Best asabpod Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 62: The (Trans) Body in Space 42:21

1+ y ago42:21

42:21

In this the first episode of Trans Medicine March - the one month of the year where this podcast is specifically and explicitly about being trans, and specifically aspects of medical transition - we begin with a consideration of how time in space affects the human body in general, and how being someone who has medically transitioned might interact …

1
Episode 61: Genetic Control of Courtship Behaviors in Flies and Roaches (Happy Belated Valentine’s Day) 39:40

1+ y ago39:40

39:40

In this episode which is definitely right on time for Valentine's Day, Charles tells Tessa about a paper he read on the fruitless gene (originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster, the "laboratory fruit fly") and its possible control over the courtship behavior in Blattella germanica, the "German cockroach," another classic model organism. Tan…

1
Episode 60: Jackson Reyna on Chemistry, Fire, and the Chemistry of Fire 39:44

1+ y ago39:44

39:44

On this episode we're joined by PhD student Jackson Reyna to talk about his love of chemistry and specifically fire. Some topics include organometallics, practical applications of chemical research, what is fire, and whether and under what conditions we'd all be willing to participate in experimental medicine. A transcript and show notes are availa…

1
Episode 59: Dead Dinosaurs, Cockroach Sperm, and Monkey Testicles - A Science Sampler Platter for the New Year 50:15

1+ y ago50:15

50:15

In this episode, the two of us share several different interesting topics we've read about recently, including the timing of the meteor that killed the dinosaurs, the first fossil cockroach found with its sperm, the use of ultrasound as contraception for mammals, extremely dangerous theoretical rockets, and unethical animal experimentation in the A…

1
Episode 58: Where Do Insects Go When It’s Cold? 47:07

1+ y ago47:07

47:07

In this episode, we address what happens to all the insects when it's cold out - where do they go? how do they survive? how do you survive freezing temperatures? Including the elusive grylloblattids, freeze tolerant cockroaches, Alaskan stoneflies, and even some butterflies. A transcript and show notes for this episode are available on our website …

1
Episode 57: Rose Eveleth on the future, Flash Forward, whether you are your brain, and whether to put that brain in a robot 1:11:02

1+ y ago1:11:02

1:11:02

In this episode - recorded almost 18 months ago but still great - we talk to our first and only cis (?) guest: Rose Eveleth, the creator, writer, producer, and host of the podcast Flash Forward (in Charles's estimation, the greatest podcast of all time). We talk about the process behind making Flash Forward, the episodes which we feel speak particu…

1
Episode 56: Nona the Ninth (SPOILERS) 59:13

2y ago59:13

59:13

It's Nona time baby!!!!!! A transcript and show notes are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/09/19/episode-56/ The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase. Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich. Thank you for listening!By asabpod

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RE-RELEASE: The Locked Tomb by Tamsyn Muir (Books 1-2) 1:13:12

2y ago1:13:12

1:13:12

In anticipation of the release of the third entry in the Locked Tomb quartet by Tamsyn Muir (Nona the Ninth, out 13 September), we're re-releasing our conversation with friend of the pod Erin on the first two books: Gideon the Ninth and Harrow the Ninth. Spoilers, like a lot of them. Our episode on Nona the Ninth will be released a week from now, s…

1
Episode 55: ”The Neutral Zone” (TNG 1x26) and the Past and Future of Cryonics 37:55

2y ago37:55

37:55

In this episode we use the TNG episode "The Neutral Zone," in which three people from the 20th century are revived from cryopreservation to find themselves on the Enterprise 300 years later, to talk about cryonics. We touch on its history, whether it actually works (no), whether it could work (probably not), whether we'd do it (no way), and, just f…

1
Episode 54: What’s the Big Deal With the James Webb Space Telescope? 42:08

2y ago42:08

42:08

In this episode, we talk about the significance of the new James Webb Space Telescope (and why it should have a different name) - how it works, why it's important, and what people are going to do with it. Also stay to hear the story of how Tessa proposed to her wife, which is extremely dorky and pretty sweet. A transcript and show notes for this ep…

