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Artwork for This Week in Science – The Kickass Science Podcast

This Week in Science – The Kickass Science Podcast

Dr. Kirsten Sanford Science Media
Climate Change
Chinstrap Penguins
Wildlife Behavior
Ketamine Depression Treatment
NASA Greenhouse Gas Center
Eurasian Jays
New Caledonian Crows
Neuroscience
Artificial Intelligence
James Webb Space Telescope
Cognitive Abilities
Deep Brain Stimulation
Space Exploration
RNA
Supernova 1987A
Mouse Brain Study
Mammoths
Publishing Practices
Robotics
Nocturnal Insects

The kickass science and technology radio show that delivers an irreverent look at the week in science and technology.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes70Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNatural SciencesNews CommentaryNews

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for This Week in Science – The Kickass Science Podcast

Latest Episodes

What is in the This Week in Science Podcast? This Week: European Ignobel, NIH, Tamper-Free Viruses, Origami Vaccines, Garbled Messages, Brain Cell Centers, Gnawing Need, and Much More Science to Gnaw on! Become a Patron! Check out the full unedited e... more

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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast? This Week: Animal Science, Bats, Caribou, Dogs, Fish, and Much More! Become a Patron! Check out the full unedited episode of our podcast on YouTube or Twitch. And remember that you can find TWIS in all the... more

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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast? This Week: Interview W/Nicola Allen PhD., Stabilizing The Brain, Space Alerts, Artemis, Bouba Kiki, Birder Brains, Drunken Apes, and Much More Science! Become a Patron! Check out the full unedited episode ... more

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What is in the This Week in Science Podcast? This Week: Life on Mars, Interstellar Water, Snakes, PFAS, Wind Farms, Sea Silk, Frogs, Zebra Finches, Organoids, Brain Training, Alzheimer’s, and Much More Science to Know! Become a Patron! Check out the ... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Dr. Nicola Allen
Neuroscientist and professor at the Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Episode: Stabilizing The Changing Brain
Dr. Clare Fieseler
Scientist and journalist focusing on climate change and renewable energy.
Canary Media
Episode: Why Tilt at Windmills?
Virginia Gewin
Freelancer, science writer, and journalist, reporting for Nature
Episode: The Verifiable Science Show
Daniel Whiteson
Professor of Physics at UC Irvine and co-author of 'Do Aliens Speak Physics'
UC Irvine
Episode: What Do Aliens Know Anyway?
Michael E. Mann
Presidential Distinguished Scholar in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, Director of the Penn Center for Science Sustainability and the Media.
University of Pennsylvania
Episode: Interview: Science Under Siege
Peter J. Hotez
Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine.
Baylor College of Medicine
Episode: Interview: Science Under Siege
Adriana Bankston
Science policy expert and AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow
U.S. House of Representatives
Episode: What is Your Science Policy?
Dr. Matthew Facciani
Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
Episode: Guided by Science
Natan Shahar
Chief Strategy Officer and founder of Standard Carbons
Standard Carbons
Episode: Can We Capture All The Carbon?

Hosts

Dr. Kiki Santaromita
Host of This Week in Science with long-running involvement and a focus on neuroscience and biology.
Blair Bazdarich
Co-host known for Animal Corner and science storytelling, with a broad interest in biology and fieldwork.
Dr. Clare Fieseler
Scientist and journalist, contributes guest perspectives on energy and policy topics.

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 636 ratings
  • I can't decide whether to keep listening to TWIS after two episodes. The subjects are interesting and varied. The thing that annoys me is the women giggling and making weird noises. I know they are trying to keep it light hearted but for me it's just really off-putting.

    Podcast Addict
    3
    Dallas
    4 months ago
  • Focus

    Tough to listen to. Challenges are fine but gnawing at an issue is tiresome when it’s already completely understood by most listeners. Enceladus We found organic. Fine. No not life. That might have been big news at the time I’d venture

    Found one host whose affect at times was quite juvenile

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Rhodium223
    United States6 months ago
  • there are many better science podcasts

    Poor pacing. Rambles. Factually incorrect at times. If you are going to critique a research paper, you need to read the actual paper, not the press release from university marketing department.

