Best Sciencecommunication Podcasts (2025)

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65: Fon Davis and the Secret Miniatures of the Star Wars Prequels, recorded at Star Wars Celebration Japan 58:56

6d ago58:56

58:56

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of our our Star Wars Celebration Japan panel "The Secret Miniatures of the Star Wars Prequels" with Fon Davis! Watch the YouTube version of this episode for all the amazing behind the scenes visuals shared during the panel! You should also watch the YouTube video we refer to in (and showed…

1
Mamta Patal Nagaraja: Ex-NASA (24 years), currently free agent in STEM 37:43

10d ago37:43

37:43

In Episode 117 of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mamta Patel Nagaraja, former Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at NASA, who recently left the agency amid its office closures in February 2025. Mamta reflects on her career leading biomedical and physical sciences for the ISS, Artemis, and commercial space miss…

1
64: Droids, AI, and Sentience, recorded at Star Wars Celebration Japan 1:01:10

13d ago1:01:10

1:01:10

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of our our Star Wars Celebration Japan panel "Droids, Artificial Intelligence, and Sentience" Panel description: R2-D2 and C-3PO. BB-8. Battle droids. Star Wars isn't Star Wars without its lovable droids. We'll examine the science of robots, the programming of personality and the ethics of…

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63: Science of Revenge of the Sith, recorded at Star Wars Celebration Japan 1:10:07

15d ago1:10:07

1:10:07

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of our our Star Wars Celebration Japan panel "Science of Revenge of the Sith" Panel description: Revenge of the Sith is full of connections to real world science and technology - from droids and starfighters to the ecosystems of Mustafar and Utapau. How could we make a working lightsaber? …

1
#5 Thriving Together 47:01

20d ago47:01

47:01

In this episode, Carmen Maldonado-Vlaar, PhD, and her former students, Dinah Ramos Ortolaza, PhD and Paola Muñoz Rodriguez, discuss the importance of nurturing diverse talent in the field, share stories of resilience, and reflect on how to help mentees thrive in their careers. Find information about this episode and more resources for your neurosci…

1
#37 An Open-Source 3D-Printable Platform for Testing Head-Fixed Cognitive Flexibility in Rodents 59:02

21d ago59:02

59:02

Tim Spellman discusses his paper, “An Open-Source 3D-Printable Platform for Testing Head-Fixed Cognitive Flexibility in Rodents,” with Reviewing Editor Mark Laubach. Spellman and Laubach also discuss the bigger picture benefits of sharing open-source tools and data for reproducibility and for cost-effective solutions that any lab can use. Find our …

1
Marino Fragnito: Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director at Avio 33:25

26d ago33:25

33:25

This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, we dive into the world of space launches with Marino Fragnito, Avio’s Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director. Appointed in September 2024, Marino drives Avio’s Vega C and Ariane 6 programs while navigating the competitive space market in March 2025. With a career spanning Airbus, Arianespace, and T…

1
Science Under Siege (and What We Can Do) 36:15

1M ago36:15

36:15

Since the start of the second Trump Administration, a wave of executive actions has frozen research funding, slashed the federal science workforce, and erased publicly available data. What does this mean for the future of U.S. research—and the scientists caught in the crossfire? In this episode of Sci on the Fly, host Angela Cleri sits down with Ma…

1
Intro: AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly 2:50

1M ago2:50

2:50

Welcome to AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly, a blog and podcast run by fellows of the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships! Sci on the Fly promotes public understanding of science and policy. It provides STPF current and alumni fellows an opportunity to gain vital experience in writing and podcasting for lay audiences. Launched in 2013, Sci on the Fly i…

1
62: Star Wars Books with Tom Hoeler 47:44

1M ago47:44

47:44

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Tom Hoeler, an editor of Star Wars novels and editorial director for Random House Worlds! Tom tells us how Star Wars books come into being and gives us advice for how to get started with the amazing (but daunting) content of The High Republic. We also dive into in-galaxy books and publishing, like the…

1
Mark Sasson: Co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group (recruiting in the space industry) 33:22

2M ago33:22

33:22

This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mark Sasson, co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group, as he launches Operation Voyager to tackle the space sector’s talent gap in March 2025. From his roots in cybersecurity to his new frontier in space, Mark shares a compelling story of industry evolution, drawing parallels between these b…

1
#4 Trust and Transparency 36:29

2M ago36:29

36:29

In this episode, mentor Claire Sexton and former mentee Naiara Demnitz share their neuroscience mentorship story. They reflect on trust and transparency in their relationship, the importance of including mentees in your network, and how they have adjusted to cultural differences when moving institutions. Listen for an engaging discussion that highl…

