

Chemistry For Your Life
Melissa and Jam, Bleav
A podcast that helps you understand the fascinating chemistry hidden in your everyday life.
Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? Or how soap gets your hands clean? What really is margarine, or why do trees change colors in the fall? Melissa is a chemist, and to answer these questions she started a podcast, called Chemistry for your life!
In each episode Melissa explains the chemistry behind one of life’s mysteries to Jam, who is definitely not a chemist, but she explains it in a way that is easy to understand, and totally fascinating.
If you’re someone who loves learning new things, or who wonders about the way the world works, then give us a listen.
Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? Or how soap gets your hands clean? What really is margarine, or why do trees change colors in the fall? Melissa is a chemist, and to answer these questions she started a podcast, called Chemistry for your life!
In each episode Melissa explains the chemistry behind one of life’s mysteries to Jam, who is definitely not a chemist, but she explains it in a way that is easy to understand, and totally fascinating.
If you’re someone who loves learning new things, or who wonders about the way the world works, then give us a listen.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 31, 2025 • 26min
How does sweat cool us down?
#050
This week, Melissa and Jam once again look under the armpits of society, this time to explore sweat. Is it cool? Well does it keep us cool? How? At what cost? Is there more to sweat than meets the eye? Can you drink it? Grab your sweat bands and let's hit the track Paulie Bleeker.
References from this episode
Flexible and Superwettable Bands as a Platform toward Sweat Sampling and Sensing - Analytical Chemistry - Xuecheng He, Tailin Xu, Zhen Gu, Wei Gao, Li-Ping Xu, Tingrui Pan, and Xueji Zhang
A Fully Integrated and Self-Powered Smartwatch for Continuous Sweat Glucose Monitoring - ACS Sensors - Jiangqi Zhao, Yuanjing Lin, Jingbo Wu, Hnin Yin Yin Nyein, Mallika Bariya, Li-Chia Tai, Minghan Chao, Wenbo Ji, George Zhang, Zhiyong Fan, and Ali Javey
General Chemistry, Edition 2 - Flowers, Theopold, Langley, Robinson
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife.
Email us at chemforyourlife@gmail.com
And check out our chill, simple little website at https://chemforyourlife.transistor.fm/
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Ciara Linville
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette Napoleon
Cullyn R
Erica Bee
Elizabeth P
Sarah Moar
Rachel Reina
Letila
Katrina Barnum-Huckins
Suzanne Phillips
Nelly Silva
Venus Rebholz
Lyn Stubblefield
Jacob Taber
Brian Kimball
Emerson Woodhall
Kristina Gotfredsen
Timothy Parker
Steven Boyles
Chris Skupien
Chelsea B
Bri McAllister
Avishai Barnoy
Hunter Reardon
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Jul 24, 2025 • 50min
How does *color* film photography work??
In this continuation of our two-part series, Melissa and Jam dive into the intriguing chemistry behind color film and Polaroid photography. The episode picks up from the previous discussion on black and white film, focusing on color theory and how it applies to both traditional and instant photography. Listeners will learn about the science of additive and subtractive colors, how multiple layers of dye-sensitized silver halide work together to capture images, and the unique processes involved in developing these images. For those fascinated by the intersection of chemistry and photography, this episode is a must-listen.
00:00 Introduction and Recap
01:42 Understanding Color Theory
05:08 Additive and Subtractive Colors
07:00 Color Photography Basics
08:45 Film Development Process
13:03 Negative and Positive Images
17:33 Practical Applications and Examples
23:28 Understanding Negative Images in Photography
24:26 Principles of Color Photography
25:22 Exploring Color Negatives and Filters
27:14 Layers and Sensitizers in Color Film
29:51 The Development Process of Color Film
34:22 Introduction to Polaroid Photography
35:20 The Chemistry Behind Polaroid Development
40:06 Fascination with Photography and Color Theory
40:50 Favorite Black and White TV Shows
44:12 Closing Remarks and Community Shoutouts
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
References from this episode:
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed052p622?ref=article_openPDF
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00400
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed081p694
https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/making-a-photographic-print-using-silver-chloride/454.article
https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/metals%20and%20nonmetals/chemmatters-feb2006-digital-photo.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Steiger/publication/279964154_CHEMICAL_SENSITIZATION_OF_SILVER_BROMIDE/links/5a7d8b55aca272341aef2f6f/CHEMICAL-SENSITIZATION-OF-SILVER-BROMIDE.pdf
https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ncw/chemistry-of-polaroids.html
https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i12/Instant-Film.html
https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/land-instant-photography.html
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed051p72?ref=article_openPDF
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
Julie S.