1
Episode 53: Laurel Hiatt on What’s Really Happening in Your Colon 52:05

2y ago52:05

52:05

In this episode we're joined by MD-PhD student Laurel Hiatt, whose work focuses on somatic mosaicism, or the differences between individual cells, specifically in the human colon. We talk about genetic mosaicism, cancer risk, why the colon causes so many problems, and how Laurel's work will (hopefully) help develop tools to improve screening and co…

1
Episode 52: Father’s Day Special - Seahorses and Male Pregnancy 47:29

2y ago47:29

47:29

In this special holiday episode, we talked about Syngnathidae (the family of ray-finned fishes including pipefish, seahorses, and sea dragons), particularly Hippocampus spp. (seahorses) and their unusual reproductive strategy of male pregnancy. We talk about the physiology of seahorses' pregnancy, with tangents about the complexity of biological se…

1
Episode 51: Robin Aguilar on Genetics 45:38

2y ago45:38

45:38

In this episode we're joined by geneticist and artist Robin Aguilar to talk about their research using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to visualize DNA, brush up on some basic genetics, and discuss a new episode-ending question, of which era of geologic time we'd travel to if we somehow got a trip in a time machine. We also touch on Robin'…

1
Episode 50: Lyra Cronin on Quantum Physics and When to Become a Robot 50:50

2y ago50:50

50:50

This week we're joined by quantum physics student Lyra Cronin. We talk about the meaning of quantum physics, Lyra's work with nitrogen vacancy centers in diamonds, the possibilities of quantum computing, and when to become (and die as) a robot. We don't mention it in the episode, but Lyra can be found on Twitter @Seranyx. A transcript and show note…

1
Episode 49: The Science of Our Flag Means Death 52:15

2y ago52:15

52:15

Like most gay people, we have now watched the HBO series Our Flag Means Death (full season 1 available now!). Unlike most gay people, Charles is a PhD candidate in history and philosophy of biology. In this episode, we touch on several topics in history of science touched on in the show: Linnaean taxonomy and binomial nomenclature, phrenology, and …

1
Episode 48: Lucianne Walkowicz on Space - Who Does It Belong To? How Gay Is It? 52:10

2+ y ago52:10

52:10

In this episode we're joined by science superstar (pun intended) Lucianne Walkowicz to talk about their research, who space belongs to (including whether it can "belong" to anyone), and how gay space is. Charles also defends leeches (they probably won't give you diseases!), the animal, but not leeches, metaphor for the capitalist class. Lucianne is…

1
Episode 47: ”So, What’s In Your Pants?” (Genitals, Part II) 58:14

2+ y ago58:14

58:14

Warning for this episode that we are talking at length about reproductive anatomy and genitals, the effect of testosterone and genital reconstruction of the clitorophallus. The second in our two-part series on genitals medical transition, in this one we talk about the history and procedures of metoidioplasty and phalloplasty, as well as possibiliti…

1
Episode 46: ”So, What’s In Your Pants?” (Genitals Part I) 46:33

2+ y ago46:33

46:33

Warning for this episode that we are talking at length about reproductive anatomy and genitals, particularly vaginoplasty as a gender-affirming surgery. This episode includes frank discussion of vaginoplasty as a procedure, as well as Tessa's personal experience. The first in a two-part series on trans people and genitals, this episode focuses on v…

1
Episode 45: Lee Jaszlics’s Detransition Experience 37:44

2+ y ago37:44

37:44

In this episode we spoke with nature photographer Lee Jaszlics about their experience of "detransition." Lee is nonbinary and took testosterone before choosing to end use, and reverse some of its effects. We talk about their experience of gender and transitioning, and also tapeworms. Lee is on Twitter @taenia and has their wonderful photographer at…

1
Episode 44: ASAB Presents the Science... Hormone Therapy 48:42

2+ y ago48:42

48:42

In this episode, motivated by the recent barrage of anti-trans legislation, we begin a dig into the science underlying gender-affirming care, beginning with hormones and hormone therapy. Topics include "sex" hormones and how they work, chromosomal sex determination, and puberty blockers (mechanism and long-term health prospects). Extensive show not…

1
Episode 43: Animorphs #19, ”The Departure” 41:22

2+ y ago41:22

41:22

This week Tessa and Charles talk about Animorphs for the first but assuredly not last time, particularly about the Cassie book, "The Departure," in which Cassie has just the worst weekend ever. A transcript and show notes are on our website at: The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase. Our intro music is by Ni…

