Chemistry For Your Life

By Melissa and Jam, Bleav

A podcast that helps you understand the fascinating chemistry hidden in your everyday life.

Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? Or how soap gets your hands clean? What really is margarine... more

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FAQs about Chemistry For Your Life:

How many episodes does Chemistry For Your Life have?

The podcast currently has 348 episodes available.

Chemistry For Your Life episodes:

May 29, 2025What is the ozone layer?
#110 Rebroadcast
Originally Published August 26, 2021
We've all heard about it. And most likely you've heard that it's in danger. But what is the ozone layer in the first place? And once we learn that, how about figuring out why it's in danger? Ok let's do it.

References from this episode
https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ozone/3005901.article

https://youtu.be/XGDU6RvUVuk

https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/atmospheric-ozone

Solomon’s organic chemistry 11th edition

https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2012-2013/ozone-layer-our-global-sunscreen.html

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W

Julie S.

Heather R

Autoclave

Chelsea M

Dorien VD

Scott B

Jessie R

Ciara L

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette N

Cullyn R

Erica B

Elizabeth P

Sarah M

Rachel R

Letila

Katrina B

Suzanne P

Venus R

Lyn S

Jacob T

Brian K

Emerson W

Kristina G

Timothy P

Steven B

Chris and Claire S

Chelsea B

Avishai B

Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
28min
May 22, 2025Ask a Chemist: What is heavy water? (and other questions)
Question and Response #67
Melissa and Jam dive into a series of chemistry-related questions from their audience. From understanding why wintergreen mints spark in the dark to the science of pregnancy tests and heavy water, the episode covers a broad range of fascinating topics. They also discuss the role of moisturizers, dispel myths about chapstick, and explore the curious case of tumor-related hormones. Additionally, the hosts answer questions related to their educational resources and touch on the advantages of lifelong learning. Join them for an engaging discussion that satisfies both everyday curiosity and scientific intrigue.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:33 Chemistry for Your Life Podcast Begins
00:52 Chemistry Support and Wired Videos
02:23 First Question: Fluorescence and Braces
07:26 Second Question: HCG and Tumors
10:57 Third Question: Heavy Water
12:39 Discussion on Heavy Water and Isotopes
18:06 Movie Reference: The Rookie
20:35 Formal Request: Watch Oppenheimer
21:39 Discussing Movies and Activities
21:59 The Vine and Oppenheimer
23:18 Film Photography Plans
24:07 Moisturizers and Dry Skin
25:53 Chapstick Myths
27:59 Teaching at UNT
30:55 Birdwatching and Lifelong Learning
34:08 Updating the Website
37:39 Resources for Educators
39:49 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W

Julie S.

Heather R

Autoclave

Chelsea M

Dorien VD

Scott B

Jessie R

Ciara L

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette N

Cullyn R

Erica B

Elizabeth P

Sarah M

Rachel R

Letila

Katrina B

Suzanne P

Venus R

Lyn S

Jacob T

Brian K

Emerson W

Kristina G

Timothy P

Steven B

Chris and Claire S

Chelsea B

Avishai B

Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
44min
May 15, 2025Why do airplanes make you gassy?
#211
Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind increased flatulence on airplanes. They explore how changes in air pressure affect gas expansion in the human body, leading to more frequent gas release during flights. The discussion covers the physiology of high altitude flatus expulsion (HAFE), personal anecdotes, and practical advice for managing this phenomenon. Additionally, they touch on how airplane cabin air is regulated and hint at more topics related to airplane air quality in the next episode.
00:00 The Unpleasant Reality of Airplane Odors
01:02 Introducing the Chemistry Behind Airplane Gas
01:51 Meet the Hosts and Episode Dedication
02:30 Listener's Question: Why So Gassy on Flights?
03:47 Exploring Air Pressure and Gas Expansion
05:59 The Science of Airplane Cabin Pressure
15:02 Personal Stories and Practical Examples
18:15 Balancing Safety and Comfort in Airplane Cabin Pressure
19:33 The Impact of Carbon Filters on Airplane Seats
20:02 Personal Anecdotes: The Struggles of Holding in Gas
22:53 The Science Behind Gas Pain and Altitude Sickness
29:53 Travel Tips and Memorable Plane Stories
34:41 Wrapping Up and Listener Engagement
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
References from this episode:
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W

Julie S.

