Shows
That's What I Call Science!Episode 278: Avoidance - Is it all in our heads?In today’s episode, we take a walk down an unusual road: the pathway inside our own brains. Dr James Crane tells Olly about his work in neuroanatomy, how neural pathways and hormones can lead to avoidance behaviour, and how we even go about studying what’s in our heads to begin with. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart...2025-05-0427 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 274: Breaking the IceIn this episode of That's What I Call Science, hosts Dr. Olly Dove and Emma Hamasaki interview Ann Kristin Lund Johansen from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. Originally from Norway and having studied in the UK before coming to Tasmania, Ann Kristin discusses her PhD research on the drivers of ice mass loss in East Antarctica. She explains the importance of studying ice mass loss for accurate sea level rise projections, her use of Full Stokes equations in her research, and how her international academic journey has shaped her scientific perspective. Beyond her scientific work, Ann Kristin...2025-04-0627 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 269: How to Code The CosmosImagine having a little version of the cosmos living on your computer. In this week’s Ep we’re chatting about Active Galactic Nuclei (or AGN) with theoretical astrophysics PhD candidate, Georgia Stewart. Active Galactic Nuclei are some of the most powerful phenomena in the Universe but they also take millions of years to evolve 🐢. Running powerful computer simulations 💻is one way scientists can study them and it’s exactly what Georgia does. Tune in to find out how 🔭🌌Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)C...2025-03-0227 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 268: From Journalism to Science CommunicationAfter years of working in the media industry and navigating the highs and lows of journalism, Tia Ewen navigated her way to science communication. In this episode, Dr Olly Dove and Georgia Stewart sit down with Tia as she takes us behind the scenes in the newsroom, navigating her way through the media industry, her love and passion for science and how she eventually ended up in the classroom. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@S...2025-02-2327 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 263: The Australasian Cytometry SocietyJoin us for this week’s episode, in which Olly and Georgia make their way through the poster session at the Australasian Cytometry Society’s annual 2024 conference! Cytometry may not be a word you’ve heard before, but is all about cells. And, by studying the cells in our bodies, the researchers in today’s episode have been making leaps and bounds in medical research in order to help the patients that need them.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Prod...2024-11-2427 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 256: Turtles, Seabirds, and Connection to PlaceOut on Bruny Island one rainy and windy night, Edith Shum rested in a cosy cabin after a busy day out in the field. Joined by Olly on her adventure, the two took up the chance while warming themselves by the fire to talk about Edith’s past adventures. Having worked in Queensland with sea turtles, Edith now works in Tasmania on exploring how species shape our connection to places in the context of environmental change. Tune in to hear all about it! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly...2024-10-0627 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 255: Forensic Cases and Rugby PhasesWe love a good science and sport cross-over. In this episode, Olly and Georgia chat to forensic scientist, Craig Gardner about his dual passion for science and rugby union refereeing. What does it take to solve a crime with science? How do you analyse the evidence and importantly, how do you know you’re right? Craig has all the answers for us. Plus, we talk about Craig’s other passion; rugby union refereeing. We learn what it’s like to referee rugby tournaments around the country and how a scientific mindset can help you in high-pressure situations.2024-09-2927 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 254: Modelling the Unseen UniverseSpace is full of amazing stuff we can’t see with the naked eye! Join Olly and Georgia in this episode as they embark on a journey to the distant reaches of the universe with Sophie Young, a first-year PhD student in astrophysics. Sophie shares insights into her award-winning research on Active Galactic Nuclei—the powerful galaxy centres known for emitting massive jets of superheated plasma that can’t be seen with the naked eye. We talk about how Sophie’s passion for theoretical astrophysics and how she uses powerful supercomputers to study these cosmic jet streams.Show the...2024-09-2227 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 252: Beaker Street Festival 2024: Part 1In August each year, a horde of science communicators arrive in lutruwita/Tasmania, ready to share their work with the public at the Beaker Street Festival. One of the many special events across the festival is the Roving Scientist Bar. With a table per scientist and the public free to move between them, the room quickly fills with the sounds of STEMM-tastic stories being shared. Join Olly and Georgia in Part 1 of our Beaker Street double bill, as they meet some of the incredible scientists involved. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod...2024-09-0827 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 248: Persuading Change Through TechnologyHave you ever used a FitBit? Quit an addiction using an app? Did you wonder why they are so successful at helping people change their behaviours? These technologies are called ‘Persuasive Technologies’, applications specifically designed using behavioural psychology to help people alter the things they do. Our guest this week is researching how to make sure technology designers make more effective apps in the future by studying what works and what doesn’t work so well. