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Chemistry can be a daunting aspect of science for many people. Luckily Drs. Jared Bruce, Megan Newcomb, Krista Fruehauf and Dan Huh are here to help you navigate the subject. From atoms to proteins, these four chemists give a lighthearted take on the world of science for everyone. Guests from industry, government and the academy give a unique view behind the process getting to their respective positions.
Episodes

Jun 30, 2025
Jun 30, 2025
1 hr 37 min
In this episode, the group revisits our predictions about AI from two years ago. We explore its impacts on education, employment, and energy use, and debate the big question: will AI end up destroying the world?
Dwarkesh Patel's Substack: https://substack.com/@dwarkesh
Water footprint resource: https://watercalculator.org/
Water footprint of foods: https://watercalculator.org/water-footprint-of-food-guide/
Publication on AI water and energy use: https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.03271
Publication on impacts of AI on employment: https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/ddeming/files/PNAS_2019.pdf

Aug 27, 2023
Aug 27, 2023
1 hr 13 min
The gang is back together for a new Episode where we discuss the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence while being joined by the creator of our intro/outro music Emilio Mejia. We also give an update on the podcast moving forward and all the good stuff that's coming in the future! Enjoy

Mar 12, 2023
Mar 12, 2023
28 min
In our latest episode, the group discusses some of the pitfalls and claims of pseudoscience. They give you the tools to recognize dubious claims to be sure to make informed choices when you're out in the world!
Enjoy!

Sep 10, 2022
Sep 10, 2022
58 min
In this week's episode we dive into our tried and tested methods of time management.

May 6, 2022
May 6, 2022
1 hr 17 min
The team sit down with Dr. Phillip Guichet and learn about the fascinating and academic world of interventional radiology. Learn about how Phil had his start in chemistry and how he moved into the field of medicine. He walks us through the importance of being up to date on the current literature to advise on medical procedures and he shares intriguing stories and challenges he's had to tackle during his career. Pull up a chair and listen in with Dr. Phillip Guichet!

Jan 10, 2022
Jan 10, 2022
59 min
Happy 2022! The ESP crew gets together and looks back at interviews and round-table discussions in 2021. We reflect on the great moments, hilarious moments, and the serious moments. Join us as we turn back the clock and relive our episodes!

Dec 10, 2021
Dec 10, 2021
58 min
In Episode 22 of ESP, we are joined by Dr. Mike McDonald. Mike talks to us about his inspiration to do science from a young age and his journey to landing an unconventional job at New Flyer Buses as a battery consultant. We have lots of good stories and laughs about being in the right place at the right time and taking full advantage of any opportunity presented. Enjoy!

Nov 26, 2021
Nov 26, 2021
57 min
In Episode 21, we're joined by the fabulous Alissa Matus who is a graduate student currently at UCI. We chat about the fundamentals of mentorship and what makes a good vs a bad mentor in academia and industry. We also gush over some of our mentees and Alissa tells us of a children's book called A Chemist Clara Explores Mars that one of her awesome mentees wrote. Be sure to check it out at https://theoryofjoy.square.site/! We hope you enjoy it!

Nov 12, 2021
Nov 12, 2021
46 min
In Episode 20, we get together to try to figure out whether science is political based on these two papers:
"The Peril of Politicizing Science"
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c01475
"Science is Political, and We Must Deal with It"
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02017
After a fast synopsis of the papers, we try to make sense of whether science is political or not and what we, as scientists, should do about it. Enjoy!

Oct 29, 2021
Oct 29, 2021
57 min
In this Episode, the whole gang is back together and we dive into a discussion on standardized testing. We pick apart the pros and cons of using it and how different stages of higher education could modify their evaluation procedures. Don't miss our blooper reel at the conclusion of the podcast! Enjoy!
