Chemistry For Your Life

By Melissa and Jam, BleavScience Chemistry

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on Chemistry
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Typical duration
39 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Chemistry For Your Life episodes

February 27How do MRIs see inside our bodies, in 3D? (with Claire Caballero)
MRIs are loud. They’re huge. They’re magnetic. But what are they actually doing? This week, we bring Claire back to help us connect the dots between NMR (yes, organic chem flashbacks) and MRI. How does a technique built on tiny hydrogen protons turn into a 3D image of your brain? How can it tell the difference between tissue and fluid? Why can’t you bring metal anywhere near the machine?
We ask:
• What are your protons doing inside an MRI?
• How does “magnetic resonance” become an image?
• Why does oxygenated blood matter?
• And how did anyone figure this out in the first place?
If you’ve ever had an MRI, or just wondered how we can see inside the body without radiation or surgery, this episode pulls back the curtain.
Listen in and rethink what’s happening inside that giant magnet.
00:00 MRI Episode Kickoff
01:11 Meet Claire Again
02:27 PhD Candidate Explained
03:44 NMR Basics Begin
04:33 Protons And Magnets
06:46 RF Pulse And Signal
11:16 Hydrogen Everywhere
13:35 Reading NMR Peaks
16:02 Matrix And Practice
18:31 Jam Summarizes NMR
20:44 Why MRI Not NMR
22:45 Spin And Isotopes
29:02 MRI Uses Body Water
30:37 Tissue Contrast And T1
33:38 Resolution Limits
34:25 MRI Resolution Limits
35:34 From NMR to Images
36:50 K Space and Gradients
41:30 Voxels and 3D Views
44:05 Contrast and Clinical Uses
49:47 Research Possibilities
51:11 Functional MRI Explained
56:14 MRI Safety and Magnet Strength
58:00 Helium and Heavy Machines
01:02:43 Science Boundaries and Wrap Up

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References from the Episode:
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

Kyle McCray

Justine

Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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
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1 hr 10 min
February 19Is glass actually a liquid?
#079 Rebroadcast
Glass. The more you look at it, the more clear it becomes that it holds some serious mysteries. So what really is glass? Is it a liquid? How is it different from typical solids? Does it flow and ooze over time? Is that why old windows are thicker at the bottom? Let's find out!
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References from this episode
https://cen.acs.org/articles/95/i47/s-glass-modern-day-researchers.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7245478/

https://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/Glass/glass.html

https://phys.org/news/2016-03-scientists-temperature-glass-liquid.html

https://ceramics.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jace.15092

https://cen.acs.org/articles/93/i20/Pyrex-100.html

Chemistry by Julia Burdge

Thanks to our monthly supporters
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

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Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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
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33 min
February 12What makes ice slippery? (A surprising science mystery)
#231
Why is ice so slippery? Is it because of a layer of water on top, or is it something more complex? Join us as we dive into the chemistry behind icy surfaces, inspired by a curious 5-year-old's question. You'll hear about experimental findings, the special properties of water, and even some amusing snow day memories. Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered why ice makes us slip and slide!
00:00 Experiencing Alaska in Texas
00:24 The Chemistry of Ice and Snow
01:42 Why is Ice Slippery?
03:10 Listener Questions and Ice Skating Chemistry
04:02 Debunking Ice Slipperiness Theories
11:42 Water's Unique Properties
17:43 Pressure and Melting Ice
22:30 Scientific Findings on Ice Slipperiness
24:12 Addressing Common Comments
24:31 The Science of Ice Skating
25:30 New Research on Ice
26:37 Amorphous Solids and Ice
37:09 Practical Implications of Ice Behavior
41:12 Snow Day Memories
49:14 Supporting the Show
Support this podcast on Patreon
Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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References from the Episode:
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

