Cross Pollinated

Kristen Orr
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Arts

Cross Pollinated is a podcast about creative collaboration at the intersection of art and science. Each episode, host Kristen Orr randomly pairs a type of artist with a type of scientist and invites guests to imagine what they might create together. Unexpected ideas emerge through open-ended brainstorming and audience participation, then the conversation culminates with an impartial judge selecting the winning collaboration idea.

Episodes

  1. May 5

    Tattoo Artist + Entomologist

    There are a lof of bug tattoos out in the world, have you ever wondered why? What could an abstract insect tattoo look like? What do humans and insects have in common when it comes to the patterns they decorate their bodies with? If you've ever considered these types of questions (or even if you just like bugs or tattoos), this episode is for you. In this episode of Cross Pollinated, a tattoo artist is paired with an entomologist (that's someone who studies insects). Host Kristen Orr, tattoo artist Caleb Colpitts, and entomologist Adrian Smith team up to brainstorm potential projects that this type of artist and this type of scientist might create together. This unlikely pairing results in some really wild concepts, some more practical than others. In the end, they submit a handful of their favorite ideas to an impartial judge who then crowns the "winning" collaboration idea. Creative brainstorming is a great mindset to practice, so as you listen to the conversation, you're definitely encouraged to think about any other ideas that weren't mentioned! ______ If you'd like to submit your own collaboration ideas, you can follow me on Instagram (I'll occasionally post calls for ideas in my stories) @kristenorrdesigns If you're an artist or scientist who likes thinking outside of the box and are interested in potentially coming on the podcast, you can email at crosspollinatedpod@gmail.com Thanks for listening!

    56 min

  2. Mar 24

    Fiber Artist + Neurologist

    Did you know playful brainstorming could improve your mood? Or that your nervous system is basically a work of fiber art? In this conversation, neurons bundle, threads weave, and patterns emerge. If you have a brain and are interested in exploring the connections between and within the worlds of art and science, this one’s for you. In this episode of Cross Pollinated, a fiber artist (one who creates artwork using fibers) is paired with a neurologist (one who treats conditions of the brain and nervous system). Host Kristen Orr, fiber artist Lisa Cox, and neurologist Steph Orr team up to brainstorm potential projects that this type of artist and this type of scientist might create together. They discuss things like visually encoding brain signals with weaving, investigating the brains of fiber producing animals, and the futuristic concept of weaving fibers to repair nerve damage. In the end, they submit a handful of their favorite project ideas to an impartial judge who selects the "winning" collaboration idea. To get that mood boost, you can try some playful brainstorming of your own- can you think of any cool collaboration ideas not considered here? ______ If you'd like to submit your own collaboration ideas for future episodes, you can follow me on Instagram (I'll occasionally post calls for ideas in my stories) @kristenorrdesigns If you're an artist or scientist who likes to 'associate broadly' (aka think outside the box) and are interested in potentially coming on the podcast, you can email me at crosspollinatedpod@gmail.com Thanks for following along!

    1h 5m

  3. Mar 24

    Screenwriter + Ornithologist

    Have you ever thought that this world could use more bird or bird scientist-representation in film and TV? Or thought that it could be cool to watch content created BY birds? Maybe you're just wanting to think a little more creatively about writing and biology in general—if so, you'll want to listen to this one. In this episode of Cross Pollinated, a screenwriter (someone who writes stories for film and TV) is paired with an ornithologist (someone who studies birds). Host Kristen Orr, screenwriter Anna Thorup, and ornithologist Mallory Miles team up to brainstorm potential projects that this type of artist and this type of scientist might create together. This pairing results in some more out-of-the-box ideas than you might initially expect, and in the end, they submit a handful of their favorite ideas to an impartial judge who crowns the "winning" collaboration idea. No matter what field you work in, you'll find value in thinking creatively alongside these unlikely collaborators. ______ If you'd like to submit your own collaboration ideas, you can follow me on Instagram (I'll occasionally post calls for ideas in my stories) @kristenorrdesigns If you're an artist or scientist who likes thinking outside of the box and are interested in potentially coming on the podcast, you can email me at crosspollinatedpod@gmail.com Thanks for listening!

    53 min

  4. Mar 24

    Pianist + Herpetologist

    Have you ever wished there was more frog-inspired music in the world? Or thought that alligator vocals deserved their time in the spotlight? Maybe you're just into expanding the way you think about music and biology—if so, this one's for you. In this episode of Cross Pollinated, a pianist is paired with a herpetologist (that's someone who studies reptiles and amphibians). Host Kristen Orr, pianist Daniel Schreiner, and herpetologist Jasper Leavitt team up to brainstorm potential projects that this type of artist and this type of scientist might create together. This unlikely pairing results in some really wild concepts, some more practical than others. In the end, they submit a handful of their favorite ideas to an impartial judge who then crowns the "winning" collaboration idea. Enjoy these weird, fresh, interdisciplinary ideas that you didn't know you needed! ______ If you'd like to submit your own collaboration ideas, you can follow me on Instagram (I'll occasionally post calls for ideas in my stories) @kristenorrdesigns If you're an artist or scientist who likes thinking outside of the box and are interested in potentially coming on the podcast, you can email at crosspollinatedpod@gmail.com Also, can we please admire the original theme music by Daniel Schreiner (with additional production by Adrian Haskell)? Wow, I have such talented friends.  Thanks for following along!

    53 min

  5. Episode 1

    Introducing Cross Pollinated

    Introducing 'Cross Pollinated'! In this trailer episode, host and trained designer/biologist Kristen Orr explains what you can expect from this art and science podcast and why she was motivated to start it.

    5 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Cross Pollinated is a podcast about creative collaboration at the intersection of art and science. Each episode, host Kristen Orr randomly pairs a type of artist with a type of scientist and invites guests to imagine what they might create together. Unexpected ideas emerge through open-ended brainstorming and audience participation, then the conversation culminates with an impartial judge selecting the winning collaboration idea.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristen Orr
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cross Pollinated
  • Show Website
    Cross Pollinated