Science Behind the Glass: illuminating the human side

Science behind the Glass
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Who really makes science happen? First bilingual podcast (Spanish & English)! We pull back the curtain on the hidden figures behind the scenes: scientists, engineers, field workers, data analysts, social leaders, and more, who rarely make the headlines but whose work shapes our world. Through powerful storytelling and personal interviews from across continents, we explore the passions, challenges, and human experiences that drive science forward. Two hosts. Two languages. One mission: to humanise science, one voice at a time.

  1. Jul 9

    Te Awa Puketapu: When Language is Power, Family, and Revolution

    Some women don't just lead, they are warriors. Today's guest is one of them. Te Awa Puketapu, is a Māori language champion, social leader, and an extraordinary force for change in Aotearoa New Zealand. Of Ngāi Tuhoe, Ngāti Ruapani, and Te Atiawa descent, Te Awa was raised speaking te reo Māori and was among the very first children ever enrolled in a Kōhanga Reo in 1982. That early immersion didn't just give her a language, it gave her a purpose. From the Office of the Children's Commissioner to Hutt City Council, she has spent her career fighting for Māori whānau (family), children, and communities. As a 2022 Atlantic Fellow for Social Equity, she is now boldly shaping the next forty years of te reo Māori revitalisation, putting language sovereignty, Māori-led solutions, and the next generation of leaders front and centre. She is a warrior. She is a leader. She is inspiration. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Māori Identity and Culture 02:47 The Treaty of Waitangi: Historical Context and Misinterpretations 05:51 Language Revitalization: The Kohanga Reo Movement 09:02 The Importance of Language in Shaping Worldview 11:59 Connection to Nature: Māori Perspectives 14:47 The Role of Women in Māori Society 17:48 Navigating Colonial Systems: Challenges and Resurgence 20:59 Community Support and Collective Action 23:56 Inspiration and Hope for the Future Follow us: Instagram: sciencebehindtheglass X: @sbtg_podcast @daniesguerra @LINDAHE1988 FB: Science behind the Glass TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbtgpodcast?_t=ZS-8u2DmABj4Us&_r=1 References Strochlic, N. "The Race to Save the World's Disappearing Languages." National Geographic, April 16, 2018. Awarau, A. "The Māori saved their language from extinction. Here's how." National Geographic, June 28, 2024. https://www.socialequity.atlanticfellows.org/fellows-search/te-awa-puketapu

    Te Awa Puketapu: When Language is Power, Family, and Revolution

  2. Jun 25

    Química: la solución para un mundo sostenible con el profesor Adam Lee

    We dive into the fascinating world of atoms and molecules, focusing on their significant impact on our journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. Join us as we explore the insights of Professor Adam Lee, a leading chemist whose research is paving the way for revolutionary changes in energy production and manufacturing. Why 95% of consumer goods exist because of catalysis — and why almost nobody talks about it in climate conversations. 🎯 In this episode, you will learn: • Why 95% of consumer goods exist because of catalysis — and why almost nobody talks about it in climate conversations. • How turning toxic waste from African oil crops into nylon and biodiesel can transform rural economies. • What solar panel waste has to do with the future of batteries — and why the solution takes just one millisecond. • How a tiny silver-infused material is changing the way hospitals treat burn victims — without turning anyone blue. • Why Prof. Lee thinks the biggest obstacle to a sustainable future isn't science at all — it's economics, policy, and what we choose to do with education. Timestamps: 03:58 Working Across Continents: How Culture and Geography Shape the Science You Do 06:30 Buffel Grass and Invasive Plants: Local Problems as Global Opportunities 09:14 Waste Valorisation: Turning Toxic African Oil Waste Into Nylon and Biodiesel 14:44 What Is Catalysis? The Invisible Engine Behind 35% of the World's GDP 20:26 Nanomaterials Explained: The Lego Analogy That Changes Everything 20:55 Plastic Recycling: Why Chemical Recycling Is the Real Breakthrough We Need 27:35 Nature-Based Catalysis: How the Human Cell Inspired a New Research Approach 46:20 Where Is the Hope? Why an Economist Might Save the Planet Before a Chemist 51:58 The Ivory Tower Problem: Why Science Funding and Public Education Are Under Threat References → Abbas et al. (incl. Adam F. Lee & Karen Wilson). "Catalysis at the Intersection of Sustainable Chemistry and a Circular Economy." One Earth, Cell Press, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.04.018 https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00208-2 → Adam Lee — Editor-in-Chief, Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry (open-access journal). Scilight Press. https://www.sciltp.com/journals/csc → Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling Technology of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Solar Panels." Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43615-025-00692-3