Heather R

Autoclave

Chelsea M

Dorien VD

Scott B

Jessie R

Ciara L

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette N

Cullyn R

Erica B

Elizabeth P

Sarah M

Rachel R

Letila

Katrina B

Suzanne P

Venus R

Lyn S

Jacob T

Brian K

Emerson W

Kristina G

Timothy P

Steven B

Chris and Claire S

Chelsea B

Avishai B

Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
39min
May 08, 2025Chemistry at Home: Chromatography
Chemistry at Home: Chromatography Rebroadcast
Originally Published June 29, 2020
Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens when we combine markers, coffee filters, and water. Let's do chemistry!
Watch the experiment here!

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W

Julie S.

Heather R

Autoclave

Chelsea M

Dorien VD

Scott B

Jessie R

Ciara L

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette N

Cullyn R

Erica B

Elizabeth P

Sarah M

Rachel R

Letila

Katrina B

Suzanne P

Venus R

Lyn S

Jacob T

Brian K

Emerson W

Kristina G

Timothy P

Steven B

Chris and Claire S

Chelsea B

Avishai B

Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
14min
May 01, 2025How do pregnancy tests actually work?
#210
Melissa and Jam dive into the science of home pregnancy tests. They explore the process in which these tests detect the presence of the hormone HCG, which signals a positive pregnancy result. The episode explains the roles of capillary action, antibodies, and enzymes in the test's operation and discusses the specificity needed to avoid false positives and negatives. The hosts also share personal anecdotes related to pregnancy tests and offer gratitude to their supportive community. This episode offers a fascinating look at how everyday chemistry impacts our lives in important ways.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Pregnancy Tests
00:17 Curiosity and Chemistry in Everyday Life
04:18 Acknowledging the Community and Supporters
05:09 The Science Behind Pregnancy Tests
06:33 How Pregnancy Tests Detect Hormones
13:19 Ensuring Accuracy in Pregnancy Tests
22:56 Introduction to the Blue and Yellow Balls Analogy
24:12 Understanding the Antibody Mechanism
26:45 Biotin and Its Impact on Test Results
29:33 Personal Stories and Fun Facts
32:06 The Benefits of the Pee Style Device
37:29 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
References from this episode:
https://www.acs.org/pressroom/reactions/library/how-do-pregnancy-tests-work.html

https://www.compoundchem.com/2018/11/09/pregnancy-tests/

https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/clinical-testing-and-diagnostics-manufacturing/ivd-manufacturing/intro-horseradish-peroxidase-hrp-applications?srsltid=AfmBOorCr6_j7sKr8ZBm3jQa4Rz-PdxyabPLY4OO-KtQJZESFXpdRe19#lateral-flow-assays

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555922/

https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/protein-biology/protein-biology-learning-center/protein-biology-resource-library/pierce-protein-methods/overview-elisa.html#:~:text=The%20most%20commonly%20used%20enzyme,an%20HRP%20or%20AP%20conjugate.
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W

Julie S.