1
Episode 42: Charlotte Olsen on SPACE 45:13

2+ y ago45:13

45:13

This episode we're joined by "astrophysicist in the making" Charlotte Olsen to talk about galaxies, different paths to science, and if it's gay if it's in space (yes). A transcript and show notes will be on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/01/29/episode-42/ Charlotte can be found on Twitter @CharlotteEureka The show is on Twitter @ASA…

1
Episode 41: This One’s About COVID 37:42

2+ y ago37:42

37:42

Bad news: Tessa got COVID. Good news: She's fine! And so is her wife, and presumably her lizard. We talk through her experience, give a PSA on sexually transmitted HPVs, advocate for a new max vax movement, and talk about which animal we would least hate to be stuck as if we got trapped à la Tobias in Animorphs. Show notes and a transcript for this…

1
Episode 40: Román Ramos Báez on PLANTS 43:26

2+ y ago43:26

43:26

Román Ramos Báez (Romi) joins us to talk about PLANTS! Plant hormones, plants living their best and worst lives, and the mysteries of plant development. Specifically, what's even up with bonsai? Romi can be found on Twitter @sensitiveroots and on their website. Show notes and a transcript for this episode will be posted at: https://asabpodcast.com/…

1
Episode 39: Emily Hunt on GALAXIES 42:00

2+ y ago42:00

42:00

In this episode we're joined by astronomer Emily Hunt to talk about space, galaxies, the taxonomy of celestial bodies, and whether to put your brain in a robot body, and why. We had some connectivity issues so the audio isn't perfect, but it was such a delightful conversation, we couldn't scrap it. Emily is on Twitter @emilydoesastro. Show notes an…

1
Episode 38: Repo! The Genetic Opera (Super Spooky Halloween Special Part II) 38:29

3y ago38:29

38:29

Regress to your emo years and revisit with us Repo! The Genetic Opera, a cult classic - but deservedly? We're not so sure. It may be Halloween but it feels like Christmas for Charles, who got to trap Tessa in a podcast about musical theatre. Also we talk about organs a lot. You can find this episode's transcript at our website here: https://asabpod…

1
Episode 37: The Horrors of the MIND (Super Spooky Halloween Special Part I) 34:50

3y ago34:50

34:50

On this week's episode, we discuss different science-fictional (and some fact-ional) scenarios that are our own personal nightmares. Subjects include alien abduction, brain implants, space travel, and fish wearing glasses. You can find this episode's transcript at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/10/28/episode-37 The show is on Twitte…

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Episode 36: Aaron Fairweather on Myrmecology (Ants) and Being a Furry in Scicomm 49:52

3y ago49:52

49:52

This week we're joined by myrmecologist and all-around delight, Aaron Fairweather. Aaron joins us to talk ants, taxonomy hot-takes, and being a furry in science communication - our first furry guest, but certainly not our last. Find Aaron and their scicomm on Twitter @entobird and @insectaaron. A transcript and show notes are on our website here: h…

1
Episode 35: Oh I Am What I Am, I‘ll Do What I Want (Watch Roswell), But I Can‘t Hide (That I Love Roswell) 39:10

3y ago39:10

39:10

In this episode we watched and discuss the first two episodes of the classic alien teen romance drama, Roswell (not the CW show from 2019). Aliens! Mysteries! Teen love! A perfect show, except for everything wrong with it. A transcript is available at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/09/04/episode-35/ Charles is on Twitter @cockroacha…

1
Episode 34: Back to Space! with Teal 48:34

3y ago48:34

48:34

We chat with astrophysicist Teal about the James Webb Space Telescope, their research on space, what makes an atmosphere, and whether there's any controversy to what makes an atmosphere, among other topics. There's also another long rumination on death, which isn't even because we're living through a pandemic, we're just Like That. Teal is not on s…

1
Episode 33: Nicole Petkovich on Materials Science, Industry, and Old Web Nostalgia 38:50

3y ago38:50

38:50

Delayed but never forgotten, we recorded this episode with materials scientist and all-around delight DECADES (months) ago so there are some timeline inconsistencies but it's still a banger of a conversation that touches on Nicole's graduate work, moving from academia to industry, what would the alien industrial complex be, and thank God most old b…