Heather R
Autoclave
Chelsea M
Dorien VD
Scott B
Jessie R
Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
Cullyn R
Erica B
Elizabeth P
Sarah M
Rachel R
Letila
Katrina B
Suzanne P
Venus R
Lyn S
Jacob T
Brian K
Emerson W
Kristina G
Timothy P
Steven B
Chris and Claire S
Chelsea B
Avishai B
Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Jul 17, 2025 • 36min
Ask a Chemist: Is Baking Soda and Vinegar a Cleaning Myth? (And other questions)
Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of questions and corrections from their listeners. They dive into topics such as the effectiveness of baking soda and vinegar as cleaning agents, the science behind kombucha carbonation, the structural differences in Panko breadcrumbs, and how polymer clays harden in the oven versus air dry clay. They also explore fun anecdotes from the community about glow-in-the-dark items and discuss how Monster energy drinks can explode when frozen. The episode provides valuable insights into everyday chemistry while addressing common myths and misconceptions.
00:00 Introduction and Teasers
00:34 Corrections and Community Feedback
02:14 Kombucha Fermentation Discussion
10:31 Baking Soda and Vinegar Cleaning Debate
15:45 Adhesives for Panko Breadcrumbs
16:59 Greek Yogurt and Panko Breadcrumbs Recipe
18:02 The Science Behind Panko Breadcrumbs
19:10 Ozone Layer and COVID-19 Impact
21:43 Exploding Monster Energy Drinks
23:44 Mel's Research and Published Articles
25:23 Polymer Clays and Air Dry Clays
26:50 Alternative Career Choices
31:30 Listener Anecdotes and Community Engagement
34:51 Supporting the Show and Final Thoughts
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
Julie S.
Heather R
Autoclave
Chelsea M
Dorien VD
Scott B
Jessie R
Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
Cullyn R
Erica B
Elizabeth P
Sarah M
Rachel R
Letila
Katrina B
Suzanne P
Venus R
Lyn S
Jacob T
Brian K
Emerson W
Kristina G
Timothy P
Steven B
Chris and Claire S
Chelsea B
Avishai B
Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Jul 10, 2025 • 55min
What is the chemistry of film photography?
Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating chemistry behind film photography. They reminisce about their childhood experiences with analog cameras and discuss the shift to digital cameras. Melissa, a chemist, explains the complex chemical processes involved in capturing and developing photos on film, focusing on the role of light-sensitive silver bromide. The episode also includes shout-outs to community members who spurred the topic and closes with personal stories and favorite film photos. Get ready to explore the intersection of chemistry and photography while revisiting nostalgia from the days of film cameras.
00:00 Nostalgia: From Film to Digital Cameras
00:38 The Shift to Digital Photography
01:52 Introduction to the Podcast
02:01 Shoutouts and Listener Requests
12:32 The Chemistry Behind Film Photography
28:03 Amplifying the Latent Image
28:24 Creating the Negative
29:11 Fixing the Image
29:51 Understanding the Negative
30:30 Inverting the Negative
31:15 Early Photography Challenges
32:12 Explaining the Process
33:21 Chemical Reactions in Film Development
34:44 Scanning and Developing Film
41:15 Personal Film Photography Stories
51:29 Supporting the Show
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
References from this episode:
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed052p622?ref=article_openPDF
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00400
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed081p694
https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/making-a-photographic-print-using-silver-chloride/454.article
https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/metals%20and%20nonmetals/chemmatters-feb2006-digital-photo.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Steiger/publication/279964154_CHEMICAL_SENSITIZATION_OF_SILVER_BROMIDE/links/5a7d8b55aca272341aef2f6f/CHEMICAL-SENSITIZATION-OF-SILVER-BROMIDE.pdf
https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ncw/chemistry-of-polaroids.html
https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i12/Instant-Film.html
https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/land-instant-photography.html
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed051p72?ref=article_openPDF
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
Julie S.
