Why is honey sticky but salt isn’t? What’s the difference between things that stick and things that just feel sticky? In this episode, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry behind adhesion, cohesion, and the forces that make substances cling to surfaces (and to our fingers). They explore intermolecular forces, viscosity, and why some things are nearly impo ... Show More
May 7
How was kevlar accidentally invented?
How do you turn a weird cloudy liquid into something stronger than steel? This week we’re telling the story of Kevlar: the chemistry breakthrough that led to bulletproof vests, firefighter gear, reinforced tires, and so much more. Along the way we talk polymers, hydrogen bonding, ... Show More
48m 16s
Apr 30
Is there a helium shortage?
#038 Rebroadcast Helium is all fun and games right? High voice, super funny, no worries right? Or is there a serious shortage of helium? This week, Melissa and Jam answer this question. References from this episode Helium: Its Discovery and Applications – Locker We Discovered Hel ... Show More
39m 14s
Apr 2025
Explosive Science with Kate the Chemist
<p>What are chemical reactions like in space? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice team up with Kate the Chemist to explore how cesium helps us tell time, the elusive quest for the periodic table’s “island of stability,” how AI is revolutionizing chemistry, and more!</p><p>NOTE: St ... Show More
54m 29s
Feb 2025
Valentine’s Day Isn’t Just for Romance—The Science of Deep Friendships
Love isn’t just about romance. This Valentine’s Day, we’re exploring the power of deep nonromantic bonds. Host Rachel Feltman sits down with Rhaina Cohen, a producer and editor for NPR’s podcast Embedded and author of The Other Significant Others, to discuss the history and psych ... Show More
17m 2s
Sep 2025
Nicole is on Hinge. | Talk Nasty to Me - Ep 42
In today's episode, Nicole and Jake discuss the Lorax, Nicole surfs on Hinge, Jake talks qtcinderella, and Man's Best Friend.☞business email: nicole@whalartalent.comWhere to listen: https://open.spotify.com/show/57bGQm6...Follow Nicole: @nicolerafieeFollow Jake: @jakethatcher_0:0 ... Show More
1h 11m
Sep 2025
Episode 59: Dr. Paul Chirik on Modern Alchemy
Dr. Paul Chirik, the Edwards S. Sanford Professor of Chemistry and the Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Princeton University, researches something he calls “modern alchemy.” As many of the world's most effective chemical catalysts are made from rare and precious metals, Dr ... Show More
17m 43s
Sep 2025
Algorithmic Social Media Is Driving New Slang
From viral slang such as “skibidi” to the rise of so-called brain rot, linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic, aka the “Etymology Nerd,” and associate editor Allison Parshall, who covers the mind and brain, unpack how social media and algorithms are reshaping the way we commun ... Show More
26m 55s
Feb 2025
Cosmic Queries – Stoner Edition with Janna Levin
<p>Is anything real? Is time just a construct? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen answer your far-out questions about black holes, dark matter, and the universe with astrophysicist Janna Levin. </p><p><i>(Originally Aired Tuesday, March 8 2022)</i ... Show More
49m 12s
