Shows
Assigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 63: Our Triumphant Return from Hiatus! Space UpdatesWe're back from hiatus and talking about several updates in space news from the time we were gone - specifically, Arizona naming Pluto its state planet, the status on phosphine in Venus's atmosphere, and water on Mars.
Sources, further reading, and a transcript are available at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2025/02/18/episode-63-several-space-updates/
The show is on Bluesky @ASABpod, Tessa @tessafisher.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
If you're trans and/or non-binary in science and would like to appear as a guest, please fill out our interest form: https...
2025-02-1839 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 62: The (Trans) Body in SpaceIn this the first episode of Trans Medicine March - the one month of the year where this podcast is specifically and explicitly about being trans, and specifically aspects of medical transition - we begin with a consideration of how time in space affects the human body in general, and how being someone who has medically transitioned might interact with that. Also NASA: Send Tessa to space already.
Sources, further reading, and a transcript are available at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2023/03/14/episode-62/
The show is on Twitter (for now) @ASABpod,Tessa @spacermase.
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2023-03-1542 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 61: Genetic Control of Courtship Behaviors in Flies and Roaches (Happy Belated Valentine’s Day)In this episode which is definitely right on time for Valentine's Day, Charles tells Tessa about a paper he read on the fruitless gene (originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster, the "laboratory fruit fly") and its possible control over the courtship behavior in Blattella germanica, the "German cockroach," another classic model organism. Tangents of variable length include how crucial genitals are to entomology, the placement of cockroaches in the insect family tree, and how cockroaches never get their due respect.
Show notes and a transcript are available for the episode on our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2023/02/20/episode-61/
The...
2023-02-2139 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 60: Jackson Reyna on Chemistry, Fire, and the Chemistry of FireOn this episode we're joined by PhD student Jackson Reyna to talk about his love of chemistry and specifically fire. Some topics include organometallics, practical applications of chemical research, what is fire, and whether and under what conditions we'd all be willing to participate in experimental medicine.
A transcript and show notes are available on our website at: https://asabpodcast.com/2023/02/07/episode-60/
Jackson can be found online on his Twitter, YouTube channel, and Instagram.
The show is on Twitter (for now) @ASABpod,Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
2023-02-0839 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 59: Dead Dinosaurs, Cockroach Sperm, and Monkey Testicles - A Science Sampler Platter for the New YearIn this episode, the two of us share several different interesting topics we've read about recently, including the timing of the meteor that killed the dinosaurs, the first fossil cockroach found with its sperm, the use of ultrasound as contraception for mammals, extremely dangerous theoretical rockets, and unethical animal experimentation in the American mid-twentieth-century. Warning for animal abuse (or at least dubiously ethical animal experimentation).
A transcript and show notes for this episode are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2023/01/06/episode-59/
The show is on Twitter (for now) @ASABpod,Tessa @spacermase.
Our...
2023-01-0750 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 58: Where Do Insects Go When It’s Cold?In this episode, we address what happens to all the insects when it's cold out - where do they go? how do they survive? how do you survive freezing temperatures? Including the elusive grylloblattids, freeze tolerant cockroaches, Alaskan stoneflies, and even some butterflies.
A transcript and show notes for this episode are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/11/28/episode-58/
The show is on Twitter (for now) @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
If you're trans and/or non-binary in science and would like...
2022-11-2947 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 57: Rose Eveleth on the future, Flash Forward, whether you are your brain, and whether to put that brain in a robotIn this episode - recorded almost 18 months ago but still great - we talk to our first and only cis (?) guest: Rose Eveleth, the creator, writer, producer, and host of the podcast Flash Forward (in Charles's estimation, the greatest podcast of all time). We talk about the process behind making Flash Forward, the episodes which we feel speak particularly to The Trans Experience, Rose's attitude towards their gender, the most outrageous guest interview Flash Forward ever had, and the classic question of whether Rose would put their brain in a robot body.
Flash Forward is coming to a clo...
2022-11-061h 11Assigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 56: Nona the Ninth (SPOILERS)It's Nona time baby!!!!!!
A transcript and show notes are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/09/19/episode-56/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you for listening!
