How to tell science stories that make people care, with physicist Laurie Winkless.
Today's guest is Laurie Winkless. She's a physicist, a science writer and she's the only person I know who's actually made writing about friction interesting. You could say she's a science friction writer...She’s appeared everywhere from Forbes to Wired to BBC, and she has written two books. Oh and she won a scholarship to do some training at NASA. As you do.I am very excited to talk about her transition from scientist to science communication and why she thinks that's so important.In this episode she shares:- Her background and how she got into physics- What actually is a PhD and if she'll ever get one- What science communication is, how she got into it and why we need more people in it- Why she brings creativity into her job and why sexism prevented her from doing it earlier- Her (brilliant) books and what you should know about them- How she wrote her first book- Her very interesting favourite friction fact.- One science myth that she wishes would die- What shark inspired swim suits are and why they help swimmingKey Quotes“Most of the noise that we hear on the roads is not actually from the engines it’s from the interaction between the tyre and the tarmac.”“So much of the universe is defined by the interaction between surfaces.”“I think sometimes people are afraid to be a bit weird.”More about LaurieFind her via her website or on social media.And don’t forget to head to our Instagram for a chance to win one of her signed books.You can get involved with the podcast online too of course. Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatwhatsicall.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreenYou can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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Politics and Positivity with Dave Richards
I wanted to talk about politics and combating polarising opinions… but I didn’t want to get dark about it.So, to help, I’ve called in my friend and optimism security blanket, Dave Richards. He’s one of those people who has realistic but optimistic insight into the world. He’s lived all over the world, has a deep cultural understanding, and just makes me feel better about the state of things.So I thought I’d have him join me for a bit of a wide-ranging, mostly optimistic chat about the state of the world.In this episode we talk about: The importance of maintaining optimism amid global and local challengesWhy politics often seems theatrical, but politicians may genuinely care about making changeThe fact that environmental progress over decades shows improvement, even if it’s hard to see in the short termThe significance of media literacy, critical thinking, and recognising manufactured divides and misinformationThe potential of podcasts and open dialogue to foster understanding across political and ideological linesWhy we should meet people where they are, find common ground, and avoid polarisationThe myth of political and societal "us vs them" dividesThe importance of science-based policies and genuine conversations, even with those holding opposing viewsHow media, algorithms, and social platforms influence polarisation and radicalisationIf you want to check out Dave’s incredible photography head along to his Instagram. Giveaway! This week, I'm giving away copies of Talking Across the Divide, by Justin Lee. It’s a brilliant read on how to actually talk to people you disagree with - something we all probably need a bit more of. Join me over on Instagram to enter.Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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The ocean makes half your oxygen - should we really mine it?
About half of the oxygen that you are breathing right now is made in the ocean. And last year, scientists found that some of it is made three kilometres down in total darkness by microbes that live on the seabed.We had no idea about any of this before then, and now, next month, the United Nations International Seabed Authority is deciding whether they will let industrial rigs strip minerals out of the seabed. But is that a good idea when it turns out we know so little about it?Surely there are smarter options, right? And what do we even need those minerals for anyway? Well, that’s what we’ll be discussing in this episode.In this episode let's talk about: What Dark Oxygen is and why we should be worriedWhat is found in the deep seaWhat deep sea mining actually is and why we do itThe dangers of deep sea miningWhy there is a need for the metals gained from deep sea miningWhy everyone is panicking about itWho wants to deep sea mine and who doesn'tTrump’s executive order that is allowing fast-tracking of deep sea mining applicationsOther countries’ responses to deep sea miningWhat you can do about itFind our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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Need a break from bad news? Positive stories you might have missed
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the last few episodes have been somewhat… bleak.There’s been a lot to discuss around climate change, governments, and corruption, but I realised if we kept focusing only on that, it was going to get all-consuming.So this week, I’m welcoming back Kate to help me share some good news stories instead!In this episode, we cover:What are drop bears?Some fun community topicsWhat happened at the UN Ocean ConferenceReasons why Kate was put off getting solar and myths about solarHow knowledge and access to information about the environment have changedComparing emissions per person in China and India vs. Australia and AotearoaBreaking down environmental stereotypes about other countriesWhen I talked about “marine saviour pirates,” I was thinking of Captain Paul Watson - he founded Sea Shepherd and now runs the Captain Paul Watson Foundation.Giveaway! This week, I'm giving away copies of Rewilding the Sea by Charles Clover - a fascinating look at how rewilding our oceans can restore ecosystems, protect marine life, and even help tackle climate change. Join me over on Instagram to enter.Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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You're not immune to disinformation: 6 ways we all fall for it
You reckon you’re immune to propaganda and disinformation, right? A critical thinker who sees through the rubbish.I thought the same - until I realised I’m way more likely to believe something if it backs up what I already think.That’s not a personal flaw. It’s how we’re all wired. But we need to get better at spotting it, because it’s fuelling polarisation and making it harder to have real conversations with people we disagree with.And with AI making it even harder to tell what’s real, it’s only going to get trickier.If we want to tackle big issues together, we’ve got to become more sceptical, more media literate, and better at asking:Where’s the evidence? What’s the source? Is there consensus?This episode is designed to help you do exactly that - understand and analyse the information out there.In this episode I talk about:What confirmation bias actually isA proper breakdown of propaganda, misinformation, and disinformationHow extremist disinformation groups take holdReal examples of how disinformation can (and does) cost livesHow it delays action on the things that matter mostWhat to look for when spotting disinformationThe six main tactics companies and governments use to spread itAnd how we can start pushing backGiveaway! This week, we're giving away copies of Six Conversations We’re Scared to Have by Deborah Francis White - a practical guide to having honest and respectful discussions on tough topics like politics, climate, and social issues. Join me over on Instagram to enter. Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
Join Brianne West, environmentalist and social entrepreneur, as she wanders through the world of 'sustainability'. "Now, That's What I Call Green" busts myths, shares the science, and talks about the amazing world we live in (with lots of cute animals). Does rewilding help? But what can I do? Are electric cars better? Is it too late to do something about climate change? Why don't sharks have bones? For those curious about the environment and eager to make a difference, tune in for a non-judgmental, evidence-based approach that is all about progress over perfection.
New Zealand