In this episode, I speak with Dr. Rachel Diner. She is researching the microbiome of oysters. Her research helps us learn how oyster microbiomes affect human health. We also talk about science communication, surfing, and other microbes that exist in coastal areas! Dr Diner’s career path (0:00:48) Why are we studying the microbiome of oysters? (0:02:50) What is a ‘microbiome’? (0:04:28) Viruses as part of the microbiome (0:06:00) Learning about the oyster species (0:07:32) How learning about...

** Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld** In this episode, I speak with Jenn Blanchett. Jenn has worked as a Science Communicator with Science North, and now works as a teacher. We talk about science communication for the public by non-scientists, the important role that artists play in scicomm, and the joys of sharing knowledge with different audiences. Introduction (0:00:30) What is Science North?(0:01:33) The animals at Science North (0:04:31) Jenn’s...

** Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld** In this episode, I speak with Ira Seidenstein, PhD. He’s a teacher, author, and director currently living and working in Australia. We talk about the state of the arts today, teaching actors, as well as what it was like to work and tour with large productions like Cirque du Soleil. Introduction (0:00:30) Why he settled in Australia (0:01:38) The arts in Australian culture then, and now (0:02:53) Did the lack of work...

In this episode, I speak with Jennifer Demitor, an installation artist, and an architect! I’d never spoken to an architect before, so we discussed what an architect does, how Jennifer plans for new projects, how inspiration plays a role in her work, and in her art. She also gives us some good tips on creating interesting spaces! Introduction to Jennifer’s work (0:00:50) Jennifer’s artistic process (0:04:15) Finding places to explore as an artist (0:05:25) Discussing concrete as a material...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Kel Pero, owner of KMP and Associates. Kel left academia to start her own business as an academic editor and copywriter. We discuss all sorts of topics relating to writing and editing, such as the importance of clarity, popular mistakes in writing, and how the command of language can play a big role in your success in the working world. Introduction to Dr. Kel’s background (0:00:54) Working independently vs working in academia (0:07:35) Advice for academics...

In this episode, I speak with Hannah Davis, a PhD student in Biology. We talk about her research with fruit flies, her previous research with termites, and we talk a bit about wasps, hover flies, and what it’s like to be expecting a child for the first time! Introduction (0:00:30) Why fruit flies are a model organism in science (0:01:33) Choosing to study insects out of curiosity (0:02:50) What is a “chill coma”? (0:04:01) Fruit fly cold tolerance traits (0:06:12) The hardiness of one...

** Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld** In this episode, I speak with Dr. Elie Diner, a former scientist turned marketer. He specializes in content marketing, SEO, and science communication. We end up talking a lot about how “marketing” is perceived in the science community, why SEO matters, and why storytelling is a crucial element in getting your brand or messaging out to more people. Introduction (0:00:30) Former scientist turned marketer (0:01:08) Is...

In this episode, I speak with Paleolimnologist, Dr. Jeffery Stone. Dr. Stone explores diatoms and diatom fossils, teaches at Indiana State University, and he’s also a Twitch streamer! We talk about all of these things, and more! Introduction (0:00:24) What is a ‘paleolimnologist’? (0:01:48) What is a ‘diatom’? (0:02:49) Diatom motility - how they move! (0:03:58) Diatom shapes in different environments (0:05:16) How long do diatoms live? (0:06:32) How and what diatoms eat (0:08:15) Diatom...

** Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld** In this episode, I speak with Kita Williams, a marine biologist in Australia! We talk about various sea creatures, like sponges, jellyfish, sharks, and sea slugs. We also talk about how to do rockpooling and how to find marine Tardigrades!  Introduction and background (0:00:40) Perception of marine biologists (0:02:16) Sea grass! (0:02:56) Colours in the ocean (0:05:11) Kita’s research on sponges (0:05:30) A sponge is an...

In this episode, I speak with Jules Poulin, owner of From the Neck Up. Jules has developed a unique massage therapy practice that focuses on the head, neck, jaw and mouth of patients. Jules has also innovated a new way for patients and massage therapists to communicate using hand signals! Introduction and background (0:00:30) From the Neck Up - the only of its kind in the world (0:01:50) RMTs aren’t allowed to use the word “Specialist” in Ontario (0:03:35) Creating a patient-focused...

In this episode, I speak with Sandrine Lafond. A trained dancer from France who worked with Marie Chouinard in Canada, danced for Celine Dion in Vegas, and then performed with Cirque du Soleil. Today, Sandrine is a co-owner and artist with Miyusaka, a kimono and japanese calligraphy business. Introduction and background (0:00:30) Sandrine’s beginnings in France and in dance (0:01:15) The appeal to work and create in Montreal (0:03:40) The decision to make a living as a professional dancer...

In this episode, I speak with Nathalie Claude, an actor and director from Montreal, Quebec. Nathalie has had a long career in the arts both in independent theatre, as a clown and a coach for Cirque du Soleil, and as a collaborator on many extraordinary shows and performances. Nathalie joins me to talk about what inspires her work, why she loves living and working in Montreal, and why perfectionism and precision is crucial in her approach to her artistic work. Nathalie’s many roles in the...

In this episode, I speak with urban moss researcher, Alison Haynes. We talk about where moss can be found in cities, how research about urban moss can help design new sustainable options, and we learn a bit more about Alison switch from journalist to scientist, to the research she did in Antarctica! Alison’s research interests in moss (0:00:54) Awareness of moss (0:03:28) The beauty of moss (0:04:33) Moss in Australia (0:05:35) Moss in deserts (0:06:54) Looking for Tardigrades in moss...