2022-09-1959 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sRE-RELEASE: The Locked Tomb by Tamsyn Muir (Books 1-2)In anticipation of the release of the third entry in the Locked Tomb quartet by Tamsyn Muir (Nona the Ninth, out 13 September), we're re-releasing our conversation with friend of the pod Erin on the first two books: Gideon the Ninth and Harrow the Ninth. Spoilers, like a lot of them.
Our episode on Nona the Ninth will be released a week from now, so get reading!
A transcript of this episode is available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/10/31/episode-12/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Ou...
2022-09-121h 13Assigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 55: ”The Neutral Zone” (TNG 1x26) and the Past and Future of CryonicsIn this episode we use the TNG episode "The Neutral Zone," in which three people from the 20th century are revived from cryopreservation to find themselves on the Enterprise 300 years later, to talk about cryonics. We touch on its history, whether it actually works (no), whether it could work (probably not), whether we'd do it (no way), and, just for fun, a little on the history and philosophy of death as a concept.
A transcript and show notes for this episode are available on our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/09/07/episode-55
The show is on Twitter @AS...
2022-09-0837 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 54: What’s the Big Deal With the James Webb Space Telescope?In this episode, we talk about the significance of the new James Webb Space Telescope (and why it should have a different name) - how it works, why it's important, and what people are going to do with it. Also stay to hear the story of how Tessa proposed to her wife, which is extremely dorky and pretty sweet.
A transcript and show notes for this episode are available on our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/08/16/episode-54/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Pe...
2022-08-1742 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 53: Laurel Hiatt on What’s Really Happening in Your ColonIn this episode we're joined by MD-PhD student Laurel Hiatt, whose work focuses on somatic mosaicism, or the differences between individual cells, specifically in the human colon. We talk about genetic mosaicism, cancer risk, why the colon causes so many problems, and how Laurel's work will (hopefully) help develop tools to improve screening and colorectal disease prevention.
You can find Laurel on Twitter @laurel_hiatt.
A transcript and show notes for this episode are available on our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/07/13/episode-53/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
...
2022-07-1352 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 52: Father’s Day Special - Seahorses and Male PregnancyIn this special holiday episode, we talked about Syngnathidae (the family of ray-finned fishes including pipefish, seahorses, and sea dragons), particularly Hippocampus spp. (seahorses) and their unusual reproductive strategy of male pregnancy. We talk about the physiology of seahorses' pregnancy, with tangents about the complexity of biological sex and reproductive strategies, other fish, evolution, and philosophy of biology.
A transcript and show notes are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/06/20/episode-52/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank...
2022-06-2147 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 51: Robin Aguilar on GeneticsIn this episode we're joined by geneticist and artist Robin Aguilar to talk about their research using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to visualize DNA, brush up on some basic genetics, and discuss a new episode-ending question, of which era of geologic time we'd travel to if we somehow got a trip in a time machine. We also touch on Robin's advocacy work in science, particularly with Genome Sciences Association for the Inclusion of Marginalized Students (GSAIMS).
Robin can be found on Twitter @seesmallthings or their website here.
A transcript and show notes are available on o...
2022-06-1045 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 50: Lyra Cronin on Quantum Physics and When to Become a RobotThis week we're joined by quantum physics student Lyra Cronin. We talk about the meaning of quantum physics, Lyra's work with nitrogen vacancy centers in diamonds, the possibilities of quantum computing, and when to become (and die as) a robot.
We don't mention it in the episode, but Lyra can be found on Twitter @Seranyx.
A transcript and show notes are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/05/23/episode-50/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you...
2022-05-2450 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 49: The Science of Our Flag Means DeathLike most gay people, we have now watched the HBO series Our Flag Means Death (full season 1 available now!). Unlike most gay people, Charles is a PhD candidate in history and philosophy of biology. In this episode, we touch on several topics in history of science touched on in the show: Linnaean taxonomy and binomial nomenclature, phrenology, and scurvy (caused by humans' inability to synthesize our own Vitamin C, setting us apart from most vertebrates).
A transcript and show notes are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/05/09/episode-49/
The show is on Twitter @ASA...
