Being a Scientist

Srishti

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Science
Updated Monthly

A podcast aimed to bridge the gap between Scientists and non-Science people, to translate the challenges and exciting work that researchers do and bring their work forward to the public eye.

Season 1, Episode 22 Trailer

#22 teaser: Building a Career in Science Communication with Margot Wohl

What does it actually take to build a career in science communication? Science communication is becoming an increasingly recognised career path, but getting started can feel like a classic catch-22: you need experience to get the job, but how do you get experience if nobody gives you the opportunity in the first place? In this teaser from my conversation with Margot, we talk about exactly that. Margot is an experienced science communicator who got into the field at a time when science communication was still far less established as a career. Her advice to anyone interested in entering the field is refreshingly practical: Do it before someone hires you to do it. Write a science blog. Make a video. Start a podcast. Experiment with different ways of explaining science. Find opportunities to communicate with audiences outside your immediate scientific community. In our conversation, Margot shares how she began building her experience, including discovering opportunities such as ComSciCon and the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship, and how informal experiences can eventually become the foundation for a professional career in science communication. We also talk about something that is particularly exciting about the field today: institutions are increasingly recognising the value of science communication and investing in it. From podcasts and digital media to public engagement, science outreach and accessible scientific storytelling, there are now more ways than ever for scientists and communicators to bring research to broader audiences. And perhaps most importantly, this conversation highlights a shift in how we think about science communication. It is not simply about making complicated science “easy.” It is about helping people understand why research matters, connecting scientific discoveries with everyday life, and creating curiosity about the world around us. If you are a scientist interested in science communication, a student wondering about careers beyond academia, or someone curious about becoming a science communicator, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouragement. And if you have ever thought, “I would love to do science communication, but I do not have the experience yet,” perhaps the answer is to start creating your own experience. Your first blog does not need to be perfect.Your first video does not need to go viral.Your first podcast does not need thousands of listeners. You just have to start communicating. 🎧 Full conversation with Margot soon on Being a Scientist, where we explore her journey into science communication, what it is like to build a career communicating science, the changing landscape of science media, and why making science accessible matters coming soon! #ScienceCommunication #SciComm #ScienceCommunicator #ScienceCareers #STEMCareers #ScienceOutreach #ScientificCommunication #SciencePodcast #beingascientist #videopodcast
Jul 24

#16 Joni Symon: Biotech Startups, Precision Fermentation & Life Lessons

In this episode, I speak with Joni Symon, co-founder of de novo Labs, about her journey from biochemistry to building a biotech startup in South Africa developing sustainable proteins through precision fermentation. We explore how De novo Labs is creating animal-free lactoferrin, the realities of startup life, balancing science with business, and why biotech innovation is shaping the future of food. Joni also shares valuable lessons for scientists - trust your expertise, build great teams, don’t try to do everything yourself, and always keep sight of the bigger picture. Whether you’re a student, researcher, entrepreneur, or simply curious about biotechnology, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration. In this episode: Building a biotech startup from scratchPrecision fermentation explained simplyThe future of sustainable proteinsFrom academia to entrepreneurshipLeadership and teamwork in scienceLife lessons for young scientists
Jul 18

#19 Danielle Spice: Diving into stem cell facts and exploring everyday science wonders

What if I told you that stem cell clinics charging thousands of dollars might be selling false hope? Or that scientists can now grow mini organs in a dish, use AI to detect heart disease from mammograms, and are getting closer to engineering cells that can evade the immune system? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Danielle Spice—stem cell biologist, science communicator, and one of my favorite creators who makes complex biology feel wonderfully simple. We talk about how stem cells actually work, why embryonic stem cells are so powerful, organoids and organs-on-chips, the future of regenerative medicine, AI in healthcare, and why communicating science has become just as important as doing science itself. If you’ve ever wondered how a single cell becomes an entire human being - or why science is far more fascinating than textbooks ever made it seem - this episode is for you.
Season 1, Episode 21 Trailer

#21 teaser: Learning science by playing instead of memorizing with Poorti Kathpalia

What if science felt more like a game than a subject? 🎲 When Poorti Kathpalia finished her PhD, she noticed something interesting. There were plenty of games teaching physics, engineering, and robotics—but very few that made biology fun and interactive. Instead of waiting for one to exist, she created it. What started as conversations with teachers, students, and researchers eventually became a biology-based game designed to make scientific concepts more accessible and engaging. I love stories like these because they remind us that innovation doesn’t always start with a grand plan. Sometimes it starts with noticing what’s missing and deciding to build it. And sometimes, the best way to learn science is to play it. #ScienceCommunication #SciComm #ScienceCommunicator #ScienceCareers #STEMCareers #ScienceOutreach #ScientificCommunication #SciencePodcast #beingascientist #videopodcast
Season 1, Episode 20 Trailer