1
Episode 32: We Also Read "Helicopter Story" (Formerly "I Sexually Identify as an Attack Helicopter") 38:07

3y ago38:07

38:07

This week we decided to be almost timely for once, and talked about "Helicopter Story" by Isabel Fall, recently nominated for a Hugo in two categories. We talk about the story itself, backlash, counter-backlash, and managed to get Chuck Tingle in there. For a transcript and some links, check out our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/07/16/episo…

1
Episode 31: Theo Tiffney on the Two C's: Hepatitis, and Capitalism 50:16

3y ago50:16

50:16

In this episode, Theo Tiffney - recent PhD, crucial figure in ASAB history, and our friend - tells us about hepatitis C. We go through the disease itself, its treatment, and how drug companies once again screwed people over. A transcript of the episode is available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/07/01/episode-31/ Theo isn't reall…

1
Episode 30: Fayth Tan on Regeneration and Queer Identity 48:01

3y ago48:01

48:01

For our first Pride Month episode, we're joined by biologist Fayth Tan, whose work focuses on regeneration. We talk about what the heck regeneration really is, why we see it in some organisms and not others, the lies told to us by pop culture, and our most beautiful "is it gay if it's in space?" yet. Follow Fayth on Twitter @faythtan or check out t…

1
Episode 29: Michaela Gallucci (izzitMichaela) on Climate Change and a LOT of Robot Talk 41:54

3y ago41:54

41:54

For this week's episode we're joined by "trans scientist, engineer, and inventor" Michaela Gallucci, founder of State of the Climate and host of science channel izzitMichaela, to talk about her background in science, her ongoing projects, and whether any of us would date a robot (yes, depending). We're having some technical issues with our website,…

1
Episode 28: Y'all Heard of the Picture-Winged Flies (Ulidiidae)? 47:23

3+ y ago47:23

47:23

This week's episode is an exploration of the modest but fascinating family Ulidiidae, the "picture-winged flies." Tangents include fly phylogenies (fly-logeny), sperm and the distribution thereof, and whether there's any truly correct way to pronounce scientific names. A transcript of the episode is available at our website here: https://asabpodcas…

1
Episode 27: Annalee Newitz on "Lost Cities" and the Nature of Self 50:59

3+ y ago50:59

50:59

This week we are ecstatic to share our conversation with Annalee Newitz, author of fiction (Autonomous, Future of Another Timeline) and nonfiction (most recently Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age) and podcaster (Our Opinions are Correct, which they host with Charlie Jane Anders). We talk about coming out as non-binary to the world…

1
Episode 26: Kaitlin Rasmussen on Exoplanets and How to Find 'Em 40:39

3+ y ago40:39

40:39

This week we have Kaitlin Rasmussen, "stellar astrophysicist and exoplaneteer," on to talk about their research in exoplanets, planets in general, spectrographs, and telescopes. We get a lengthy interlude about history of scientific methodology, which delights Charles. To see more about Kaitlin's work, check out her website at https://www.kaitlinra…

1
Episode 25: Cel Welch on Diagnostic Technology and Trans Health 35:44

3+ y ago35:44

35:44

On this episode we have Cel Welch, founder of Queer Engineer, on to talk about Cel's research and background in medical diagnostics. We talk about what goes on in there and the process of developing new diagnostic tools. Cel is on Twitter @citizenSTEM and Queer Engineer is on Twitter @QueerEngineers. A transcript for this episode is available at ou…

1
Episode 24: Ferengi Gender Double Feature ("Rules of Acquisition" / "Profit and Lace") 45:12

3+ y ago45:12

45:12

In this episode we tackle two Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes about Ferengi and their weird gender stuff: "Rules of Acquisition" (a classic "women dresses as man to pursue opportunity" plot) and "Profit and Lace" (a well-intentioned? disaster of '90s transmisogyny). We get pretty personal and ask the real questions, like, why would anybody ever…