Heather R

Autoclave

Chelsea M

Dorien VD

Scott B

Jessie R

Ciara L

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette N

Cullyn R

Erica B

Elizabeth P

Sarah M

Rachel R

Letila

Katrina B

Suzanne P

Venus R

Lyn S

Jacob T

Brian K

Emerson W

Kristina G

Timothy P

Steven B

Chris and Claire S

Chelsea B

Avishai B

Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
41min
April 24, 2025Ask a Chemist: Are all food dyes bad? (and other questions)
Ask a Chemist #66
Melissa and Jam dive into a range of listener-submitted questions exploring everyday chemistry. Topics include the chemistry behind toasting herbs, the effect of gravity on elemental bonds, the purpose and ethics of creating elements with short half-lives, and the effectiveness of cough medicine. They also discuss potential causes of mysterious holes in clothing, the debate on food dyes, and the impact of politics on scientific research funding. The hosts wrap up by addressing various listener questions and sharing some heartwarming and supportive messages from their audience.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
00:00 Introduction
01:24 Toasting Herbs: The Chemistry Behind the Flavor
03:05 Gravity's Role in Chemical Bonding
06:44 The Ethics of Creating New Elements
10:17 How Cough Medicine Works
13:06 The Debate on Food Dyes
15:57 The Yellow Cheese Phenomenon
16:35 Colorful Ceviche and Natural Foods
17:58 Chemistry Hot Takes and Listener Questions
19:03 Cleaning Lab Counters and Acid Holes
21:10 Listener Feedback and Podcast Reflections
25:33 Impact of Politics on Science Funding
29:19 Encouraging Messages from Listeners
30:40 Supporting the Podcast and Final Thanks
References from this episode:
https://www.rsc.org/news-events/community/2017/jan/new-elements/
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W

Julie S.

Heather R

Autoclave

Chelsea M

Dorien VD

Scott B

Jessie R

Ciara L

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette N

Cullyn R

Erica B

Elizabeth P

Sarah M

Rachel R

Letila

Katrina B

Suzanne P

Venus R

Lyn S

Jacob T

Brian K

Emerson W

Kristina G

Timothy P

Steven B

Chris and Claire S

Chelsea B

Avishai B

Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
34min
April 18, 2025How do plants defy gravity to "drink" water?
#209
Melissa and Jam dive into the fascinating chemistry behind how plants transport water from their roots to their leaves, effectively defying gravity. They explore processes such as capillary action and the cohesion tension mechanism, citing a primary source from Nature journal. Melissa and Jam also touch on key chemistry concepts like water polarity, hydrogen bonding, and osmosis, providing examples from everyday life. Jam shares a personal story about germinating an apple seed with his son, while Melissa discusses her adventures in native plant gardening. The episode concludes with a shoutout to their Patreon supporters and details on upcoming Chemistry for Your Life merch.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
00:00 Introduction and Tea Talk
00:17 Plants Defying Gravity
01:05 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life
01:20 Listener Question: Chemistry of Pregnancy Tests
02:11 Capillary Action in Everyday Life
03:57 Personal Stories and Plant Enthusiasm
05:15 Chemistry Lessons: Water Polarity and Hydrogen Bonds
10:32 Water Transport in Plants: Xylem and Capillary Action
16:00 Transpiration and Water Loss in Plants
23:32 Curiosity About Soil and Water Content
24:23 Water Movement in Trees
26:53 Understanding Osmosis
28:37 Practical Applications of Osmosis
31:12 Capillary Action and Plant Water Transport
33:15 Fun Plant Stories and Experiments
41:11 Supporting the Show and Community
References from this episode:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890856711009531

https://www.gao.gov/assets/hrd-82-3.pdf

https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/23026007/

https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs

https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/FDA-bans-red3-food-drugs/103/web/2025/01

https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/october-2015/articial-dyes.html

https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/Editorial-Fewer-risky-food-colors/102/i26

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10502305/
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W

Julie S.

Heather R

Autoclave

Chelsea M

Dorien VD

Scott B

Jessie R

Ciara L

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette N

Cullyn R

Erica B

Elizabeth P

Sarah M

Rachel R

Letila

Katrina B

Suzanne P

Venus R

Lyn S

Jacob T

Brian K

Emerson W

Kristina G

Timothy P

Steven B

Chris and Claire S

Chelsea B

Avishai B

Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
45min
April 10, 2025What is the future of antihistamines?
#098 Rebroadcast
Original Air Date: June 3, 2021
Could histamine and antihistamines do more than just affect our allergies? Actually yes. Today we discuss new and recent research in the world of histamine, and believe us, there's some really cool stuff.