Is there life on Mars? How did life form on Earth? And, how do scientists learn all of this stuff? In this episode, I speak with astrobiologist and astrophysicist, Ben K. D. Pearce. Ben helps us understand how scientists get clues about the origins of life, what would happen if we found life on Mars, and how atmospheres form on planets! What is an astrobiologist? (0:00:54) Ben used to be a software engineer. (0:01:37) The career re-evaluation process (0:03:10) The freedom and chaos of...

In this episode, I speak with Fat Cells Researcher, Dr. Ariane Pessentheiner. We talk about how obesity is technically a disease, how chronic inflammation is really bad for you, and how there’s no such thing as “burning fat”. Dr. Pessentheiner is a researcher in Austria who is now devoting her time to the communication of science! Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld Timestamps: Moving during a pandemic (0:00:37) Dr. Ariane’s work as a biochemist (0:01:46) What...

In this episode, I interview a friend of mine, performance artist Jacqueline Van de Geer. Originally from the Netherlands, and now living in Montreal, Jacqueline is a multi-talented, multi-faceted artist. She is currently exploring the aging process in her work. We talk about interdisciplinary approaches in the arts, working class artists, and how obsession leads to new ideas. Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld Connecting with each other on Facebook...

In this episode, I speak with UK Herpetologist, Steve Allain. We talk about frogs, toads, and snakes, as well as the diseases that affect them! What is a herpetologist? (0:00:40) Chytrid: a fungal pathogen! (0:02:04) Chytrid in North America (0:05:36) Is chytrid harmful to humans? (0:08:00) Treating fungal infections in frogs. (0:09:01) Can we eradicate chytrid? (0:10:05) What you can do about it (0:12:30) The plague of frogs (0:13:38) Why did Steve become interested in this? (0:16:59) Best...

Dr Rose Hayden-Smith is the author of Sowing the Seeds of Victory: American Gardening Programs of World War I. We discuss Victory Gardens, food security, women in farming and more! Dr Hayden-Smith’s history specialty (0:00:54) What are Victory Gardens? (0:01:55) The Women’s Land Army (0:03:20) World War I movements (0:04:35) The art of the Victory Gardens posters (0:06:20) The adoption of planting gardens (0:08:12) School gardening (0:10:18) Funding from National Defence (0:12:43) How...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Marjan Eggermont, an expert in bio-inspired design. We talk about design and sustainability, new innovations in design, why companies should hire scientists, and Marjan’s own work as an artist. Intro (0:00:42) Marjan has a degree in military history (0:01:25) How Marjan also ended up with a BFA and an MFA (0:03:08) Marjan followed her curiosity and then got a PhD (0:04:25) Interdisciplinary approach to the arts (0:07:54) Why is bio-inspired design part of...

In this episode, I speak with Peter, more well-known as “Prof Peter” on Twitch. Peter teaches math in Chicago to college students, but what makes him unique is that he also teaches math online, through Twitch. I speak with him about teaching math, what motivates students, and why he loves teaching math. Join Julie’s World for additional content! Go to https://www.patreon.com/juliesworld Prof Peter discovered Twitch (0:00:32) The PigeonHole Principle (0:01:02) Using visuals when teaching...

In this episode, I speak with singer, musician and artist, Julie McInnes. Born in Australia, Julie has always been a musical artist. From Circus OZ to Cirque du Soleil, and now, as an independent artist, Julie has a lot of info and wisdom to share about the art and craft of bringing music to life. Join Julie’s World for additional content! Go to https://www.patreon.com/juliesworld The experience of playing a cello (0:01:02) Cello demo (0:03:00) Julie’s early experiences with music in...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Stephen Thackeray, a Freshwater Ecologist in the UK. We learn a lot about plankton, invasive species, we talk climate change and warming. And then, we learn that Steve has an artistic side, too! Join Julie’s World for additional content! Go to https://www.patreon.com/juliesworld Many ecologists don’t use their “Dr” title. (0:00:24) Dr. Thackeray’s work as a freshwater ecologist (0:01:28) The kinds of tools to use to observe life in lakes (0:03:41) What are...

In this episode, I speak with Daryl Traylor, a former combat medic who’s now a PhD candidate in Nursing. We talk about his experience in the Army, being a non-traditional student, and African-American healthcare in the US. Daryl is a man with a big heart and passion for learning! Join Julie’s World for additional content! Go to https://www.patreon.com/juliesworld Why study Nursing? (0:00:37) How does funding work for his PhD program? (0:02:05) “Non-traditional student” (0:02:39) Why did...

In this episode, I speak with Dr Bryan Heit, an Immunologist with over twenty years of experience in the field. We talk about macrophages, T-cells, Tuberculosis and COVID-19! Dr Heit is also an experienced beer brewer! Wanna support the show? Go to https://www.patreon.com/juliesworld What is an Immunologist? (0:01:04) “Boost your immune system” (0:02:07) Immune responses (0:03:07) Taking additional vitamins (0:03:33) What is a macrophage? (0:04:45) Are we all born with macrophages?...

In this episode, I speak with Yinan Wang, a mineral and fossils expert. Yinan is also the author of “50 State Fossils”. We speak about how to find fossils, why meteorites are so valuable, how to tell if amber is fake, and we learn more about what books Yinan wants to write next! Yinan is a jack of all trades (0:00:27) How Yinan got interested in fossils and minerals (0:01:20) Yinan’s book “50 State Fossils” (0:02:12) State Fossils quiz (0:03:10) Can you keep stuff you find?...