological immortality. Set in a world where people can relive and even edit their most traumatic or treasured memories, Eulogy centers around the use of AI-assisted therapy and memory playback technology.Join us as we unpack the science and ethics of this episode — from digital memory preservation and emotional manipulation to the societal consequences of controlling our past. We explore questions like: Can revisiting pain help us heal, or does it deepen the wound? Who owns our memories once they’re uploaded? And what happens when grief is commodified?We also reflect on:The risks and benefits of using tech for trauma processingThe blurred line between therapy and surveillanceThe impact of nostalgia on mental healthAs the episode builds to its haunting conclusion, we discuss the power of memory to shape identity and the moral implications of letting machines curate our most intimate experiences.Whether you’re a science lover, an ethics enthusiast, or just a Black Mirror fan, this discussion will leave you questioning the future of healing — and the price of remembering.Follow, rate, share, and stay connected on @mondayscience on all social media platforms.

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• #ThrowbackThursday - Love in the Metaverse

  Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of consent, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham speaks with Dr. Douglas Zytko, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Oakland University, about how virtual reality is reshaping the landscape of dating and relationships.About the EpisodeAs virtual reality technology becomes more immersive and accessible, new forms of connection are emerging—especially in the realm of dating. This episode explores the rise of VR dating platforms, their similarities and differences compared to in-person interactions, and the psychological and social implications of falling in love in a digital space.Together, Dr. Raimi-Abraham and Dr. Zytko examine the potential benefits—such as accessibility and safety—as well as the challenges, including questions about authenticity, consent, and emotional connection. Could virtual reality enhance our capacity to form meaningful relationships, or is something vital lost when touch and presence are replaced with code and avatars?Tune in for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of technology, intimacy, and the future of human connection.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review. We’d love to hear from you!

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• Black Mirror S7 Ep3 Recap & When Love Lives in Code

  Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of love, identity, and emotional connection in AI, and briefly references ethical concerns around AI consciousness.In this live episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham dives into the third episode of Black Mirror Season 7, “Hotel Reverie,” starring Issa Rae. This episode blurs the line between simulated affection and human emotion, asking: What if the person you loved only existed in code?Bahijja explores the emotional and ethical implications of falling in love with an AI, the limits of memory and agency in simulated consciousness, and the question of whether virtual intimacy can replace—or enhance—real-life relationships. Drawing connections to real-world examples like emotional AI companions, voice cloning in Hollywood, and the growing phenomenon of love in the metaverse, this conversation is both deeply human and technologically grounded.💬 Topics explored:AI consciousness, memory, and emotional residueVirtual reality love stories and metaverse relationshipsThe creative stagnation in film and scienceEthical dilemmas of sentient AI and identityReal-world case studies: Replica, James Earl Jones’ AI voice, and Peter Scott-Morgan’s journey as a cyborgWhether you’re a Black Mirror fan or just curious about the future of tech and human emotion, this episode will leave you reflecting on what it means to love, remember, and connect.Follow, rate, share, and stay connected on @mondayscience on all podcast platforms.

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• #ThrowbackThursday - The myth that we only use 10% of our brain is false!

  #ThrowbackThursdayIn Part II of this conversation, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham interviews Professor Joseph Devlin (Joe) on various topics related to psychology and consumer behavior. They discuss Joe's research on the relationship between male genitalia size perception and interest in high-end sports cars, the concept of addressable TV advertising, and the impact of extreme experiences on creativity. They also debunk common brain myths, such as the idea that we only use 10% of our brain and the notion of being left-brained or right-brained. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding human behavior and the role it plays in various aspects of life.🚀 Stay connected: Subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review.🎤 Have questions from this interview? Send them in! Via our website: ⁠https://www.mondaysciencepodcast.com/⁠📧 Reach out via email: ⁠[email protected]

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