Best Melissa Floyd Podcasts (2024)

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51: Car Culture in Star Wars 36:46

23d ago36:46

36:46

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by the curator of the San Diego Automotive Museum and chat about ships, speeders, and other vehicles in Star Wars! What does the state of the Millennium Falcon say about Han Solo, especially since we know it was much nicer when Lando owned it? Why is it important that the Imperial and Rebel are so d…

1
50: Environmental Apocalypse 41:15

2M ago41:15

41:15

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we hear from an ornithologist about birds in Star Wars, along with invasive species and extinction events! Justin Hite joins us for this episode to chat about his career studying birds and the environmental chaos they put up with. We get into whether Rey was exposed to harmful chemicals during her years salvagin…

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Maddison Elliott A Story Of Us April 10 2024 20:49

2M ago20:49

20:49

In this interview, Andrew sits down with Maddison Elliott, who is graduating with her MA this semester in anthropology. They discuss The book Buzz (https://nyupress.org/9781479827381/buzz/), Maddison's MA thesis on pollinator protection, hierarchies of insects, roundtable method of teaching introductory anthropology courses, and the Wicked Science …

1
Season 3 - Episode 2 - The Debate Around Weather Modification 54:51

3M ago54:51

54:51

Another very popular and divisive discussion where any critical thinking is labeled a "conspiracy": weather modification, also known as geoengineering. While not all conspiracies are true, many are simply called conspiracies because they are bringing to light unfavorable things people in high positions are doing. And like other medical intervention…

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Season 3 - Episode 1 - High Dose Melatonin Conclusion 27:37

3M ago27:37

27:37

Welcome back! Today I finish the research from Dr. Reiter on high dose melatonin as an antioxidant and immune support. No, it's not just for sleep! And no, taking melatonin won't interfere with your body's ability to make it! This concludes my 4 part series on melatonin which addressed many of the popular myths surrounding it. Hope you enjoy! --- S…

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49: Empathy and Compassion 38:44

3M ago38:44

38:44

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we learn the difference between empathy, compassion, and sympathy and how each is represented in Star Wars! Professor Maureen Day shares her insights with James and Melissa about virtue ethics and vices, and their roles in our galaxy and in Star Wars. Can we forgive the atrocities of Vader and Kylo Ren knowing t…

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48: Conflict Resolution in Star Wars 50:22

4M ago50:22

50:22

In this episode of Star Warsologies, conflict resolution experts weigh in on the wars, negotiations, and other conflicts in Star Wars! Jen Reynolds and Noam Ebner authored the book "Star Wars and Conflict Resolution: There Are Alternatives To Fighting" and speak with us about the lessons we can learn from Padme, Obi-Wan, and other characters who fi…

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47: Anthropology in Alien Design 46:51

5M ago46:51

46:51

In this episode of Star Warsologies, an anatomy professor weighs in on the importance of designing aliens that make sense! Dr. Elizabeth Rega is an anatomy professor who consults on movies and video games to help creators add an element of realism to their projects. She worked on Mulan, The Emperor's New Groove, and even the Madden series. Melissa …

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11: FasTEN Your Seat Belts, with science advisor Erin Macdonald 1:21:22

5M ago1:21:22

1:21:22

It's the finale! Lisa and Melissa chat about the physics of the final franchise installment (for now). They're joined by Dr. Erin Macdonald, the science advisor for all the current Star Trek shows. Together, they answer important questions like, is a dam just a vertical road? Do bad guys make good shock absorbers in plummeting elevators? Just how m…

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10: F9: The Facts Saga, with Bobak Ferdowsi from NASA 59:28

6M ago59:28

59:28

Faaaaaaaacts in Spaaaaaace! Melissa and Lisa welcome NASA JPL systems engineer Bobak Ferdowsi (aka the Mohawk Guy!) to chat about the pros and cons of launching a Pontiac Fiero into space. But that's not the only physics nonsense in this movie - there's also magnets, mines, and more! As Bobak eloquently states, the science of Fast & Furious movies …