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Product...2024-08-1127 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 244: Shipboard Stories Part 4: A Drop in the OceanWelcome, listeners, to Part 4 of our mini-series recorded on the CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator!There’s a lot of water out there in the ocean, and the scientists in today’s episode are determined to understand as many drops of it as they can. With robust equipment, they can collect water from thousands of metres below sea level. What they do with the water after that, you’ll just have to tune in to find out! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Olly Do...2024-07-1427 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 240: From Olympian to EngineerWhat does it take to be an Olympian, and where do you go afterwards? In this episode, join Olly and Georgia for a compelling conversation with former Australian Olympic rower turned civil engineer Meagan Volker. Tune in as Meaghan shares the incredible journey that led her to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics, rowing in the women's eight for Australia. Learn how the discipline and determination ingrained in her as an athlete have propelled her success in her career as an engineer, from road-building projects to irrigation schemes across Tasmania.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod2024-06-1627 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 237: The Science of StormsHow do you build a storm? Dr Courtney Quinn’s maths journey has taken her all over the world, and she has combined this passion with her fascination of extreme weather events. She’s now an expert in the field of dynamical systems where she models the complexities of atmospheric and large-scale weather systems. In this episode, Olly and Georgia discover what goes into the mathematical building blocks of a cyclone and how the rate of changes of our climate can affect these large weather systems. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost...2024-05-2627 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 226: Rock Solid EducationWelcome to our first instalment of the ‘Geoscience mini-series’, a four-part series where we talk to geoscientists based in Tasmania and elsewhere in Australia. This episode’s guest, Izzy Von Lichtan, is an esteemed expert in earth sciences, serving as curator at the Rock Library & Geological Museum and associate lecturer at the University of Tasmania. With over two decades of experience in teaching undergraduate programs, Izzy's passion lies in nurturing the curiosity of budding scientists in a supportive and encouraging environment.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Hannah Moore...2024-03-0327 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 222: Eureka Prizes Part 3 - The Sea Slug CensusFor week three of our four-part Eureka Prizes mini-series, we’re joined by two members of the Sea Slug Census team: Dr Nicole Mertens and Professor Steve Smith. The Sea Slug Census was a finalist for the Innovation in Citizen Science category at the Eureka Prizes 2023, and brings together slug enthusiasts across the country to find these wonderful critters of all different sizes and colours.Tune in to the episode to hear Nicole and Steve tell Olly all about why sea slugs are so incredible, and how we can all be...2023-12-1027 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 215: FameLab Australia 2023In September 2023, twelve early career researchers from across Australia were brought together in Perth to battle it out for the FameLab Australia National Finals 2023. While a winner did emerge from the competition, the real winners were the friends we made along the way. Join Olly as she hears from the finalists about their wholesome experiences in FameLab and their passions for science communication.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)2023-10-2227 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 210: Family, Formulas, and PhylogeneticsEvolutionary trees hold a dual meaning in the life of mathematician, Dr Julia Shore.During her PhD journey in phylogenetics, she used mathematical techniques to model intricate processes found in nature. But here's the twist - she did all of this while raising three children!In this episode, we explore the field of phylogenetics, where maths meets evolution. We explore Julia’s work and hear about her experiences of navigating the world of academic research while starting and raising a family.Show theme music: Kev...2023-09-1027 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 202: Sealing the deal on seal dietsDid you know that a whisker can reveal what takeaway you ate last? That is, if you had whiskers! Antarctic fur seals do indeed have whiskers and PhD candidate Noémie Friscourt sat down with Olly this week to tell us how she’s using them to understand their diet and foraging behaviour. Make sure you tune in for this seal-ly great episode! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)2023-07-1627 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 200: TWICS hits the big two hundredThat’s right, listeners, the episode title hasn’t lied to you. That’s What I Call Science has officially hit 200 episodes! It’s a huge milestone for a podcast, so the TWICS team got together this week to talk about the joy that the past 199 episodes have brought to us. We wouldn’t be here without our listeners tuning in each week, so a huge thank you to each and every one of you for your ongoing love and support.