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Chemistry For Your Life

Melissa and Jam, Bleav
  • 4.6 (296)
  • CHEMISTRY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast that helps you understand the fascinating chemistry hidden in your everyday life. Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? Or how soap gets your hands clean? What really is margarine, or why do trees change colors in the fall? Melissa is a chemist, and to answer these questions she started a podcast, called Chemistry for your life! In each episode Melissa explains the chemistry behind one of life’s mysteries to Jam, who is definitely not a chemist, but she explains it in a way that is easy to understand, and totally fascinating. If you’re someone who loves learning new things, or who wonders about the way the world works, then give us a listen.

  1. 14H AGO · BONUS

    Fun Fact or Fake Factoid?! Game Rematch (with Claire Caballero)

    In this bonus episode, we host a rematch of our game “Fun Fact or Fake Factoid” with Claire and Jam, using stricter rules: each claim must be entirely true or false as worded, and the winner earns a treat. We test statements about pregnancy-related brain changes, koala fingerprints, bird body temperature, whether every fig contains a dead wasp, how egg markings form, woodpecker tongues wrapping around their skulls, unique parrot pigments, bald eagles’ ability to take off from the ground, black bear maternal instinct, and whether red bird color is structural rather than pigment-based. Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife 00:00 Rematch Setup 00:42 Rules and Stakes 02:46 Pregnancy Brain Changes 05:55 Koala Fingerprints 07:48 Bird Body Temperature Myth 11:26 Fig Wasp Debate 15:33 Egg Markings Explained 16:53 Egg Pigment Mystery 17:57 Woodpecker Tongue Wrap 19:13 Tie Breaker Rules 20:26 Parrot Pigment Class 21:18 Eagle Takeoff Myth 24:27 Bear Instinct Debate 25:19 Bird Color Science 29:54 Rematch And Submissions 31:21 Support And Credits References from the Episode: Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min

  2. 6D AGO

    How do MRIs see inside our bodies, in 3D? (with Claire Caballero)

    MRIs are loud. They’re huge. They’re magnetic. But what are they actually doing? This week, we bring Claire back to help us connect the dots between NMR (yes, organic chem flashbacks) and MRI. How does a technique built on tiny hydrogen protons turn into a 3D image of your brain? How can it tell the difference between tissue and fluid? Why can’t you bring metal anywhere near the machine? We ask: • What are your protons doing inside an MRI? • How does “magnetic resonance” become an image? • Why does oxygenated blood matter? • And how did anyone figure this out in the first place? If you’ve ever had an MRI, or just wondered how we can see inside the body without radiation or surgery, this episode pulls back the curtain. Listen in and rethink what’s happening inside that giant magnet. 00:00 MRI Episode Kickoff 01:11 Meet Claire Again 02:27 PhD Candidate Explained 03:44 NMR Basics Begin 04:33 Protons And Magnets 06:46 RF Pulse And Signal 11:16 Hydrogen Everywhere 13:35 Reading NMR Peaks 16:02 Matrix And Practice 18:31 Jam Summarizes NMR 20:44 Why MRI Not NMR 22:45 Spin And Isotopes 29:02 MRI Uses Body Water 30:37 Tissue Contrast And T1 33:38 Resolution Limits 34:25 MRI Resolution Limits 35:34 From NMR to Images 36:50 K Space and Gradients 41:30 Voxels and 3D Views 44:05 Contrast and Clinical Uses 49:47 Research Possibilities 51:11 Functional MRI Explained 56:14 MRI Safety and Magnet Strength 58:00 Helium and Heavy Machines 01:02:43 Science Boundaries and Wrap Up   Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife References from the Episode: Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 9m

  3. FEB 19

    Is glass actually a liquid?

    #079 Rebroadcast Glass. The more you look at it, the more clear it becomes that it holds some serious mysteries. So what really is glass? Is it a liquid? How is it different from typical solids? Does it flow and ooze over time? Is that why old windows are thicker at the bottom? Let's find out! Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife References from this episode https://cen.acs.org/articles/95/i47/s-glass-modern-day-researchers.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7245478/ https://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/Glass/glass.html https://phys.org/news/2016-03-scientists-temperature-glass-liquid.html https://ceramics.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jace.15092 https://cen.acs.org/articles/93/i20/Pyrex-100.html Chemistry by Julia Burdge   Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min

  4. FEB 19 · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Chemmunity: Video Game Saga, Audio Equipment, and The Pricemaster

    Welcome back to an exclusive bonus episode ONLY for members of the Chemmunity. This time we're talking about Melissa getting sucked into a video game and how she climbed out, Jam talks about the Denton Pricemaster and new audio equipment for the podcast! Chemmunity is the secret podcast for Chemistry For Your Life Patrons, Supporters, and Subscribers. Members of the Chemmunity get ad-free versions of the podcast PLUS monthly exclusive bonus episodes where Melissa and Jam talk about whatever they want... EXCEPT chemistry. For the most part. Welcome to the Chemmunity!

