Shows
Periodic TalksExploring The Universe With Invisible Light (w/ Nicole Gugliucci)Radio waves aren’t sound. They’re electromagnetic radiation and essentially a type of invisible light. Radio astronomer Nicole Gugliucci joins us to explain how it's used to observe the formation of galaxies, black holes and other objects in outer space. Then, Gillian and Diona go on a field trip to see a meteor shower! It’s pretty much a disaster, but kind of hilarious and most definitely a blast. Stick around until the very end for an important announcement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not...2021-09-2848 min
Periodic TalksDo Birds Experience Love? (w/ Wenfei Tong, Olivia Scott Welch, Joel McHale)Birds are simply captivating. We take a deep dive into their relationship dynamics, parenting habits and other behaviors with biologist and conservationist Wenfei Tong. Then, actress Olivia Scott Welch (Fear Street) stops by to help us share an incredible story from the Apollo Era. We also get a voice memo from Gillian’s co-star on Community, Joel McHale!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-09-2145 min
Periodic TalksWhy Cities Are Abandoned (w/ Annalee Newitz, Sarah Ramos)Cities aren’t meant to last, according to writer Annalee Newitz. In their book “Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age,” they explore the rise and fall of ancient sites. What can architecture tell us about how we live? What can urban planning tell us about our changing values? And ultimately, why are cities abandoned? Later, we also dive into the story of a scientist who helped us understand the very structure of our DNA. Plus, we get a voice message from actress Sarah Ramos (Parenthood).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Ca...2021-09-1449 min
Periodic TalksMaking Our Show MusicWe’re off this week, but we wanted to share a bonus behind the scenes exclusive: Creating the sound for our show. We’re joined by senior audio engineer and musician Brendan Byrnes, who walks us through initial concepts and building the music you hear every week!
This exclusive is part of a series of bonus episodes, which includes peeks behind the scenes and extended guest conversations. You can hear more bonus episodes by signing up for Stitcher Premium. Just subscribe through the Stitcher app, use the promo code PERIODIC and then you can listen to t...2021-09-0717 min
Periodic TalksMysteries Of The Brain (w/ Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, Mary Steenburgen)Can you imagine hearing music all day, every day? Mary Steenburgen says that’s her reality. The Oscar-winning actress and songwriter joins us to share a mysterious, fascinating and moving story. How do you re-adjust to life when your brain plays music nonstop? Also, in a completely separate conversation, we learn about the functions and mysteries of the brain by talking to neurosurgeon Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-08-3150 min
Periodic TalksHow Do You Power A Space Station? (w/ Penni Dalton, Tracy Drain, Mikey Alfred)A roughly 1-million pound space station orbits our planet every day. Wanna know how they keep the lights on? Battery Subsystem’s Manager Penni Dalton breaks down how it gets its power. Then, NASA engineer Tracy Drain returns to answer listener questions. We even get a question from actor Joel McHale! Plus, director Mikey Alfred sends us a math fact.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-08-2448 min
99% InvisibleA Field Guide to WaterWhat does water mean to you? In this feature, author Bonnie Tsui (Why We Swim), actress Joy Bryant, submarine pilot Erika Bergman, figure skater Elladj Baldé, 85-year-old synchronized swimmer Barbara Eison-White, professional mermaid Olivia Gonzales, and others share stories about the many ways water influences our lives.From Pop-Up Magazine, creators of this Field Guide series: "We recommend listening outside, near water if you can. Head to the ocean if you’re on the coast. Or walk to a nearby pond or creek. Sit by a fountain at a park. Or just pour yourself a glass of wat...2021-08-1834 min
Periodic TalksEXCLUSIVE: Jack Black’s Mother Helped Get Apollo 13 Astronauts Home (w/ Astronaut Victor Glover, Jack Black, Neil Siegel)Astronaut Victor Glover joins us after an extended stay on the International Space Station. He gets personal, sharing his launch day music playlist and what it's like being a dad in space. Then, actor Jack Black and his brother Neil Siegel do their first joint interview. In a one-of-a-kind conversation, they reminisce about the life and career of their late mother, aerospace engineer Judith Love Cohen. We hear unbelievable stories, like the day Judith left for work, went into labor, delivered Jack and still finished the problem she was working on. And yep, she also worked on a system...2021-08-1751 min
