On this podcast, we like to explore how science meets the public. In this episode, we examine the art of communication, with biologist, author, and filmmaker Randy Olson. Dr. Biology learns how Olson uses humor and creativity as powerful tools. Inspired by platforms like The Daily Show, Randy's film "Sizzle" tackles global warming with a comedic flair. Listen as he shares invaluable advice for aspiring biologists and filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of passion and motivation. Whether you’re curious about effective science communication or seeking inspiration for your career, Randy’s insights offer a compelling glimpse into the future of storytelling in science.

This episode was pulled from our special collections stored in our secret vault.

Learn more:

Watch:
Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus
Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy

Read:
Don't Be Such a Scientist
Narrative Gym

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Can storytelling transform biology research? Join us for an engaging conversation with Kayla Burgher and Risa Schnebly, two visionary PhD students at Arizona State University. Kayla shares her research in the fishing community to protect endangered marine megafauna like sea turtles and sharks. Meanwhile, Risa delves into the emotional side of conservation and the impact of extinction. Through an interdisciplinary approach, she combines history, personal narratives, and interviews to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of conservation. We also talk about their exciting new podcast, SciChronicles, which showcases the stories of scientists at various points in their careers.

Check out SciChronicles

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Can a transformed 4-acre former citrus orchard become a vibrant urban wildlife sanctuary? Dr. Biology is out of the studio to explore Julie Stromberg's remarkable riparian garden. Julie, a plant ecologist and emeritus professor at Arizona State University, shares her motivations and the vital ecological benefits of creating such green spaces in urban areas. Hear the story behind her efforts in sustainable agriculture that are preserving biodiversity right in the heart of the city.

Read more: Bringing Home the Wild: A Riparian Garden in a Southwest City

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What happens when our brain fails us? As Dr. Biology, my work has never been involved with diseases that affect the mind, but I do have a personal experience with the shadowy realm of Alzheimer's and other dementias. My mother battled against this relentless adversary and I am not alone. Many people are dealing with loved ones facing one of these diseases. For this episode, I've invited bioinformatics scientist, Kimberly Olney from the Mayo Clinic, to peek into the complexities of the brain and these diseases. This episode is a brief voyage into the brain's amazing and complex pathways and a glimpse of the work being done by dedicated scientists charting a course for a future free from dementia.

Learn more about the brain: A Nervous Journey
Class and home activity: Nerve Experiment
Dementia resources for adults:
The 36-hour Day
Parent's Guide: Helping Children and Teens Understand
Helping Children Understand Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia resources for children:
Books that help younger children understand dementia

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Embark on a journey through the intricate dance of nature and innovation as we welcome Saad Bhamla, a scientist at the forefront of biological engineering. Your curiosity will be rewarded as you and Dr. Biology learn about some of the smallest organisms that have sophisticated mechanisms that might help us solve our own challenges. Imagine the immense power hidden within a cicada's waste jet or the swift knot-escaping antics of a California blackworm—some might think of them as quirks of evolution, but others see them as blueprints for the future of design and technology. Our conversation doesn't stop at scientific marvels; it delves into the heart of what drives this scientist's passion and has led to the creation of The Curious Zoo of Extraordinary Organisms.

Visit: The Curious Zoo of Extraordinary Organisms
Learn more: True Bugs

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Embark on a journey through the buzzing world of grasshoppers and locusts with Dr. Biology. In this episode, biologists Rick Overson and Mira Word Ries, from the Global Locust Initiative at Arizona State University dig into the world of these insects. The three delve into the methods of swarm prevention, from the intriguing "doughnut diet" that influences migratory behavior to the critical role of soil and crop management in making fields less welcoming to these insects. Rick and Mira bring to light the importance of global cooperation and the need for a unified attack against locust invasions that spare no border.

Visit: HopperWiki
Listen to: Swarm Science
Read more: On the Lookout for Locusts

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Have you ever wondered how complex science jargon is translated into a story that captivates and educates? We've got you covered! Dr. Biology chats with James Gorman, a veteran science reporter from the New York Times, we peel back the layers of science communication, revealing how to distill complex concepts into engaging narratives. Get ready to discover the tightrope walk between simplification and scientific accuracy—a balance crucial for sparking curiosity without sacrificing the research's core. The two also talk about the best way to evaluate the trustworthiness of a science story.

Image: James Gorman with a wolf pup.

Read more: About James Gorman
Read more: The Total Penguin
Learn More: Who Do You Trust?
Watch: ScienceTake

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Dive into the behavior and physiology of two different primate species that are helping biologists explore the science of stress, aging, and immunity. Dr. Biology sits down with scientist Noah Snyder-Mackler from Arizona State University to talk about some rhesus macaques living in a seemly tropical paradise and the geladas that live high in the Ethiopian mountains. Discover how these monkeys, their experiences, and their environment might illuminate the path to improving our physiological resilience.

Hear more about stress: Stressed Out | podcast
Read about stress: Why can some monkeys live high in the mountains?
Watch: 60 Minutes story on Monkey Island

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