2022-05-1052 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 48: Lucianne Walkowicz on Space - Who Does It Belong To? How Gay Is It?In this episode we're joined by science superstar (pun intended) Lucianne Walkowicz to talk about their research, who space belongs to (including whether it can "belong" to anyone), and how gay space is. Charles also defends leeches (they probably won't give you diseases!), the animal, but not leeches, metaphor for the capitalist class.
Lucianne is all over, but can be found on Twitter @RocketToLulu
Show notes (including sources) and a transcript are at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/04/23/episode-48/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Ou...
2022-04-2452 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 47: ”So, What’s In Your Pants?” (Genitals, Part II)Warning for this episode that we are talking at length about reproductive anatomy and genitals, the effect of testosterone and genital reconstruction of the clitorophallus.
The second in our two-part series on genitals medical transition, in this one we talk about the history and procedures of metoidioplasty and phalloplasty, as well as possibilities for the future.
Show notes (including sources) and a transcript are at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/03/31/episode-47/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Th...
2022-04-0158 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 46: ”So, What’s In Your Pants?” (Genitals Part I)Warning for this episode that we are talking at length about reproductive anatomy and genitals, particularly vaginoplasty as a gender-affirming surgery. This episode includes frank discussion of vaginoplasty as a procedure, as well as Tessa's personal experience.
The first in a two-part series on trans people and genitals, this episode focuses on vaginoplasty, with an explanation of embryonic sexual differentiation, a brief history of vaginoplasty in the 20th century as part of medical transition, and the primary method used up to the present day.
Show notes (including sources) and a transcript are at our website he...
2022-03-2846 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 45: Lee Jaszlics’s Detransition ExperienceIn this episode we spoke with nature photographer Lee Jaszlics about their experience of "detransition." Lee is nonbinary and took testosterone before choosing to end use, and reverse some of its effects. We talk about their experience of gender and transitioning, and also tapeworms.
Lee is on Twitter @taenia and has their wonderful photographer at Woodfern Studio.
Show notes and transcript are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/03/20/episode-45/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Than...
2022-03-2137 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 44: ASAB Presents the Science... Hormone TherapyIn this episode, motivated by the recent barrage of anti-trans legislation, we begin a dig into the science underlying gender-affirming care, beginning with hormones and hormone therapy. Topics include "sex" hormones and how they work, chromosomal sex determination, and puberty blockers (mechanism and long-term health prospects).
Extensive show notes and transcript are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/03/12/episode-44/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you for listening!
2022-03-1348 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 43: Animorphs #19, ”The Departure”This week Tessa and Charles talk about Animorphs for the first but assuredly not last time, particularly about the Cassie book, "The Departure," in which Cassie has just the worst weekend ever.
A transcript and show notes are on our website at:
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you for listening!
2022-02-2141 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 42: Charlotte Olsen on SPACEThis episode we're joined by "astrophysicist in the making" Charlotte Olsen to talk about galaxies, different paths to science, and if it's gay if it's in space (yes).
A transcript and show notes will be on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/01/29/episode-42/
Charlotte can be found on Twitter @CharlotteEureka
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you for listening!
2022-01-3045 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 41: This One’s About COVIDBad news: Tessa got COVID. Good news: She's fine! And so is her wife, and presumably her lizard. We talk through her experience, give a PSA on sexually transmitted HPVs, advocate for a new max vax movement, and talk about which animal we would least hate to be stuck as if we got trapped à la Tobias in Animorphs.
Show notes and a transcript for this episode will be posted at: https://asabpodcast.com/2022/01/08/episode-41/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Th...
2022-01-0937 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 40: Román Ramos Báez on PLANTSRomán Ramos Báez (Romi) joins us to talk about PLANTS! Plant hormones, plants living their best and worst lives, and the mysteries of plant development. Specifically, what's even up with bonsai?
Romi can be found on Twitter @sensitiveroots and on their website.
Show notes and a transcript for this episode will be posted at: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/12/18/episode-40/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you for listening!
2021-12-1943 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 39: Emily Hunt on GALAXIESIn this episode we're joined by astronomer Emily Hunt to talk about space, galaxies, the taxonomy of celestial bodies, and whether to put your brain in a robot body, and why. We had some connectivity issues so the audio isn't perfect, but it was such a delightful conversation, we couldn't scrap it.
