‘When Experts Attack!’ podcast lets specialists set the record straight on their area of expertise

LAWRENCE — In an era when reality and hoax can look the same on the internet, a new podcast is giving listeners the scoop from people who know what they’re talking about.

“When Experts Attack!” brings listeners into a conversation with a specialist in science, art, society or other topics, then asks the expert the pivotal question: “What does everybody get wrong about what you do?”

The podcast is a co-production of the KU News Service and Kansas Public Radio. The concept grew out of previous collaborations “Research Matters” and “Research Minute.” The transformation of those on-air pieces into a podcast format allows room for the experts and interviewers to take a deeper dive into subjects and have a little fun in the process.

“In a podcast, we can let our hair down a bit and don't have to be terribly institutional,” said host and producer Brendan Lynch. “We’re basically engaging in the kind of talk you’d have at a dinner party, except the other guest kind of knows everything about one topic. Lately, people don’t really feel confident about many sources of information, but our guests are real authorities. I think listeners will come away from every episode with new understanding or a fresh perspective.”

Going with the sci-fi, B-movie feel of the podcast’s name, each episode gives the expert a chance to jam on the theremin — just for fun.

“We're excited for this partnership with the KU News Service on 'When Experts Attack!' I think it'll be a very unique and enjoyable show,” KPR Program Director Darrell Brogdon said.

Subscribe to “When Experts Attack!” wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @KUnews on Twitter for a look at coming episodes, and visit the show's page on the KPR website for more information.