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHosts: Olly Dove (@littledove440), Hannah Moore (@Han...2023-07-0227 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 199: The Mount Pleasant Radio ObservatoryAfter two weeks of episodes at the Grote Reber Museum, we’re headed next door to the Mount Pleasant Radio Observatory for our final episode in the space mini-series! Brett Reid, manager of the University of Tasmania's radio telescopes, and Dr Patrick Yates-Jones, research associate at the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Tasmania, tell us all about their work at the Observatory, as well as take us into the exciting world of the Control Room.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440) and Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Pro...2023-06-2527 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 198: The Grote Reber MuseumIt’s week two in outer space for the TWICS team as Olly and Simin sit down with museum manager Karen Bradford inside the Grote Reber Museum in Cambridge, Tasmania. Surrounded by fascinating memorabilia from the past, Karen tells the hosting duo about her work at the museum, and even gives the pair a recorded tour!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440) and Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)2023-06-1827 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 197: From Geodesy Mysteries to Astronomy HistoriesJoin us for part 1 in a space mini series as we delve into the incredible world of geodesy and cutting-edge research into Very Long Baseline Interferometry (try saying that 5 times fast) with new PhD graduate, Simin Salarpour. From her native Iran to Tasmania, we talk about her remarkable journey, the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved. We explore the power of science outreach, empowering women in science, and Simin's work at the Grote Reber radio astronomy museum in rural Tasmania. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod2023-06-1127 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 194: Bugs, Beetles and BlazesJoin us for an exciting episode with Dr. Shasta Henry, an intrepid Entomologist, educator, and inspiring science communicator. From exploring the Amazon to guiding white water rafts in Canada, Shasta shares her adventures with us. As a winner of the Inspiring Women in STEM fellowship in 2022, she enlightens us about the world of insects and her research on the impact of fire on insect communities in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Additionally, Shasta shares her personal journey of overcoming ADHD struggles. This episode is a must-listen for everyone!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly...2023-05-2127 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 190: Antarctica's Seismic SymphonyIn this episode, Olly and new co-host Georgia venture to the southernmost continent and explore all things Antarctica with geophysicist Anya Reading. Anya takes us through her exciting career path and her current work using seismometers to discover what’s going on underneath the ice sheet. We learn about Anya’s recent trip to Antarctica and everything you might need to think of when going on such an adventure.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Production: Hannah Moore (HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)2023-04-2327 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 160: Galactic JetsJoin us this week for part two of our mini-series in celebration of the James Webb Space Telescope! This time around, we meet with Georgia Stewart, a PhD student at UTAS, studying Active Galactic Nuclei. These objects are used by Georgia and her colleagues to age and classify stellar and star-forming regions, as well as the black holes, central to these galaxies.Listen in as Georgia discusses her pathway into astrophysics, as well as what it means to be a young woman in the field. 2023-01-2227 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 178: Connecting communities with transport engineeringIn this episode, Olly and Sarah talk to Young Professional Engineer of the Year for Tasmania in 2022 Samantha Chapman about transportation and connecting communities. Sam walks us through the holistic aspects of her engineering job, how transport design involves the flow of unpredictable humans, and gives us lots of examples of how events and disruption to connections have shaped our state.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Co-Host: Sarah LydenProduction: Sarah LydenMedia & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)2022-12-0427 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 173: Sea bird, research birdAt the beginning of her PhD, Megan Grant joined us at That’s What I Call Science to talk about her seabird research. Now nearing the end, Megan has been awarded as one of the two University of Tasmania’s College of Sciences and Engineering Current HDR Candidate awards. Tune in this week to hear Megan tell Olly all about the adventures she’s had during her PhD on Lord Howe Island and the emotions involved in studying plastic pollution.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Production: Olly Dove...2022-10-3027 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 160: Galactic JetsJoin us this week for part two of our mini-series in celebration of the James Webb Space Telescope! This time around, we meet with Georgia Stewart, a PhD student at UTAS, studying Active Galactic Nuclei. These objects are used by Georgia and her colleagues to age and classify stellar and star-forming regions, as well as the black holes, central to these galaxies.Listen in as Georgia discusses her pathway into astrophysics, as well as what it means to be a young woman in the field. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Niamh Chapman (@n...2022-07-3127 min