In this episode we are very thrilled to talk with Leah Elson—scientist, author, and viral science communicator—about the power of showing up fully as yourself, whether in a lab coat or a leather jackets.

Leah has degrees from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and USC, and has published more than 87 scientific manuscripts. But she’s just as known for her incredible eyeliner, tattoos, and bold, unapologetic personal style. We talk with her about how embracing her full self—pink hair and all—actually enhanced her work as a neuroscientist.

We cover:

• Why personal style isn’t superficial—it’s essential, especially for women in male-dominated fields.

• The science behind gut health, nerve regeneration, and outer space.

• Her book There Are No Stupid Questions in Science, why she illustrated it with crayons, and how it came to be.

• Her journey from surviving a tumultuous upbringing to becoming a global role model.

• AI, AGI, and how human creativity might be the last frontier.

This one is inspiring, enlightening, and packed with ideas about fashion, feminism, trauma, science, and how all of it connects.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Leah’s favorite eyeliner

• Miracle Balm by Jones Road

• Leah’s book: There Are No Stupid Questions in Science

• Follow Leah: @gnarlybygnature

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!