So this episode, which is a back-to-school episode, was born out of a simple question from a listener.

How many senses do we humans have?

Are sight hearing touch smell and taste all we have going for us?

Well, the answer is a simple no.

But the why is complex and honestly fascinating.

Our guest is Andre White, who teaches neurobiology at Mount Holyo College,

where he encourages his students to think deeply about neuroscience, addiction, and ethics.

This man knows a lot about the human brain.

So sit back and engage your senses for this throwback episode, which features shortwave OG Maddie Sophia.

Hey everybody, Maddie Sophia here, and Emily Quang.

And today we have for you another back-to-school episode.

We'll revisit something you may have learned in science class and dig in a little deeper.

Yes, many of you wrote in with back-to-school ideas, and we got this one from listener Michael Salwasser, who wrote.

My five-year-old granddaughter is learning about the five senses.

It's frustrating because I know there are a few more.

And Michael, you are right.

Yes, there are more than five.

This is Andre White, assistant professor at Mount Holyo College, where he teaches neurobiology.

I can understand Michael's frustration, but part of it has to do with the fact that those five senses or sensory systems

have discrete identifiable organs.

Totally. I remember in kindergarten, we learned that eyes were for sight, ears were for hearing,

nose was for nose and mouth for taste, and skin for touch.

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