Best Substrate Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 17: Hybrid material replaces doping in bandgap engineering 4:57

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9d ago4:57

4:57

In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews Sathvik Iyengar, a PhD candidate at Rice University, about the development of a hybrid material called “glaphene.” A hybrid of graphene and two-dimensional (2D) silica glass, glaphene is a semiconductor with a bandgap of ~4 eV. More importantly, Iyengar and colleagues introduce a new met…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Episode 143: Expert Insights From Detroit 56:06

13d ago56:06

56:06

In Episode 143, host Cian is joined by expert guests Jason Van Leuven, Director of Applied Technology at AROYA, and Jeff Hegyi, Director of Cultivation at Xotic Brandz in Detroit. This week, we’re peeling back the curtain on cultivation operations that span both single-tier and double-stack rooms—giving you real-world insights that could help you s…

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Episode 16: Mem-emitters achieve memory functionalities 4:25

13d ago4:25

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Sophia Chen interviews Victor Lopez-Richard from Federal University of São Carlos in Brazil about his memory device called a mem-emitter. Unlike a memresistor (short for “memory resistor”), which made of materials whose electrical resistance can be tuned, the mem-emitter is used to tune optical properties. Ex…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 142: From Bulking to Ripening, Expert Advice 55:18

23d ago55:18

55:18

In this week's episode, host Cian is joined by Jason Van Leuven, AROYA's Director of Applied Technology, for an in-depth look into the nuances of late flower cultivation—specifically, how to manage the crucial ripening stage and those last two weeks before harvest. Together, Cian and Jason break down what "ripening" really means for cultivators, ho…

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Clean Canopy, Clean Crop: Building Better Foliar and IPM Programs with BioSafe Systems | Ep 25 1:07:26

1M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Send us a text In Part 2 of our “Start Clean, Stay Clean” series, we shift the focus from the root zone to the canopy — and why what happens above ground often reflects the strength of your entire cultivation system. Zac Ricciardi (BioSafe Systems) returns alongside Grodan Crop Specialist Jon Jirikovec to share real-world strategies for dialing in …

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 141: Advanced Grow Room Strategies 59:27

1M ago59:27

59:27

Welcome back to AROYA Office Hours LIVE, episode 141! In this episode, hosts Jason and Cian dig into your most pressing grow questions with a return to the classic Q&A format. Get ready for a blend of detailed, long-form answers and quick, practical takes—all inspired by issues submitted by the AROYA community. Today’s episode covers a wide range o…

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Start Clean, Stay Clean: Root Zone Management, Microbial Balance & Input Timing with BioSafe Systems | Ep 24 59:39

1M ago59:39

59:39

Send us a text It’s a mindset that guides this deep dive into the root zone on Episode 24 of the GroShow Podcast, as Zac Ricciardi (BioSafe Systems) and Jon Jirikovec (Grodan) join host Riley Jones to explore the underlying root zone conditions that can affect crop uniformity — and how dialing them in unlocks better data, healthier crops, and preci…

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Episode 15: Liquid metal source enables lab-scale 3D XRD microscope 4:56

1M ago4:56

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Sophia Chen interviews Ashley Bucsek from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor about her laboratory-scale three-dimensional (3D) x-ray diffraction (XRD) microscope to replace studies done in synchrotron facilities. A key element of the design is the material used to make the x-rays. Instead of using a solid …

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Episode 14: Mechanical metamaterials reprogrammable via magnetic interactions 4:16

2M ago4:16

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Sophia Chen interviews Daniel Garcia-Gonzalez from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in Spain about his research group’s reprogrammable metamaterial. The researchers use a soft polymer, mixed with magnetic particles. By rotating the orientation of the magnets, they tune the softness or compressibility of the m…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep. 140: Genetics, R&D, and Scaling Cookies with Jonah Carrington 1:05:19

2M ago1:05:19

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In episode 140, hosts Cian Sullivan and Jason Van Leuven, Director of Applied Technology at AROYA, are joined by special guest Jonah Carrington, Director of Genetics and R&D for Cookies Humboldt and One Log. Jonah takes us behind the scenes at one of the most diverse and innovative operations in the country, sharing the journey from humble beginnin…