    Química: la solución para un mundo sostenible con el profesor Adam Lee

  3. Jun 11

    Chemistry for a Sustainable World with professor Adam Lee

    We dive into the fascinating world of atoms and molecules, focusing on their significant impact on our journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. Join us as we explore the insights of Professor Adam Lee, a leading chemist whose research is paving the way for revolutionary changes in energy production and manufacturing. Why 95% of consumer goods exist because of catalysis — and why almost nobody talks about it in climate conversations. 🎯 In this episode, you will learn: • Why 95% of consumer goods exist because of catalysis — and why almost nobody talks about it in climate conversations. • How turning toxic waste from African oil crops into nylon and biodiesel can transform rural economies. • What solar panel waste has to do with the future of batteries — and why the solution takes just one millisecond. • How a tiny silver-infused material is changing the way hospitals treat burn victims — without turning anyone blue. • Why Prof. Lee thinks the biggest obstacle to a sustainable future isn't science at all — it's economics, policy, and what we choose to do with education. Timestamps: 03:58 Working Across Continents: How Culture and Geography Shape the Science You Do 06:30 Buffel Grass and Invasive Plants: Local Problems as Global Opportunities 09:14 Waste Valorisation: Turning Toxic African Oil Waste Into Nylon and Biodiesel 14:44 What Is Catalysis? The Invisible Engine Behind 35% of the World's GDP 20:26 Nanomaterials Explained: The Lego Analogy That Changes Everything 20:55 Plastic Recycling: Why Chemical Recycling Is the Real Breakthrough We Need 27:35 Nature-Based Catalysis: How the Human Cell Inspired a New Research Approach 46:20 Where Is the Hope? Why an Economist Might Save the Planet Before a Chemist 51:58 The Ivory Tower Problem: Why Science Funding and Public Education Are Under Threat References → Abbas et al. (incl. Adam F. Lee & Karen Wilson). "Catalysis at the Intersection of Sustainable Chemistry and a Circular Economy." One Earth, Cell Press, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.04.018 https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00208-2 → Adam Lee — Editor-in-Chief, Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry (open-access journal). Scilight Press. https://www.sciltp.com/journals/csc → Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling Technology of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Solar Panels." Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43615-025-00692-3

    Chemistry for a Sustainable World with professor Adam Lee

  4. May 28

    The Invisible Price of Nature with Dr Cesar Ruiz

    What is a forest worth? A river? The air you breathe? In a world where economic development often overshadows environmental sustainability, understanding the intricate relationship between biology and economics is crucial. In this enlightening episode of Science and the Glass, Cesar Augusto Ruiz Agudelo shares his journey from biology to economics, emphasising the importance of valuing nature beyond mere numbers. What you will learn in this podcast: • The valuation of ecosystems cannot be reduced to a monetary price; there are values ​​and relationships that no monetary metric fully captures. • The predominance of GDP growth distorts the perception of progress. GDP masks social and ecological losses, reducing development to a material metric. • Economic incentives can be powerful, but dangerously reductive. • Socio-ecological resilience offers a comprehensive view of vulnerability. • Effective communication and social networks are key to generating change. Timestamps: 01:06 César’s Journey: From Biology to Ecosystem Economics 08:15 Types of Value: Relational, Intrinsic, and Instrumental 24:48 Environmental Economics in Practice: Policy, Incentives, and Context 36:18 The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and Its Global Impact 45:00 Socio-Ecological Resilience: Systems, Tipping Points, and Identity 55:00 Colombia Case Study: Mangroves, Violence, and Real-World Valuation 1:03:27 Science, Advocacy, and How to Speak Truth to Power Follow us: Instagram: sciencebehindtheglass X: @sbtg_podcast @daniesguerra @LINDAHE1988 FB: Science behind the Glass TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbtgpodcast?_t=ZS-8u2DmABj4Us&_r=1 References IPBES – Global Assessment (Resumen para tomadores de decisiones) https://www.ipbes.net/node/35274 IPBES – Summary for policymakers (PDF) https://files.ipbes.net/ipbes-web-prod-public-files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf La importancia del capital natural (Anthesis Colombia) https://www.anthesisgroup.com/co/art%C3%ADculos/la-importancia-del-capital-natural/ “The Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services in Colombia. Challenges, Gaps and Future Pathways” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364165646_The_Economic_Valuation_of_Ecosystem_Services_in_Colombia_Challenges_Gaps_and_Future_Pathways

