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Distillations | Science History Institute

Science History Institute
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Distillations is the Science History Institute’s critically acclaimed flagship podcast. We take deep dives into stories that range from the serious to the eccentric, all to help listeners better understand the surprising science that is all around us. Hear about everything from the crisis in Alzheimer’s research to New England’s 19th-century vampire panic in compelling, sometimes-funny, documentar... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes363Founded18 years ago
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Latest Episodes

Alexis Pedrick joins Katie Hafner to bring you an episode from The Lost Women of Science Initiative, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to telling the forgotten or untold stories of remarkable female scientists and their groundbreaking w... more

YouTube

In 2018 news broke that a Chinese scientist, He Jiankui, had used CRISPR to edit human embryos, and twin girls had been born as a result. The story set off an explosive bioethical controversy. As gene editing expert Kiran Musunuru put it, “He Jiankui... more

YouTube

The fears about genetic engineering were stoked when experiments took off in the 1970s. From lab leaks to disease epidemics to the ability to make “Frankenstein creations,” many of those fears are still with us today. We talk to author Surekha Davies... more

YouTube

Our producer Rigoberto Hernandez spoke with Robin Marantz, the author of Pandora’s Baby: How the First Test Tube Babies Sparked the Reproductive Revolution. She tells us about the history of IVF, from the first known artificial insemination by donor ... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Danya Abdelhamid
Host of The Lost Women of Science Podcast
The Lost Women of Science
Episode: Flemmie Kittrell and the Preschool Experiment
Dolores Kathy Fleming
Former student of Flemmie Kittrell, her work was influenced by Kittrell's teachings.
Howard University
Episode: Flemmie Kittrell and the Preschool Experiment
Lauren Bauer
Fellow in economic studies at The Brookings Institution.
The Brookings Institution
Episode: Flemmie Kittrell and the Preschool Experiment
Surekha Davies
Historian of science, art, and ideas; author of "Humans, A Monstrous History"
Episode: Humans and Monsters: An Interview with Surekha Davies
Robin Marantz Henig
Author of Pandora's Baby and expert in IVF history
Episode: IVF: An Interview with Robin Marantz
Rebekah Lockard
Mother of Naomi, a child with hereditary spastic paraplegia 50
Episode: Gene Therapy’s Families
Evan Lockard
Father of Naomi, involved in navigating the healthcare journey for his daughter
Episode: Gene Therapy’s Families
Terry Pirovolakis
Advocate for gene therapy, parent of a child with SPG 50 who successfully navigated challenges to find treatment
Elpida Therapeutics
Episode: Gene Therapy’s Families
Jason Mast
Reporter for STAT News
Episode: Gene Therapy’s Families

Host

Alexis Pedrick
Producer and Host; formerly associated with the Science History Institute. Active in engaging storytelling with a focus on science narratives.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 118 ratings
  • Love the subjects. This stuff is the kind obscure facts that make learning fun!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Buddy B
    3 months ago
  • Always interesting. Even when they discuss something I already was familiar with, I still learn something new.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    LHernandez
    a year ago
  • An Indispensable Podcast for Contested Times

    This podcast comes from an institute I love and have supported for over a decade. The Science History Institute, formerly the Chemical Heritage Foundation, is making superb use of its endowment and its resources to produce concise, relevant, informative, incisive, insightful and engrossing series on topics that are important to our understanding and vital to our public discourse. If “mainstream media” makes you angry, then this is your remedy. Set aside time to take in these fantastic history le... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    philonous
    United States2 years ago
  • Great season

    I’ve really enjoyed the latest season, especially how they tackle larger topics but also bring it back in to a Philly perspective. Even if you don’t live in Philly, though, these stories and histories are worth a listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Avid Listener and Learner
    United States3 years ago
  • Absolutely wonderful. Thank you.

    Podchaser
    5
    phillipmisaacs
    3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the quality and depth of the content, noting its ability to make complex scientific topics accessible and engaging.
Overall, the podcast has a strong advocate base among listeners who value insightful discussions on science and history.
The storytelling approach is praised, with many finding it informative and entertaining, creating an enjoyable educational experience.
Some reviews suggest that while the podcast excels in science reporting, there have been moments where it feels to push a more politically charged narrative.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#109
Belgium/History
Apple Podcasts
#133
Austria/History
Apple Podcasts
#134
Taiwan/History
Apple Podcasts
#176
Colombia/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Flemmie Kittrell and the Preschool Experiment
Q: What do you remember the most about the nursery experience?
Flemmie Kittrell and her team provided high-quality childcare and educational activities to help Black children living in poverty.
'The Andromeda Strain': An Interview with Luis Campos
Q: How did scientists react to those comparisons?
Some scientists expressed that using the Andromeda Strain reference contributed to sensationalism and misinterpretation of their research efforts.
'The Andromeda Strain': An Interview with Luis Campos
Q: So the film takes place at this top-secret, ultra-secure facility. Do we have facilities like this or did we at that time when the film came out?
So we have a place called Fort Detrick that was one of our top-protected places for doing hazardous biological work.
'The Andromeda Strain': An Interview with Luis Campos
Q: Can you tell me about the title of your essay? Why did you flip it like that?
I wanted to highlight the different ways that people are invoking the Andromeda Strain in discussions about recombinant DNA and its potential hazards.
Traffication: An Interview with Paul Donald
Q: How do cars affect species like bees?
Bees rarely cross roads, making them vulnerable as they're hemmed into traffic islands while also being negatively impacted by polluting particles from vehicles.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Distillations

What is Distillations about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers an eclectic mix of stories that illuminate the intersection of science, history, and culture. Episodes range from serious discussions about groundbreaking scientific advancements and ethical considerations in fields like genetic engineering, to lighter tales involving quirky historical anecdotes, such as the 19th-century vampire panic in New England. The exploration of contemporary issues, like the challenges in Alzheimer's research and public health narratives, is matched with engaging storytelling and expert insights. This distinct approach not only educates listeners but also invites them to reflect on the broader implications of scientific progress on society, making it a unique choice for those interested in both hi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Distillations?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Distillations:

1. 99% Invisible
2. Radiolab
3. Short Wave
4. Twenty Thousand Hertz
5. Stuff You Should Know

How many episodes of Distillations are there?

Distillations launched 18 years ago and published 363 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Distillations?

Recent guests on Distillations include:

1. Danya Abdelhamid
2. Dolores Kathy Fleming
3. Lauren Bauer
4. Surekha Davies
5. Robin Marantz Henig
6. Rebekah Lockard
7. Evan Lockard
8. Terry Pirovolakis

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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