Everybody knows Benjamin Franklin flew a kite in a thunderstorm...or at least they think they do.

In this special Fourth of July solo episode, PJ dives into the fascinating (and often bizarre) scientific life of one of America's most influential Founding Fathers. Forget the sanitized history textbook version—this is the Benjamin Franklin who experimented with electricity, mapped the Gulf Stream, helped lay the groundwork for refrigeration, invented swim fins as a kid, redesigned fireplaces, wrote one of history's most infamous dating advice letters, and somehow found time to propose that science should solve the problem of smelly farts.

Along the way, we'll separate fact from fiction, bust a few Franklin myths, explore the science behind his greatest discoveries, and discuss why his biggest contribution may not have been any one invention at all—but a relentless curiosity that helped shape modern scientific thinking.

• The truth behind the famous kite experiment
• Why Franklin was technically wrong about electricity—but changed science anyway
• The invention that inspired the modern lightning rod
• How Franklin accidentally helped launch oceanography by mapping the Gulf Stream
• The experiment that foreshadowed modern refrigeration
• The Franklin Stove and the science of heat transfer
• Swim fins, bifocals, flexible catheters, and other lesser-known inventions
• Franklin's observations on lead poisoning decades before modern toxicology
• The mysterious Glass Armonica and why people thought it could drive you insane
• How Franklin became an international celebrity in France and helped secure American independence
• "Advice to a Friend on Choosing a Mistress" and Franklin's surprisingly modern views on aging and relationships
• "Fart Proudly" and the surprisingly real science behind why flatulence smells
• Why Benjamin Franklin may have invented the mindset of modern science more than any single invention

Whether you're a history buff, a science nerd, or just here for the fart jokes, this episode explores the remarkable life of a man who never stopped asking questions.

If you enjoyed the show, please consider following Lauren & PJ Do Science on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leaving a rating and sharing the show with a friend is one of the best ways to help us grow.

Don't forget to visit our website! https://laurenandpjdoscience.carrd.co/

Part 2 of our Jellyfish journey is here! Learn about some different kids of jellyfish, what they have in common with a certain species of frog, why they might remind you of an ex, and of course, PJ's song.

Speaking of journeys, Lauren tells us about an adventure she'll be going on in a few weeks to study the big blue hole (spoiler, PJ was very wrong about what this was).

If you have any questions or want to see us cover any certain topics, let us know in the comments.

Also! We have a website now! You can pick your listening platform and find us on social media all in one neat, tidy, one stop shop: http://laurenandpjdoscience.carrd.com/

On this week's episode, Lauren and PJ undertake a Spongebob approved activity and go jellyfishing! Resident jellyfish enthusiast Dr. Lauren talks about the cute little gelatinous blobs, what they are, how they move, why they just might be aliens and much more.

We also discuss Lauren's seedy, degenerate past in Atlantic City, PJ's tragic dating history and why you shouldn't pee on people (without consent).

Leave a comment below with any questions you have or any topic you'd love us to tackle and don't forget to like and subscribe!

Companion playlist is live on Spotify! https://tinyurl.com/fke6bsb5

On this week's episode we're joined by Justin and Jay of The Library Punk Podcast (https://www.librarypunk.gay/) where we learn all about why libraries are important, what their function is, how information is organized, and a whole lot more.

PJ also drops a rap track about libraries that is so hot it melted steel beams. Jay-Z, Eminem, Snoop, Kendrick, Meek, be on notice because he's coming for your crowns.

And don't forget! The companion playlist for this episode can be found here

--> https://tinyurl.com/32c82tc8

#libraries

#libraryscience

#dataorganization

This week Lauren and PJ rage against the machine a little bit and get some things off their chests. The National Science Foundation board has been dismissed, years of cuts in research and arts have piled up and piled up and we're mad as hell and we're not gonna take it anymore!

Tune in to find out why this is so bad and why PJ agrees with the president? (Oooo PJ learned clickbait!)

#Science

#STEM

#NSF

#NationalScienceFoundation

#budgetcuts

Its celebration time here on Lauren and PJ Do Science! The Orion capsule has safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean thus ending the Artemis II mission.