    The Invisible Price of Nature with Dr Cesar Ruiz

  5. May 14

    El precio invisible de la naturaleza con el Dr Cesar Ruiz

    ¿Cuánto vale un bosque? ¿Y un río? ¿Y el aire que respiras? Para el PIB, la respuesta es simple: nada. Solo cuentan cuando se explotan. El Dr. Cesar Ruiz es experto en capital natural y servicios ecosistémicos. En este episodio nos explica por qué la economía global está construida sobre una base que no mide, por qué Colombia es un caso de estudio único en el mundo, y qué herramientas existen para cambiar la forma en que valoramos la naturaleza. Que aprenderá en este podcast: · La valoración de los ecosistemas no puede reducirse a un precio monetario; existen valores y relaciones que ninguna métrica monetaria capta por completo. · El predominio del crecimiento del PIB distorsiona la percepción de progreso. El PIB oculta pérdidas sociales y ecológicas, reduciendo el desarrollo a una métrica material. · Incentivos económicos pueden ser poderosos, pero peligrosamente reductores · La resiliencia socioecológica ofrece una visión integral de la vulnerabilidad · La comunicación efectiva y las redes sociales son clave para generar cambio Lista de Capitulos: 00:00 La Conexión entre Naturaleza y Economía 03:00 Valoración de la Naturaleza y Servicios Ecosistémicos 08:58 Retos de la Valoración Económica 12:03 Impacto del PIB en la Naturaleza 14:50 Instrumentos Económicos para la Conservación 22:18 Instrumentos Económicos y su Efectividad 24:48 Incentivos y Comportamiento Económico 30:24 El Valor del Capital Natural 36:18 Resiliencia Socioecológica y su Aplicación Encuentranos en: www.sciencebehindheglass.com Instagram: sciencebehindtheglass X: @sbtg_podcast @daniesguerra @LINDAHE1988 FB: Science behind the Glass TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbtgpodcast?_t=ZS-8u2DmABj4Us&_r=1 Referencias IPBES – Global Assessment (Resumen para tomadores de decisiones) https://www.ipbes.net/node/35274 IPBES – Summary for policymakers (PDF) https://files.ipbes.net/ipbes-web-prod-public-files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf La importancia del capital natural (Anthesis Colombia) https://www.anthesisgroup.com/co/art%C3%ADculos/la-importancia-del-capital-natural/ “The Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services in Colombia. Challenges, Gaps and Future Pathways” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364165646_The_Economic_Valuation_of_Ecosystem_Services_in_Colombia_Challenges_Gaps_and_Future_Pathways

    El precio invisible de la naturaleza con el Dr Cesar Ruiz

  6. Apr 30 ·  Bonus

    Cuando la ley falla al planeta: Irán, guerra y ecocidio

    Mientras el mundo mira, miles de personas están muriendo, 700.000 fueron desplazadas en Líbano, una escuela de niñas fue bombardeada y nadie responde ante la justicia internacional. ¿Por qué? Porque el sistema está roto, y el país más poderoso del mundo es quien lo está quebrando. El Profesor Gary Meyers, experto en derecho internacional, vuelve por tercera vez para explicarnos, sin filtros y sin tecnicismos innecesarios, lo que está pasando en Irán, por qué la Corte Penal Internacional tiene las manos atadas y cómo esta guerra ya está golpeando tu bolsillo, aunque vivas a miles de kilómetros de distancia. Lista de Capitulos: 00:06 – El contexto que nadie te explica: Irán 1953, Mosadegh y el golpe que lo cambió todo 02:21 – Derecho internacional: ¿puede la CPI actuar cuando ningún país la reconoce? 07:11 – Crisis humanitaria: 700.000 desplazados en Líbano y el bombardeo de una escuela 12:10 – Trump fue a la guerra sin permiso del Congreso. ¿Eso es legal? 15:45 – Defensa preventiva vs. defensa anticipatoria: el argumento legal de EE.UU. 18:00 – La amenaza nuclear: lo que realmente dijo el OIEA y por qué importa 27:02 – Ecocidio, petróleo y cómo esta guerra ya está subiendo los precios donde tú vives Encuentranos en: www.sciencebehindheglass.com Instagram: sciencebehindtheglass X: @sbtg_podcast @daniesguerra @LINDAHE1988 FB: Science behind the Glass TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbtgpodcast?_t=ZS-8u2DmABj4Us&_r=1 Referencias 1. Análisis jurídico más completo disponible en español 🔗 Instituto de Relaciones Internacionales (Argentina) "La legalidad internacional de la intervención de EE.UU. e Israel en Irán: un análisis a la luz de la Carta de las Naciones Unidas" → www.iri.edu.ar 2. Análisis académico sobre la CPI e Israel 🔗 Dialnet / Revista Peace & Security "La Corte Penal Internacional y los crímenes internacionales cometidos por Israel en Territorios Palestinos Ocupados" → dialnet.unirioja.es 3. Noticias ONU en español — Internacionalización del conflicto 🔗 news.un.org/es "Israel-Irán: La internacionalización del conflicto tendría consecuencias enormes" 4. El más completo sobre impacto ambiental — en español 🔗 Observatorio de Ecología Política de Venezuela "Guerra y devastación ecológica en el Medio Oriente" → ecopoliticavenezuela.org 5.La factura ambiental en cifras concretas 🔗 Ambientum (España) "La guerra en Irán deja una factura ambiental y sanitaria que durará décadas" → ambientum.com

