Best Inside Skunk Works Podcasts (2026)

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What is iodized salt? And why? 37:19

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2d ago37:19

37:19

#077 Who's doing what to our salt? What's iodine, do we need it, why, and how do they get it in there? This week Melissa and Jam dive head first into figurative iodized salt dunes. Let's take a closer look at the chemistry of something so everyday, we hardly even think about it. References from this episode https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es071907…

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How do scissors curl ribbon? 44:17

8d ago44:17

44:17

#228 In this festive episode, Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating science behind why ribbons curl when pressed against a blade. The discussion covers polymers, their molecular structures, and the forces at play during this process. With a blend of personal holiday memories and a detailed analogy involving crocheted yarn, the duo makes comple…

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What makes firecrackers go pop? 46:47

7d ago46:47

46:47

#227 Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind firecrackers and Christmas crackers. They discuss the key component, silver fulminate, explaining its unstable nature and how it reacts to create the explosive effects. The discussion also touches on the octet rule, formal charges, and isomers. Along with sharing personal experiences and pranks i…

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Ask a Chemist: Should I be worried about Cast Iron? (and other questions) 34:15

24d ago34:15

34:15

Ask a Chemist #73 Melissa and Jam tackle a range of listener questions covering a wide array of chemistry-related topics. They discuss the properties of polymers found in diapers, the science behind bubbles, the controversy surrounding cast iron vs. Teflon cookware, and the fascinating world of superconducting magnets. The episode also underscores …

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How do X-Rays reveal what's hidden inside us? 43:03

1M ago43:03

43:03

#226 Melissa and Jam delve into the intriguing world of X-rays. They start with relatable stories from the dentist's office and transition into a deep dive into how X-rays work. Key topics include the electromagnetic spectrum, how X-rays are generated, why some materials allow X-rays to pass through while others don't, and the potential risks assoc…

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What's up with aluminum foil? 30:54

28d ago30:54

30:54

#018 Rebroadcast This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of aluminum foil. Why doesn’t it feel hot when we take it out of the oven? How does it cool down so quickly? We harken back to a previous episode about specific heat a few times in this episode, listen to that one by clicking here. Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and…

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Reddit Chemistry: Mishaps, Mentorship, and More 34:38

1M ago34:38

34:38

#225 Melissa and Jam take a break from traditional chemistry topics to delve into chemistry-related stories from Reddit. They discuss a funny sunscreen mishap, give advice to a student struggling in chemistry, and navigate complex interpersonal situations involving TA duties and friend dynamics. Throughout the episode, they provide insightful comme…

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Ask a Chemist: Why are skunks so potent? (and other questions) 28:04

1M ago28:04

28:04

Question and Response 72 Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of listener questions about chemistry-related topics. They discuss the differences between conductors, semiconductors, and superconductors, and delve into why minty things feel cold and spicy things feel hot. The duo also addresses the safety of silica gel packets, the potency of skunk spray…

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How do pimple patches save our faces? 45:01

2M ago45:01

45:01

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind popular hydrocolloid bandages and pimple patches. They discuss the composition and functionality of these bandages, exploring how polymers and polar groups work to keep wounds moist and free from external contaminants. The episode also highlights the trend of using pimple patches, especially among tee…

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How does Benzoyl Peroxide fight acne? 29:29

2M ago29:29

29:29

#127 Rebroadcast If you've ever had acne, you've probably tried some creams or washes with "benzoyl peroxide" somewhere on the label. How is it that this specific ingredient is helpful for fighting acne? What is happening at the molecular level when we apply some benzoyl peroxide to our acne? Let's find out! References from this episode https://www…

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What sparks the mystery of static electricity? 35:14

2M ago35:14

35:14

Melissa and Jam delve into the intricate phenomenon of static electricity. They discuss their own experiences with static shocks and static cling, particularly in the winter months. They explain the concept of contact electrification and the tribal electric effect, providing basic explanations along with why these do not fully account for everythin…

