The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

1. 1
   Number 1: What’s the dark side of air conditioning?

   Could a cheaper, more environmentally friendly refrigerant already exist, and could corporate lobbying be helping keep it out of American air conditioners? Why did the chemicals once hailed as safe alternatives become environmental villains, and are their replacements actually much better? Melissa and Jam follow the twisty history of Freon, ozone depletion, greenhouse gases, propane, and air-conditioning regulations to find out why choosing a refrigerant is never as simple as “this one works.” Grab your red string and conspiracy board, because the chemistry drama is heating up. 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 Timestamps 00:00 — The chemistry and drama hiding inside refrigerants 02:31 — Is propane an ideal refrigerant? 05:37 — How an AC episode became an eight-hour research rabbit hole 09:57 — What makes a good—and safe—refrigerant? 11:19 — The hazardous chemicals used in early refrigeration 12:08 — The invention of Freon and chlorofluorocarbons 13:18 — How CFCs damage the ozone layer 16:40 — The Montreal Protocol and the next generation of refrigerants 18:08 — Solving ozone depletion while worsening global warming 22:24 — Why isn’t propane widely used in American air conditioners? 25:35 — How US refrigerant regulations differ from international standards 29:02 — The document requesting government protection for synthetic refrigerants 40:42 — What conspiracy theories might actually be true? 50:00 — Coming next: the surprisingly cool science of swamp coolers References from the Episode: Thanks to our monthly supporters Sara Hull Dog Day Dan Bri . Summer Alden Amanda Raymond Kyle McCray Justine Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   August 20, 2026·54min
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2. 2
   Number 2: How does your AC actually make cold air?

   Is your air conditioner secretly doing chemistry while you’re inside pretending summer doesn’t exist? How does it turn hot air into cool air, and why does part of the AC blow out even more heat? In this episode, Melissa and Jam crack open the mysterious black box of air conditioning to explore refrigerants, phase changes, energy transfer, and the surprisingly clever science keeping your house livable. Plus: frozen AC coils, summer survival drinks, and the beginning of Hibiscus Girl Summer. 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 Timestamps 00:00 — Could we survive a Texas summer without air conditioning? 01:52 — Opening the mysterious black box that is your AC 02:50 — Traditional air conditioners vs. swamp coolers 03:33 — The two chemistry concepts behind air conditioning 04:38 — Understanding energy transfer through human collisions 05:49 — Phase changes explained using a crowded theater 10:30 — How an AC removes energy from hot air 14:20 — What happens inside the refrigerant coils 15:46 — Cooling and recycling the refrigerant 18:50 — Do refrigerators work the same way? 23:19 — Why would ice form inside a broken AC? 28:42 — Our favorite treats and drinks for surviving hot weather References from the Episode: Thanks to our monthly supporters Sara Hull Dog Day Dan Bri . Summer Alden Amanda Raymond Kyle McCray Justine Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   August 06, 2026·39min
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3. 3
   Number 3: Are your lips being tricked by chapstick?

   Melissa and Jam delve into the science behind lip balm, investigating whether products like Chapstick and Burt's Bees are beneficial or if they could be causing more harm. They explore the ingredients commonly found in these products, discuss what to avoid for chapped lips, and share dermatologist-recommended alternatives for effective lip care. 00:00 Introduction to the Lip Balm Scam 00:44 Meet the Hosts and Podcast Introduction 01:37 Community Shoutout and Announcements 04:07 The Chapstick Scam Inquiry 08:17 Understanding Chapped Lips 09:50 Ingredients in Lip Balms 16:42 Burt's Bees and Other Lip Balm Brands 23:31 The Irritation Dilemma 23:49 Ingredients to Look For 24:23 Chapstick vs. Burt's Bees 26:31 Petroleum Jelly Insights 29:36 Dermatologist Recommendations 32:01 Personal Lip Care Tips 38:14 Cosmetic Preferences and Hair Care 43:57 Supporting the Show ★ 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: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/allergens-cosmetics#common https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips https://www.burtsbees.com/product/beeswax-lip-balm/ (in the stick form) https://www.burtsbees.com/product/moisturizing-retro-lip-balm-tin/#792850651531-Beeswax (in the tin form) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3120007/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8060673/ https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/p5566?srsltid=AfmBOorfW5-Pot-l-yKCmfHp7Nco5xawnc8sXApICL2UfdR-Q6h9wQYb https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/aldrich/w266507?userType=undefined https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?partNumber=AC119111000&countryCode=US&language=en https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34561893/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3120007/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15569527.2023.2275022 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/521353_5?form=fpf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27090066/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ics.12583 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cod.13131 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15569527.2023.2275022 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6064031/ https://www.chapstick.com/products/chapstick-classic-lip-moisturizer Thanks to our monthly supporters Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Chelsea Morelos Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder Ciara Linville J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Lyn Stubblefield Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   September 25, 2025·49min
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   Number 4: Does lotion really hydrate dry skin?

   Melissa and Jam discuss the science behind moisturizers and how they help with dry skin. The conversation covers the role of occlusives like petroleum jelly, humectants such as glycerin, and emollients in skincare. They also explore the importance of staying hydrated and the effect of environmental factors on skin moisture. Listeners can learn about the distinct mechanisms that moisturizers use to keep skin hydrated and healthy. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Dry Skin 01:23 Understanding Moisturizers: What Do They Really Do? 01:56 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life 02:07 Shoutout to Our Newest Community Member 03:37 Transitioning from Summer to Winter: The Importance of Moisturizers 04:27 The Science Behind Moisturizers: Intermolecular Forces 08:20 How Moisturizers Work: Trapping Moisture and Skin Oils 11:23 The Role of Water and Oils in Skin Hydration 21:22 Understanding Humectants 23:06 The Role of Occlusives in Skincare 24:03 Exploring Emollients 26:34 The Importance of Moisturizing 27:14 Chemistry Behind Moisturizers 28:50 Personal Experiences and Tips 44:41 Final Thoughts and Community Shoutouts ★ 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: https://www.compoundchem.com/2015/07/21/moisturisers/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29319217/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.12490#accessDenialLayout https://illumin.usc.edu/the-chemistry-behind-moisturizers/ https://research-ebsco-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/c/id67n2/viewer/pdf/2oe2i2o6qn?route=details https://www.acs.org/pressroom/reactions/library/moisturizer.html Thanks to our monthly supporters Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Chelsea Morelos Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder Ciara Linville J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Lyn Stubblefield Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   September 11, 2025·48min
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5. 5
   Number 5: What is margarine? How is it different from butter?

   Melissa and Jam discuss margarine and what the heck it is, and how it's different from butter, and if it is actually made in the "country" in a "crock" or not. Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife. Email us at [email protected] And check out our chill, simple little website at https://chemforyourlife.transistor.fm/ 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 ★ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   August 08, 2019·29min
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