Best American Scientist Magazine Podcasts (2025)

1
First Principles and Beyond 29:23

3M ago29:23

29:23

Chris Pickard is a materials scientist who employs what are called first principles methods—modeling techniques that work out material properties using fundamental rules such as quantum mechanics and Newton’s laws. Trained as a condensed matter physicist, he refocused on materials science just as interest in the field was exploding amid advancement…

1
Global Discourse on Science Communication 1:10:22

1y ago1:10:22

1:10:22

An interview with the president and founder of African Gong, Elizabeth Rasekoala. Her current book "Race and Sociocultaral Inclusion in Science Communication" brings together perspectives from science communicators from the global south. Host, Katie L. Burke, Digital Features Editor at American Scientist. Edited by Nwabata Nnani.…

1
Episode 1: Saundra Thomas The Community Connector 29:56

1+ y ago29:56

29:56

This episode get to meet a Saundra Thomas, board member and advisor of Indigo Arts Alliance, a cultural nonprofit in Portland, Maine. Saundra Thomas will dazzle you with her 30 years of media experience and her love of Maine. Originally released in April of 2021 for In The Pocket.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Changing Policies on COVID-19 Transmission 39:22

1+ y ago39:22

39:22

An interview with Virginia Tech environmental engineer, Linsey Marr. Her expertise in aerosols came to center stage as she and her colleagues worked for years to change policies based on faulty ideas about the transmission of the coronavirus. Host, Katie L. Burke, Digital Features Editor at American Scientist. Edited by Nwabata Nnani.…

1
Why We Podcast: Sharing Your Voice in Science 27:20

2y ago27:20

27:20

We'll hear from science communication leaders and podcasters on why podcasting is an important platform for Science. Interviews from Samir Honwad—professor at the University of Buffalo, Wendy Zuckerman—host of Science VS and 2022 Sigma Xi IFORE award winner, and Aaron Scott and Emily Kwong from NPR Short Wave as well as one of their guests Dr. Tian…

1
How to Start a Fusion Fire 43:27

2y ago43:27

43:27

Andrea "Annie" Kritcher discusses her and her team's achieved ignition, raising new hopes for fusion as a practical energy source. Host Corey S. Powell and American Scientist Magazine.By American Scientist Magazine

1
The Early Human Social Network 40:41

2y ago40:41

40:41

Cecilia Padilla-Iglesias is melding enviromental data and how these early populations interacted. Host Corey S. Powell and American Scientist Magazine.By American Scientist Magazine

1
Physicians Need Caregiving Support Policies 19:57

2y ago19:57

19:57

The collision of the Great Resignation and long-standing gender inequities in medicine is heightening calls for improved family leave policies at American health care institutions. Host Jordan Anderson and American Scientist editor Katie L. Burke discuss caregiving support policies, bringing in perspectives from interviewees Christina Mangurian of …

1
Episode 5: Jorge Pena Scientist turned Artist 28:43

2y ago28:43

28:43

Meet Jorge Pena, an entomologist turned painter. Listen as he explains his journey and what his art embodies. His art is also his way of sharing his oral history.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 4: Juneteenth Downeast with Jacques Newell Taylor 29:00

2y ago29:00

29:00

This episode sponsored by Nature Based Education Consortium dives into 2023's Downeast Juneteenth Commemoration. There will camping, sailing, chief provided meals and more!By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 3: Art In The Wake: Marcia Minter 37:28

2y ago37:28

37:28

This episode of ITP is a companion piece for Indigo Arts Alliance's Slavery Symposium Art In The Wake. We will hear Marcia Minter, their cofounder and director, take us through IAA's art residencies, their programming, their partnerships and their symposiums. Enjoy!By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 2: Arriving at Esther and Emanuel: A companion podcast to the Downeast Magazine article 26:47

2y ago26:47

26:47

This episode is a companion piece for June's Downeast Magazine article about the Upper and Lower Negro Islands of the Bagaduce River. Listen to discover Black history and the new names of the island. This episode shares the writer's cut of the article with interview segments from Lisa Lutz of Castine Historical Society and Caleb Jackson of Maine Co…