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Dialing In the Root Zone: Real-Time Irrigation Strategy with the GroSens Suite | Ep 23 46:56

2M ago46:56

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Send us a text In Episode 23 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones is joined by Kaz Makarewicz (Product Owner, e-Gro) and Chad Rigby (Crop Specialist) to explore how growers are using Grodan’s all-in-one root zone monitoring system — the GroSens Suite — to improve irrigation strategy and crop steering. From setting up sensors and configuring roo…

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Episode 13: Moon PV may rely on regolith for substrate 4:54

2M ago4:54

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To enable future lunar settlements, researchers are pursuing ways to construct needed devices on the moon to save the expense of shipping them from Earth. In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews Felix Lang from the University of Potsdam, Germany about his group’s development of perovskite solar cells that utilize the moon’s re…

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Legal Mushrooms: Inside Lost Garden Labs with Josh Walker | MycoGeeky 1:40:27

2M ago1:40:27

1:40:27

Send us a text What does it really take to cultivate legal natural medicine—and do it with integrity, science, and heart? In this episode of The MycoGeeky Podcast, we’re joined by Josh Walker, the founder and CEO of Lost Garden Labs & Therapeutics, a pioneering facility based in Colorado, where everything he does is fully legal under state law and …

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 139: Mastering Late Flower EC and Irrigation 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

Welcome back, Gromies, to another episode of AROYA Office Hours LIVE! In episode 139, your host Cian is joined by Jason Van Leuven, Director of Applied Technology, and special guest Liam Spencer, an AROYA sales rep with deep roots in commercial cultivation and horticulture. This week, we're switching things up by diving headfirst into burning quest…

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Award-Winning Flower at Scale: East Coast Genetics & Precision Growing with Happy Valley | Ep 22 1:05:25

2M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

Send us a text In Episode 22 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones heads to the East Coast to sit down with Zach Wise and Tim Larson from Happy Valley — a vertically integrated cannabis company in Massachusetts known for precision, consistency, and award-winning flower. Together, they explore how Happy Valley built a high-performance cultivation…

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Episode 12: Lightweight shape memory alloy retains superelasticity at 4 K 4:04

2M ago4:04

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Sophia Chen interviews Sheng Xu from Tohoku University, Japan about his lightweight shape memory alloy that retains superelasticity at temperatures as cold as 4 K and as hot as 400°C. This range is about 5 times wider than commercial shape memory alloys. Shape memory alloys are needed for extreme environments…

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Episode 11: Synthetic hydrogel combines stiffness and self-healing properties 4:55

2M ago4:55

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews Hang Zhang from Aalto University in Finland about his group’s creation of a composite material that is both stiff and self-healing. The composite involves a hydrogel where the long polymer chains are confined between nanosheets of synthetic hectorite. This material mimics skin that is bo…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 138: Inside Certified Cultivators: Family Roots, Teamwork 1:02:20

3M ago1:02:20

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In this episode, host Cian is joined by Director of Applied Technology Jason Van Leuven for a look into the world of cultivation, featuring special guests Tyler Snell and Adam Redding from Certified Cultivators in Ohio. Certified Cultivators stands out as a third-generation family business that impressively transformed an auto parts facility into a…

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From Racks to Roots: Vertical Facility Design, Irrigation & Substrate Synergy with PIPP Horticulture | Ep 21 1:03:30

3M ago1:03:30

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Send us a text In Episode 21 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones is joined by Grodan Crop Specialist Jon Jirikovec and Anders Peterson and Michael Williamson from PIPP Horticulture for part two of a special mini-series with the Cultivation Elevated podcast. If you caught part one on Cultivation Elevated, you’ll recognize today’s guests — and t…

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Episode 10: Relaxor ferroelectric thin film characterized at the nanoscale 6:39