Kyle McCray

Justine

Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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
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53 min
February 05Reddit Chemistry: Why don't birds get shocked on power lines? (and other questions)
Why can birds sit on electrical wires without getting shocked? What's the chemistry behind cake mix versus baking from scratch? Why do some materials create more fire than others? Melissa and Jam tackle these questions and more, drawn from curious listeners and the 'Explain Like I'm Five' subreddit, in this engaging episode of Chemistry for Your Life. Plus, find out how popular TV shows might be influencing career choices and explore the fascinating world of chemical reactions. Got a burning question? Tune in and satisfy your curiosity with Chemistry for Your Life!
00:00 Introduction and Episode Inspiration
01:25 Why Birds Don't Get Shocked on Electrical Wires
06:57 The Science Behind Cake Mixes and Baking
10:13 Why Some Materials Burn and Others Don't
12:51 Why Hot Beverages Steam Below Boiling Point
15:31 Am I the Jerk? - Discussing Career Choices
18:45 Family Ties in Medicine
19:17 Influence of TV Shows on Career Choices
20:18 Realizations About Medical Careers
22:09 Exploring Alternative Medical Careers
23:46 Advice for Aspiring Medical Professionals
26:05 Considering the Medical Field Despite Challenges
36:02 Celebrating Academic Achievements
38:00 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
Support this podcast on Patreon
Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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References from the Episode:
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

Kyle McCray

Justine

Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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
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41 min
January 29How do fans cool us off?
#230
Winter has us longing for warmer weather. BUT when it's a hot day how do fans keep us cool? Do fans actually lower the air temperature? What role does evaporative cooling play? Find out how the movement of air molecules around your body is the key to feeling cooler. Plus, discover some fascinating insights into energy distribution, the impact of fans on air conditioning, and even some fun personal anecdotes about staying cool in the Texas heat.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:44 The Science Behind Cooling with Fans
01:27 Egg Analogy: Understanding Heat Transfer
03:39 How Fans Actually Work
10:47 The Role of Air Conditioners
12:31 Understanding Air Cooling Mechanisms
13:11 Insights from a Power Company
13:45 The Science Behind Fans and Energy Efficiency
16:28 Evaporative Cooling and Its Benefits
17:21 Explaining the Concept Back
21:37 Personal Experiences with Cooling
24:12 Supporting the Show and Community
27:08 A Funny Camp Counselor Story
Support this podcast on Patreon
Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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References from the Episode:
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

Kyle McCray

Justine

Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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

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28 min
January 22Why does orange juice taste bad after you brush your teeth?
#037 Rebroadcast
It's the lesson we've all had to learn the hard way. The pain our mouths feel when we take a treacherous swig of the post-brush poison. This week, Melissa and Jam delve into all of our childhoods to figure out the chemistry of this infamous mixture. Why does it taste so bad? Who's fault is it, the toothpaste or the orange juice? Also while we're at it, why is it called toothpaste? Nevermind, I'm not sure we'll be able to get to the bottom of that part.
References from this episode
Why Does Toothpaste Make Orange Juice Taste Bad? - American Chemical Society

Why Does Orange Juice Taste So Bad After Brushing? - South Springs Dental Group

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
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

Kyle McCray

Justine

Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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
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Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

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29 min
January 15Does wool actually resist odor and bacteria?
#229
What makes wool an essential fabric for many people? Is lanolin truly antimicrobial, or is wool itself responsible for its famed properties? Join us as we unravel the complexities of wool and lanolin, diving into its chemical structure, historical anecdotes, and surprising anti-odor capabilities. Does wool really keep the bacteria at bay, or is there more to the story? Tune in and explore the chemistry behind this wonder fabric!
00:00 Listener's Request: The Mystery of Lanolin
01:08 Introduction to Chemistry for Your Life
04:08 The Complex Chemistry of Wool
11:33 Exploring Lanolin: Properties and Uses
19:51 Exploring Lanolin in Wool
19:59 Investigating Wool's Antimicrobial Properties
20:54 Odor Reduction in Wool
21:57 Scientific Explanations and Hypotheses
24:46 Hydrophobic Properties of Wool
26:46 Wool's Interaction with Bacteria
31:04 Complexities of Wool Processing
35:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Support this podcast on Patreon
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References from the Episode:
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