Periodic TalksRoman Mars On The Anatomy Of A Good Story (w/ Michelle Fournet, Roman Mars, Pedro Pascal)This week, we’re immersed into the world of sound. First, we’re deep in the ocean with acoustic ecologist Michelle Fournet. She shares some truly mind-blowing audio of humpback whales and bearded seals, and then analyzes what they’re probably saying. Later, we have an extended conversation with Roman Mars, host and creator of the show 99% Invisible. He breaks down telling visual design stories through sound, and how to teach yourself to see stories everywhere. Also, actor Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian) leaves us a voice memo that has us wishing he’d work on a nature d...2021-08-101h 09
Periodic TalksGenetics 101, And Thinking Critically About Our DNA (w/ Dr. Janina Jeff, Mary H.K. Choi, Danny Pudi)Humans are about 99.9% the same genetic material. The little that makes us different tells fascinating stories about our ancestors and histories, according to geneticist Dr. Janina Jeff. She joins us to share some basics about our genes, and to have a critical conversation about race and facing the harmful history of genetics. Then, New York Times best selling author Mary H.K. Choi helps share the story of a man who built the precursor to our modern day traffic signal. We also get a fun voice message from actor Danny Pudi (Community, Mythic Quest) and his daughter that has...2021-08-0344 min
Periodic TalksA Beginner’s Guide To Astonishing Volcanoes (w/ Kayla Iacovino, Zazie Beetz, Robin Tunney)We need to talk about volcanoes. Seriously. From the Pacific Ring of Fire to Mount Erebus, which holds an active lava lake, volcanoes have altered the very landscape of our planet, according to volcanologist Kayla Iacovino. Then, actress Zazie Beetz (Atlanta, Joker) helps share the story of severe storm researcher Dr. Tetsuya ‘Ted’ Fujita, aka Mr. Tornado. We also get a delightful voice memo from actress Robin Tunney (The Mentalist, The Craft) about raindrops.
Stick around until the very end for a post-credit treat!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali...2021-07-2758 min
Periodic TalksAssassin Spiders Are Wild (w/ Hannah Wood, Cast of Fear Street)Spiders have been getting a bad wrap, according to expert Hannah Wood. We talk about how they’ve evolved over hundreds of millions of years, their species diversity and... the chelicerae (a.k.a., spider jaws). Then, we share a story about an animator and special effects artist who created an iconic horror movie monster.
Plus, Gillian gets a shoutout from Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch and Benjamin Flores Jr., her co-stars from the Netflix film trilogy, Fear Street!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://ar...2021-07-2048 min
Periodic TalksMind Bending Theories About Space-Time (w/ Dr. Clifford V. Johnson, Kirby Howell-Baptiste)Why is Hollywood obsessed with time travel? Theoretical physicist Dr. Clifford V. Johnson breaks down black holes, string theory, science consulting on Marvel flicks and how time travel to the future might not be total fiction. Then, a story about dark matter, and why actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste (Cruella, Killing Eve) thinks we’re all living on a massive made up set.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-07-1346 min
Periodic TalksSeason 2 Is Coming July 13th!Did you miss us? The wait is almost over! We're back with all new episodes beginning Tuesday, July 13th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-07-0900 min
Periodic TalksLet’s Play Dungeons and Dragons! (w/ Felicia Day, Erika Ishii, Jasmine Bhullar)This is literally our most fun episode yet. Listen to our full game of D&D with Felicia Day (Supernatural, Buffy), Erika Ishii (Apex Legends) and Jasmine Bhullar (Twitch). Warning: After you hit play, you may spend the next 45 minutes with a smile on your face.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-05-2547 min
Periodic TalksWhy Do We Play Games? (w/ Mitu Khandaker, Felicia Day, Erika Ishii, Jasmine Bhullar)What can games tell us about who we are? Game designer Mitu Khandaker sees a connection between the earliest forms of play and modern day virtual reality. It’s head spinning! Plus, we play a little unofficial Dungeons and Dragons with Felicia Day (Supernatural, Buffy), Erika Ishii (Apex Legends) and Jasmine Bhullar (Twitch)!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-05-1855 min