References from this episode
https://cen.acs.org/articles/91/web/2013/06/Tracking-Histamine-Levels-Glowing-Nanosensors.html

https://cen.acs.org/articles/92/web/2014/12/Chemical-Cocktail-Lures-Bedbugs-Coaxes.html

https://cen.acs.org/pharmaceuticals/antibiotics/Common-allergy-drug-makes-resistant/97/i24

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b05515

https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/molecule-of-the-week/archive/h/histamines.html

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.9b03300

Thanks to our monthly supporters
Ciara Linville

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

Cullyn R

Erica Bee

Elizabeth P

Sarah Moar

Rachel Reina

Letila

Katrina Barnum-Huckins

Suzanne Phillips

Nelly Silva

Venus Rebholz

Lyn Stubblefield

Jacob Taber

Brian Kimball

Emerson Woodhall

Kristina Gotfredsen

Timothy Parker

Steven Boyles

Chris Skupien

Chelsea B

Bri McAllister

Avishai Barnoy

Hunter Reardon
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
35min
April 03, 2025Why are seasonal allergies the worst?
#097 Rebroadcast
Most of us know the feeling. But what are we actually experiencing when we experience allergies? How does being around plants and pollen make us all sniffly? Why does this beautiful season have such a dark side? Let's find out.

References from this episode
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538528/

https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/histamine/3005799.article

https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/molecule-of-the-week/archive/h/histamine.html

https://cen.acs.org/articles/93/i19/Periodic-Graphics-Allergies-Antihistamines.html

Thanks to our monthly supporters
Ciara Linville

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

Cullyn R

Erica Bee

Elizabeth P

Sarah Moar

Rachel Reina

Letila

Katrina Barnum-Huckins

Suzanne Phillips

Nelly Silva

Venus Rebholz

Lyn Stubblefield

Jacob Taber

Brian Kimball

Emerson Woodhall

Kristina Gotfredsen

Timothy Parker

Steven Boyles

Chris Skupien

Chelsea B

Bri McAllister

Avishai Barnoy

Hunter Reardon
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
30min
March 27, 2025Why is red food dye banned?
#208
Melissa and Jam dive deep into the topic of FDA regulations, particularly focusing on food additives like red food dye. They discuss the complexities of the FDA's approval process, the Delaney Clause, and recent changes in the regulation of red dye number 3, which has been banned in response to cancer risks found in rats. They also delve into how other countries like the UK and Canada are ahead of the U.S. in reevaluating approved substances. The episode includes personal anecdotes and a discussion on the role of public awareness in influencing FDA policies. They wrap up with a lighthearted conversation about sprinkles and favorite dyed foods.
00:00 Introduction and FDA Discussion
00:36 Podcast Banter and Hat Story
02:42 FDA's Role and Food Additives
04:48 Red Food Dye Controversy
11:33 FDA Trustworthiness and Public Perception
18:29 Comparing Food Regulations: US vs. Canada
18:50 Trusting the FDA: A Personal Take
20:02 Challenges Faced by the FDA
20:56 Rebranding the FDA: A Fun Idea
22:16 Sprinkles and Donuts: A Sweet Debate
26:51 Favorite Dyed Foods
30:44 Podcast Wrap-Up and Community Shoutouts
References from this episode:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890856711009531

https://www.gao.gov/assets/hrd-82-3.pdf

https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/23026007/

https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs

https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/FDA-bans-red3-food-drugs/103/web/2025/01

https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/october-2015/articial-dyes.html

https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/Editorial-Fewer-risky-food-colors/102/i26

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10502305/
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Julie S

Heather R

Autoclave

Chelsea M

Dorien V

Scott B

Jessie R

Ciara L

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette N

Cullyn R

Erica B

Elizabeth P

Sarah M

Rachel R

Letila

Katrina B

Suzanne P

Venus R

Lyn S

Jacob T

Brian K

Emerson W

Kristina G

Timothy P

Steven B

Chris and Claire S

Chelsea B

Avishai B

Hunter R
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
...more
34min

FAQs about Chemistry For Your Life:

How many episodes does Chemistry For Your Life have?

The podcast currently has 348 episodes available.

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