1
61: Lasers (and more) in Star Wars 47:48

2M ago47:48

47:48

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Karen Yu about lasers! PEW PEW! This episode, we dive into lasers in Star Wars but it turns out that many of the examples are likely actually something else entirely - plasma! Though lightsabers are sometimes called laser swords, Karen breaks down the reasons that light / lasers simply wouldn't work t…

1
Unleashing (or restraining?) American Energy 35:28

3M ago35:28

35:28

Just over a month into the second Trump Administration, there is a lot of uncertainty in the energy sector around how the new policy landscape may affect the momentum of the clean energy transition. In this episode, current AAAS STPF fellow Mark Feuer DiTusa speaks with Danielle Lemmon, a current energy consultant and former AAAS Executive Branch F…

1
#3 Joy and Curiosity 40:40

3M ago40:40

40:40

In this episode, mentor Randy Nelson, PhD, and former mentee Staci Bilbo, PhD, reflect on their experiences in academia, sharing insights on the importance of passion in science, navigating the ups and downs of research, and the evolving landscape of academic expectations and careers. This candid conversation offers valuable lessons for both aspiri…

1
Jonathan McDowell: Astronomer and owner of Jonathan's Space Report 35:57

3M ago35:57

35:57

In this week's episode of The Astro Ben Podcast (sponsored by SkyFi), we dive into the cosmos with the legendary Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer known for his extensive work in cataloging space objects and his invaluable contributions to the space community. Ben and Jonathan discuss his journey, the importance of space tracking, and his monumental…

1
60: Dentistry in Star Wars 44:08

3M ago44:08

44:08

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Dr. Ryder Waldron, a dentist and huge Star Wars fan! On this episode, we talk about mouths - teeth, tongues, and lips all contribute to how an animal eats, sounds, and plays musical instruments. Do clone troopers have baby teeth or did they skip right to adult teeth? How might Max Rebo and Sy Snootles…

1
Kate van Dam: Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot, now strategic leader in the space industry with SkyFi 30:04

3M ago30:04

30:04

In this episode, sponsored by Sky Fi, Ben journeyed with Kate Van Dam from her days as a Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot to her current role leading strategy at SkyFi. They explore SkyFi's mission to democratise access to geospatial data, touching on the ethical implications, privacy concerns, and the revolutionary potential of this technology…

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#2 Creating a Safe Space 35:57

4M ago35:57

35:57

In this episode, mentor Dr. Ramesh Raghupathi discusses the dynamics of mentorship styles and creating a supportive environment in the lab with mentees Dr. Taylor McCorkle and PhD candidate Nishell Savory. This conversation delves into balancing shared values with independent thinking, seeking diverse perspectives, and passing on mentorship lessons…

1
Astronaut John “ Danny ” Olivas: Astronaut, Mission Assurance Expert, Author and Forensic Engineer 36:11

4M ago36:11

36:11

In this episode of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben speaks with astronaut and mission assurance expert Dr. John "Danny" Olivas from Intuitive Machines HQ. The conversation centers around the IM-2 Lunar Lander mission, set to land at the Moon’s south pole in early 2025. Danny shares exclusive insights into the technology on board, including NASA’s PRIME-1…

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The Astro Ben Podcast Trailer 2025 1:54

4M ago1:54

1:54

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#36 From Data to Practice: Assessing New Alzheimer's Disease Therapies 1:01:20

4M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Karl Herrup, Michelle Jin, and James Noble share their perspectives on evaluating the clinical impacts of emerging treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease with eNeuro Editor-in-Chief Christophe Bernard. Find our upcoming webinar schedule here. With special guests: Karl Herrup, Michelle Jin, and James Noble Hosted by: Christophe Bernard On Neuro Current,…

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59: The Force and Eastern Philosophy 43:32

4M ago43:32

43:32

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Dr. Krista Noble about Eastern philosophical traditions and their similarities to the Force! Dr. Krista Noble joins us this episode on Star Warsologies to talk about her new book, One with the Force: 18 Universal Truths in Star Wars. Krista is a professor of Vedic studies and shares what she knows abo…

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Remco Timmermans: Space Events Marketing Specialist at Space Agenda, Independent Space Marketing and Communications Consultant 41:14

4M ago41:14

41:14

In this episode, Ben sits down with Remco Timmermans to explore the dynamic world of space industry marketing and events. They discuss Remco's journey into space, the emotional power of rocket launches, and how space is becoming a true people's industry. The conversation covers the space industry's outlook for 2025, the curation of industry events,…