3M ago6:39

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Sophia Chen interviews Lane Martin from Rice University about characterization of relaxor ferroelectrics, materials with noteworthy energy-conversion properties used in sensors and actuators. Martin’s research team investigated the material’s behavior at the nanoscale. The researchers found that the specific …

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 137: From Brewery Talks to Retrofits: Sacramento’s Powrhouse 56:32

3M ago56:32

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In episode 137, we bring you something truly special as we kick off "Powr Talk," a new reality mini-series where real commercial cultivators make data-driven, in-the-moment decisions—no scripts, no sets, just the authentic, behind-the-scenes life inside a working grow. This week, hosts Cian and Jason are joined by Kevin Crouch and Sergio Picazo fro…

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Episode 9: Stacking materials induces ferroelectricity into wurtzites 5:41

3M ago5:41

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Sophia Chen interviews Beth Dickey from Carnegie Mellon University about her new approach to inducing ferroelectricity into a material. Dickey’s research group worked with a class of materials known as wurtzites. The researchers specifically studied aluminum nitride and zinc oxide, which are not ferroelectric…

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Episode 8: Two-beam interferometry experiment characterizes lightsail propulsion 5:20

4M ago5:20

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews Harry Atwater from the California Institute of Technology about his study on lightsail propulsion in order to understand how the device can be developed to do fly-by space travel riding a beam of laser light. Atwater’s research group made a square prototype device where the researchers i…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 136: Designing Future-Proof Facilities, Climate, Airflow, and Data Tips 59:05

4M ago59:05

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In this week’s episode, host Cian and resident expert Jason are joined by Anders Peterson, Director of Horticulture at PIPP Horticulture. If you’ve ever marveled at wall-to-wall multi-tier canopies in a grow room, chances are PIPP had a hand in it—and Anders has been at the center of that evolution. Anders kicks things off by sharing his journey, f…

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Episode 7: Nanotomography enables insight into the microstructure of a material 4:52

4M ago4:52

4:52

In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews Ashwin Shahani and Alan Taub from the University of Michigan about their group’s simulations and experimental work detailing the formation mechanisms, morphologies, and microstructures of an in situ Al/TiC metal matrix nanocomposites processed via salt flux reaction. Using these insights…

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Psychedelics at Michigan – Social Work, Decrim, and the Future of Therapy 🍄 ✨ The MycoGeeky Podcast 1:39:57

5M ago1:39:57

1:39:57

Send us a text Ann Arbor, Michigan is more than just a college town—it’s one of the most intellectually concentrated cities in the country, and home to a growing hub of psychedelic advocacy, research, and community organizing. In this episode, I sit down with two powerful voices from the University of Michigan who are helping shape the next chapter…

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The Foundation of a Healthy Crop: Getting Substrate Saturation and Rooting-In Right with Jon Jirikovec | Ep 20 54:54

5M ago54:54

54:54

Send us a text In Episode 20 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones welcomes Grodan Crop Specialist Jon Jirikovec for a deep dive into one of the most important (and often underestimated) parts of a successful grow: initial substrate saturation and rooting strategy. From troubleshooting dry-back issues to dialing in daily irrigations, Jon shares …

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A MycoGeeky Classic: The Origins of a Longstanding Collaboration 🍄 ✨The MycoGeeky Podcast 2:07:43

5M ago2:07:43

2:07:43

Send us a text In this remastered throwback from November 2022, MycoGeeky sits down with PhD Mycologist and former professor Edward Grand PhD (aka ED1K) for a lively and info-packed conversation that bridges mushroom ID, taxonomy, and cultivation science. Broadcasting from Thailand, Ed shares practical tips for identifying mushrooms to genus using …

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Channeling the Mycelial Muse: The Art & Vision of Irene Antonez 🍄 ✨The MycoGeeky Podcastpisode 1:32:21

5M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

Send us a text Irene Antonez doesn’t just paint mushrooms—she channels them. A Prague-based artist, musician, and lifelong mycophile, her work merges a sort of scientific precision with deep creative intuition, revealing the unseen worlds of fungi, lichens, and microorganisms in a way that speaks directly to cultivators, artists, and visionaries al…