1
Episode 1: Angela Okafor, Let's Talk About Black Hair Culture 56:05

2y ago56:05

56:05

This episode we meet Angela Okafor, a Bangor Maine resident. She is a renaissance woman with multiple businesses, from her law firm to her international market Tropical Tastes and Styles. She is groundbreaking in the work that she does to keep her community of Bangor unified and not divided. This hour long episode we talk about Black hair culture f…

1
Synthesizing Engineering and Biology 15:41

2y ago15:41

15:41

On using synthetic biology to create next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics -- an interview with James J. Collins of Harvard and MIT, one of founders of the field.By American Scientist Magazine

1
Episode 35: Uncomon a Musical Artist 30:01

2+ y ago30:01

30:01

This episode meet Uncomon, a poet who became a rapper and singer. His debut album, Ourglass, dives into life's complex emotions and how we choose to handle them. Uncomon has a style reminiscent of Drake laden with emotional sentiment, listen as he explores his journey in creating music.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 34: Michael Stiggle's Timberwolves Restaurant 30:01

2+ y ago30:01

30:01

In this episode meet Michael Stiggle. He'll share why his lifelong experience in hospitality makes Timberwolves a fantastic establishment in Mars Hill, ME and his award winning elderberry syrup. He'll also talk about his church and discrimination his establishment has experienced. You can also get his barbeque sauces and spaghetti sauces in grocery…

1
Episosode 33: Alejandro Strong's Pack Raft Maine 30:00

2+ y ago30:00

30:00

This episode meet Alejandro Strong, an outdoor enthusiast. He shares with us what his Pack Raft Maine can offer its consumers, from day trips to expeditions. He also shares his philosophy on being boundless and how to enjoy nature.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 32: Margaret Brownlee Education Dissertation 30:00

2+ y ago30:00

30:00

In this episode we meet Margaret Brownlee again, this time we focus on her dissertation. Her dissertation documents the racism queer women of color encounter while at predominantly white institutions of education. Feel free to google her.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 31: Valeria Bembry Art Curator and Humanitarian 30:01

2+ y ago30:01

30:01

In this episode we meet art curator and humanitarian, Valeria Bembry. She'll share her trajectory through her formative adult years. As you listen, Valeria will share her stepping stones from Scarborough High School to London to Iraq and back to Maine, and all in between. Please take a look at her "artivism" exhibit at Space Gallery, Spitting Fire.…

1
Archive Episode 21: Maya Williams Poet Laureate 28:23

2+ y ago28:23

28:23

This pandemic thick episode of Portland Maine's 7th Poet Laureate has a lawn mower as a bonus guest. Listen as Maya, shares their journey in writing and spoken word.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Archive Episode 20: End SARS 26:20

2+ y ago26:20

26:20

This pandemic thick episode is one of guerrilla journalism where we take a different direction and interview a Nigerian about his activism when one of the busiest ports in the world, Lagos, was closed. In this episode we see the parallels of police brutality in Nigeria and the U.S.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Archive Episode 19: Desiree Nicole Lester The Intrapreneur 30:00

2+ y ago30:00

30:00

In this pandemic thick episode, meet Desiree Nicole Lester. I like to think of this native of Maine as a curator of artistic taste. She also shares her independent thinking as an intrapreneur. Hear her thoughts a couple of years before she began helping others through rap music and meditation, on @rapmantrameditation.…

1
Archive Episode 18: Adilah Muhammad's The Third Place 29:25

2+ y ago29:25

29:25

This pandemic thick episode introduces us to Adilah, founder and executive director of The Third Place. The Third Place is an organizational collaborative and coworking space that supports Black entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals towards an equitable quality of space.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 30: Rhona Beauty 30:01

2+ y ago30:01

30:01

Meet Rhona, a cosmetologist with her own hair salon in Biddeford. This episode she'll share how she began her training and what services she offers. She'll also share about being a Mrs Maine contestant.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Archive Episode 17: Rose's Black Owned Maine (BOM) 29:58

2+ y ago29:58

29:58

In this pandemic thick episode meet Rose and Jerry. They share the purpose and the journey it took to create Black Business directory in Maine. Give BOM a follow and you can learn how to support BOM if BOM resonates with you.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Archive Episode 16: Nakeysa Naturals 100% Natural Cosmetics 26:15