    54 min

  5. FEB 12

    What makes ice slippery? (A surprising science mystery)

    #231 Why is ice so slippery? Is it because of a layer of water on top, or is it something more complex? Join us as we dive into the chemistry behind icy surfaces, inspired by a curious 5-year-old's question. You'll hear about experimental findings, the special properties of water, and even some amusing snow day memories. Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered why ice makes us slip and slide! 00:00 Experiencing Alaska in Texas 00:24 The Chemistry of Ice and Snow 01:42 Why is Ice Slippery? 03:10 Listener Questions and Ice Skating Chemistry 04:02 Debunking Ice Slipperiness Theories 11:42 Water's Unique Properties 17:43 Pressure and Melting Ice 22:30 Scientific Findings on Ice Slipperiness 24:12 Addressing Common Comments 24:31 The Science of Ice Skating 25:30 New Research on Ice 26:37 Amorphous Solids and Ice 37:09 Practical Implications of Ice Behavior 41:12 Snow Day Memories 49:14 Supporting the Show Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife References from the Episode: Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min

  6. FEB 5 · BONUS

    Reddit Chemistry: Why don't birds get shocked on power lines? (and other questions)

    Why can birds sit on electrical wires without getting shocked? What's the chemistry behind cake mix versus baking from scratch? Why do some materials create more fire than others? Melissa and Jam tackle these questions and more, drawn from curious listeners and the 'Explain Like I'm Five' subreddit, in this engaging episode of Chemistry for Your Life. Plus, find out how popular TV shows might be influencing career choices and explore the fascinating world of chemical reactions. Got a burning question? Tune in and satisfy your curiosity with Chemistry for Your Life! 00:00 Introduction and Episode Inspiration 01:25 Why Birds Don't Get Shocked on Electrical Wires 06:57 The Science Behind Cake Mixes and Baking 10:13 Why Some Materials Burn and Others Don't 12:51 Why Hot Beverages Steam Below Boiling Point 15:31 Am I the Jerk? - Discussing Career Choices 18:45 Family Ties in Medicine 19:17 Influence of TV Shows on Career Choices 20:18 Realizations About Medical Careers 22:09 Exploring Alternative Medical Careers 23:46 Advice for Aspiring Medical Professionals 26:05 Considering the Medical Field Despite Challenges 36:02 Celebrating Academic Achievements 38:00 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife References from the Episode: Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min

  7. JAN 29

    How do fans cool us off?

    #230 Winter has us longing for warmer weather. BUT when it's a hot day how do fans keep us cool? Do fans actually lower the air temperature? What role does evaporative cooling play? Find out how the movement of air molecules around your body is the key to feeling cooler. Plus, discover some fascinating insights into energy distribution, the impact of fans on air conditioning, and even some fun personal anecdotes about staying cool in the Texas heat. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:44 The Science Behind Cooling with Fans 01:27 Egg Analogy: Understanding Heat Transfer 03:39 How Fans Actually Work 10:47 The Role of Air Conditioners 12:31 Understanding Air Cooling Mechanisms 13:11 Insights from a Power Company 13:45 The Science Behind Fans and Energy Efficiency 16:28 Evaporative Cooling and Its Benefits 17:21 Explaining the Concept Back 21:37 Personal Experiences with Cooling 24:12 Supporting the Show and Community 27:08 A Funny Camp Counselor Story Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife References from the Episode: Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min

  8. JAN 22

    Why does orange juice taste bad after you brush your teeth?

    #037 Rebroadcast It's the lesson we've all had to learn the hard way. The pain our mouths feel when we take a treacherous swig of the post-brush poison. This week, Melissa and Jam delve into all of our childhoods to figure out the chemistry of this infamous mixture. Why does it taste so bad? Who's fault is it, the toothpaste or the orange juice? Also while we're at it, why is it called toothpaste? Nevermind, I'm not sure we'll be able to get to the bottom of that part. References from this episode Why Does Toothpaste Make Orange Juice Taste Bad? - American Chemical Society Why Does Orange Juice Taste So Bad After Brushing? - South Springs Dental Group   Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife   Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min
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Trailer

4.6
out of 5
296 Ratings

About

A podcast that helps you understand the fascinating chemistry hidden in your everyday life. Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? Or how soap gets your hands clean? What really is margarine, or why do trees change colors in the fall? Melissa is a chemist, and to answer these questions she started a podcast, called Chemistry for your life! In each episode Melissa explains the chemistry behind one of life’s mysteries to Jam, who is definitely not a chemist, but she explains it in a way that is easy to understand, and totally fascinating. If you’re someone who loves learning new things, or who wonders about the way the world works, then give us a listen.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa and Jam, Bleav
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    416
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © For Your Life 2023, All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Chemistry For Your Life
  • Provider
    Jam Robinson

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