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Artwork for Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod.

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod.

Brianne West
Climate Change
Sustainability
Sharks
Earth Day
Biodiversity
Sustainable Practices
Marine Ecosystems
Coral Reefs
Sustainable Fishing
Plastic Pollution
Renewable Energy
Insect Apocalypse
Recycling
Environmental Protection Agency
Greenwashing
Lawns
Plastic
Glass
Aluminium
Chocolate

Curious about, well… everything? Same. Welcome to Because Why?! Where science and nature, meets culture and business. If you care about people and planet, and want to know how the world really works - and how we can do better, you're in the right place. Because Why?! Because really, everything comes back to science. Expect episodes on everything from climate change and sustainability, to ethical b... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes87Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NatureScience

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Artwork for Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod.

Latest Episodes

The world feels like a really bad parody movie right now – but it’s not funny. There’s a constant background hum of dread – climate change, biodiversity collapse, war – and it’s no wonder eco-anxiety has become a collective condition.

Because of all... more

MSG causes headaches, chest tightness, tingling arms and weakness - or at least that’s what we’ve all been told. For decades, MSG was considered public enemy number one, banned from restaurants and demonised in the media. But why?

MSG is everywhere... more

There is a food trend that aims to give you glowing skin, supercharged memory, endless energy, and protection from every disease that you can probably think of. You’ll have seen the word for it stamped on cereal boxes and blended into smoothies, and ... more

Why do people still believe in horoscopes, even when we know they’re not true? (If this is you, I'm curious, not judging.)

For nearly a century, people have turned to horoscopes for all sorts of advice, and they’re actually more popular now than eve... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Bethany Brookshire
Science journalist and retired scientist
Episode: Animals you hate that are actually awesome - with Bethany Brookshire
Laurie Winkless
Physicist and science communicator.
Author and science writer
Episode: How to tell science stories that make people care, with physicist Laurie Winkless.
Dave Richards
A seasoned photographer with insights into politics and cultural understanding.
Episode: Politics and positivity with Dave Richards
Melissa Cristina Márquez
Marine scientist and science communicator passionate about ocean conservation and representation in science.
Episode: How to go from Tide Pools, to TedX, to TV, with sharks. With Melissa Márquez.
Dr. Olga Pantos
Marine Biologist and Senior Scientist at ESR
ESR
Episode: Plastic pollution, microplastics & the mess we’re in – with Dr Olga Pantos
Dr. Leilani Walker
Lecturer, researcher specializing in animal behavior and entomology
Auckland Museum
Episode: Bugs aren’t the problem - we are
Dr. Susie Burke
Psychologist with a focus on climate change and mental health
Australian Psychological Society
Episode: Facing climate anxiety: practical tools for hope with Dr. Susie Burke
Amy Robbins
Deputy Curator of Mammals at Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo
Episode: Modern zoos, orangutan habitats, and palm oil solutions with Amy Robbins
Miriama Kamo
Award-winning broadcaster and TV presenter, the face of Sunday and a hardcore environmentalist
Episode: Miriama Kamo: the journey and joy of zero waste, sustainability, and Te Ao Māori

Host

Breanne West
Host of the podcast, Breanne West is known for her research-driven insights, engaging storytelling, and relatable approach, tackling science and societal issues head-on.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 51 ratings
  • Environmental issues - without any of the fluff

    Brianne puts out well-researched, informative content on all her channels, and this podcast is no exception. Thoroughly enjoying these bite-size segments on all sorts of science and environment related issues. Relevant topics, lots of background research and a pinch of kiwi humour have quickly made this one of my go-tos. Thank you for all the work that goes into it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Annainpixels
    New Zealand5 months ago
  • Science based and snappy!

    It’s hard to find your way with so much eco news. Brianne is science based and the episodes are short which is perfect for me. I learn so much and she’s so credible. This should be essential listening for all kiwis.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Servo335
    New Zealanda year ago
  • Fun, motivating episodes!

    I’m learning a lot!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SEEBEE298
    New Zealanda year ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the well-researched and informative content, often highlighting the relatable and science-based discussions. Many find the short episode format ideal for quick learning and staying up to date with complex topics.
The engaging style is praised for making science accessible while encouraging critical thinking about pressing societal issues. Positive mentions of humor and relatability frequently appear in listener feedback.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#36
Australia/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#25
India/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#46
New Zealand/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#171
South Africa/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#249
Switzerland/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Are we doomed? A psychologist’s guide to climate anxiety
Q: What is eco-anxiety and how does it manifest?
Eco-anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, grief, and guilt regarding climate change, and may also include physical symptoms like panic attacks.
Animals you hate that are actually awesome - with Bethany Brookshire
Q: What's the science environment like in the US at this moment?
It's dark and sad, with cuts to funding affecting the next generation of scientific talent and long-term repercussions for health and ecology.
Animals you hate that are actually awesome - with Bethany Brookshire
Q: What is your career background? What did you study at school and then at university?
Bethany shared that her life is filled with challenges, and while she always loved science, her journey led her to study both biology and philosophy before transitioning to a career in science journalism.
Animals you hate that are actually awesome - with Bethany Brookshire (Part 2)
Q: What amazing stories do you have about animals?
Brookshire shares a humorous tale about a scientist who hiked with three Burmese pythons in his trousers.
Animals you hate that are actually awesome - with Bethany Brookshire (Part 2)
Q: What is the most unfairly maligned animal?
Brookshire identifies pigeons as a prime example due to their drastic change in societal perception over the years.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

An engaging exploration of various scientific and societal topics, this show offers insights into issues ranging from environmental challenges and sustainability to cultural phenomena and the impact of misinformation. The host combines research-driven discussions with a relatable approach, breaking down complex concepts into accessible segments. Notably, episodes consistently challenge myths and popular misconceptions, often intertwining narratives from history, behavioral science, and ethics. With a focus on fostering educated dialogue, listeners can expect a thoughtful blend of current events and evergreen topics that inspire curiosity and critical thinking.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. All In The Mind
2. The Detail
3. Grey Areas with Petra Bagust
4. The Imperfects
5. Making Cents

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 87 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 this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Bethany Brookshire
2. Laurie Winkless
3. Dave Richards
4. Melissa Cristina Márquez
5. Dr. Olga Pantos
6. Dr. Leilani Walker
7. Dr. Susie Burke
8. Amy Robbins

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