Lab Coat Optional

Arizona State University

Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University when our next season launches on Sept. 23! We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.

  1. Jun 24 ·  Bonus

    LCO presents: The Ongoing Transformation

    Something a little different this week! While we're busy getting our next season ready, we're bringing you an episode of a podcast we all enjoy: The Ongoing Transformation. The Ongoing Transformation is a show from Issues in Science and Technology, a quarterly journal published by the National Academy of Sciences and Arizona State University. Find the Ongoing Transformation on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

  2. Jun 10 ·  Bonus

    LCO presents: Ten Across Conversations

    As a summer treat, we are sharing an episode of Ten Across Conversations, another podcast from Arizona State University. This episode features two ASU researchers on the frontlines of a growing problem: extreme heat. Find more Ten Across Conversations on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

  3. May 27

    Building "large Earth models" with Hannah Kerner

    ASU computer scientist Hannah Kerner explains how the combination of machine learning and satellite data help map farms, monitor disasters and understand climate impacts — turning decades of Earth observation data into tools. Further listening and reading: Listen to Hannah on the Satellite and Deep Learning podcast with Robin ColeCheck out Applied Geospatial by Christopher Ren Read Empire of AI by Karen HaoLearn more about the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Reporting from Kelly DeVos and Gary Werner was foundational to this episode Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

    Building "large Earth models" with Hannah Kerner

  4. May 13

    What sound SOUNDS like with Lindsey Reymore

    What does sound feel like? Music theorist Lindsey Reymore explores timbre — the “color” of sound — and why the way we describe music might be more shared than subjective. Further reading and listening: Learn more about the ACTOR project at McGill University and the Timbre and Orchestration ResourceListen to Peter and the Wolf!Learn more about: The School of Music, Dance and Theatre at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. The Institute for Social Science Research at ASU, which is funding Lindsey’s upcoming timbre study in different languages. Special thanks to the Ocotillo Winds from ASU’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Bass clarinet: Assistant Professor Jeff Anderle Flute: Professor Elizabeth Buck Alto saxophone: Professor Christopher Creviston Oboe: Assistant Professor Jonathan Davis Clarinet: Associate Professor Josh Gardner Bassoon: Professor Albie Micklich Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin and Christian Van Bebber Edited by Alexander Chapin and Patrick Cheung Music composed by Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

    What sound SOUNDS like with Lindsey Reymore

  5. Apr 29

    The surveillance network you consented to with Rakibul Hasan

    We trade data for convenience every day. But at what cost? Rakibul Hasan breaks down how everyday tech became a surveillance network that determines what we see, what we pay — and maybe even what we think. Resources Try Brave or Duck Duck Go as a browserTry the Start Page search engineFurther reading and watching: Privacy Is Power by Carissa VelizLOST GENERATIONThe Social Dilemma from NetflixLearn more about the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Special thanks to our No. 1 fan Meg Hebing for her cameo Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson Disclosure: Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

    The surveillance network you consented to with Rakibul Hasan

  6. Apr 15

    Coding the cosmos with Skylar Grayson

    Astrophysicist Skylar Grayson explains how she uses supercomputer simulations to study black holes, how scientists can piece together a picture of phenomena billions of light years away and why communicating science clearly matters just as much as discovering it. Find Skylar on: YouTubeTiktokInstagramFurther reading: Read The End of Everything by Katie Mack Check out Starts with a Bang by Ethan SiegalLearn more about the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Support our friends! Check out AskABiologist wherever you get your podcasts! Special thanks to Kaden Ryback for suggesting this episode! Do you have an idea for an episode, or just want to torture the host with facts about dark matter? Get in touch at ke.podcast@asu.edu! Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

    Coding the cosmos with Skylar Grayson

  7. Mar 31

    Tackling plastic pollution from coast to coast with Charlie Rolsky

    Plastic is everywhere. The same material that makes modern life easier has also become a persistent environmental pollutant. Charlie Rolsky — ASU alumnus and executive director of the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill, Maine — explores how microplastics move through our environment and into our bodies, what we do and don’t know about their impacts, and why “biodegradable” often doesn’t mean what we think. He also reflects on his journey from ASU to Maine — and how scientists balance urgency with responsible communication. Learn more about The Shaw Institute (and their free touch tank!)Dirigo Sea Farm Further listening Listen to Science Vs!Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Please give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! It helps other listeners find us. Got an idea for us? Get in touch at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson Disclosure: Lab Coat Optional is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This show does not create a doctor-patient relationship, and the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

    Tackling plastic pollution from coast to coast with Charlie Rolsky

  8. Mar 18

    Staying human in the age of AI with Andrew Maynard

    As AI and emerging technologies reshape daily life, Andrew Maynard — scientist, author and professor in the Rob Walton College of Global Futures — discusses how we navigate disruptive innovation responsibly — and how we can hold onto our humanity in a rapidly changing world. Further reading: Andrew’s SubstackAI and the Art of Being HumanFuture RisingListen to Andrew’s show, Modem Futura wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about Andrew’s Future of Being Human Initiative, and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, part of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at ASU. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot and edited by Alexander Chapin Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

    Staying human in the age of AI with Andrew Maynard
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About

Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University when our next season launches on Sept. 23! We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.

Information

  • Creator
    Arizona State University
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Arizona State University
  • Show Website
    Lab Coat Optional