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Episode 6: Nanocube self-assembly pathways uncovered 4:23

5M ago4:23

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Sophia Chen interviews Xingchen Ye of Indiana University about his research group’s studies on the fundamental behavior of colloidal materials. Colloidal materials consist of liquids with nanoparticles suspended in them. Ye’s team is interested in how a colloidal material’s properties change as the team spati…

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Episode 5: Triboelectric nanogenerator powered by wind-driven leaf motion 5:59

5M ago5:59

5:59

In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews Fabian Meder from the Italian Institute of Technology in Genova and the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Piza, Italy about his research group’s device that makes use of wind-driven plant leaf motion to generate electricity which can power a chemical delivery system. Their triboele…

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Gordon Walker Taps Into Something New with Passport to KINGDOM FUNGI 🍄 ✨The MycoGeeky Podcast 1:36:26

5M ago1:36:26

1:36:26

Send us a text 📖 PRE-ORDER Dr. Gordon Walker’s new book, Dr. Fun Guy’s Passport to KINGDOM FUNGI, now! Tonight, we’re joined by Dr. Gordon Walker (Fascinated by Fungi), the internet’s favorite mushroom-tapping scientist, to talk about his brand-new book, Passport to KINGDOM FUNGI! If you’ve ever been mesmerized by his viral videos or wanted to leve…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 135: Troubleshooting Irrigation and Substrate Issues 57:40

6M ago57:40

57:40

Welcome to Episode 135 of Office Hours LIVE, where cultivation knowledge meets practical application! Today, we're exploring the critical relationship between environment and irrigation for superior plant development. Host Cian is joined by cultivation experts Jason and Seth, ready to tackle your most challenging questions in real time. On today's …

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 134: Integrated HVAC Systems with Willy Stober 1:03:57

6M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

This episode explores the science and engineering behind optimal climate control for indoor plant cultivation. We're joined by special guest Willy Stober from Stober Engineering, alongside our expert hosts Cian, Jason, and Seth. Willy shares exclusive insights from his groundbreaking PG&E-funded research study examining energy consumption patterns …

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Episode 4: Researchers pinpoint AI/ML training set to achieve accurate predictions 4:00

6M ago4:00

4:00

In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Sophia Chen interviews Bowen Deng, a graduate student in Gerbrand Ceder’s group at the University of California, Berkeley, about their work on increasing the accuracy of artificial intelligence/machine learning materials prediction models. The use of computer simulations to predict the interaction between ato…

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Optimizing Cannabis Cultivation: Pheno-Hunting, Irrigation & Lighting with Plant Nerd | Ep 19 56:45

6M ago56:45

56:45

Send us a text In episode 19 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones sits down with Jared Toogood of Plant Nerd to break down the techniques helping growers fine-tune their operations. From advanced lighting strategies to precision irrigation and pheno-hunting for elite genetics, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Jared shares how re…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 133: Navigating Irrigation and Dryback Challenges 57:25

6M ago57:25

57:25

In this episode, our resident experts, Cian and Jason, explore common cultivation challenges, offering insights and strategies to enhance your grow operations. From debating vegging in place versus dedicated veg rooms to exploring solutions for persistent pest issues like thrips, they cover a wide range of topics crucial for cultivators. They also …

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ETHICAL VENDING IN THE ONLINE SPACE 🍄 ✨The MycoGeeky Podcast 1:40:06

6M ago1:40:06

1:40:06

Send us a text The world of mushroom genetics vending is a wild one—where ethics, honesty, and a little bit of mycelial magic collide. Should vendors stabilize strains before selling, or is it all just part of the great genetic experiment? What’s the deal with renaming cultigens? And does transparency even exist in the myco marketplace? In this spe…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 132: Adapting Cultivation Practices for Market Success 1:01:52

6M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Welcome to another episode of Office Hours LIVE, where we explore the intricate world of commercial horticulture. In today's episode, host Cian and expert Seth Baumgartner navigate the complexities of substrate EC, irrigation strategies, and the optimization of growing conditions under various lighting environments. The duo discusses the importance…