1
9: Hobbs & Shaw-ence, with experts in immunology and medical devices 1:13:24

6M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

Does Brixton's heads-up display actually give him helpful information? Can you really hold a helicopter down with a tow truck? Our resident physicist Lisa weighs in on those questions and more. There's plenty of medical jargon in the spin-off movie Hobbs & Shaw, but it turns out the physics holds up for the most part! Melissa and Lisa also intervie…

1
46: Science Advisors in Science Fiction LA Comic Con panel 52:01

6M ago52:01

52:01

Melissa moderates this panel of scientists who consult on everything from books and video games to the MCU and Disney animation! Panelists include paleontologist Stuart Sumida (How To Train Your Dragon, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), registered nurse Toby Wareham (9-1-1: Lone Star, How To Get Away With Murder), physicist Clifford Johnson (Avenger…

1
Craig Shapiro A Story Of Us December 14 2023 31:24

6M ago31:24

31:24

In this interview, Andrew Mitchel chats with PhD candidate Craig Shapiro to discuss the insights from the text Polynesia, 900-1600 Past Imperfect by Madi Williams (https://www.arc-humanities.org/9781641892148/polynesia-9001600/), the role and importance of epistemology and community archeology, Craig's ongoing fieldwork in Samoa, and conclude with …

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45: The Science of Ahsoka panel at LA Comic Con 1:05:41

6M ago1:05:41

1:05:41

Melissa moderates this panel of Star Warsologies favorites! Sam Wynns and Gabe Santos share their critter knowledge when it comes to Loth cats and purgill! Lisa Will and Paul Wynns talk navigation from one galaxy to the next! And James brings us up to date with all the Star Wars lore sprinkled throughout the show. We had a great audience with tons …

1
8: Shift+F8 of the Furious, with a computer scientist 54:25

7M ago54:25

54:25

Melissa and Lisa talk about the (relatively) toned down physics nonsense in the 8th installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, Fate of the Furious. Lisa and Melissa are also joined by Bea Gandica, a computer scientist, to talk about all the hacking, ghost flights, and of course Cipher and the Gods Eye. Listen in to answers to important questions …

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Steven Rhue Interview November 28 2023 38:17

7M ago38:17

38:17

In this interview, Andrew Mitchel chats with PhD candidate Steven Rhue to discuss the effects of household water insecurity on child health and well-being, a recently systematic review article on the topic by Steven and colleagues (https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wat2.1666), Steven's fieldwork on the subject with children ages 5-1…

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Season 2 Episode 14 - Dr. Reiter's Research - Part 1 30:07

7M ago30:07

30:07

Dr. Russel Reiter has published more studies on melatonin than any other person alive. He has been studying it for decades to demonstrate the amazing immune benefits it provides through supplementation. Breaking down myths and offering facts, this episode (and the next one) will wrap up my discussion on "the debate around melatonin". --- Support th…

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7: Serious 7, with a psychologist 1:07:00

7M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Melissa and Lisa break down the physics nonsense in Furious 7. Can you jump between skyscrapers in a car? What happens when you drop cars out of an airplane with only a parachute? Clinical psychologist Dr. Drea Letamendi joins for a discussion about grief and forgiveness. How important is found family? Should Dom be in therapy? How does Brian's end…

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44: Paleontology 51:41

7M ago51:41

51:41

James and Melissa chat about the megafauna of The Mandalorian with Dr. Stuart Sumida. Stuart is a paleontologist, a teacher, and a science consultant for movies, TV shows, and video games. He answers questions for us, including: Do mythosaurs use echolocation? How many Mandalorians would those raptor babies be able to eat in one sitting? Would ridi…

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Season 2 Episode 13 - Healing Isn't Linear 43:12

8M ago43:12

43:12

What does 18 months with a mysterious, chronic health issue teach you about healing? First, that healing isn't linear. Second, It's a bit of a roller coaster. How are emotions from the past tied into a physical issue you're having today? Mind and body are inextricably intertwined, and healing one always involves the other. Today I give some of my m…

