Best Significant Scientist Podcasts (2025)

1
Tariffs Likely To Increase Cost Of Weddings In California 11:28

21m ago11:28

11:28

Weddings are pricey affairs in California — and they’re about to get even more expensive. According to the National Bridal Retailers Association, about 90 percent of all wedding gowns sold in the U.S. are made in China. With 145% tariffs now being imposed on all Chinese goods coming into the U.S., that could mean big price increases for California …

1
Most California Republican Voters Still Confident In Trump Administration 11:32

23h ago11:32

11:32

Nearly 40% of Californians voted for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Now, 100 days into his second term, how do they feel? Reporter: Izzy Bloom, KQED In San Francisco Wednesday night, former Vice President Kamala Harris laid into President Donald Trump at the 100 day mark of his presidency. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED Learn more about…

1
Refugee Family Remembers Fall Of Saigon 11:27

2d ago11:27

11:27

The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago when American troops pulled out of Saigon. And for hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese who fled and resettled in California, April 30 is a significant day. Reporter: Daisy Nguyen, KQED A bill that would have lowered the state rent cap won't be moving forward this year, after its sponsors pulled it this week. Repor…

1
From Lawyer & Teacher to Metaphysical Life Coach 37:41

2d ago37:41

37:41

Portia Chigariro has had quite an extraordinary journey and to be able to help others through trauma and challenges is her purpose, but it always wasn't as clear. Have a listen or watch (on Youtube), I promise be inspired to keep going and keep trusting and why love is the answer. About Portia Chigariro: She was born in Zimbabwe and moved to Belgiu…

1
Lawmakers Call for Investigations into Financial Aid Fraud at California Community Colleges 11:31

5d ago11:31

11:31

Millions of dollars meant to help California's community college students have been stolen by scammers, and now both Republican and Democratic leaders are calling for investigations. But there's debate over who's responsible and what solutions will actually help students most. Guest: Adam Eckelman, CalMatters An air force base in the Bay Area could…

1
404: Mission-Driven Leadership: The Navy's Lessons for Business Success 34:10

4d ago34:10

34:10

In this episode, I’m joined by Marc Koehler, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer. His unique perspective, gained from leading in a nuclear submarine where every action has consequences and complacency can be catastrophic, offers some of the clearest thinking on leadership I've heard in a long time. Marc shares how his experiences taught him lesson…

1
Students Push For Race-Focused College Graduations In California 11:32

4d ago11:32

11:32

College staff in Southern California are busy organizing upcoming graduation ceremonies based on racial and ethnic identity. But two months ago, the Trump administration said these graduation ceremonies are illegal. And staff are not taking that declaration lightly. Reporter: Adolfo Guzman-Lopez, LAist Labor advocates in Los Angeles are pushing bac…

1
Program Provides Unique Science Lessons On Tahoe Slopes 11:20

7d ago11:20

11:20

Skiers cruising down Tahoe’s white slopes this winter had a unique chance to learn about the surrounding ecosystem. UC Davis scientists clicked on their skis and led public tours down the mountain. Reporter: Anna Guth, KQED The American Civil Liberties Union has asked a federal court to stop the government from cutting off legal services to familie…

1
Community College Job Training Program Struggles Due to Unreliable Funding 11:35

10d ago11:35

11:35

As the state grapples with the homeless population of over 187,000 people, a new program at Santa Monica Community College is training students for jobs to help people get off the streets and into housing. But it also faces an uncertain future. Guest: Marisa Kendall, CalMatters Farmworkers in the U.S. have historically been excluded from overtime p…

1
Immigration Officials Arrest More Than A Dozen People In Pomona 11:36

11d ago11:36

11:36

A bill aimed at bringing healthcare services directly to farmworker communities will be considered at the state legislature Wednesday. Immigrant rights groups say more than a dozen people were arrested by immigration officials on Tuesday at a hardware store in Pomona. Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR The Trump Administration eliminated deportation …