PJ recaps the mission, some of the science done and looks towards the future and we even go into some interesting Lauren lore learning about her questionable taste in men and borderline obsession with Christopher Lee (rumor has it, his estate listened to this episode and filed a restraining order).

We however desperately need your help on this episode! Both of our hosts wrote a song celebrating Artemis II and its up to you fine folks to tell us which one you liked better! So vote in the comments and the loser has to face a punishment on the next show. So listen up and be honest. They can take the criticism... which is only because they've funded many a vacation and a large boat for their respective therapists.

Don't forget to like and subscribe while you're at it too!

#space

#NASA

#artemis

#artemis2

#orion

#science

#moon

The Artemis II crew has officially blasted off on humanity’s first trip around the Moon in over 50 years—and we’re following every thruster burn, orbit tweak, and cosmic bathroom repair right along with them. Lauren and PJ break down how the launch went, what the astronauts are up to in space, and why this mission is such a huge step toward putting people back on the lunar surface.

We also talk about the great Outlook-in-space fiasco (to quote a wise man "Out of order!? **** even in the future nothing works!), and of course… the tragic saga of Shower Guy, our stowaway who learned the hard way that showers in space aren't what he thinks.

Check out the official NASA Artemis II mission tracker at nasa.gov — it’s the real-time feed showing the Orion spacecraft’s position, speed, and distance from Earth and the Moon.

#ArtemisII #NASAMission #ToTheMoon #SpacePodcast #LaurenAndPJDoScience #OrionSpacecraft #ScienceComedy #SpaceExploration #ShowerGuyForever #ArtemisCrew #OutlookInSpace

We interrupt our regular programming for #Podcastathon 2026!

Lauren and PJ are super excited to be participating in their first #Podcastathon this year. PJ is a massive Lego fan so what better than to pick a charity that combines Lego and STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Arts, Math)?

We’ll be talking all about the BrickCon Foundation which is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by the BrickCon convention and even have a discussion with Steven Walker, the President of the BrickCon Foundation. So sit back, relax, grab a Lego set and enjoy!

Check out more about BrickCon at https://brickcon.org/ and the BrickCon Foundation at https://brickconfoundation.org/giving

You can also learn more about Podcastathon at https://podcasthon.org/

#podcastathon2026

#STEAM

#STEM

#LEGO

#Charity

#BrickCon

#BrickConFoundation

#Science

In this episode of Lauren and PJ Do Science, we explore NASA’s Artemis II mission—the first crewed Moon mission since Apollo.

PJ explains how the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft will send astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon, testing the technology needed for the future of lunar exploration and eventual missions to Mars.

Along the way, Lauren and PJ dive into rocket science, gravity, astronaut life, and the physics of spaceflight, with the usual mix of curiosity, humor, and science storytelling.

If you’re curious about the future of space exploration and humanity’s return to the Moon, this episode is your mission briefing for Artemis II. 🚀

#ArtemisII
#NASA
#MoonMission
#SpaceExploration
#SLSRocket
#OrionSpacecraft
#SpacePodcast
#SciencePodcast
#Astronomy
#RocketScience
#STEM
#FutureOfSpace
#MoonExploration
#MarsMission
#LearnScience
#LaurenAndPJDoScience

What do swamps have to do with Will O’ The Wisps — and why are they some of the most important ecosystems on Earth?

In Part 2 of our Will O’ The Wisp series, Lauren and PJ shift from folklore to the fascinating science of swamps. We explore how swamps form, what makes them unique ecosystems, and why anaerobic decay plays a critical role in producing the gases historically linked to mysterious glowing lights.

Along the way, we break down wetland ecology, decomposition without oxygen, methane production, and why these often-overlooked environments are vital for biodiversity, flood control, and climate regulation.

Plus, PJ debuts an original parody song, “Anaerobic Decay,” a science-themed twist inspired by “Party in the CIA” by Weird Al (which itself parodies “Party in the USA." Its like, Inception or something). It’s educational. It’s ecological. It’s unexpectedly catchy.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening beneath the surface of a swamp — this episode gets into the mud.

#WillOTheWisp

#SwampScience

#WetlandEcology

#AnaerobicDecay

#SciencePodcast

#EducationalPodcast

#EnvironmentalScience