1
Episode 23: Gabi Fleury Returns! Being Non-Binary, Black, and Queer in Conservation 33:35

3+ y ago33:35

33:35

Our second episode with Gabi Fleury. In this one, we talk more specifically about their experiences being non-binary, Black, and queer in conservation, and include only one tangent to talk about cool bugs. (Leafcutter ants have a Neotropical distribution; they don't live in Africa) Gabi was named in 2021 as one of Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 for …

1
Episode 22: Gabi Fleury on Actual and Speculative Conservation 46:29

3+ y ago46:29

46:29

We're joined in this week's episode by conservation biologist Gabi Fleury. Gabi works on wildlife-human conflict, primarily with African mammals. We talk about their work, doing conservation responsibly, conservation in space, and Gabi's many varied accomplishments. We also get a rare dose of real optimism!! It's unfamiliar but not unwelcome. Gabi …

1
Episode 21: Caitlin Hobbs on Life and Death During a Pandemic 37:13

3+ y ago37:13

37:13

In this episode, we talk to recently graduated bioanthropology student Caitlin Hobbs on their thesis research investigating responses to death during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Tangents include what we want done with our bodies after death, how Victorians were very goth, and whether human bodies can be composted. Caitlin is still collecting res…

1
Episode 20: Bug Dicks Revisited (Valentine's Day Special) 39:22

3+ y ago39:22

39:22

In this episode, we explore the four species of Neotrogla (Insecta: Psocodea: Prionoglarididae) and their unique genitalia. Females in these species have a penis-like organ which penetrates the male, retrieves sperm, and deposits it back in their own body. We discuss the genital mechanism here, the broader genital landscape in animals, the meaning …

1
Episode 19: Carolyn P. Hutchinson On Rodenticides and Their Effect On Rodents, Large Mammals, Wastewater, the Environment… and You 33:59

3+ y ago33:59

33:59

In this episode, analytical chemist Dr. Carolyn P Hutchison, professor at St. Bonaventure, talks to us about their research in anticoagulant rodenticides and wastewater. Topics include rodenticides, bioaccumulation, environmental chemistry, a brief tangent about insects, and Carolyn's post-apocalyptic plans. More information on Carolyn and their re…

1
Episode 18: It's Probably Not Aliens This Time But It's Gotta Be Aliens Sometime 35:50

3+ y ago35:50

35:50

On this episode we consider the implications of strange radio emissions from around Proxima Centauri. Tangents include Pluto, the meaning of planets, how to even detect radio signals, speculating about aliens, and why do we care about water so much anyway. This episode was inspired by the findings written on in this article from the SETI institute:…

1
Episode 17: Rae Lambert on Vaccines, Immunology, and the Horror of Organic Corporeality 38:23

3+ y ago38:23

38:23

On this, our first episode of 2021, we talk to Rae Lambert, a research virologist at Jefferson University about immunology, vaccines, rabies, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), viruses, applied science, spiders in space, and the existential horror of inhabiting a human body. Show notes and a transcript are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com…

1
Episode 16: Emarose Ahmed on Chemistry and Honestly a Bunch of Other Stuff 31:27

3+ y ago31:27

31:27

On this episode we're joined by Emarose Ahmed, a synthetic organic chemist at UNLV. We learn about orbital hybridization, phosphorus, synthetic chemistry, chirality, lab protocol, and Charles takes a long detour to defend cockroaches. Links, readings, and a transcript can be found at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/12/29/episode-16 E…

1
Episode 15: What even is an ice parasite? (Star Trek: Discovery, Season 3, Episodes 1-4) 54:19

3+ y ago54:19

54:19

In this episode Tessa and Charles talk to each other about the first four episodes of Star Trek: Discovery Season 3. After a soft reboot, the Discovery crew ends up over 900 years into their future to find a universe without the Federation. Plus, trans people! Show notes and a transcript for this episode are available at our website: https://asabpo…

1
Episode 14: Faelan Mourmourakis on Bee Cognition 34:04

3+ y ago34:04

34:04

In this episode, Australian entomologist Faelan Mourmourakis comes on to tell us about his research in the limitations of bee cognition. Tangents include the hell of academic funding, how people don't adequately appreciate insects' cuteness, and the emu war (which is real, and which humans lost). To see more about Faelan's research, you can check o…

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