1
The Invisible Influencers: How Subconscious Cues Shape Your Decisions 23:32

4M ago23:32

23:32

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the unseen forces that shape how we think, act, and interact with the world. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of subconscious cues and social influences—those invisible forces that guide your decisions without you even realizing it. Inspired by Wharton professor Jonah Berger’s …

1
The Sound of Silence: What Happens to Your Brain When You Do Absolutely Nothing 14:30

4M ago14:30

14:30

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the fascinating intersections of neuroscience, perception, and the human experience. In this episode, we dive into the science and mystery of silence, uncovering what happens in your brain when you’re surrounded by stillness—or doing absolutely nothing. Inspired by Katrina Paulson’s thought-provo…

1
The Memory You Never Made: How Your Brain Creates False Memories 18:38

4M ago18:38

18:38

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we unravel the mysteries of the mind and uncover the surprising truths about how our brains work. In this episode, we delve into false memories—how your mind can create vivid, detailed memories of events that never happened and the fascinating science behind this phenomenon. Inspired by Kendra Cherry’s Very…

1
Decision Detox: How to Clear Mental Clutter and Focus on What Matters 10:51

5M ago10:51

10:51

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore strategies to help you think clearer, live better, and unlock your potential. In this episode, we tackle the overwhelming mental clutter that slows you down and reveal actionable techniques to help you focus on what truly matters in your personal and professional life. Inspired by Foteini Ntelopo…

1
The Illusion of Motion: Why Stationary Objects Sometimes Appear to Move 14:37

5M ago14:37

14:37

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we unravel the mysteries of the human mind and the science behind how we perceive the world. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating phenomenon of motion illusions—why your brain sometimes interprets stationary objects as moving and what it reveals about the complexity of visual perception. Drawing fr…

1
Why Your Brain Fills in the Blanks: The Science of Perception Gaps 14:15

5M ago14:15

14:15

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the fascinating ways your brain shapes your reality. In this episode, we explore how your brain "fills in the blanks" to construct seamless sensory experiences—and why this process often leads to surprising illusions and misperceptions. Inspired by Peter Gärdenfors’ article in Psychology Today, w…

1
The Mystery of Silent Letters: Why English Spelling Doesn't Match Its Sound 14:31

5M ago14:31

14:31

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the quirks and mysteries of the human mind—and the languages we use to communicate. In this episode, we dive into the baffling world of English spelling and uncover the origins of silent letters. Why do we write words one way but pronounce them another? Let’s break it down. Drawing inspiration fr…

1
Bigger Is Better? The Myth About Brain Size and Intelligence 11:08

5M ago11:08

11:08

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the fascinating truths and misconceptions about the human brain. In this episode, we debunk the long-standing myth that brain size directly determines intelligence. How much does size actually matter? Science has the answers. Drawing on findings from the largest brain study ever conducted using d…

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The 10% Myth: Do We Really Use Only a Fraction of Our Brain? 9:08

5M ago9:08

9:08

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind the mind and debunk the myths that hold us back. In this episode, we tackle one of the most enduring misconceptions about the brain: Do we really use only 10% of it? Drawing from research by the Association for Psychological Science, we’ll dive into: The origins of the 10% myth…

1
The Psychology of Gossip: Why We Talk About Others and How It Shapes Society 10:26

5M ago10:26

10:26

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the complex science behind human behavior and social dynamics. In this episode, we dive deep into The Psychology of Gossip, uncovering why we talk about others, how gossip spreads, and the profound ways it influences cooperation, relationships, and society at large. Drawing from cutting-edge rese…

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Emily Carney: Space Historian, Journalist, and Co-Author of new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program. 37:40

5M ago37:40

37:40

In this episode of the Astro Ben Podcast, we chat with Emily Carney, space historian, journalist, and co-author of the new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program. OUT JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS (LINK BELOW) Emily shares her insights on the cultural and societal impact of America’s space exploration journey and why underst…

1
The Smell of Memory: How Scents Trigger Emotions and the Past 12:31

5M ago12:31

12:31

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the fascinating connections between your brain, body, and experiences. In this episode, we uncover the incredible power of scent and its ability to evoke vivid memories and intense emotions. Drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology, we’ll discuss: How scents bypass the brain’s thalamu…

1
The Left-Handed Paradox: Myths, Science, and the Uniqueness of Lefties 16:27

5M ago16:27

16:27

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the fascinating science behind human behavior, perception, and identity. In this episode, we explore The Left-Handed Paradox—a deep dive into the myths, stereotypes, and surprising science surrounding left-handed individuals. Based on insights from recent research and historical context, we’ll di…