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Season 2 Episode 12 - The Debate around Melatonin Part 2 35:04

8M ago35:04

35:04

Today I continue with more research studies that prove significant immune benefits to the use of melatonin. Do your best to put aside things you've been told about melatonin, because according to data, they're likely all wrong! Very hopeful information about the use of melatonin for immune support, reducing oxidative stress, treatment for cancer, a…

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6: Fast & Curious 6, with a movie locations expert 1:05:32

8M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Fast & Furious 6 gives us perhaps the most physics-defying hijinks of the franchise. Dom's leap of faith, him taking a bullet, and that epically long runway - there's a lot to discuss. Melissa and Lisa also chat with locations scout Kerry Patten, who worked on the movie. Hear from her about the logistics of filming a car chase in the streets of (no…

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Season 2 Episode 11 - The Debate around Melatonin (Part 1) 44:55

8M ago44:55

44:55

This topic is an interesting one! Melatonin use is rather controversial in both the holistic and Western medical world. Previous theories have warned people claiming it would interfere with your body's ability to produce the "hormone" naturally. But data doesn't actually back this theory up. High dose melatonin, which behaves more like a super anti…

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43: Music and Melodies 53:05

8M ago53:05

53:05

Let's look at the music of Star Wars! So much of what we associate with the galaxy far, far away is connected to the soundtracks composed by John Williams. We take a look at the diagetic music of the films, from the cantina band tracks to the celebratory songs by Ewoks and Gungans. We also examine the common musical themes that John Williams built …

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Jeffrey Peterson Interview October 6 2023 23:19

8M ago23:19

23:19

In this interview, Andrew Mitchel sits down with our lecturer specializing in primatology, Dr. Jeffrey Peterson. They discuss multispecies ethnography, the foundations of primatology, Dr. Peterson's dissertation on Social Traditions and Social Networks among Long-Tailed Macaques in Indonesia (https://curate.nd.edu/show/bv73bz63b34), robbing and bar…

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Season 2 Episode 10 - The New Head of the CDC's Advice for Americans - Part 2 34:19

8M ago34:19

34:19

Today I finish discussing the recent article written by the new head of the CDC, Dr. Mandy Cohen. Here, I dive into the statistics she cites claiming Americans are on board with interventions for Covid. Shockingly (sarcasm) they are misleading, and even tell a different story. It's interesting what happens when you know how to read the fine print. …

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5: Facts Five, with city planning and visual effects experts 1:16:58

9M ago1:16:58

1:16:58

Melissa and Lisa welcome two guest experts to cover Fast Five, the movie that really accelerates the franchise into greatness. Prison escapes, train heists, and a bank vault crashing through the streets of Rio make up the action, but the movie is also about family (of course) and reunites some of our favorite characters. A city planner and a visual…

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Stephanie Cole Interview September 28 2023 9:44

9M ago9:44

9:44

In this interview, Andrew Mitchel sits down with our new forensic anthropologist Dr. Stephanie Cole. They discuss forensic anthropology's methods and implications, Dr. Cole's PhD research on subadult sex estimation (https://scholarworks.unr.edu/handle/11714/8364), the Morphological Pelvis and Skull Sex Estimation Database (https://www.morphopasse.c…

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Season 2 Episode 9 - The New Head of the CDC's Advice for Americans - Part 1 27:12

9M ago27:12

27:12

Today we talk about an article written in the New York Times by the new head of the CDC, Dr. Mandy Cohen. Dr. Cohen advocates for all Americans 6 months and over to get this season's new booster because "they're safe and they work." The data, however, says otherwise -- as the last few episodes of this podcast have pointed out. In an effort to help …

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4: Fast & Physics, with a medical doctor 58:22

