Turn On, Tune In, Master Out – Using Comedy in Science with Lexa Graham

Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating interface between science and comedy. Our guest – Lexa Graham – is a Toronto comedian and writer with a master’s degree in chemical engineering.

During our conversation, Lexa shares her journey from the lab to the stage, revealing how she struggled with the practical aspects of chemistry but found joy in teaching it, eventually deciding to “master out” instead of pursuing a PhD.

In it we explore how Lexa uses humor to make science more approachable, discussing her website DNAatured.com, her 1-on-1 workshops, and her monthly live comedy show, Dirty Science, with which she aims to increase engagement and make complex scientific topics more memorable through laughter.

Join us as Lexa explains her transition from academia to comedy, the role of satire in her work, and her veiw on the importance of distinguishing humor from reality in today’s age of misinformation.

Whether you’re a scientist, comedian, or just someone who loves a good laugh, this episode is packed with insights and chuckles. Don’t miss it!

Lexa Graham is a Toronto comedian and writer with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, and is the creator of DNAtured Journal, a satirical academic journal on academia and science.

Lexa runs humour workshops for scientists and other professionals looking to increase their audience engagement, and is a popular host, performer, and panelist for science-based events, including Story Collider, The Association For Science Communicators, Spark After Dark, and The Canadian Association of Science Communicators.

Lexa also runs a monthly science comedy show called Dirty Science.

What we covered in the interview:

• Leveraging Humor to Enhance Engagement: Lexa shares how adding humor to science communication can make intricate topics more relatable and memorable for audiences. It fosters a deeper connection and makes learning enjoyable.

• Navigating Career Paths: We discuss Lexa’s inspirational journey from studying chemical engineering to making her mark in the comedy world, highlighting the importance of flexibility and finding fulfillment in one’s career.

• Challenges of Science-based Satire: We talk about how the pandemic raised the bar in terms of choosing scientific topics and making sure science-based comedy is clearly humorous and not mistaken for real news.

🔗See the resources section below for links!

This episode’s resources:

• Website: LexaGraham.ca
• Facebook: Facebook.com/DNAturedjournal
• X: @denaturedjournal

Thank you, Lexa Graham!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Lexa, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on Linkedin:

Send Lexa Graham a thank you message on Linkedin!

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You might also like the following episodes:

Vikie Pedneault – Engaging Through Comedy

Andy Churchill –Presenting for Impact

Amani Said – How to Make impact with Your Career

Stephani Mason – Promoting Diversity in Faculty

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