In the new Adult Swim show “Common Side Effects,” an eccentric scientist has a secret: He’s discovered a strange mushroom that can cure any illness or injury, and he wants to get it to people in need. The only problem is that a pharmaceutical company doesn’t want that secret to get out and will do anything to make sure he’s stopped.
Joining Host Flora Lichtman to break down this fungal drama, and the science that inspired it, are the show’s creators, Steve Hely, who previously wrote for “30 Rock” and “Veep;” and Joe Bennett, creator of the animated sci-fi show “Scavengers Reign” on Max.
“Common Side Effects” is now streaming on Max.
Further Reading
- Read a review of the series from The New York Times.
- Learn more about how real-life scientists are scouring the world for hidden fungi via our series “Science Goes To The Movies.”
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Segment Guests
Joe Hely
Joe Hely is a television writer and author based in Los Angeles, California.
Joe Bennett
Joe Bennett is an animator and artist based in Los Angeles, California.
Segment Transcript
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Meet the Producers and Host
About D Peterschmidt
D Peterschmidt is a producer, host of the podcast Universe of Art, and composes music for Science Friday’s podcasts. Their D&D character is a clumsy bard named Chip Chap Chopman.
About Emma Lee Gometz
Emma Lee Gometz is Science Friday’s Digital Producer of Engagement. She’s a writer and illustrator who loves drawing primates and tending to her coping mechanisms like G-d to the garden of Eden.
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.