Heather R
Autoclave
Chelsea M
Dorien VD
Scott B
Jessie R
Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
Cullyn R
Erica B
Elizabeth P
Sarah M
Rachel R
Letila
Katrina B
Suzanne P
Venus R
Lyn S
Jacob T
Brian K
Emerson W
Kristina G
Timothy P
Steven B
Chris and Claire S
Chelsea B
Avishai B
Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
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Jul 3, 2025 • 28min
What gives curly hair its curl?
#027 Rebroadcast
Originally Published January 23, 2020
This week, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry of something that may not seem like chemistry at first: hair. Curly hair to be specific. What makes hair curl? Also what is hair in the first place? Why can hair be so radically different? Alright curly girls, curly guys, and curly folks, let's find out.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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References from this episode
Biochemistry, Edition 4 - Garret and Grisham
The Chemistry of Hair - C. S. Whewell, Ph.D., F.R.I.C., F.T.I.
The Science of Curls - Leidamarie Tirado-Lee
Bad Hair Days? Chemistry to the Rescue - Marlene M. Gutierrez
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
Julie S.
Heather R
Autoclave
Chelsea M
Dorien VD
Scott B
Jessie R
Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
Cullyn R
Erica B
Elizabeth P
Sarah M
Rachel R
Letila
Katrina B
Suzanne P
Venus R
Lyn S
Jacob T
Brian K
Emerson W
Kristina G
Timothy P
Steven B
Chris and Claire S
Chelsea B
Avishai B
Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Jun 26, 2025 • 58min
Are organic vegetables healthier for you?
Dive into the intriguing world of organic versus non-organic foods. Discover what 'organic' truly means according to USDA standards, and unravel common myths surrounding pesticides. Learn that prioritizing fruits and vegetables in your diet is more crucial than their organic status. The hosts also share practical washing tips to reduce pesticide residues. Plus, highlights of the dietary benefits of produce consumption, especially in preventing chronic diseases, keep the conversation lively and informative!

Jun 19, 2025 • 30min
Ask a Chemist: Explain it like I'm five?
This episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life' features Melissa and Jam tackling various chemistry questions sourced from the 'Explain Like I'm Five' subreddit. They aim to explain complex chemistry concepts in a manner even a 5-year-old could understand. Questions discussed include why water isn't flammable, how carbonation works, the nature of colors and atoms, cooking processes, caloric changes during cooking, and why drawings on a steamy mirror reappear. The episode emphasizes simplifying complex ideas and making chemistry relatable to everyday life.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:50 Explaining Chemistry Like You're Five
01:31 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life
02:30 Why Isn't Water Flammable?
07:00 How Does Carbonation Work?
09:48 Are Atoms Different Colors?
13:12 What Happens When Cooking Food?
14:14 Understanding the Science of Cooking
15:12 The Chemistry Behind Frying and Toasting
16:35 Exploring the Role of Ingredients in Cooking
17:57 Calories and Cooking: What Changes?
22:49 The Mystery of Steamy Mirror Drawings
27:06 Wrapping Up and Community Thanks
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
Julie S.
Heather R
Autoclave
Chelsea M
Dorien VD
Scott B
Jessie R
Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
Cullyn R
Erica B
Elizabeth P
Sarah M
Rachel R
Letila
Katrina B
Suzanne P
Venus R
Lyn S
Jacob T
Brian K
Emerson W
Kristina G
Timothy P
Steven B
Chris and Claire S
Chelsea B
Avishai B
Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
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Jun 12, 2025 • 35min
Is it safe to use weed killer (Roundup)?
Melissa and Jam discuss the multifaceted debate surrounding the use of the widely known weed killer, Roundup, specifically its active ingredient, glyphosate. Prompted by a listener's question, they explore the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of glyphosate, including its effectiveness in agriculture, potential health risks, and environmental impacts. They delve into scientific studies, regulatory concerns, and personal anecdotes to provide a comprehensive overview of this controversial herbicide.