    I listened to 6 episodes just to make sure it wasn’t just one disappointing show.

    Mych better science podcasts: BBC, everything from MicrobeTV [this week in Microbiology, Virology, etc], for medicine-social intersection —> Freakonomics MD, Science Friday, Science Quickly from Scientific American…

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Grateful in my garden
    United States6 months ago
  • Best science podcast

    For anyone complaining about politics talk, I've been listening since 2010. Blame Trump and his anti-science policies. They literally never mentioned it until science was being attacked.

    Love y'all and thank you for your service.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    wrathxxx
    United States8 months ago
  • Wit, informative, awesome show!

    I've been listening Kirsten and Justin since late 2006 and pretty much haven't missed a single show. They are one of mine sources to get sciency goodness-:) on a weekly basis and I love to be able to contribute and share science news I find with other listeners. Keep up guys, you've been doing AWESOME job!!

    PS. To MAGA people who believe the hosts are political and not fair to Trump - he is a traitor and none of his actions as president were to build a better America. He was squeezed to his pre... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Artie_D
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Many praise credibility, humor, and the Animal Corner segments as standout features.
Feedback is mixed on pacing and host delivery, with some criticism of overtalking or tone.
Listeners appreciate deep, informative science coverage and long-form discussions.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Stabilizing The Changing Brain
Q: What does CCN1 do in the adult brain, and why is it important for stability?
CCN1 acts as a stabilizer that limits remodeling in adult circuits; experiments showed that increasing CCN1 reduces plasticity while removing it from astrocytes allows more remodeling, demonstrating its role in maintaining circuitry.
Stabilizing The Changing Brain
Q: Why astrocytes? How did you come to study astrocytes instead of just neurons?
The guest explains that her interest in non-neuronal cells began with a broader curiosity about the immune system and how glial cells impact brain function, leading to the realization that astrocytes actively instruct neurons rather than merely supporting them.
Why Tilt at Windmills?
Q: Is offshore wind dead? Do you see it coming back? Is it just slowed down?
Offshore wind isn't dead, but its development has significantly slowed down due to political opposition and market uncertainty; however, some projects may still build within the next few years.
Why Tilt at Windmills?
Q: Can you give us a little bit of background as to why? Why did the US government, not just Trump doesn't like windmills, but why all of a sudden go on this cease and desist vendetta against what is potentially a helpful form of sustainable energy?
The US government's actions were influenced by Trump's personal grievances against wind farms, particularly those that could impact the view of his golf course in Scotland, and a network of opposition that has formed against offshore wind developments.
The Verifiable Science Show
Q: What has been your main takeaway when observing the current landscape of federal scientific funding?
The implications of cuts are dire, potentially leaving future generations vulnerable due to lack of scientific oversight.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Interests
Professions
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

A fast-paced, science-forward show that covers a broad range of biology, neuroscience, ecology, and science policy with long, engaging discussions and a mix of host banter and guest insights. Episodes frequently explore cutting-edge research, technology, and the societal impacts of science, often balancing rigorous detail with humor. Notable strengths include deep dives into topics like brain function, wildlife biology, and energy policy, along with regular segments that showcase fieldwork and real-world applications. The format is popular among curious, educated listeners who enjoy thoughtful skepticism, accessible explanations, and lively conversation, making it a strong fit for audiences interested in staying current on science in a broa... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Big Picture Science
2. Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
3. Science Vs
4. Radiolab
5. Science Friday

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 21 years ago and published 70 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. Dr. Nicola Allen
2. Dr. Clare Fieseler
3. Virginia Gewin
4. Daniel Whiteson
5. Michael E. Mann
6. Peter J. Hotez
7. Adriana Bankston
8. Dr. Matthew Facciani

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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