9M ago58:22

58:22

Melissa and Lisa discuss Fast & Furious, the fourth movie in the Fast saga. The car chases and stakes are finally high! Letty's (maybe) dead! Dom is bulletproof! Lots to discuss. Melissa and Lisa also welcome Dr. Jackson Vane to the show to discuss medical issues throughout the franchise, including the most important question - how are these charac…

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42: Blue Food Science 44:07

9M ago44:07

44:07

We chat blue food in Star Wars and here on Earth, where's it's not nearly as prevelant. Dr. Changqi Liu from San Diego State University shares his expertise about flowers, berries, and other foods. But does he know why blue raspberry flavoring exists? Cook up some blue noodles, pour yourself a glass of blue milk, and enjoy! More about butterfly pea…

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Season 2 Episode 8 - Pfizer's New Vaccine - Part 2 22:52

9M ago22:52

22:52

This episode continues where the last one left off reviewing Pfizer's press release for their new booster vaccine. I also go on to discuss the listed side effects, their surprising disclaimer, and the actual study they used to validate this new vaccine. It isn't quite what you think it is..... --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.co…

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3: The Facts & The Furious: Toying with Drift, with a stunt driver 1:01:17

9M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

In this episode, Melissa and Lisa chat about Tokyo Drift and interview a stunt driver. Lisa explains the physics of drifting and Melissa posits whether the saga takes place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie may feel out of place, but all is forgiven because it introduces Han to the franchise. Check out the Motion Picture Driving Clini…

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Season 2 Episode 7 - Pfizer's New Vaccine - Part 1 22:19

9M ago22:19

22:19

All three manufacturers are coming out with a new C_vid vaccine, available next week. Do these new vaccines target the strains that are currently the most prominent in the US? Have they done any real safety testing for these new boosters? Are they FDA approved? Find out the answers (and more) in the next two episodes! --- Support this podcast: http…

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Season 2 Episode 6 - C_VID 2.0 Part 2 Yale Medicine 27:13

9M ago27:13

27:13

This is Part 2 of the breakdown of Yale Medicine's article on the new subvariant Eres as well as information on the new vaccine. The new vaccine program is set to be unveiled next week with a request for all Americans to get this new version. Data, however, shows us that not only is this new version targeting an outdated strain, but the new illness…

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Elizabeth Holdsworth Interview September 11 2023 29:32

9M ago29:32

29:32

In this interview, Andrew Mitchel sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Holdsworth to discuss her work on the Mother-Infant Microbiomes, Behavior, and Ecology Study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37556398/), the relationship between maternal stress and infant health caregiving behaviors and infant methylation (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1…

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Season 2 Episode 5 - C_VID 2.0 Part 1 - Yale Medicine 27:59

9M ago27:59

27:59

Today I discuss the conversation surrounding C_vid as a new vaccine by all three manufacturers is ready to be unveiled next week. On these two episodes, I break down an article from Yale Medicine.org with an infectious disease doctor and his thoughts on the new variant and the new vaccine. Remember their control can only come with your compliance, …

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41: Voice acting and storytelling with Vanessa Marshall 40:19

10M ago40:19

40:19

Voice actor extraordinaire Vanessa Marshall joins us on this episode of Star Warsologies! She is the voice (and soul) of "space mom" Hera Syndulla from Star Wars: Rebels, among many other credits. We talk about the importance of found family, fandom, and Joseph Campbell's hero's journey template. Vanessa is such a force for good and we are so excit…

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2: 2 Facts 2 Physics, with a legal expert 51:12

10M ago51:12

51:12

No Dom, no problem! Lisa and Melissa dive into the physics of 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious. Welcome Roman, welcome Tej. Don't let those pesky laws of gravity keep you down. Also weighing in is legal expert Stephen Lee, a former federal prosecutor. Hear what he has to say about Brian's terrible record as an undercover cop, can you earn a "clean record," …

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40 Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion (San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panel) 57:38

