Did you know playful brainstorming could improve your mood? Or that your nervous system is basically a work of fiber art? In this conversation, neurons bundle, threads weave, and patterns emerge. If you have a brain and are interested in exploring the connections between and within the worlds of art and science, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Cross Pollinated, a fiber artist (one who creates artwork using fibers) is paired with a neurologist (one who treats conditions of the brain and nervous system). Host Kristen Orr, fiber artist Lisa Cox, and neurologist Steph Orr team up to brainstorm potential projects that this type of artist and this type of scientist might create together. They discuss things like visually encoding brain signals with weaving, investigating the brains of fiber producing animals, and the futuristic concept of weaving fibers to repair nerve damage. In the end, they submit a handful of their favorite project ideas to an impartial judge who selects the "winning" collaboration idea.

To get that mood boost, you can try some playful brainstorming of your own- can you think of any cool collaboration ideas not considered here?

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If you'd like to submit your own collaboration ideas for future episodes, you can follow me on Instagram (I'll occasionally post calls for ideas in my stories) @kristenorrdesigns

If you're an artist or scientist who likes to 'associate broadly' (aka think outside the box) and are interested in potentially coming on the podcast, you can email me at [email protected]

Thanks for following along!

Have you ever thought that this world could use more bird or bird scientist-representation in film and TV? Or thought that it could be cool to watch content created BY birds? Maybe you're just wanting to think a little more creatively about writing and biology in general—if so, you'll want to listen to this one.

In this episode of Cross Pollinated, a screenwriter (someone who writes stories for film and TV) is paired with an ornithologist (someone who studies birds). Host Kristen Orr, screenwriter Anna Thorup, and ornithologist Mallory Miles team up to brainstorm potential projects that this type of artist and this type of scientist might create together. This pairing results in some more out-of-the-box ideas than you might initially expect, and in the end, they submit a handful of their favorite ideas to an impartial judge who crowns the "winning" collaboration idea.

No matter what field you work in, you'll find value in thinking creatively alongside these unlikely collaborators.

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If you'd like to submit your own collaboration ideas, you can follow me on Instagram (I'll occasionally post calls for ideas in my stories) @kristenorrdesigns

If you're an artist or scientist who likes thinking outside of the box and are interested in potentially coming on the podcast, you can email me at [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

Have you ever wished there was more frog-inspired music in the world? Or thought that alligator vocals deserved their time in the spotlight? Maybe you're just into expanding the way you think about music and biology—if so, this one's for you.

In this episode of Cross Pollinated, a pianist is paired with a herpetologist (that's someone who studies reptiles and amphibians). Host Kristen Orr, pianist Daniel Schreiner, and herpetologist Jasper Leavitt team up to brainstorm potential projects that this type of artist and this type of scientist might create together. This unlikely pairing results in some really wild concepts, some more practical than others. In the end, they submit a handful of their favorite ideas to an impartial judge who then crowns the "winning" collaboration idea.

Enjoy these weird, fresh, interdisciplinary ideas that you didn't know you needed!

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If you'd like to submit your own collaboration ideas, you can follow me on Instagram (I'll occasionally post calls for ideas in my stories) @kristenorrdesigns

If you're an artist or scientist who likes thinking outside of the box and are interested in potentially coming on the podcast, you can email at [email protected]

Also, can we please admire the original theme music by Daniel Schreiner (with additional production by Adrian Haskell)? Wow, I have such talented friends. 

Thanks for following along!

Introducing 'Cross Pollinated'! In this trailer episode, host and trained designer/biologist Kristen Orr explains what you can expect from this art and science podcast and why she was motivated to start it.