Emily is on Twitter @emilydoesastro.
Show notes and a transcript for this episode will be posted at: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/11/27/episode-39/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
2021-11-2842 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 38: Repo! The Genetic Opera (Super Spooky Halloween Special Part II)Regress to your emo years and revisit with us Repo! The Genetic Opera, a cult classic - but deservedly? We're not so sure. It may be Halloween but it feels like Christmas for Charles, who got to trap Tessa in a podcast about musical theatre. Also we talk about organs a lot.
You can find this episode's transcript at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/10/31/episode-38/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you for listening!
2021-11-0138 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 37: The Horrors of the MIND (Super Spooky Halloween Special Part I)On this week's episode, we discuss different science-fictional (and some fact-ional) scenarios that are our own personal nightmares. Subjects include alien abduction, brain implants, space travel, and fish wearing glasses.
You can find this episode's transcript at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/10/28/episode-37
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you for listening!
2021-10-2934 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 36: Aaron Fairweather on Myrmecology (Ants) and Being a Furry in ScicommThis week we're joined by myrmecologist and all-around delight, Aaron Fairweather. Aaron joins us to talk ants, taxonomy hot-takes, and being a furry in science communication - our first furry guest, but certainly not our last.
Find Aaron and their scicomm on Twitter @entobird and @insectaaron.
A transcript and show notes are on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/10/01/episode-36/
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod, Charles @cockroacharles, and Tessa @spacermase.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you for listening!
2021-10-0249 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 35: Oh I Am What I Am, I‘ll Do What I Want (Watch Roswell), But I Can‘t Hide (That I Love Roswell)In this episode we watched and discuss the first two episodes of the classic alien teen romance drama, Roswell (not the CW show from 2019). Aliens! Mysteries! Teen love! A perfect show, except for everything wrong with it.
A transcript is available at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/09/04/episode-35/
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles, Tessa is @spacermase, and the show is @ASABpod.
Our intro music is by Nicole Petkovich.
Thank you for listening!
2021-09-0539 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 34: Back to Space! with TealWe chat with astrophysicist Teal about the James Webb Space Telescope, their research on space, what makes an atmosphere, and whether there's any controversy to what makes an atmosphere, among other topics. There's also another long rumination on death, which isn't even because we're living through a pandemic, we're just Like That.
Teal is not on social media. Don't perceive them! Only appreciate them in this episode.
A transcript is available at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/08/20/episode-34/
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles, Tessa is @spacermase, and the show is @ASABpod.
O...
2021-08-2148 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 33: Nicole Petkovich on Materials Science, Industry, and Old Web NostalgiaDelayed but never forgotten, we recorded this episode with materials scientist and all-around delight DECADES (months) ago so there are some timeline inconsistencies but it's still a banger of a conversation that touches on Nicole's graduate work, moving from academia to industry, what would the alien industrial complex be, and thank God most old blogging platforms are defunct.
Nicole's work can be found on Google Scholar and her other thoughts on Twitter.
A transcript for this episode is available from our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/07/22/episode-33
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacer...
2021-07-3138 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 32: We Also Read "Helicopter Story" (Formerly "I Sexually Identify as an Attack Helicopter")This week we decided to be almost timely for once, and talked about "Helicopter Story" by Isabel Fall, recently nominated for a Hugo in two categories. We talk about the story itself, backlash, counter-backlash, and managed to get Chuck Tingle in there.
For a transcript and some links, check out our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/07/16/episode-32/
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles
Tessa is on Twitter @spacermase
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod
The opening sound is "DesertPlanetLanding.wav" by aj_heels, used in compliance with Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) lic...
2021-07-1738 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 31: Theo Tiffney on the Two C's: Hepatitis, and CapitalismIn this episode, Theo Tiffney - recent PhD, crucial figure in ASAB history, and our friend - tells us about hepatitis C. We go through the disease itself, its treatment, and how drug companies once again screwed people over.
A transcript of the episode is available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/07/01/episode-31/
Theo isn't really Online, but you can find Charles @cockroacharles on Twitter and Tessa @spacermase.
The opening sound is "DesertPlanetLanding.wav" by aj_heels, used in compliance with Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) license.