2+ y ago26:15

26:15

This pandemic thick episode we meet Nakeysa. She'll share her environmental insights and what 100% natural products she offers. She'll share her journey beginning this business while in college.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Science Curious Through Science Fiction 25:00

2+ y ago25:00

25:00

How science fiction promotes science curiosity and why that matters. Hear from science communication practitioners and scholars Reyhaneh Maktoufi, Thomas DeFrantz, and Stephanie Castillo.By American Scientist Magazine

1
Episode 29: Alfine Nathalie a Holistic Health Provider 30:01

2+ y ago30:01

30:01

This episode we meet Alfine, a holistic health provider. You'll hear about her inspirations, her own lifestyle practices and how everyone is a curator of their own health. Give her a follow so you can be informed when she begins sharing custom video content.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 28: Konflik a New England Lyricist 30:01

2+ y ago30:01

30:01

This episode meet Konflik, who's been in the game 30+ yrs. The score of this episode is his music and the episode closes out with his song Stomp. He shares his journey from two decks and a mic (open mic) in Vermont to starting a record label, Afterlyfe, and his 2022 album release. Please give this creative a follow on Instagram.…

1
Episode 27: Drell a Lyricist and Designer 29:59

2+ y ago29:59

29:59

This episode we meet creative Drell. His interview is engaging due to his inspirations coming across in a storyteller pattern. He'll talk about his music and his clothing line. His cadence pulls the listeners in. And his song "We Won't Stop" featured on this episode is a melodic authentic vibe.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 26: Graphic Melee Emcee Producer DJ 30:01

3y ago30:01

30:01

This episode we meet talented creative Graphic Melee. This episode is scored with music from Graphic's album To Catch a Thief 3. Graphic, finds the time to emcee, produce, DJ and give back to the community. To purchase and hear more of his work go to his website https://graphicmelee.com/. Catch his artistry on Mondays and Wednesday at the Flask and…

1
Archive Episode 15: Eddie Scott Mural Artist 29:59

3y ago29:59

29:59

This pandemic thick episode from 2020 shares Eddie Scott's inspiration and artistic journey for making murals.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Archive Episode 14: Brooke Buffcat a Dynamic Illustrator 29:00

3y ago29:00

29:00

This pandemic thick episode from 2020 explores Brooke's inspirations and goals for illustrations. She envisions a more inclusive world of comics and images that include femininity and ethnicity that is seen through a lens of power and not objectification.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Pulling Back the Cosmic Veil 14:19

3y ago14:19

14:19

The first images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) are already transforming our view of the universe. Hear from John Mather, Nobel Laureate and senior project scientist for JWST at NASA.By American Scientist Magazine

1
Episode 25: Jennifer Rachele Seacoast Songstress 30:00

3y ago30:00

30:00

This episode meet Jennifer Rachele. When she's not pursuing music she is educating and engaging students at UNE's MPH program. Both are her passions; and her goal is to invest more efforts to being the Seacoast songstress of her dreams. She currently lives in NH but still has strong roots in Maine.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Archive Episode 13: Brad, Brotha on a Boat 29:00

3y ago29:00

29:00

This episode is pandemic thick going to back to 2020, where we meet Brad, a Brotha on a Boat, be sure to check out his youtube channel. He shares his nautical inspiration and journey.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Archive Episode 12: Sara Williams A Mixed Media Artist 1:07:51

3y ago1:07:51

1:07:51

As this episode occurs during a rainstorm; Sara takes the time to share her artistic endeavors including a spoken word poem. She also discusses how white supremacy dominates the natural resources of Hawaii, her home state.By Florence S. Edwards

1
Episode 24: Tony Antoine Outdoor Enthusiast 30:01

3y ago30:01

30:01

This episode meet Tony, a nature and outdoor enthusiast. Listen as he shares his journey into becoming a hunter, his approach to landscaping and his commitment to Outdoor Afro (guided outdoor adventures for Black people).By Florence S. Edwards

1
The Genes Behind Ecosystems 19:25

3y ago19:25

19:25

There are many ways organisms adapt to their environments, which can be seen both with the eye and in an organism's genetic sequence.By American Scientist Magazine

Podcasts Worth a Listen

American Scientist Magazine Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide