CSML Audio Studio

Hosted by Dr. Kristel Tjandra, Science Engaged is an audio program from the Civic Science Media Lab that explores why and how scientists partner with diverse communities. Dr. Tjandra speaks to scientists who have worked with local communities on a variety of participatory science projects. She asks them why they think public participation in science is important, what results these collaborations produce, and how to do it well.

In this episode, host Kacie speaks with Kim Steele, founder of the production company Documentaries Don't Work, about using entertainment to communicate climate science. Drawing from her background in film and Broadway, Kim discusses why traditional climate messaging may not be reaching broad audiences and how narrative fiction can connect with people in ways that data alone cannot. She explores the global reach of Hollywood storytelling, the importance of starting with audience preferences, and the value of diverse creators telling climate stories. Kim offers insights for science communicators on moving beyond awareness-building to inspire emotional engagement and action.

In this Halloween edition, Kacie speaks with Dr. Brett Blaauw, a peach entomologist at the University of Georgia. Dr. Blaauw shares strategies for engaging diverse audiences about insects from engaging kids with fun facts about dung beetles to helping adults appreciate pollinators through their connection to coffee and chocolate. They discuss agricultural extension methods including on-farm research, conferences, and apps. The conversation highlights the critical role of beneficial insects, especially parasitoid wasps, in natural pest control.

In this episode, host Kacie speaks with Quandra Gray, founder of What the Sprout, about bridging academic agricultural knowledge with practical community applications. Quandra discusses her transition from communications to creating microgreen cultivation workshops that address food insecurity through education and self-reliance. They explore strategies for overcoming barriers like fear of failure, balancing scientific accuracy with genuine human connection, and how academic expertise can serve fundamental community needs beyond traditional professional settings.

In this episode, host Kacie speaks with Corey Gumbs, founder of the Black Podcasters Association and board member of Air Media, about his unconventional path into science communication. Corey shares his personal journey from music and web development to building communities around science podcasting, exploring how each experience shaped his approach to making complex topics accessible. Drawing from childhood curiosity about taking apart radios to current work teaching toddlers, he discusses the lessons learned along the way about connecting with diverse audiences and the responsibility that comes with science communication.

In this episode, host Kacie speaks with Mezu, artist and technologist at Infinity Village Lab, about revolutionary approaches to civic science communication through participatory art. Drawing from their interdisciplinary background in sociology and data analysis, Mezu discusses how they discovered that "bar graphs don't make you cry" and developed their innovative "creative cross analysis" process. They explore how art interventions can engage core cultural identities in ways traditional data visualization cannot. Mezu shares insights from projects like Field to Act and Public Comment, revealing how moving data beyond screens and into embodied experiences can bridge the gap between information and meaningful action for social change.

In this episode, host Kacie speaks with Alex Ip, founder and editor of The Xylom, about creating the only Asian American-run science news outlet in the United States. Alex shares how his background as a Hong Kong native studying in Atlanta led him to identify gaps in science communication for diverse audiences.

The Xylom focuses on "science and society stories" exploring environmental justice, the intersection of the American South and global South, and giving voice to underrepresented perspectives in science. Alex discusses their commitment to multilingual reporting and building collaborative networks during challenging times for journalism and democracy.

In this episode, host Kacie speaks with Noelle Daoire, MEd, managing editor at Shimmer, about effective ADHD communication methods. Drawing from their personal experience, Noelle discusses how ADHD information differs on social media versus clinical channels. They explore why short-form, visual content can be inherently more ADHD-friendly, and share editorial strategies for creating accessible neurodivergent content. Noelle offers valuable insights for science communicators on balancing clinical accuracy with engaging presentation while acknowledging diverse ADHD experiences.

Molecular biologist turned full-time science communicator Zakiya Whatley joins Kacie from Atlanta to discuss how effective science communication begins with understanding your audience. As the host of multiple podcasts including Dope Labs and Breakthrough, Atlanta's Zakiya shares her "audience first" approach to making complex scientific concepts accessible without sacrificing accuracy. She discusses how delivery is often more important than the information itself, the challenges of our current information ecosystem where facts become group identity signals, and her expanding work in written media and film. Zakiya offers practical advice for scientists looking to better communicate their work, emphasizing the importance of leading with your core message and limiting supporting points to what audiences can realistically absorb.

In this episode, Kacie talks with Emma Yarbrough, senior producer for Story Collider in Atlanta, about how personal storytelling can transform science communication. They explore how Story Collider finds and coaches both scientists and non-scientists to share their science stories on stage, building trust and community in the process. Emma shares insights about overcoming imposter syndrome, the evolutionary power of narrative, and why humanizing scientists is crucial in an era of polarization and misinformation. Through compelling live shows and their popular podcast, Story Collider is proving that everyone has a science story worth telling, and that these personal narratives might be exactly what we need to make science more accessible and trustworthy to all.