Thank you for listening!
2021-07-0150 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 30: Fayth Tan on Regeneration and Queer IdentityFor our first Pride Month episode, we're joined by biologist Fayth Tan, whose work focuses on regeneration. We talk about what the heck regeneration really is, why we see it in some organisms and not others, the lies told to us by pop culture, and our most beautiful "is it gay if it's in space?" yet.
Follow Fayth on Twitter @faythtan or check out their lab at Caltech, the Goentoro Lab.
See show notes and a transcript for this episode at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/06/12/episode-30/
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles an...
2021-06-1348 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 29: Michaela Gallucci (izzitMichaela) on Climate Change and a LOT of Robot TalkFor this week's episode we're joined by "trans scientist, engineer, and inventor" Michaela Gallucci, founder of State of the Climate and host of science channel izzitMichaela, to talk about her background in science, her ongoing projects, and whether any of us would date a robot (yes, depending).
We're having some technical issues with our website, so show notes and a transcript will be posted when that's resolved.
You can find more of Michaela on her channel (linked above) or on Twitter @izzitMichaela.
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles and Tessa is @spacermase. The show is...
2021-05-2241 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 28: Y'all Heard of the Picture-Winged Flies (Ulidiidae)?This week's episode is an exploration of the modest but fascinating family Ulidiidae, the "picture-winged flies." Tangents include fly phylogenies (fly-logeny), sperm and the distribution thereof, and whether there's any truly correct way to pronounce scientific names.
A transcript of the episode is available at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/05/06/episode-28/
This episode follows the first publication out of Charles's MS thesis, "An illustrated identification key to the genera of Ulidiidae (Diptera: Tephritoidea) of the United States and Canada," published in the Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification here: https://cjai.biologicalsurvey.ca/w_45/w_45.h...
2021-05-0747 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 27: Annalee Newitz on "Lost Cities" and the Nature of SelfThis week we are ecstatic to share our conversation with Annalee Newitz, author of fiction (Autonomous, Future of Another Timeline) and nonfiction (most recently Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age) and podcaster (Our Opinions are Correct, which they host with Charlie Jane Anders). We talk about coming out as non-binary to the world, archaeology, writing science fiction, and whether Annalee would put their brain in a robot body (yes) and if this is immortality (no?).
A transcript for this episode is available on our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/04/22/episode-27/
Annalee can be...
2021-04-2350 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 26: Kaitlin Rasmussen on Exoplanets and How to Find 'EmThis week we have Kaitlin Rasmussen, "stellar astrophysicist and exoplaneteer," on to talk about their research in exoplanets, planets in general, spectrographs, and telescopes. We get a lengthy interlude about history of scientific methodology, which delights Charles.
To see more about Kaitlin's work, check out her website at https://www.kaitlinrasmussen.com/, or see them on Twitter @toomanyspectra.
A transcript and show notes for this episode are available at our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/04/15/episode-26/
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles and Tessa is @spacermase.
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod or at...
2021-04-1640 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 25: Cel Welch on Diagnostic Technology and Trans HealthOn this episode we have Cel Welch, founder of Queer Engineer, on to talk about Cel's research and background in medical diagnostics. We talk about what goes on in there and the process of developing new diagnostic tools.
Cel is on Twitter @citizenSTEM and Queer Engineer is on Twitter @QueerEngineers.
A transcript for this episode is available at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/04/02/episode-25/
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase, and the show is at @ASABpod.
Thank you for listening!
2021-04-0335 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 24: Ferengi Gender Double Feature ("Rules of Acquisition" / "Profit and Lace")In this episode we tackle two Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes about Ferengi and their weird gender stuff: "Rules of Acquisition" (a classic "women dresses as man to pursue opportunity" plot) and "Profit and Lace" (a well-intentioned? disaster of '90s transmisogyny). We get pretty personal and ask the real questions, like, why would anybody ever do this?
Warning for body/transition talk, dysphoria, "man in a dress" trope, transphobia, gay panic
A transcript and show notes for this episode are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/03/18/episode-24/
Charles is on T...