1
Pope Francis Played Significant Role For Latinos In California 11:23

10d ago11:23

11:23

The death of Pope Francis is being felt around the world. And right here in California, millions of Latino Catholics are mourning not just the loss of a spiritual leader, but someone who, for many, felt like one of their own. Pope Francis was the first from Latin America. He spoke often about immigration, inequality, and the dignity of the poor. Gu…

1
403: From Diamonds to Diapers: How a 3M Chief Scientist Mastered Her Leadership Purpose 20:14

11d ago20:14

20:14

What happens when a scientist decides to lead from the heart? In this Leadership of the Heart podcast episode, Heather welcomes Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M. Jayshree's journey challenges traditional leadership narratives, proving that influence and impact do not require a title or permission. Her path from te…

1
Shasta County DA's Office Strained Under Heavy Workload 11:34

12d ago11:34

11:34

The district attorney's office in Shasta County is facing high workloads and high vacancy rates. Reporter: Roman Battaglia, Jefferson Public Radio Dry summer conditions have long been known to cause issues for vulnerable fish populations. A recent UC Berkeley study found dry winters can cause issues, too. Reporter: Manola Secaira, CapRadio Learn mo…

1
From Science Fiction to Science Fact: Cal Scientists Discover Jupiter's "Mush Balls" 11:55

16d ago11:55

11:55

Imagine that severe storms sent ice balls containing chemical slush raining down onto the ground. While that sounds like science fiction here on earth, researchers at UC Berkeley have discovered, that is science-fact on our solar system's biggest planet--Jupiter. The U.S. Justice Department has ruled that tech giant Google has been holding an unlaw…

1
From Professional Dancer to Relationship Coach 56:33

15d ago56:33

56:33

Wow! I learnt so much in a short time from speaking with Andre Paradis. His journey was fascinating and knowledge on relationship showed me another side I had not heard AND totally resonated with it all. Have a listen or watch (on Youtube), I promise you'll learn something you can take into your own relationships. About Andre Paradis: Andre's journ…

1
License to Kill: California DMV's History of Keeping Dangerous Drivers on the Road 11:47

17d ago11:47

11:47

It might sound farfetched, but the California Department of Motor Vehicles has a track-record of renewing the licenses of drivers whose dangerous maneuvers behind the wheel have caused deaths on the road. In Southern California, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has decided to move forward with plans to stabilize the coastal highway…

1
Sour Grapes Over Tariffs Could Cost California Wineries Canadian Market 11:23

18d ago11:23

11:23

The US wine industry let out a sigh of relief last week when President Trump decided to pause placing 20 percent tariffs on goods from the European Union, which would have included wine. However, the White House's global trade war is creating sour grapes with another major US trading partner--Canada; and that is jeopardizing California's wineries, …

1
Striking Video Game Performers Not Ready to Say Game Over 11:41

17d ago11:41

11:41

In 2023, the entertainment world in the US went on strike over production studios' embrace of artificial intelligence, and its potential to replace humans in the every role from actors to directors. While TV and movie studios eventually came to terms with striking workers in Hollywood, a year later, performers in the videogame industry represented …

1
402: From Sales to CEO: Leadership Wisdom with Shawn Hanks 36:44

18d ago36:44

36:44

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, Shawn Hanks, CEO of Premiere Speakers Bureau, reflects on his evolution from sales leader to CEO. He shares the pivotal lessons that shaped his leadership, including when he learned that offering his opinion too soon in meetings unintentionally stifled the voices around him. Rather than leading with answers…

1
Small California Cities Hope to Score Big With Pro Soccer 11:40

18d ago11:40

11:40

The United States is seeing a boom in professional soccer, especially in California. The state is already host to four Major League Soccer teams and three teams in the National Women's Soccer League. There is also a crop of minor league teams sprouting up throughout the state, in both big cities and small towns. We'll take to you to the Southern Ca…