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What to Use and Avoid in the Kitchen: 3 Tips From a Chemist 16:01

3M ago16:01

16:01

Melissa and Jam discuss the top three kitchen products and habits Melissa avoids and loves based on her expertise in chemistry. She advises against using Teflon or non-stick cookware, vintage plastics, and recycling dirty materials. Instead, she encourages using cast iron pans, glass storage containers, and proper recycling practices. Melissa also …

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How does Poo-Pourri prevent unpleasant smells? 35:50

3M ago35:50

35:50

Melissa and Jam discuss the chemistry behind Poopourri Toilet Spray. Melissa explains how the spray works by forming a non-polar oil layer on top of water, preventing smelly polar molecules like skatole and sulfur compounds from escaping into the air. They also touch upon the practical applications and personal experiences of using the product, mak…

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How do odor absorbers work? 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

#072 Rebroadcast You know what they say, everyone's experienced odors, and 99.99% of all odors smell. We have room sprays, candles, air fresheners, etc. But how can we absorb or eliminate bad smells? Can chemistry do it? How? Let's find out! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourli…

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Are your lips being tricked by chapstick? 48:37

3M ago48:37

48:37

Melissa and Jam delve into the science behind lip balm, investigating whether products like Chapstick and Burt's Bees are beneficial or if they could be causing more harm. They explore the ingredients commonly found in these products, discuss what to avoid for chapped lips, and share dermatologist-recommended alternatives for effective lip care. 00…

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Ask a Chemist: Why is glass clear? (and other questions) 38:10

4M ago38:10

38:10

Melissa and Jam tackle a range of fascinating chemistry questions from their audience in this episode of 'Chemistry For Your Life'. They discuss why glass is transparent, how some foods make our mouth feel hot or cold, and the science behind decaffeinating coffee. Along the way, they share insights about their popular 'ghost holding an Erlenmeyer F…

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Does lotion really hydrate dry skin? 47:50

4M ago47:50

47:50

Melissa and Jam discuss the science behind moisturizers and how they help with dry skin. The conversation covers the role of occlusives like petroleum jelly, humectants such as glycerin, and emollients in skincare. They also explore the importance of staying hydrated and the effect of environmental factors on skin moisture. Listeners can learn abou…

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What are shooting stars? 47:42

4M ago47:42

47:42

Melissa and Jam explore the science behind shooting stars, unraveling the chemistry that turns space rocks into brilliant streaks of light in our night sky. They discuss how meteors heat up and glow as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, the difference between meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites, and share fun facts about colorful meteors and the surpri…

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How do glowsticks glow? 33:57

4M ago33:57

33:57

#067 Rebroadcast (Originally Aired October 2020) Guess what time of year it is. It's spooky time! One thing we see a lot of during this time of year, is things that glow. And you better believe that's chemistry. So how do glowsticks glow? How does bending the glowsticks start that process? What's mixing with what, and seriously how the heck does it…

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What makes fireflies glow? 56:31

5M ago56:31

56:31

Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating chemistry behind fireflies' bioluminescence. They explore how fireflies produce light through a complex series of chemical reactions involving specific molecules like luciferin and enzymes like luciferase. The discussion extends to how these mechanisms find applications in scientific research, such as iden…

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Ask a Chemist: What would be worse, drinking bleach or gasoline? (and other questions) 48:53

5M ago48:53

48:53

Melissa and Jam dive into a variety of listener-submitted questions. They discuss the science behind fluffy shave ice versus mainland shaved ice, the effectiveness and safety of ozone treatments for smoke smells, and the potential impact of glyphosate on human health. They also explore the chemistry of everyday items like rinse aid in dishwashers, …