2021-03-1945 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 23: Gabi Fleury Returns! Being Non-Binary, Black, and Queer in ConservationOur second episode with Gabi Fleury. In this one, we talk more specifically about their experiences being non-binary, Black, and queer in conservation, and include only one tangent to talk about cool bugs. (Leafcutter ants have a Neotropical distribution; they don't live in Africa)
Gabi was named in 2021 as one of Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 for science: https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2021/science/?profile=gabi-fleury
You can see more about their work and other appearances on their website: https://fleurygs3.wixsite.com/gabifleury
We have a transcript and show notes for this episode on ou...
2021-03-1233 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 22: Gabi Fleury on Actual and Speculative ConservationWe're joined in this week's episode by conservation biologist Gabi Fleury. Gabi works on wildlife-human conflict, primarily with African mammals. We talk about their work, doing conservation responsibly, conservation in space, and Gabi's many varied accomplishments. We also get a rare dose of real optimism!! It's unfamiliar but not unwelcome.
Gabi was named in 2021 as one of Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 for science: https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2021/science/?profile=gabi-fleury
You can see more about their work and other appearances on their website: https://fleurygs3.wixsite.com/gabifleury
We have a transcript and s...
2021-03-0546 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 21: Caitlin Hobbs on Life and Death During a PandemicIn this episode, we talk to recently graduated bioanthropology student Caitlin Hobbs on their thesis research investigating responses to death during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Tangents include what we want done with our bodies after death, how Victorians were very goth, and whether human bodies can be composted.
Caitlin is still collecting responses for their thesis here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RFX7TXQ
They are also on Twitter @caitlinthehob and a contributor to Book Riot here: https://bookriot.com/author/caitlin-hobbs/
A transcript and list of relevant links is available at our w...
2021-02-2637 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 20: Bug Dicks Revisited (Valentine's Day Special)In this episode, we explore the four species of Neotrogla (Insecta: Psocodea: Prionoglarididae) and their unique genitalia. Females in these species have a penis-like organ which penetrates the male, retrieves sperm, and deposits it back in their own body. We discuss the genital mechanism here, the broader genital landscape in animals, the meaning of sex and sexual adaptations, and some of the human context in language and definitions.
EXTENSIVE show notes and transcript are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/02/14/episode-20/. We link to all the articles we reference, and further reading on some more...
2021-02-1539 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 19: Carolyn P. Hutchinson On Rodenticides and Their Effect On Rodents, Large Mammals, Wastewater, the Environment… and YouIn this episode, analytical chemist Dr. Carolyn P Hutchison, professor at St. Bonaventure, talks to us about their research in anticoagulant rodenticides and wastewater. Topics include rodenticides, bioaccumulation, environmental chemistry, a brief tangent about insects, and Carolyn's post-apocalyptic plans.
More information on Carolyn and their research can be found at their website: https://www.cphutchinson.com/.
Show notes and a transcript for this episode are available on our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/02/03/episode-19/
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase, and the show @ASABpod.
Thank you for listening!
2021-02-0433 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 18: It's Probably Not Aliens This Time But It's Gotta Be Aliens SometimeOn this episode we consider the implications of strange radio emissions from around Proxima Centauri. Tangents include Pluto, the meaning of planets, how to even detect radio signals, speculating about aliens, and why do we care about water so much anyway.
This episode was inspired by the findings written on in this article from the SETI institute: https://www.seti.org/signal-proxima-centauri?fbclid=IwAR155CthU3xZUghqUHRwnoDnh4lAFcN91Y1g-xtAlFqpW_s2cIEF6271guw
Links for further reading and a transcript are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/01/20/episode-18/
Tessa is on Twitter @s...
2021-01-2135 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 17: Rae Lambert on Vaccines, Immunology, and the Horror of Organic CorporealityOn this, our first episode of 2021, we talk to Rae Lambert, a research virologist at Jefferson University about immunology, vaccines, rabies, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), viruses, applied science, spiders in space, and the existential horror of inhabiting a human body.
Show notes and a transcript are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2021/01/12/episode-17/
Rae is on Twitter @appalledimmuno, Charles @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase, and the show @ASABpod.
Thank you for listening!