00:00 Introduction to Weed Killers
01:34 Listener's Question on Glyphosate
03:24 Understanding Glyphosate
08:32 The Good and Bad of Glyphosate
11:09 Health Concerns and Controversies
18:44 Whistleblowing and Evidence on Glyphosate
19:05 Human Health Impacts of Glyphosate
20:37 Environmental Effects of Glyphosate
23:00 Regulatory Considerations and Future Actions
26:16 Personal Decisions and Practical Advice
31:12 Community Engagement and Support
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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References from this episode:
https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/glyphosate/6885.article
https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/how-a-herbicide-illustrates-the-many-ways-chemicals-are-put-to-the-test/4021190.article
https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/science/article/pii/S2152265021001518#coi0001 - Note that The author has been paid as an expert in glyphosate litigation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8223940/ Note that author PB acted as consultant for glyphosate producers, on matters not related to glyphosate
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11354939/#notes5 Not notes here, but they essentially said it seems like we need more studies, there seems to be some correlation.
https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/science/article/pii/S0048969717330279?casa_token=0V1BAIP8ZFgAAAAA:0O5yGT0FK4sbuZBIhieomHGxbm-0Y_Y7VtoPEaHFcArD9FS3aczcDKHV0nU7KfwA0erzOVNHwA#s0080 - Some salaries paid for by organizations, wasn’t clear their relationship to glyphosate, but no disclosure or conflict of interest statement was made here.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/9/4605 - No conflicts of interest
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abf7482
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
Julie S.
Heather R
Autoclave
Chelsea M
Dorien VD
Scott B
Jessie R
Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
Cullyn R
Erica B
Elizabeth P
Sarah M
Rachel R
Letila
Katrina B
Suzanne P
Venus R
Lyn S
Jacob T
Brian K
Emerson W
Kristina G
Timothy P
Steven B
Chris and Claire S
Chelsea B
Avishai B
Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
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Jun 5, 2025 • 40min
Are we breathing recycled air on airplanes?
#212
Melissa and Jam explore the concept of ozone and its impact on air quality in airplanes. Melissa explains the chemical reaction of ozone, why it's significant in organic chemistry, and how it can lead to discomfort in air travel by interacting with the oils on our skin. They also discuss various tips for flying and the potential benefits of noise-canceling headphones and lounge access for frequent flyers. The episode sheds light on why people often feel unwell on planes, highlighting the Pigpen Effect, where leftover oils from previous passengers can react with ozone to create a micro-cloud of pollutants.
00:00 Introduction to Ozone Lysis
00:09 Ozone Lysis in Organic Chemistry
00:25 Personal Anecdotes and Misconceptions
01:10 Ozone and Airplane Discomfort
01:49 Chemistry of Airplane Air
02:41 Ozone Lysis and Human Interaction
06:44 Catalytic Converters in Airplanes
11:58 The Pigpen Effect
16:50 Historical Context and Modern Concerns
18:38 Recap and Further Discussion
20:23 Understanding the Pigpen Effect
20:58 Chemical Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones
22:11 Volatility and Airplane Air Quality
22:42 The Gross Reality of Airplane Seats
23:31 Airplane Hygiene and Mask-Wearing
25:08 Flying Tips and Tricks
29:54 Travel Credit Cards and Lounge Access
34:36 Sleeping on Planes and Noise-Canceling Headphones
37:43 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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References from this episode:
https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/Periodic-Graphics-chemistry-airplane-air/102/i26
https://www.acs.org/catalyzing-change/when-a-good-relationship-turns-toxic-ozone-on-airplanes.html
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/full/10.1021/es3046795
https://youtu.be/hM9P1_Xuayk?t=107s
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683839/
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
Julie S.
Heather R
Autoclave
Chelsea M
Dorien VD
Scott B
Jessie R
Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
Cullyn R
Erica B
Elizabeth P
Sarah M
Rachel R
Letila
Katrina B
Suzanne P
Venus R
Lyn S
Jacob T
Brian K
Emerson W
Kristina G
Timothy P
Steven B
Chris and Claire S
Chelsea B
Avishai B
Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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May 29, 2025 • 27min
What is the ozone layer?
#110 Rebroadcast
Originally Published August 26, 2021
We've all heard about it. And most likely you've heard that it's in danger. But what is the ozone layer in the first place? And once we learn that, how about figuring out why it's in danger? Ok let's do it.
References from this episode
https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ozone/3005901.article
https://youtu.be/XGDU6RvUVuk
https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/atmospheric-ozone
Solomon’s organic chemistry 11th edition
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2012-2013/ozone-layer-our-global-sunscreen.html
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
Julie S.
Heather R
Autoclave
Chelsea M
Dorien VD
Scott B
Jessie R
Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
Cullyn R
Erica B
Elizabeth P
Sarah M
Rachel R
Letila
Katrina B
Suzanne P
Venus R
Lyn S
Jacob T
Brian K
Emerson W
Kristina G
Timothy P
Steven B
Chris and Claire S
Chelsea B
Avishai B
Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife