The Show About Science

There’s two very exciting days in the month of April. One is my birthday and the other is Earth Day. So in honor of Earth Day later this month, I interviewed my friend Rick Zultner from Terracycle. Terracycle is developing new ways to recycle more than just paper, glass, plastic and aluminum. In this episode, Rick talks about how recycling works, the benefits of composting and answers the question “what is a nurdle?”. Happy Earth Day from The Show About Science!

This is the 13th episode of The Show About Science, and people with triskaidekaphobia might be afraid to listen. Triskaidekaphobia is an extreme superstition regarding the number 13. In this episode, I talk to Stuart Vyse, a behavioral scientist, teacher, and writer. Stuart explains the science behind superstitions and phobias - so don’t be afraid to press play. A big big thanks to my Mom for recording this episode. “Triskaidekaphobia” by Jimmy Sutton’s Four Charms is available at http://www.histylerecords.com/four-charms/

In this episode of The Show About Science, Nate talks to Stephanie Findlay about bats. You'll be amazed at how little you know about these amazing nocturnal creatures. Stephanie is a masters student at the University of Calgary studying bat biology under Dr. Robert Barclay. Ebola, the evolution of bats, vampire bats, dog sized bats - this episode has it all. Get ready to dig into some serious bat biology!

In this episode of The Show About Science, Nate talks to geologist Duncan Findlay. Duncan has a PhD in reconstructing the palaeoenvironment using geochemistry, sedimentaology, macropalaeontology and modern analogues and an MSc degree in micropalaeontology. What exactly does all of that mean? You’ve got to listen to find out! You can find out more about Duncan on his website (http://www.realisticgeoscience.com/) or by following him on twitter @realisticgeo.

In this episode of The Show About Science, Nate interviews Joe Hanson, the creator/host/writer of PBS Digital Studios’ It’s Okay To Be Smart. Nate talks to Joe about woolly mammoths, bees, mosquitoes and the science behind HBO's Game of Thrones. Make sure to check out all of Joe’s amazing science videos on the It’s Okay To Be Smart youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH4BNI0-FOK2dMXoFtViWHw). Also checkout my new website (http://theshowaboutscience.atavist.com) and follow me on Twitter (I'm @natepodcasts)!

When I was 2, one of the first science videos I ever watched was by the Amoeba Sisters - two amorphous amoebas that teach science. I think the topic of that video was viruses. I played it over and over and over. Then I watched the next one. Fast forward 3 years and here I am talking to Brianna and Sarina (the two real life sisters behind the Amoeba Sisters). How cool is that!!! In this episode, we discuss mitosis, DNA replication, viruses and so much more! You can watch all of the Amoeba Sisters videos on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/user/AmoebaSisters) or on their website (http://www.amoebasisters.com/).

Mike Mongo dreamed of becoming an astronaut when he was young, but making those dreams a reality can be challenging. Now Mike is an astronaut instructor who encourages kids to follow their interstellar dreams. In this episode of The Show About Science, Mike tells Nate that "when he grows up, he can live, work and play in space." Nate wants to know more about space and what sort of creatures humans might encounter as they explore this new frontier. Mike Mongo is the author of The Astronaut Instruction Manual which is available on Amazon (http://amzn.to/1mZmZuy).

In this episode, Ian and Greg, the hosts of Stop. Think. Science! join Nate to talk about molecules, chemical compounds and dangerous chemical reactions. Later in the program, Nate talks about his favorite TED-Ed videos and the one he just can't bring himself to like. Stop. Think. Science! currently has just over 25 episodes on topics ranging from Sharks, to Geophysics to NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. You can find out more information and listen to episodes at stopthinkscience.com.

In this very exciting episode of The Show About Science, Nate talks to Santa Claus about the science behind his workshop and what happens when kids send drawings of new toys for Santa to produce in his present factory. Santa than suggests that Nate talk to Roger, his Head of Research and Development. Roger gives Nate an inside glimpse into the science behind reindeer flight and the tech that allows Santa to deliver his presents in one night. Roger is also the author of The Physics of Christmas: From the Aerodynamics of Reindeer to the Thermodynamics of Turkey (http://amzn.to/1NwaZr4) and Can Reindeer Fly?: The Science of Christmas (http://amzn.to/1NwaYDG). Finally, Nate talks to Lt(N) Marco Chouinard from NORAD about the science of tracking Santa and the noradsanta.org website. Kids can also call NORAD on December 24th to find out when Santa will be arriving in their area. The number to call is 1-877-446-6723. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter. I'm @natepodcasts.

In this episode of the Show About Science, Nate talks to Dr. Daryl. Dr. Daryl is an emergency medicine doctor who also fronts Chicago's famed punk rock band, The Bollweevils. Nate and Daryl talk about fractures, broken bones, blood pressure and the "elephant" that sent Nate's mom to the emergency room.