2021-01-1338 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 16: Emarose Ahmed on Chemistry and Honestly a Bunch of Other StuffOn this episode we're joined by Emarose Ahmed, a synthetic organic chemist at UNLV. We learn about orbital hybridization, phosphorus, synthetic chemistry, chirality, lab protocol, and Charles takes a long detour to defend cockroaches.
Links, readings, and a transcript can be found at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/12/29/episode-16
Emarose can be found on Twitter and Instagram @tenuissimus.
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase, the show @ASABpod and at our website asabpodcast.com.
2020-12-3031 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 15: What even is an ice parasite? (Star Trek: Discovery, Season 3, Episodes 1-4)In this episode Tessa and Charles talk to each other about the first four episodes of Star Trek: Discovery Season 3. After a soft reboot, the Discovery crew ends up over 900 years into their future to find a universe without the Federation. Plus, trans people!
Show notes and a transcript for this episode are available at our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/12/15/episode-15
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase, and the show @ASABpod.
Thank you for listening!
2020-12-1554 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 14: Faelan Mourmourakis on Bee CognitionIn this episode, Australian entomologist Faelan Mourmourakis comes on to tell us about his research in the limitations of bee cognition. Tangents include the hell of academic funding, how people don't adequately appreciate insects' cuteness, and the emu war (which is real, and which humans lost).
To see more about Faelan's research, you can check out his website: https://faemourmourakis.wordpress.com/
A transcript for this episode is available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/12/01/episode-14/
Faelan is on Twitter @Faemourmourakis, Charles @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase, and the show @ASABpod.
Thank you...
2020-12-0234 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 13: Elizabeth Feinberg on Plastics and Post-Apocalyptic Game PlansOn this episode, we had on chemist Elizabeth Feinberg to talk about her research experiences with lasers, plastics, and sewage, and tells us what the heck plastic even is. Since recording this episode a few months ago, she got a new job! But we don't mention it because it was more recent than our recording.
For each episode, we have a transcript on our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/11/10/episode-13/
You can find us on Twitter: Elizabeth @EC_Feinberg, Charles @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase.
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod and our website asabpodcast.com...
2020-11-1146 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 12: Super Spooky Halloween Special (The Locked Tomb Trilogy by Tamsyn Muir)On this supersized super spooky Halloween special, we bring on returning guest Erin Barbeau to discuss the Locked Tomb Trilogy by Tamsyn Muir, which isn't especially trans but is very gay, and very spooky.
A transcript of this episode is available on our website, https://asabpodcast.com/2020/10/31/episode-12/
Erin can be found online @insectoidreview and @bug_wrangler on Twitter, at zir SFF review blog https://insectoidreviews.wordpress.com/, and on Instagram @caterpillar.creative.
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles and Tessa @spacermase.
The show is on Twitter @ASABpod and on our website asa...
2020-10-311h 13Assigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 11: Sam Long on Science Education, Biological Diversity, and the Desire to Go to SpaceOn this episode we're joined by science educator and aspiring astronaut Sam Long. Sam is a high school science teacher in Colorado who is one of the main minds behind the Gender Inclusive Biology project, a project to develop more inclusive biology curriculum for K-12 students. He was also a finalist for the Out Astronaut contest in 2019, and a fantastic guest!
Sam's other podcast appearances and writing can be found on his website, at http://sam-long.weebly.com/press.html.
The Gender Inclusive Biology project is available online at https://www.genderinclusivebiology.com/.
A t...
2020-10-2835 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 10: Vic Zamloot on Infiltrating Tumors with Bacteria and Ethics in ScienceOn today's episode we have immuno-oncology student Vic Zamloot on his research using Salmonella on cancerous tumors, as well as ethics in science and having never read Animorphs. Enough time has passed that when we recorded Vic was a mere PhD student and is now a full-fledged PhD candidate, which you won't be surprised to learn after you hear their command of relevant information.
A full transcript for the episode is available at our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/10/05/episode-10/
You can find Vic on Twitter at @dngayest, Charles @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase, and the show @ASABpod
2020-10-0743 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 9: Phosphine on Venus with Dr. Ashley Nova, Whitney Powers, and Evan SneedIn this episode, we brought on three different space scientists to discuss the recent announcement of phosphine found in Venus's atmosphere. We talk about why it's exciting, what it means, whether there are aliens, and which ones we'd date.