    Cuando la ley falla al planeta: Irán, guerra y ecocidio

  7. Apr 17 ·  Bonus

    When Law Fails the Planet: The Iran War, Nuclear Fears, and the Ecocide

    The world has rules. Powerful nations just don't follow them. Professor Gary Meyers returns to Science Behind The Glass to break down the legal vacuum behind today's most dangerous conflict, and what it means for all of us. Main topics: ICC & jurisdiction — why the US, Israel, and Iran are untouchableUS strikes Iran — no Congress, no mandate, no consequencesNuclear enrichment — Iran at 60%, far beyond civilian useHumanitarian collapse — 700K displaced, a girls' school bombed, Gaza ongoingRules-based order — is international law already dead? Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Context of Current Events02:10 Legal Complexities in International Relations04:26 Humanitarian and Environmental Catastrophes06:54 Military Actions and International Law08:46 The Role of the International Criminal Court08:57 US Military Strategy and War Powers11:14 Preventive Self-Defense and International Law16:50 Preventive and Anticipatory Self-Defense18:26 Nuclear Threats and International Oversight21:39 Western Perspectives on Iran's Threat23:15 European Union's Role and Responses25:36 Economic Implications of the Conflict27:47 The Cost of War and Public Sentiment28:58 Hate Speech Legislation and Political Discourse31:09 Environmental Impact of WarfareFollow us: nstagram: sciencebehindtheglass X: @sbtg_podcast @daniesguerra @LINDAHE1988 FB: Science behind the Glass TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbtgpodcast?_t=ZS-8u2DmABj4Us&_r=1 References https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/3/iaea-confirms-some-damage-to-irans-natanz-nuclear-facility https://ceobs.org/iran-war-environmental-risk-overview-as-of-27th-march/ https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/3/9/israeli-attacks-on-iran-fuel-sites-aim-to-break-resilience-of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) - Official updates on Iran’s nuclear programme and safety assessments: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/topics/iran https://apnews.com/hub/iran

    When Law Fails the Planet: The Iran War, Nuclear Fears, and the Ecocide

  8. Apr 9

    Frogs, Myths, Science & Coffee with Carlos Guarnizo

    What if science felt as natural as having a drink with friends? 🍺🔬 Meet Carlos Guarnizo, a Colombian scientist who turned science communication into a movement. He created Ciencia Café Pa Sumerce , and what he's built is unlike anything in the science world. Here's what makes him someone every science communicator needs to hear: 🇨🇴 From Bogotá to the world: Carlos proves that groundbreaking ideas in science outreach come from unexpected places, not just Silicon Valley or MIT 🎭 Science meets art: He brings researchers into bars, artistic stages, and music venues so anyone can walk in, grab a drink, and walk out knowing something new 🎶 Unlikely collabs: Ciencia Café has partnered with the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra, blending classical music and science to reach audiences that traditional lectures never could 🧠 The real barrier isn't knowledge: It's how we communicate it. Carlos breaks down exactly why scientists struggle — and the surprisingly simple fix Timestamps 00:00 Scientific Communication and Its Importance 02:50 Carlos Guarnizo's Journey in Communication 06:02 The Creation of Ciencia Café Para Sumergirse (Science Café to Dive Into) 08:49 The Intersection Between Science and Communication 12:07 The Importance of Telling Our Own Stories 15:05 Challenges in Scientific Communication 18:07 Collaboration and Empathy in Science 21:02 The Impact of Science on Society 23:53 The Power of Art in Scientific Communication 26:59 Family Influence on Scientific Communication Referencias Carlos Guarnizo en LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosguarnizo/ Biocore Universidad de los Andes - https://biocore.uniandes.edu.co/ https://youtu.be/y0jmHOx_7P8?si=ZMWTGWgCSKFXGFeR https://cienciacafesumerce.wordpress.com/ https://es.mongabay.com/2022/08/proyecto-de-divulgacion-cientifica-en-colombia-carlos-guarnizo-entrevista/

    Frogs, Myths, Science & Coffee with Carlos Guarnizo
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Who really makes science happen? First bilingual podcast (Spanish & English)! We pull back the curtain on the hidden figures behind the scenes: scientists, engineers, field workers, data analysts, social leaders, and more, who rarely make the headlines but whose work shapes our world. Through powerful storytelling and personal interviews from across continents, we explore the passions, challenges, and human experiences that drive science forward. Two hosts. Two languages. One mission: to humanise science, one voice at a time.

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