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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. 4D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. JAN 22 · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Chemmunity: Budget Flow Chart, Stranger Things, and a Dead Prius

    Welcome back to an exclusive bonus episode ONLY for members of the Chemmunity. This time we're talking about Melissa's custom budget decision flow-chart, the Stranger Things finale, and Jam's car situations. 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!

    40 min

  6. JAN 15

    Does wool actually resist odor and bacteria?

    #229 What makes wool an essential fabric for many people? Is lanolin truly antimicrobial, or is wool itself responsible for its famed properties? Join us as we unravel the complexities of wool and lanolin, diving into its chemical structure, historical anecdotes, and surprising anti-odor capabilities. Does wool really keep the bacteria at bay, or is there more to the story? Tune in and explore the chemistry behind this wonder fabric! 00:00 Listener's Request: The Mystery of Lanolin 01:08 Introduction to Chemistry for Your Life 04:08 The Complex Chemistry of Wool 11:33 Exploring Lanolin: Properties and Uses 19:51 Exploring Lanolin in Wool 19:59 Investigating Wool's Antimicrobial Properties 20:54 Odor Reduction in Wool 21:57 Scientific Explanations and Hypotheses 24:46 Hydrophobic Properties of Wool 26:46 Wool's Interaction with Bacteria 31:04 Complexities of Wool Processing 35:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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.

    41 min

  7. JAN 8 · BONUS

    Ask a Chemist: Are X-rays really bad for you? (and other questions)

    Question and Response #74 Melissa and Jam dive into a series of fascinating chemistry questions submitted by listeners. They explore how food affects the absorption rate of alcohol in the blood, the science behind shelf-stable milk turning solid after opening, and why dogs' feet might smell like Fritos. The duo also answers an intriguing question about the risks of dental X-rays versus ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Additionally, they discuss a fun science experiment involving dissolving candy canes in different liquids, providing a perfect activity for kids to learn about the world of chemistry. Special thanks to the community members and listeners whose questions keep the show engaging and informative. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:23 How Food Affects Alcohol Absorption 06:42 Shelf-Stable Protein Shakes 10:26 Why Do Dogs' Feet Smell Like Fritos? 14:49 The Risks of X-Rays 17:56 Understanding Dental X-Ray Radiation 18:39 Annual Radiation Dose and Safety 19:32 Comparing Risks: Dental Issues vs. X-Rays 20:12 Why X-Ray Technicians Use Shields 20:59 Explaining Radiation Risks to the Public 22:55 Fun Science Experiments for Kids 25:31 Explaining Polarity and Dissolution to Kids 30:47 Encouraging Scientific Curiosity in Children 34:41 Supporting the Show and Community Shoutouts 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: https://youtu.be/30_QRAC6XOU https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/licensee-education/alcohol-facts/#:~:text=Alcohol%20does%20not%20require%20digestion,Therefore%2C%20food%20slows%20intoxication. https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses https://www.epa.gov/radiation/calculate-your-radiation-dose https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives https://ehs.stanford.edu/manual/radiation-protection-guidance-hospital-staff/natural-sources-radiation#:~:text=Cosmic%20radiation%20comes%20from%20the,approximately%2028%20mrem%20per%20year. 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.

    37 min

  8. JAN 2

    What is iodized salt? And why?

    #077 Who's doing what to our salt? What's iodine, do we need it, why, and how do they get it in there? This week Melissa and Jam dive head first into figurative iodized salt dunes. Let's take a closer look at the chemistry of something so everyday, we hardly even think about it. References from this episode https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es0719071 https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed077p984#:~:text=The%20presence%20of%20iodine%20in,in%20preventing%20simple%20endemic%20goiter https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed062p1016 https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/february-2016/salt-facts.html https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill/ 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.

    37 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
    412
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © For Your Life 2023, All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Chemistry For Your Life
  • Provider
    Jam Robinson

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