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Why is sweat salty? 37:11

5M ago37:11

37:11

Melissa and Jam explore the science behind why sweat is salty. They discuss personal experiences with sweating, the types of sweat glands, and the chemical processes involved in sweat production. The episode explains how osmosis, ion channels, and salt concentrations contribute to the movement of sweat through sweat glands to the skin's surface. Th…

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How does sweat cool us down? 26:02

5M ago26:02

26:02

#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 a…

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How does color film photography work?? 49:40

5M ago49:40

49:40

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 addi…

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Ask a Chemist: Is Baking Soda and Vinegar a Cleaning Myth? (And other questions) 36:21

6M ago36:21

36:21

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 f…

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What is the chemistry of film photography? 55:28

6M ago55:28

55:28

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 b…

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What gives curly hair its curl? 28:18

6M ago28:18

28:18

#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…

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Are organic vegetables healthier for you? 57:52

6M ago57:52

57:52

Melissa and Jam dive into the definition and implications of organic foods. They explore what organic means according to USDA standards, dissect common misconceptions about pesticide use, and discuss whether organic produce is actually healthier. This detailed analysis includes Melissa's scientific research process and draws on trusted sources to c…

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Ask a Chemist: Explain it like I'm five? 30:00

7M ago30:00

30:00

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 …

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Is it safe to use weed killer (Roundup)? 34:40

7M ago34:40

34:40

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 imp…

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Are we breathing recycled air on airplanes? 39:58

7M ago39:58

39:58

#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 no…

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What is the ozone layer? 27:05

7M ago27:05

27:05

#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.articl…

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Ask a Chemist: What is heavy water? (and other questions) 43:43

8M ago43:43

43:43

Question and Response #67 Melissa and Jam dive into a series of chemistry-related questions from their audience. From understanding why wintergreen mints spark in the dark to the science of pregnancy tests and heavy water, the episode covers a broad range of fascinating topics. They also discuss the role of moisturizers, dispel myths about chapstic…

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Why do airplanes make you gassy? 38:58

8M ago38:58

38:58

#211 Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind increased flatulence on airplanes. They explore how changes in air pressure affect gas expansion in the human body, leading to more frequent gas release during flights. The discussion covers the physiology of high altitude flatus expulsion (HAFE), personal anecdotes, and practical advice for mana…

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Chemistry at Home: Chromatography 13:29

8M ago13:29

13:29

Chemistry at Home: Chromatography Rebroadcast Originally Published June 29, 2020 Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens when we combine markers, coffee filters, and water. Let's do chemistry! Watch the experiment here! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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How do pregnancy tests actually work? 40:21

8M ago40:21

40:21

#210 Melissa and Jam dive into the science of home pregnancy tests. They explore the process in which these tests detect the presence of the hormone HCG, which signals a positive pregnancy result. The episode explains the roles of capillary action, antibodies, and enzymes in the test's operation and discusses the specificity needed to avoid false p…

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Ask a Chemist: Are all food dyes bad? (and other questions) 33:18

9M ago33:18

33:18

Ask a Chemist #66 Melissa and Jam dive into a range of listener-submitted questions exploring everyday chemistry. Topics include the chemistry behind toasting herbs, the effect of gravity on elemental bonds, the purpose and ethics of creating elements with short half-lives, and the effectiveness of cough medicine. They also discuss potential causes…

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How do plants defy gravity to "drink" water? 44:46

9M ago44:46

44:46

#209 Melissa and Jam dive into the fascinating chemistry behind how plants transport water from their roots to their leaves, effectively defying gravity. They explore processes such as capillary action and the cohesion tension mechanism, citing a primary source from Nature journal. Melissa and Jam also touch on key chemistry concepts like water pol…

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What is the future of antihistamines? 34:35

9M ago34:35

34:35

#098 Rebroadcast Original Air Date: June 3, 2021 Could histamine and antihistamines do more than just affect our allergies? Actually yes. Today we discuss new and recent research in the world of histamine, and believe us, there's some really cool stuff. References from this episode https://cen.acs.org/articles/91/web/2013/06/Tracking-Histamine-Leve…