1
Ep75 Selective Listening: How Our Biases Distract Us 31:02

19d ago31:02

31:02

Send us a text Have you ever been accused of "selective hearing" or caught zoning out during an important conversation? You’re not alone. Our brains constantly filter information, deciding what deserves attention, often without us realizing it. This episode unpacks selective listening; choosing what we focus on—versus selective hearing (unconscious…

1
As Trump Targets Schools for Deportation Sweeps, Undocumented UC Berkeley Students Call For More Support 11:41

23d ago11:41

11:41

President Trump says he will not limit the scope of his deportation efforts, going so far as to say schools across the country will also be targeted in sweeps and raids by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents. That looming threat has undocumented students attending UC Berkeley calling on the university to issue a strong statement of support …

1
Border Patrol Arrest Claims From Bakersfield Raid Don't Match Records 11:42

24d ago11:42

11:42

In early January, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from El Centro near San Diego launched a deportation raid in Kern County, more than six hours from their usual area of operation. The man behind the effort is Gregory Bovino, head of CBP's El Centro sector. He claimed the operation targeted criminals that were illegally in the US, but …

1
A Mojave Desert Solar Project Jeopardizes Thousands of Joshua Trees 11:43

23d ago11:43

11:43

California is aiming to make the entirety of its electricity production zero-carbon by 2045. One of the key areas that state leaders are looking to help the state reach its clean energy goals is the Mojave Desert. Since 2014, the desert has been home to one of the largest solar power plants in North America. However, California's zero-carbon effort…

1
From Brand & Marketing Director to Purpose Coach + Artist 11:56

24d ago11:56

11:56

So who am I and what is my purpose? Yes what is my story? In this episode I thought I'd share a little about me, my career journey of great change, challenges and what changed me forever. I also share my take on PURPOSE and HOW TO FIND IT, plus our FUTURE PURPOSE, How to approach your future purpose for a healthier life. I am so excited to share am…

1
Fire Retardants: Can They Harm Those That They Help? 11:31

24d ago11:31

11:31

Firefighter aircraft were cheered on back in January, when they were making headlines as they painted the areas being scorched by the Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles County with fire retardant. However, scientists are starting to wonder whether the contents of these retardants could impact the health or the environment of the people who ha…

1
401: Scaling Leadership: AI, Coaching, and the Future of Development 36:20

24d ago36:20

36:20

In this Leadership with Heart podcast episode, I welcome Kevin Kruse, Founder and CEO of LEADx. Kevin shares how his introverted nature and deep sense of purpose led him to build a platform designed to democratize leadership development and bring coaching and emotional intelligence tools to every leader through AI and digital innovation. Our conver…

1
Mobile Home Park Residents At Forefront Of Battle Over Affordable Housing 11:26

26d ago11:26

11:26

A Fresno mobile home park has become ground zero in a fight to save one of the last bastions of affordable housing in California. But residents there are facing an uncertain future as they wait for a federal judge to decide who will take control of the place they call home: another corporate landlord or an affordable housing non-profit. Reporter: M…

1
From Nasa Computer Scientist to Holistic Healer 29:02

27d ago29:02

29:02

Mayim Vega went from Nasa Computer Scientist to Holistic Healer and her journey to shift her purpose came down to the most fundamental need we have as human beings. Her journey to find her true purpose and feel truly with her North Star, this conversation shares beautifully how all aspects of our life, career, health and family shape our purpose. I…

1
Tariffs To Have Widespread Impact On California Businesses 11:33

28d ago11:33

11:33

President Trump's tariffs are sending shockwaves around the world, and across car dealerships here in California, the U.S.'s largest car and truck market. A 25% tariff is being placed on all vehicles imported into the United States, but that tariff also covers car parts that are used to assemble vehicle models associated with "Made in the USA." The…