Learning LotsGillian Jacobs & Diona Reasonover on Curiositycu·ri·os·i·ty / noun / a strong desire to know or learn something.Gillian Jacobs [Community, Love] and Diona Reasover [NCIS] talk with Brie and Jessie about why curisotiy inspired them to start their podcast Periodic Talks.Follow Learning Lots on Instagram, Twitter, & LinktreeFollow Brie Larson on Instagram & TwitterFollow Jessie Ennis on InstagramFollow Diona Reasonover on Instagram & Twitter
2021-05-1335 min
Periodic TalksYour Brain On Music (w/ Dr. Indre Viskontas, Jessie Ennis, Brie Larson)Why do we put on sad songs for a good cry? Why do certain melodies give us the chills? We get the details from neuroscientist and singer Dr. Indre Viskontas, who looks at how music affects the brain. Then, we’re joined by special guests Jessie Ennis (Mythic Quest) and Brie Larson (Captain Marvel).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-05-1146 min
Queery with Cameron EspositoDiona ReasonoverWriter Diona Reasonover sits down with Cameron to discuss making music mixes for friends, really wanting to be goth growing up, and her podcast "Periodic Talks" that she hosts with Gillian Jacobs.
2021-05-1055 min
Periodic TalksThe Science Of Cooking (w/ J. Kenji López-Alt)Food writer J. Kenji López-Alt gets us thinking about cooking as a science. A kitchen is kind of like a lab. So, what experiments do you do? Then later, we fall down a rabbit hole on Google investigating an often misunderstood ingredient.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-05-0442 min
Periodic TalksBirds Are Tiny Dinosaurs (w/ Dr. Jingmai O'Connor, Ken Jeong)How do fossil hunters know where to dig? How is it possible dinosaurs are still flying in the sky? What are feathers? Paleontologist Dr. Jingmai O'Connor talks to us about the connection between modern day birds and avian dinosaurs.Then later, actor Ken Jeong (The Hangover, Community) helps tell a story about the mysteries at the center of the Earth!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-04-2746 min
Periodic TalksWhat Does A Scientist Look Like? (w/ Raven Baxter, Sasheer Zamata)Raven Baxter, aka Raven The Science Maven, is a rapper, YouTube personality and yes, a scientist. She answers our every question about molecular biology, and offers an unforgettable lesson in how to stay true to yourself. Later, special guest Sasheer Zamata (Saturday Night Live, Home Economics) helps share the story of a doctor who battled a tough genetic disorder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-04-2041 min
Periodic TalksDesigns For Life (w/ Camila Chiriboga, Briana Venskus)It’s beyond time to think about how we live in what we wear, according to Camila Chiriboga, an emerging clothing designer from Ecuador. We talk to her about designing for people with disabilities, including people who are blind or visually impaired. Then, special guest Briana Venskus (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Sorry For Your Loss) helps share the story of a midwife who brought healthcare to an entire community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-04-1336 min
Periodic TalksMathematically Exquisite Coral Reefs (w/ Margaret Wertheim)Why are coral reefs so mesmerizing? And what do they have to do with hyperbolic geometry? With delicate precision, science artist Margaret Wertheim helps crochet incredible reefs, explaining their connection to mathematics and conservation. Then later, we share a story about an early experiment to capture images of marine plants!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-04-0635 min
Periodic TalksDiversifying Virtual Reality (w/ Arwa Michelle Mboya)Who gets to shape extended reality? We talk to Arwa Michelle Mboya, a young innovator from Kenya, about designing more inclusive virtual experiences and headsets. Plus, we share a story about the origins of computer science.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-03-3040 min
Periodic TalksHow Our Stuff Transforms Us (w/ Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, Lilan Bowden)We shape inventions, and our inventions shape us. Everyday items, like clocks and lightbulbs, fundamentally transformed how we live, according to Dr. Ainissa Ramirez. We talk to her about working in material science and her book “The Alchemy of Us.” Plus, special guest Lilan Bowden (Andi Mack, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Parks and Rec) helps share the story of a Mexican-American botanist who explored the Americas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-03-1643 min
Periodic Talks'I've Taken One Day Off' (w/ Dr. Céline Gounder)We're making this show during the pandemic. It got us thinking: Who would choose to make infectious disease their life's work? And why? So, we called Dr. Céline Gounder who advised President Biden's transition team about COVID-19. Then later, we learn about a Black doctor who revolutionized how we use blood plasma today.