Kyle McCray

Justine

Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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
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42 min
January 08Ask a Chemist: Are X-rays really bad for you? (and other questions)
Question and Response #74
Melissa and Jam dive into a series of fascinating chemistry questions submitted by listeners. They explore how food affects the absorption rate of alcohol in the blood, the science behind shelf-stable milk turning solid after opening, and why dogs' feet might smell like Fritos. The duo also answers an intriguing question about the risks of dental X-rays versus ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Additionally, they discuss a fun science experiment involving dissolving candy canes in different liquids, providing a perfect activity for kids to learn about the world of chemistry. Special thanks to the community members and listeners whose questions keep the show engaging and informative.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
02:23 How Food Affects Alcohol Absorption
06:42 Shelf-Stable Protein Shakes
10:26 Why Do Dogs' Feet Smell Like Fritos?
14:49 The Risks of X-Rays
17:56 Understanding Dental X-Ray Radiation
18:39 Annual Radiation Dose and Safety
19:32 Comparing Risks: Dental Issues vs. X-Rays
20:12 Why X-Ray Technicians Use Shields
20:59 Explaining Radiation Risks to the Public
22:55 Fun Science Experiments for Kids
25:31 Explaining Polarity and Dissolution to Kids
30:47 Encouraging Scientific Curiosity in Children
34:41 Supporting the Show and Community Shoutouts
Support this podcast on Patreon
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References from the Episode:
https://youtu.be/30_QRAC6XOU

https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/licensee-education/alcohol-facts/#:~:text=Alcohol%20does%20not%20require%20digestion,Therefore%2C%20food%20slows%20intoxication.

https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses

https://www.epa.gov/radiation/calculate-your-radiation-dose

https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives

https://ehs.stanford.edu/manual/radiation-protection-guidance-hospital-staff/natural-sources-radiation#:~:text=Cosmic%20radiation%20comes%20from%20the,approximately%2028%20mrem%20per%20year.
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

Kyle McCray

Justine

Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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
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38 min
January 02What is iodized salt? And why?
#077
Who's doing what to our salt? What's iodine, do we need it, why, and how do they get it in there? This week Melissa and Jam dive head first into figurative iodized salt dunes. Let's take a closer look at the chemistry of something so everyday, we hardly even think about it.
References from this episode
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es0719071

https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed077p984#:~:text=The%20presence%20of%20iodine%20in,in%20preventing%20simple%20endemic%20goiter

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed062p1016

https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/february-2016/salt-facts.html

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill/
Support this podcast on Patreon
Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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Thanks to our monthly supporters
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

Kyle McCray

Justine

Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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
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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
38 min
December 25, 2025How do scissors curl ribbon?
#228
In this festive episode, Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating science behind why ribbons curl when pressed against a blade. The discussion covers polymers, their molecular structures, and the forces at play during this process. With a blend of personal holiday memories and a detailed analogy involving crocheted yarn, the duo makes complex chemistry accessible and fun for all listeners. They also share their favorite holiday traditions and movies, making this episode a blend of heartwarming stories and educational content.
00:00 Guess the Sound Game
01:37 Introducing the Topic: Curly Ribbon Science
03:51 Chemistry Behind Curly Ribbon
04:20 Polymers and Their Properties
05:59 Crochet Analogy for Polymers
12:23 Molecular Mechanics of Ribbon Curling
15:34 Practical Tips for Perfect Ribbon Curls
19:36 Holiday Reflections and Chemistry Recap
22:37 Understanding Polymer Behavior
24:28 Molecular Forces and Rearrangement
28:02 Holiday Traditions and Memories
36:33 Favorite Christmas Movies
40:37 Wrapping Up and Listener Shoutouts
Support this podcast on Patreon
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References from the Episode:
https://books.byui.edu/plastics_materials_a/plastic_high_strain_#:~:text=The%20molecular%20interpretation%20(in%20polymers,rupture%20and%20the%20sample%20breaks.

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02076https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35809116.amp

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1514626113

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ba-1993-0233.ch005

https://courses.ems.psu.edu/matse81/node/2109
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Amanda Raymond

Emily Morrison

Kyle McCray

Justine

Emily Hardy

Ash

Vince W

Julie S.

Heather Ragusa

Autoclave

Dorien VD

Scott Beyer

Jessie Reder

J0HNTR0Y

Jeannette Napoleon

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.
45 min