1
Why Medi-Cal And GOP Budget Could Cut Into Republican Gains In California 11:34

1M ago11:34

11:34

In last year’s presidential election, Donald Trump improved on his 2020 performance all across California. Voters in every congressional district in the state shifted toward Trump. But the areas moving most toward Republicans also have a lot to lose from the party’s budget plan in Washington. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Lawmakers are introducing …

1
Apprenticeship Program Aims To Help California's Struggling Logging Industry 11:44

30d ago11:44

11:44

California's logging industry has been shrinking for years, with an aging workforce and fewer young people entering the trade. But in Northern California, a community college is stepping in to change that, helping to train the next generation of loggers through an innovative apprenticeship program. Guest: Kate Rix, The Hechinger Report The Californ…

1
A's Welcomed By Thousands For Home Opener In West Sacramento 11:44

1M ago11:44

11:44

Major League Baseball is underway and for many fans of the Athletics, it’s a bittersweet season. That’s because the team used to be known as the Oakland Athletics, until they left Oakland last year. The A’s are now set to play at least three seasons in their new home in West Sacramento, while the team prepares for a permanent move to Las Vegas. Rep…

1
400: More Than Profits: How Employee Ownership Drives Social Impact 26:47

1M ago26:47

26:47

What happens when the CFO leads a company’s social responsibility efforts? And what if that initiative not only improves company culture but strengthens the bottom line? In this episode of the Leadership With Heart podcast, we hear from Sandra Torre, Co-President and CFO at Lavidge, a full-service advertising agency based in Phoenix, Arizona. Sandr…

1
Police Accountability Law Slowly Showing Results 11:30

1M ago11:30

11:30

Hundreds of police officers in California have been stripped of their badges in the last few years for serious misconduct. The offenses range from sexual assault to excessive force to racial bias. But thousands of cases still need to be reviewed. Reporter: Scott Rodd, KPBS A pair of bills aiming to limit the harms of social media on children will f…

1
Nearly Two Dozen Bills Attempt to Cut Through Housing Red Tape 9:34

1M ago9:34

9:34

What does it take to get new housing approved in California? Way too much, say some lawmakers. To change that, a bipartisan group is proposing a package of nearly two dozen bills to cut through barriers they say is putting the brakes on housing production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Ramadan Traditions Continue Despite Devastation From Eaton Fire 11:36

1M ago11:36

11:36

The holy month of Ramadan is a special time when Muslim families often gather together. But when the Eaton Fire destroyed the only mosque in the Altadena area, it nearly upended the community’s ability to uphold tradition. Reporter: Megan Jamerson, KCRW A bill in the state Legislature asking for more accountability from California’s homeless shelte…

1
Program Aims To Help Sonoma Farmers Map Out Their Future 11:19

1M ago11:19

11:19

Sonoma County, is of course, famous for its vineyards but a lot more is produced there by small farmers. From eggs to milk and all kinds of specialty greens, Sonoma County is the Bay Area’s bread basket. But making it as a small farmer in Sonoma – like the rest of the state -- has gotten a lot harder in recent years. In part, because land has gotte…

1
Californians With Student Loan Debt Face Uncertain Future 11:33

1M ago11:33

11:33

President Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate the Department of Education. He also appears poised to make big changes to student loan programs. What could all this mean to people paying off their loans? Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR A California non-profit is suing the Trump Administration over its decision to end humanitarian parole programs. Thi…

1
399: Beyond Administration: The Strategic Shift in HR 41:21

1M ago41:21

41:21

In this episode of Leadership With Heart, I sit down with Kirstin Guptill, Chief People Officer at HopeWest, to explore how leadership is evolving beyond administration into deeply human, strategic, and transformative work. Kirstin shares her experience stepping into a brand new CPO role at a nonprofit that supports people through some of life's mo…

