The Curiosity Desk

Publicly listed emails

maggie.gourville@prx.org

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Why Do We Love Leaf-Peeping?

October 12, 2026

October 12, 2026 First, Edgar meets Chuck Loring, Jr., Director of Natural Resources for Penobscot Nation, to talk about the tribe’s securing of 11,000 acres of land in Maine.Then, Author Kevin Galvin on his book Troubled Times: The Boston Courthouse Bombing of 1976.After, William James College psychobiologist Kymberlee O’Brien on why it makes our brains happy to look at turning leaves. 

Are Bostonians Still Celebrating Leif Erikson Day?

October 09, 2026

This week, news came of the passing of pioneer software engineer Margaret Hamilton. We’ll get reflections from Peter Volante, a software engineer who worked under her during the Apollo missions. Today is, famously, Leif Erikson Day. Curiosity Desk producer Leah Crowley Zooms in live from the Leif Erikson statue on the Comm. Ave Mall to report on whether any Bostonians are celebrating. We’ll also air Edgar’s 2019 feature on why there’s a Leif Erikson statue on the Comm. Ave Mall. It’s our Frid...

Do Stingrays Yawn?

October 08, 2026

October 8, 2026First up, misinformation researcher Joan Donovan returns for “The Glitch Report,” this week with Washington Post columnist Drew Harwell. They’ll talk about Drew’s reporting on flock cameras and women in alt-right spaces. Then, Curiosity Desk producer Rachel Armany returns to answer a batch of listener-submitted curiosity questions. This week that includes the origins of “colonial” colors, and if stingrays ever yawn. Lastly, we end with B.U. researcher Kathryn Coduto, for a conv...

Common Knowledge · Medium booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners

University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio) · Medium booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners

How do I get in touch with The Curiosity Desk?

The Curiosity Desk is hosted by Edgar B. Herwick III. Its publicly listed email is maggie.gourville@prx.org. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for The Curiosity Desk?

The publicly listed email for The Curiosity Desk: maggie.gourville@prx.org.

How many listeners does The Curiosity Desk have?

Podseeker estimates The Curiosity Desk reaches 100 to 1,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for The Curiosity Desk?

The Curiosity Desk typically books working professionals with real expertise. Typical guest background: Subject-matter expertise demonstrated through academic research, institutional leadership, professional reporting, authorship, advocacy, or hands-on work in a distinctive field. Guests should be able to translate specialized knowledge into clear, engaging explanations for a general audience. Common among recent guests: Academic research or teaching; Leadership at a recognized institution or organization; Professional journalism or media expertise. Recent guests include Dan Souza, Nathaniel Hendren, and Jon Gruber.

How hard is it to get booked on The Curiosity Desk?

Medium. Guests usually need solid credentials in the topic and an idea that fits the show.

What topics does The Curiosity Desk cover?

Recent episodes cover Science, Technology, Public Policy, Education, and History. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.