#20 teaser: demystifying the problem with stress with Erin Harris

Stress isn’t the problem. Staying stressed is. As neuroscientist Erin Harris explains, our stress response is actually designed to help us. When we encounter a challenge—whether it’s a looming deadline, a difficult conversation, or, in our ancestors’ case, a bear—our bodies release cortisol to mobilize energy and help us respond. The problem begins when that “on” switch never gets turned off. When stress becomes chronic, our bodies remain in a constant state of alert, which can impact everything from our brain function to our metabolism. One of the most interesting takeaways from this conversation? Cortisol isn’t the villain it’s often made out to be. It’s an essential hormone that helps us function. What matters is whether our bodies are able to switch out of stress mode when the challenge has passed. A simple but powerful reminder from neuroscience: stress is meant to be temporary. #videopodcast #stress #neuroscience #neuroscientist #research #beingascientist #sciencepodcast
Jun 11

#17 Deepak Modi: The Science of Implantation, Inflammation & Contraception

What does it really take for a pregnancy to begin? In this episode of Being a Scientist, I sit down with reproductive biologist Dr. Deepak Modi to explore some of the most fascinating and least understood aspects of human reproduction. We begin with the remarkable process of embryo implantation—how a tiny embryo communicates with the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, and why the beginning of pregnancy is far more than a simple attachment event. Dr. Modi explains the elegant “conversation” that takes place between the embryo and the maternal environment, allowing implantation and the earliest stages of placental development to occur. We then dive into one of his laboratory’s recent discoveries: the surprising role of inflammation during implantation. While inflammation is often viewed as something harmful, Dr. Modi discusses how a carefully regulated inflammatory response may actually be essential for a successful pregnancy. Finally, we explore the science behind hormonal contraceptives, how they work, why they are considered safe and effective, and why researchers are increasingly interested in developing more localized, non-hormonal approaches for the future. This conversation offers a fascinating look at the biology that underpins the earliest stages of human life, while highlighting how much there is still left to discover. Topics discussed: Embryo implantation and embryo-endometrial communicationThe role of the endometrium in early pregnancyInflammation and reproductive biologyHormonal contraceptives and how they workFuture directions in non-hormonal contraception researchScientific discoveries in reproductive medicineWhether you’re curious about fertility, reproductive health, or simply fascinated by how life begins, this episode offers an accessible introduction to one of biology’s most intricate processes. [Reproductive biology, fertility, implantation, pregnancy, embryo development, endometrium, inflammation, contraception, hormonal contraceptives, non-hormonal contraception, reproductive health, fertility science, embryo-endometrial cross-talk, women’s health, human biology, science communication, reproductive medicine, IVF, pregnancy science]
Season 1, Episode 19 Trailer

#19 teaser: decoding how your entire body started as one cell with Danielle Spice

Stem cells sound complex… but what if they’re just a ball rolling down a hill? 👀 In this conversation, Danielle Spice breaks down one of biology’s most fascinating ideas — how a single cell can give rise to every cell in your body. From skin to eyes to organs, it all begins with one cell making a series of tiny decisions along the way. It’s a simple analogy that makes something incredibly complex feel almost intuitive — and honestly, a little magical ✨ #videopodcast #sciencepodcast #beingascientist #stemcells #research
Apr 22

#18 Cassandra Fieldson: The Science of Mosquitoes: Beyond the Bite

Mosquitoes are one of the most disliked insects — but how much do we actually understand about them? In this episode, I’m joined by Cassandra Fieldson, who studies mosquitoes and brings a refreshing, curiosity-driven perspective to understanding them. Together, we explore the lifecycle of mosquitoes, how they are bred and studied in research, and clear up some common misconceptions — including the surprising fact that most mosquitoes don’t feed on blood. We also dive into their ecological role — from pollination to their place in the food chain — and what their presence tells us about how nature works as a system. This conversation is a reminder that even the most overlooked or disliked creatures can reveal something fascinating when we take the time to understand them. [science podcast, mosquito lifecycle, do mosquitoes drink blood, ecology and food chain, science of insects, biology explained simply, nature and ecosystems]

A podcast aimed to bridge the gap between Scientists and non-Science people, to translate the challenges and exciting work that researchers do and bring their work forward to the public eye.

Creator

Srishti
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

41
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Srishti
Show Website

Being a Scientist