In Plain English Podcast

Season 3, Episode 1: The History and Future of Nuclear Fusion

The past year has brought exciting advances in nuclear fusion, bringing us closer than ever to a fusion-powered future. So how close are we to achieving viable nuclear fusion, and what are some of the hidden challenges to overcome before we get there? Join expert Daniel Mulrow and guest Ryan Perez to answer these and…

Season 2, Episode 12: Machine Learning: Revolutionizing Neuroscience

How can we use computers to learn more about the brain? Join expert Dr. Eric Yttri and guest Sarah Brown to learn about how open source machine learning algorithms are revolutionizing neuroscience! If you liked this episode, check out Sarah’s podcast ⁠The Queerience⁠. If you are a researcher interested in using BSOiD, you can find…

Ask Abby: A Live Q&A on Sexism and Abortion

Join expert Abby of Political Psych with Abby and guest Rebekah for a live Q&A on the psychology of sexism, motherhood, and attitudes towards abortion. This is a follow-up discussion to the episode “Benevolent” Sexism, Abortion, and Motherhood. If you liked this conversation and want to learn more about political psychology, subscribe to Abby’s channel…

Season 2, Episode 11: “Benevolent” Sexism, Abortion, and Motherhood

What is “benevolent” sexism and does it predict opposition to abortion rights? Join expert Abby, of Political Psych with Abby, and guest Rebekah to discuss the links between hostile sexism, benevolent sexism, abortion rights, and motherhood. If you liked this episode, check out Abby’s YouTube Channel. You can also follow her on Instagram @politicalpsychwithabby. In Plain English now…

Season 2, Episode 10: New Guidelines for Childhood Obesity

In this episode I discuss the new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics on treatments for childhood obesity with expert Dr. Nicole Cifra and guest Brad Hicks. Content note: This episode contains discussions of eating disorders and weight stigma. If you liked this episode and want to learn more, you can follow Dr. Cifra…

Season 2, Episode 9: What did Dinosaurs Sound Like?

In this can’t-miss episode, expert Jimmy Waldron of ⁠Dinosaurs Will Always Be Awesome⁠ and guests William Gousios and Ashley Hamer answer pressing questions like: “What did dinosaurs sound like?” “Did T-Rex have luscious lizard lips?” and “What is a dinosaur anyway?” If you liked this episode, you can follow Jimmy Waldron on Twitter ⁠@JimmyWaldron⁠. You can…

Season 2, Episode 8: Can Psychedelics Treat Depression?

Interest in psychedelic therapy as a treatment for depression has been growing exponentially. But how do psychedelics leave a lasting impact on the brain, and why might this be useful for treating depression, anxiety, and similar conditions? Join expert Alex Kwan and guests Raven and Asmodeus to learn about the fascinating, long-lasting effects that psychedelic…

Season 2, Episode 7: What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

Can a virus increase your risk for developing multiple sclerosis? Join expert Dr. Neuro and guests The Pop Historian and Andrew Jensen to learn about the surprising link between multiple sclerosis and Epstein-Barr Virus, one of the viruses that cause mono. If you liked this episode, you can follow Dr. Neuro on Twitter @neurofourier or…

Open Science Series: A Conversation with Bryan Copits

In this bonus episode on Open Science, I sit down with Dr. Bryan Copits, an early career researcher at Washington University in St. Louis. We talk about the barriers to publishing open access papers as early career scientists, the research-stifling effect exerted by the most “prestigious” journals, and what efforts are currently underway to promote…

Season 2, Episode 6: An Open Science Round Table

Currently, scientists need to pay to publish research and readers need to pay to access most research articles. This outdated approach to sharing science slows advancement by locking research behind paywalls, and prevents the public from being able to read the research that their tax dollars funded. In this round table, Sci-Hub founder Alexandra Elbakyan,…