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How Magic Mushrooms Got Their Genes—and Their Names with Edward Grand PhD 2:25:35

6M ago2:25:35

2:25:35

Send us a text Join us for a deep dive into the science and mysteries behind psilocybin-producing mushrooms with mycologist Edward Grand, PhD. We’ll explore groundbreaking research, fungal genetics, and the ongoing debates in taxonomy—connecting cutting-edge science to the world of at-home cultivation. 📚 Featured Papers Discussed: • “Horizontal Gen…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 131: Cultivation Tips: Improving Yield 1:00:55

7M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

Welcome to another episode of Office Hours LIVE, AROYA's podcast dedicated to exploring the intricate world of cultivation. In episode 131, join our host Cian, alongside cultivation experts Jason and Seth, as they dive into the complexities of environmental conditions and their impact on plant growth. From the effects of substrate EC levels and CO2…

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Episode 3: Surface defects control bulk properties of lead halide perovskites 3:58

7M ago3:58

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews David Cahen from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, about the impact surface defects have on bulk properties, specifically in the case of lead halide perovskites. In a perspective he co-authored, Cahen connected numerous experimental data from other researchers that exposed this …

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🎶 Psychedelic Symphony: How Music Guides Transformative Journeys with Stephanie Karzon Abrams 1:21:11

7M ago1:21:11

1:21:11

Send us a text Ever felt like music wasn’t just sound, but a force guiding you? Like the right song at the right moment could unlock something deep inside—whether it’s healing, euphoria, or a full-blown mystical revelation? Turns out, there’s real neuroscience behind that. Tonight, we’re exploring the profound connection between music and the psych…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 130: The Debate Settled: Understanding EC Levels and Plant Health 58:57

7M ago58:57

58:57

Welcome to another episode of Office Hours LIVE. This is episode 130. Join our resident experts Seth and Jason as they unravel the complexities of managing light and nutrient dynamics to optimize plant growth. This week, we're tackling a question from our audience: Does higher PPFD and DLI require higher EC, and how should you adjust your nutrient …

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Episode 2: Compression activates optical tuning in smart window 4:47

7M ago4:47

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In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Sophia Chen interviews Gwangmin Bae of Korea University about his work with colleagues on the design of a new smart window system that utilizes compression. Like other smart windows, this window makes use of pores within the material to adjust its transparency. However, instead of using a stretchy material th…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 128: Moms, Airflow, and Irrigation Tips 1:01:15

7M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Hello and welcome back to another episode of AROYA Office Hours LIVE Episode 128, your go-to source for cultivation education! I'm your host, Kaisha, and we are thrilled to reach episode 128. Today, we have an engaging discussion lined up with experts Jason, Seth, and special guest Cian. This episode is packed with valuable insights directly from o…

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From Challenges to Champions: Blue Goose Flower’s Journey to Success | Ep 18 55:04

7M ago55:04

55:04

Send us a text Chris Carlino and Scott Judd from Blue Goose Flower share how they’ve perfected indoor cannabis cultivation in a competitive market on this episode of the Grodan GroShow Podcast. Based in Sacramento, California, Blue Goose Flower has overcome challenges to achieve success by transitioning to Grodan stone wool, leveraging the GroSen S…

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[AUDIO only] Office Hours LIVE Ep 127: Tips on CO2, Light, and VPD for Peak Plant Performance 1:04:52

7M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

In today's session, we answer pressing questions from our dedicated community. Our experts, Jason and Cian, alongside our ever-engaging host, Kaisha, tackle a variety of topics—from managing PH runoff and exploring the best irrigation strategies to understanding the complexities of canopy uniformity and the science behind optimal VPD levels. We kic…

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Live Mushroom Growing and Demonstration Session 54:14

7M ago54:14

54:14

In this episode, Oliver takes listeners on a journey through the process of injecting grow bags with mushroom spores. From discussing the importance of maintaining a sterile environment to showcasing different injection techniques, the episode provides valuable insights into the intricate yet rewarding world of mushroom cultivation. Whether injecti…