Podcast Episodes

What is iodized salt? And why?

Episode 77

#077

Who's doing what to our salt? What's iodine, do we need it, why, and how do they get it in there? This week Melissa and Jam dive head first into…

4 months, 2 weeks ago

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How do scissors curl ribbon?

Episode 228

#228

In this festive episode, Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating science behind why ribbons curl when pressed against a blade. The discussion…

4 months, 3 weeks ago

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What makes firecrackers go pop?

Episode 227

#227

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind firecrackers and Christmas crackers. They discuss the key component, silver fulminate, explainin…

5 months ago

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Ask a Chemist: Should I be worried about Cast Iron? (and other questions)

Ask a Chemist #73

Melissa and Jam tackle a range of listener questions covering a wide array of chemistry-related topics. They discuss the properties…

5 months, 1 week ago

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How do X-Rays reveal what's hidden inside us?

Episode 226

#226

Melissa and Jam delve into the intriguing world of X-rays. They start with relatable stories from the dentist's office and transition into a dee…

5 months, 2 weeks ago

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What's up with aluminum foil?

Episode 18

#018 Rebroadcast

This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of aluminum foil. Why doesn’t it feel hot when we take it out of the oven? How does …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

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Reddit Chemistry: Mishaps, Mentorship, and More

Episode 225

#225

Melissa and Jam take a break from traditional chemistry topics to delve into chemistry-related stories from Reddit. They discuss a funny sunscre…

6 months ago

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Ask a Chemist: Why are skunks so potent? (and other questions)

Question and Response 72

Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of listener questions about chemistry-related topics. They discuss the differences between …

6 months, 1 week ago

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How do pimple patches save our faces?

Episode 224

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind popular hydrocolloid bandages and pimple patches. They discuss the composition and functionality of t…

6 months, 2 weeks ago

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How does Benzoyl Peroxide fight acne?

Episode 127

#127 Rebroadcast

If you've ever had acne, you've probably tried some creams or washes with "benzoyl peroxide" somewhere on the label. How is it that …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

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