Whimsical Wavelengths - A Science Podcast
Volcanologist & Geophysicist: Jeffrey Mark Zurek, PhD, PGeo | Science CommunicatorWinner of the 2026 Science Podcast of the Year (American Writing Awards) and the 2026 PopCon Podcast Award for Science and Technology, Whimsical Wavelengths is a science podcast hosted by volcanologist Dr. Jeffrey Zurek dedicated to the "how" and "why" of discovery.
Eschewing the trend of bite-sized science, the show offers a deep, honest look at how science actually works, focusing on messy data,... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 48 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Natural SciencesScienceEarth Sciences | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
Time to turn our focus to the mighty river systems of the Pacific Northwest to examine a mysterious titan of the deep—the white sturgeon! BTW there is only one episode left before the summer break and encore presentations.
The guest for this episod... more
The countdown to the end of season 2 continues. With only two new episodes left before our summer encore presentations, we are turning the lens back on ourselves to examine the modern scientific apparatus itself, the institutions, the funding models,... more
With only three new episodes left before a summer of algorithmic-refreshing encores, I dive headfirst into the frontier of material science.
Thomas Karpiak, a PhD candidate from the Leznoff Group at Simon Fraser University, joins the show to tell us... more
Kilauea is one of the world's most studied volcanoes, but its deep plumbing still holds mysteries. In this episode, we dive into a "bottoms-up" view of Hawaii’s magmatic system with Gaetano Ferrante, exploring how pressure changes in the deep mantle ... more
Recent Guests
Host
Reviews
- Fun, Educational, and Covers Many Bases
Smart, genuinely fun science podcast hosted by Dr. Jeff Zurek. It goes beyond headlines and gets into peer-reviewed research and the people behind it - which is the part I like best. There's a good mix of interviews, science history, and a few genuinely bad dad jokes peppered in. If you like learning how science actually gets figured out by the people who do the figuring, without it feeling like a lecture, this one’s worth subscribing to.
Apple Podcasts5GummysMomma
United States5 months ago - Family-friendly, science storytelling
We initially checked out this podcast while looking for a new family podcast to listen to and spark discussion while in the car for long commutes and roadtrips. It does work great for that - especially the more “historical” episodes.
But my middle schooler found the episodes so engaging and accessible that he asked to listen in his free time instead of waiting for the next long car ride. Not exactly my goal, but you can’t complain about an educational show your tween actually wants to enjoy!
Apple Podcasts5MsContinentJumperUnited States5 months ago - So entertaining!
This is one of those podcasts that I am so grateful I stumbled across. It’s full of the things I’ve always wondered about broken down in a way I can understand them AND make me laugh at the same time I’m learning about them. You will not regret adding this show to your playlist!
Apple Podcasts5Lynny2525United States6 months ago - Whimsical Wavelengths is hands-down my favorite science podcast right now!
Dr. Jeffrey Zurek has the perfect balance of real, cutting-edge research (often with the actual scientists who wrote the papers) and hilarious dad jokes that had me laughing out loud while learning about everything from pterosaurs to ice cream chemistry. It’s smart, entertaining, and never feels stuffy. New episodes every two weeks are always worth the wait. Highly recommend for anyone curious about science!
Apple Podcasts5Kayla HeitzUnited States6 months ago - Jeff jeff jeff
My old friend (i meant his age :p ) one of the kindest souls I know is finally doing what he’s always dreamed of, what he’s always been so passionate about. Every part of this podcast feels alive: thoughtful, engaging, and rich with science, all wrapped in Jeff’s signature humour and contagious excitement. I couldn’t be prouder, and I couldn’t enjoy it more.
Apple Podcasts5never gonna use it
Canada9 months ago
Listeners Say
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #150 | United States/Science/Earth Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #54 |  United Kingdom/Science/Earth Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #149 | Canada/Science/Earth Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #80 |  Germany/Science/Earth Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #205 |  Australia/Science/Earth Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #34 |  Norway/Science/Earth Sciences |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Whimsical Wavelengths
What is Whimsical Wavelengths about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Listeners are drawn to deep-dix science storytelling that balances rigorous, peer-informed content with human elements and accessible humor. Episodes span volcanology, geophysics, planetary science, science history, and inclusive research culture, often featuring guests who bring hands-on fieldwork, data-driven methods, and museum or outreach perspectives. The show distinguishes itself by foregrounding the process of discovery—uncertainty, messy data, and evolving models—while maintaining engaging narratives and practical takeaways for listeners who want to understand how science actually happens and who makes it happen. The discipline-spanning guests and strong emphasis on field experience and mentorship likely attract early-to-mid career ... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Whimsical Wavelengths?
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How many listeners does Whimsical Wavelengths get?
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What are the audience demographics for Whimsical Wavelengths?
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How many subscribers and views does Whimsical Wavelengths have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Whimsical Wavelengths?
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How many episodes of Whimsical Wavelengths are there?
Whimsical Wavelengths launched 2 years ago and published 48 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Whimsical Wavelengths?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Whimsical Wavelengths?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Whimsical Wavelengths?
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What guests have appeared on Whimsical Wavelengths?
Recent guests on Whimsical Wavelengths include:
1. Dr. Ina Ganguly
2. Dr. Chris Fisher
3. Thomas Karpiak
4. Gaetano Ferranta
5. Brett Gilley
6. Rebecca Jean Millena
7. Andy Fisher
8. Frederick Jackson
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.