1
#1 Mutual Respect 30:36

5M ago30:36

30:36

In this inaugural episode, mentor Karina Alviña, PhD, and mentee Farhana Afroz, PhD, reflect on the importance of a combination of personal understanding and respect for one another's scientific ideas to developing a successful mentoring relationship. Their story includes the challenges of research during the COVID-19 pandemic, changing institution…

1
The Halo Effect: Why First Impressions Shape How We See People 37:28

5M ago37:28

37:28

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind the thoughts, behaviors, and biases that shape our lives. In this episode, we take a closer look at The Halo Effect—a powerful cognitive bias that causes us to let one positive trait influence our entire perception of a person, brand, or experience. Drawing insights from behavi…

1
58: Geology of Galaxy's Edge 48:40

5M ago48:40

48:40

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to a geologist and paleontologist about their recent field trip to Disneyland! Garrett Vice recently led field trips into Disneyland during a scientific conference in Anaheim. So nerdy, right?! He and other geologist and paleontologists scoped out the features of Galaxy's Edge, along with other areas lik…

1
The Color of Influence: How Visual Cues Impact Our Emotions and Decisions 15:03

5M ago15:03

15:03

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind how we think, feel, and act. In this episode, we uncover the fascinating psychology of color and how visual cues influence our emotions, perceptions, and decision-making—often without us even realizing it. Based on insights from the psychology of color and its practical applica…

1
Optical Illusions: What They Reveal About How Your Brain Interprets Reality 10:37

5M ago10:37

10:37

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the fascinating science behind how your mind shapes your perception of reality. In this episode, we explore the captivating world of optical illusions and what they reveal about the way your brain processes visual information. Inspired by an article from HowStuffWorks, we’ll delve into: How optic…

1
The Power of Visual Thinking: How Images Shape the Way We Solve Problems 13:28

5M ago13:28

13:28

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the fascinating ways our minds process, create, and connect. In this episode, we dive into the power of visual thinking—a method that taps into our brain’s preference for processing images over text to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and communication. Inspired by an insightful article from …

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The Empathy Gap: Why We Struggle to Understand Others’ Emotions 17:40

5M ago17:40

17:40

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating cognitive biases that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. In this episode, we explore the empathy gap—a cognitive bias that limits our ability to understand the emotions and mental states of others, especially when they differ from our own. Drawing from scientific…

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The Silent Critic: How Internalized Biases Shape the Way We See Others 14:10

5M ago14:10

14:10

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the hidden forces that shape how we think, perceive, and interact with the world. In this episode, we dive into the science of implicit bias—the unconscious stereotypes we associate with social groups—and explore how these hidden biases influence our decisions, relationships, and societal structu…

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Snap Judgments: Why We Judge People in Seconds and What It Says About Us 14:36

5M ago14:36

14:36

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we dive deep into the science of human behavior, thought, and perception. In this episode, we examine why we’re wired to make snap judgments about others based on appearance—and how these instant assessments shape our interactions and relationships. Drawing insights from a Forbes article by a psychology PhD…

1
Seeing Isn’t Believing: How Your Brain Distorts Reality 18:07

5M ago18:07

18:07

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we dive into the fascinating science of how we think, perceive, and connect with the world. In this episode, we explore how our brains, shaped by biases and past experiences, can distort reality—sometimes with profound consequences for our decisions, relationships, and personal growth. Inspired by Dr. Hashi…

1
The Fear Factor: Why We’re Wired to Fear the Wrong Things 11:13

6M ago11:13

11:13

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the science behind the thoughts and behaviors that shape our lives. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the psychology of fear, exploring why our brains often exaggerate certain risks while downplaying others—and how this impacts our decisions and well-being. Drawing from a compelling blog …

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Why Luck Isn’t Random: The Science of Making Your Own Fortune 34:59

6M ago34:59

34:59

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind how our thoughts, actions, and environments shape our lives. In this episode, we challenge the idea that luck is purely random and dive into the fascinating psychology and strategies that can help you create your own good fortune. Drawing inspiration from Vignesh's thought-prov…

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Cracking the Sleep Code: Debunking Myths About Sleep That Keep You Awake 17:31

6M ago17:31

17:31

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind the everyday habits that shape your mental and physical well-being. In this episode, we tackle the myths about sleep that might be keeping you up at night and reveal the truth about what it takes to get a good night’s rest. Based on insights from Healthline and featuring expert…

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Sciencecommunication Podcasts

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