A transcript is available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/09/25/episode-9/
You can find all of us on Twitter @DrAshleyNova, @powerzzs, @theneedforsneed, @cockroacharles, and @spacermase, and the show @ASABpod and at our website asabpodcast.com.
2020-09-2652 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 8: Bryan K Lynn on Math and MicrobesIn this episode, Bryan K Lynn joins us to talk about his research using bacteria to study the evolution of cooperation, as well as being trans in science, fear of apocalypse, and the baffling decision to present Kelsey Grammer as a blue beefcake in X-Men: The Last Stand.
A transcript is available for this (and all our other) episode on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/09/14/episode-8/
Bryan can be found on Twitter @abstractbryan or at his website https://www.bryanklynn.com/.
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase, the show @ASABpod. We ca...
2020-09-1535 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 7: Sophie Lee on Batteries, Chemical Energy, and the FutureOn this week's episode we spoke to chemical engineer and self-described battery nerd Sophie Lee. They told us about their background in research and current research interests, indulged Charles in his request to have chemistry explained to him as if he were a precocious 10-year-old, and joined us in a meditation on how the world feels like it's on fire (and in some places, is literally on fire).
A transcript and show notes are available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/09/02/episode-7/
You can find Sophie on Twitter @sophieelee, Charles @coc...
2020-09-0332 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 6: DS9's "Rejoined" - Is it gay if it's in space, is it immortality if you're a computer?For this episode, we watched Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 4x06, "Rejoined," in which Jadzia Dax meets and contemplates rekindling a relationship with the new (female) host of one of her symbiont's previous host's wife's symbiont. We start talking about the gayest Star Trek episode before the new millennium and veer hard off course into a consideration of immortality, consciousness, and the metaphysics of transporter and robot technologies.
A transcript can be found on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/08/25/episode-6/
Charles is on Twitter @cockroacharles, Tessa @spacermase, and the show can...
2020-08-2534 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 5: Erin Barbeau on Bug Dicks, Museums, and Science FictionOur guest this week is entomologist (specializing on caterpillars), illustrator, and science fiction reviewer Erin Barbeau. We talk about science fiction, museum collections, insect research, cool caterpillars, and the significance of genitalia.
Transcript and show notes on our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/08/18/episode-5/
Erin can be found a variety of places online.
insectoidreviews on Twitter @insectoidreview or on their blog insectoidreviews.wordpress.com.
Professional: on Twitter @Bug_Wrangler or erinbarbeau.wordpress.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caterpillar.creative/
You can find u...
2020-08-1844 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 4: Melody Dickens on Hormones, Teaching, and Star TrekOur first guest is comic writer Melody Dickens, who has a background in applied biomedical sciences and science education. We talk about her experiences with research, with teaching science, and, inevitably, a lot of Star Trek.
Transcript and notes for this episode are available on our website: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/08/04/episode-4/
Melody can be found on Twitter @MelodyDickens. Her comic can be found @Schmultsy, and the first 200 strips can be purchased together on Amazon.
You can find us @cockroacharles and @spacermase, and the show on Twitter @ASABpod or o...
2020-08-0442 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 3: TNG's "The Chase," evolution, and extraterrestrial lifeIn this episode we use the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Chase" (Season 6, Episode 20) to talk about evolution, philosophy of science, whether life is governed by laws, and how extraterrestrial life might develop.
2020-07-2436 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 2: Talkin' Taxonomy (Charles's Interests)Charles talks about biological taxonomy, systematics, and nomenclature. If that sounds boring to you, it probably will be, there's no hidden twist it's just about taxonomy.
A transcript is available on our website here: https://asabpodcast.com/2020/07/21/episode-2/
2020-07-2230 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 1: Tessa's InterestsIn this ep Tessa describes some of the background of astrobiology as a field, and talks about her own research.
2020-07-2036 minAssigned Scientist at Bachelor‘sEpisode 0: An IntroductionA basic introduction to the podcast and to its two hosts, Tessa (astrobiology) and Charles (entomology). Transcript available on our main website.
2020-07-1815 min