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Why are seasonal allergies the worst? 29:11

9M ago29:11

29:11

#097 Rebroadcast Most of us know the feeling. But what are we actually experiencing when we experience allergies? How does being around plants and pollen make us all sniffly? Why does this beautiful season have such a dark side? Let's find out. References from this episode https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538528/ https://www.chemistryworld.com…

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Why is red food dye banned? 33:49

9M ago33:49

33:49

#208 Melissa and Jam dive deep into the topic of FDA regulations, particularly focusing on food additives like red food dye. They discuss the complexities of the FDA's approval process, the Delaney Clause, and recent changes in the regulation of red dye number 3, which has been banned in response to cancer risks found in rats. They also delve into …

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Chemistry Support: Where does a fart go? (and other questions) 27:03

10M ago27:03

27:03

Question and Response 65 Melissa and Jam delve into a variety of interesting chemistry-related questions sourced from Reddit. They explore why farts stop smelling over time, the non-oily nature of Castile soap, why cookies and candies remain safe to eat at room temperature, and the mechanics behind rice cookers. They also discuss how opening a bott…

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Can gasoline freeze? 31:05

10M ago31:05

31:05

#207 Melissa and Jam explore why gasoline doesn't freeze in extremely low temperatures while water and other substances do. They delve into the concepts of intermolecular forces, polarity, and how impurities can affect the freezing and melting points of substances. The discussion includes a comparison of the behavior of different substances at vary…

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What's the chemistry of sticky stuff? 33:14

10M ago33:14

33:14

#011 Rebroadcast 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 …

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Can I trust the FDA? (from thalidomide to cough medicine) 30:23

10M ago30:23

30:23

#206 Melissa and Jam address a listener's question about the FDA's reliability in approving products. They discuss the intersection of chemistry, government, and society, focusing on FDA's role in regulating food and drugs. The episode includes a deep dive into the historical thalidomide tragedy, the improvements in the FDA's approval process since…

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Ask a Chemist: Does metal mess up sourdough? (and other questions) 47:25

11M ago47:25

47:25

Ask a Chemist #64 Melissa and Jam delve into intriguing chemistry questions posed by their listeners. They explore whether all salts are salty, the chemistry of gunshot residue and fingerprinting, and the reactions between chemicals and sound waves. Special guest Maison, Melissa's husband, joins to discuss sourdough starter cultures and answer sour…

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What is going on with science funding?? 44:02

11M ago44:02

44:02

#205 Jam and Melissa discuss the complexities and consequences of recent executive orders surrounding science funding. Melissa provides insight into how these changes impact university research, faculty positions, and broader society. The duo also highlights the historical context and importance of DEI in academia, emphasizing the broader implicati…

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What is rust and is it kinda cool? 34:46

11M ago34:46

34:46

#047 Rebroadcast This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of rust. What even is it? Where does it come from? Is it bad? Is it reversible? Let's get into it. References from this episode Turning Back Time: Watching Rust Transform into Iron - National Institute of Standards and Technology The Color of Soil - United States Department of Agricu…

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How do Tums make us feel better? (And why do they make us burp?) 27:31

11M ago27:31

27:31

#114 Rebroadcast Tums, alka seltzer, and other antacids: they're simple, they've been around for a long time, but they're a tried and true method for helping our stomachs. But how do they work? What's the chemistry behind these unsung heroes? References from this episode Chemistry Julia Burdge Biochemistry 4th edition by Garret & Grisham https://ww…

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What's the Chemistry Inside Sourdough Bread? 41:06

12M ago41:06

41:06

#204 In this episode Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating biochemistry behind sourdough bread. They explore the role of microorganisms, including different strains of yeast and bacteria, in the fermentation process. The discussion covers how these organisms contribute to the unique flavors and textures of sourdough, and addresses common quest…