You can hear more from Dr. Gounder on her podcasts, EPIDEMIC and AMERICAN DIAGNOSIS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-03-0933 min
Periodic TalksThis Might Be The First Woman On The Moon (w/ Jessica Meir, Keiko Agena)What if someone offered you a chance to go to outer space? When NASA called, Jessica Meir's response was "... really?" Gillian and Diona talk to her about her incredible adventures! From excursions in Antarctica, taking part in the first all woman space walk AND RETURNING TO EARTH DURING THE PANDEMIC. She's also training for another mission, and it might just make her the first woman to step foot on the moon. Then, special guest Keiko Agena (Prodigal Son, Gilmore Girls) reads the story of the first African American and Native American woman aviator, Bessie Coleman.See Privacy...2021-03-0252 min
Science Rules! with Bill NyeActing Is Like Learning Science BackwardsGillian Jacobs (Community, Love) and Diona Reasonover (NCIS) get back in touch with their science roots and turn the tables on us in a new segment, Grill Bill and Query Corey! Check out Gillian and Diona's new podcast Periodic Talks and subscribe here: https://link.chtbl.com/PeriodicTalks
2021-02-2544 min
Inquiring MindsBONUS: Introducing If/ThenThis bonus episode is to tell you about a new science podcast from Stitcher called If/Then! Check it out. We think you'll like it.
What gets you curious? Virtual experiences, celestial bodies, water worlds or maybe
just the tiniest mysteries inside your brain? The endlessly curious and curiously funny, Gillian Jacobs (Community, Netflix's LOVE) and Diona Reasonover (NCIS), step off set to go on tangents with real-life astronauts, astrophysicists, science artists, mathematician-types and other really smart people that investigate what seems impossible.
If/Then is OUT NOW. Subscribe in Stitcher, Pandora, the SiriusXM app or wherever you find podcasts.
...2021-02-2309 min
Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for KidsBonus Episode: Sneak Peek at If/Then PodcastToday we bring you a sneak peek into If/Then, a wonderful new podcast launching today 2/23/21 from Gillian Jacobs (Community, Love), and Diona Reasonover (NCIS). Every episode they talk with fascinating and diverse personalities in the fields of science, tech, engineering, the arts and math. Enjoy!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2021-02-2309 min
Curiosity WeeklyIntroducing If/ThenWhat gets you curious? Virtual experiences, celestial bodies, water worlds or maybe just the tiniest mysteries inside your brain? The endlessly curious and curiously funny, Gillian Jacobs (Community, Netflix's LOVE) and Diona Reasonover (NCIS), step off set to go on tangents with real-life astronauts, astrophysicists, science artists, mathematician-types and other really smart people that investigate what seems impossible.
If/Then is OUT NOW. Subscribe in Stitcher, Pandora, the SiriusXM app or wherever you find podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2021-02-2308 min
Periodic Talks'Yeah, NASA. That's Where I'm Going' (w/ Tracy Drain)How do you land a job at NASA? How can you learn from failure? How do you pronounce Louisville? These are some of the questions we asked NASA engineer Tracy Drain. And later, we get into a story about a group of women who helped map the universe.
Update: Since this interview was recorded, Tracy has been promoted to Lead Flight Systems Engineer for the Europa Clipper mission!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2021-02-2343 min