1
Bay Area Democrat Holds Town Halls In Red-Leaning Districts 11:22

1M ago11:22

11:22

In a series of town halls on Sunday, Bay Area congressman Ro Khanna urged residents of Republican-held congressional districts in California to organize against the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to programs like Medicaid and the wider social safety net. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Congressman Khanna's next stop was an amphitheater in the I…

1
Ep74 Unlocking Gen Z: Navigating Early Talent Expectations 30:30

1M ago30:30

30:30

Send us a text The battle to attract and retain high-quality early talent has never been more challenging. With 95% of organizations acknowledging that early career candidates quickly move on when expectations aren't met, understanding what truly drives these professionals has become crucial for business success. Dr. Amanda Potter, the Chief Psycho…

1
Yiddish Making A Comeback In Los Angeles 11:39

1M ago11:39

11:39

The historic language of Jews in Europe – Yiddish – was once spoken by tens of thousands of Jewish immigrants in Los Angeles. That language was almost destroyed by assimilation and the Holocaust. But now, Yiddish is making a comeback. Reporter: Robin Estrin, KCRW Dozens of postal workers gathered in protest outside a Bakersfield courthouse on Thurs…

1
Bird Flu Still Having A Huge Impact On Egg Supply, Prices In California 11:18

2M ago11:18

11:18

If you've been in your local market recently, you may have noticed empty shelves in the aisle where you normally find eggs. With the spread of bird flu, which is infecting chickens throughout the country, eggs have gotten expensive. Really expensive. The average price of a dozen eggs in California is now around $9. Reporter: Manola Secaira, CapRadi…

1
New Partnership Aims To Find Local Housing For Tahoe Workers 11:37

2M ago11:37

11:37

Finding a place to live in the Tahoe Basin is a difficult task for many local workers. A recent partnership between Placemate and Washoe County aims to remedy this problem. Reporter: Kat Fulwider, KUNR Under California law, if a person makes a threat to a place - like a school or house of worship - but they don't threaten specific individuals, it c…

1
Immigrant Rights Advocates Patrol Streets In Anticipation Of Possible Raids 11:32

2M ago11:32

11:32

Chicago, Boston and Aurora, Colorado have all seen high profile raids by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of President Trump’s promise of mass deportations. Immigrants rights activists in Los Angeles say it's only a matter of time before we see the same there. One group has taken the unusual step of patrolling the streets looking for …

1
398: Overcoming Barriers, Leading with Purpose: Susan Valverde’s Story 25:41

2M ago25:41

25:41

What does it mean to lead with both heart and results? How do strong leaders build teams that thrive while ensuring business success? In this episode of Leadership With Heart, I have the pleasure of speaking with Susan Valverde, Brand President of Sylvan Learning, whose leadership journey is nothing short of inspiring. From starting as a franchisee…

1
Legal Battle Pits Bay Area Counties Against Trump Administration Over Sanctuary Policies 11:35

2M ago11:35

11:35

President Donald Trump has been looking to punish sanctuary cities since his first presidency -- but last time around, his administration repeatedly ended up on the losing side in court. That hasn’t stopped him from trying again. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED State Farm policyholders could soon see their bills go up. That's after California's Depart…

1
Volunteers Preserve History Of Landmarks Lost In LA Wildfires 11:37

2M ago11:37

11:37

Since January, Los Angeles residents have been volunteering to support wildfire recovery, sorting donations, or helping with cleanup. And there’s another cause that’s been bringing folks together: Fireproofing history — by preserving it online. Reporter: Andrea Domanick, KCRW California is joining 20 other states to sue the Trump administration ove…

1
Many Childcare Providers Facing Challenges After LA Fires 11:37

2M ago11:37

11:37

Many childcare providers lost their homes in the January fires in Los Angeles, and those homes often doubled as places of work. The state offered financial assistance for a month, but that money ran out in early February. For some, it's been a real challenge trying to get any type of relief. Reporter: Libby Rainey, LAist A Fresno County man who tes…

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