11M ago57:38

57:38

Star Warsologies hosted "Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion", a panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023. The Star Wars series Andor speaks powerfully to today’s audience about fighting oppression. Examining the first season of the Disney+ series, we will explore the motivations and actions of Cassian Andor, Mon Mothma, Luthen Rael and othe…

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1: The Facts and the Furious, with a car modifications expert 1:09:06

11M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

It all begins with this episode of The Facts & The Furious covering the low stakes of the first movie, 2001's The Fast and the Furious. As Melissa and Lisa realize, very few laws of physics are broken but there's still find plenty to talk about. Our guest expert is Maria Romano de Leon, curator of the San Diego Automative Museum. Learn about NOS, c…

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39: The Science of Superpowers 1:02:18

11M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Here's another of our San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panels! The Science of Superpowers brought together amazing scientists to talk about how realistic superheroes and supervillains are and whether there's any version of their powers in real life. Here's video from our panel, plus slides we presented in the room. Thanks to everyone who came out and asked…

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38: Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaeology, History, and Punching Fascists (SDCC 2023) 55:18

11M ago55:18

55:18

Star Warsologies hosted the "Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaelogy, History, and Punching Fascists" panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023. This podcast episode contains the audio of the panel, with the slideshow images from the PowerPoint presentation. Our panelists are Bailey Jorgensen (archaeologist, Alf Museum of Paleontology), Kara Vett…

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37: Artificial Intelligence 44:13

11M ago44:13

44:13

This episode, we're chatting with Gracie Ermi, and expert in machine learning. Are droids sentient? Is it ethical to wipe their memories and reprogram them? Other than the well-publicized art and writing controversies, what are some ways AI is already part of our lives? Are we close to a Star Wars level of robotic intelligence or an uprising? These…

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The Facts & The Furious: Coming Soon! 0:59

12M ago0:59

0:59

Trailer for the new podcast The Facts & The Furious with Dr. Lisa Will and Melissa Miller. Two scientists break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Hear from a stunt driver, a medical doctor, a psychologist, a lawyer, and others fans who have something to say about how things would go down in real life. This deep dive …

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36: Linguistics 42:33

12M ago42:33

42:33

This episode, we're chatting with linguist David Peterson, who constructs languages for properties like Game of Thrones, Elemental, House of the Dragon, the MCU, and many more! He weighs in on Aurebesh as a written language, as well as Binary, Shyriiwook, Gungan, and other spoken languages. It's a fascinating conversation with someone who clearly l…

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35: Celebration Panel "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance" 1:14:34

1y ago1:14:34

1:14:34

Star Warsologies hosted "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance" panel at Star Wars Celebration Europe in April 2023 in London. Because the panel audio ended up not recorded by accident, we invited the original panelists back to re-create the panel and add some new content, just for our listeners. Coming back we have Chris Kempshall, Rebecc…

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34: Celebration Panel "Making Star Wars Magic" 1:01:50

1y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Here's another one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration! Melissa welcomes creatives who have worked on the movies and TV shows to share their insights and wonderful stories. Hear from Fon Davis (ILM model maker for the special editions, prequels, and The Mandalorian), Jake Lunt Davies (concept and creature designer from everything from The Forc…

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33: Celebration Panel "The Science of Return of the Jedi" 1:03:57

1y ago1:03:57

1:03:57

This episode is a recording of a panel at Star Wars Celebration, hosted by James Floyd. From sarlacc biology to the physics of lightsabers and the ecosystem of Endor, Return of the Jedi is full of connections to real world science. How might a Hutt evolve? What goes into making a Death Star superlaser? Why do the Ewoks worship C-3PO? Our all-star l…

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32: Zoology and Creature Design 44:41

1y ago44:41

44:41

This episode we talk to concept and creature artist Terryl Whitlatch about her amazing designs for creatures in the Star Wars Special Editions and Episode I. Are there reptomammals on Earth or did Terryl just invent that term? Why was the sando aqua monster her favorite creature to design? What's your favorite Star Wars critter? In Star Warsologies…

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