Connect with me via LinkedIn: @kjbmercurio
Follow me via my website

Timestamps​

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 03:55 - Segment 1: PhD Reflections
• 19:01 - Segment 2: PhD Relationships

Description
As a memoir of probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do (so far) in my life, I reflect on why I decided to do a PhD when science wasn’t a genuine interest of mine in early life, and what relationships I fostered during the PhD that made the journey worthwhile  Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode45.

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Connect with guest Helena Hartmann via Twitter: @helenahhartmann
Follow the Science & Fiction project via their website

Timestamps​

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 02:11 - Segment 1: The Meteor Rise (Short Story)
• 09:18 - Segment 2: The Origin of "Once Upon A Time" (Metaphor History)
• 22:30 - Segment 3: Storytelling Science (Communication Topic)
• 34:00 - Segment 4: Talk With Helena Hartmann (Guest Interview)

Description
I read the origin book on “Once Upon  A Time”, walking the line between expression and tradition. I also discuss how storytelling can be used to communicate science more effectively. I interview the creative communicator Helena Hartmann (PhD) regarding her academic journey and how she uses fictional stories to discuss complex concepts in her field. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode44.

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Connect with guest Siddharth Kankaria via Twitter: @SiddhrthKnkaria
Follow the SciCommSci Club on their website

Timestamps​

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 01:06 - Segment 1: Zima Red (Short Story)
• 11:18 - Segment 2: The Origin of "State of the Art" (Metaphor History)
• 22:30 - Segment 3: Social Justice (Communication Topic)
• 35:36 - Segment 4: Talk With Siddarth Kankaria (Guest Interview)

Description
I set the status for the origins to “State of the Art”, showcasing the beauty at the interface between science and art. I also discuss how science communication and can be used for social justice within academic and societal structures. I interview the communicating maverick Siddharth Kankaria (MSc) regarding his academic journey and how he advocates for social justice through science communication within India. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode43.

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Connect with guest Sophie Elschner via Twitter: @SophieElschner
Find out more about her career path via her website
Check out her webcomic "psychoSoph" online via the website

Timestamps​

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 01:05 - Segment 1: Honour or Manure, Peera? (Short Story)
• 09:24 - Segment 2: The Origin of "Onomatopoeia" (Metaphor History)
• 22:11 - Segment 3: Science Comics (Communication Topic)
• 34:37 - Segment 4: Talk With Sophie Elschner (Guest Interview)

Description
I sound the alarm on the origins to “Onomatopoeia”, highlighting the best examples that play with the English language. I also discuss the adaptation of the comic form as an educational tool in science. I interview the illustrious communicator Sophie Elschner (PhD) regarding her academic journey and how she created her own science comic to spotlight interesting psychological phenomena. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode42.

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Connect with guest Alex Cloherty via Twitter: @alexgoesviral
Check out her blog "Microbial Mondays" via her website
See her winning FameLab International Heat Video on YouTube
Follow the TOPX network initiatives via Twitter @TOPXNetwork

Timestamps​

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 02:20 - Segment 1: Edison 2.0 (Short Story)
• 12:28 - Segment 2: The Origin of "Mic Drop" (Metaphor History)
• 23:47 - Segment 3: Public Speaking (Communication Topic)
• 35:36 - Segment 4: Talk With Alex Cloherty (Guest Interview)

Description
I drop some serious hints around the origins to "Mic Drop", along with a toast to the listeners of the Metaphorigins Podcast. I also discuss the evolution of public speaking throughout our history and how crucial it is for scientists in the academic community. I interview the communicating phenom Alex Cloherty (PhD Student) regarding her academic journey and how she has developed a mindset for scientific public speaking to all audiences. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode41.

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Providing a quick update on life and Season 5 of Metaphorigins coming in May 2023. I also wanted to share that my short story called "The Climate Solution", part of a series of writing pieces under the Scalene Writing project, was published in the Canadian journal Health Science Inquiry (out of the University of Toronto). In this floating episode, I perform one of my favourite poems I've written that was in this story, “Binary”. Check out the references and transcript to this episode here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode40-1.

Resources

• Pint of Science Ireland Festival website
• DU Microbiological Society linktree
• Clarified Podcast Season 1 Finale episode
• Health Science Inquiry short story "The Climate Solution" publication
• Binary poem on personal website

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Compiled all the best lines from Season Four!

Website: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/metaphorigins

Timestamps

• 00:00 - S4E1 - Sinister Surprises & The Podcasting Meta With Megan Hanlon (PhD)
• 09:54 - S4E2 - Vulnerable Vests & Personal Blogs With Patrick Taylor (PhD)
• 23:00 - S4E3 - Intact Illustrations & SciComm Infographics With Laura Finnegan (PhD Student)
• 34:30 - S4E4 - Countering Counters & Citizen Science With Cassidy Swanston (MA)
• 37:57 - S4E5 - Work-Life Balance & Talk With Elizabeth Walden (PhD Student)
• 53:41 - S4E6 - Planetary Privilege & Political Correctness With Tiffany Lee (MIA)
• 1:05:43 - S4E7 - Tidal Targets & Canadian Vs. American Research Institutes With Amanda Bentley-DeSousa (PhD)
• 1:15:16 - S4E8 - Redundant Repetitions & Hit Song Science With Martin Sutton (PhD Student)
• 1:22:29 - S4E9 - Longing Luxuries & Research Sustainability With Oisin Joyce (PhD Student)
• 1:32:04 - S4E10 - Mentoring & Talk With Namrata Iyer (PhD)

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Connect with guest Namrata Iyer via Twitter: @namu_r9

Timestamps​

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 04:14 - Segment 1: Mentorship (Communication Topic)
• 30:14 - Segment 2: Talk With Namrata Iyer (Guest Interview)

Description
I cannonball straight into the nuances of mentorship and how personal experience has shaped irregular perceptions of this particular relationship. From there, I interview the exceptional educator Namrata Iyer (PhD) regarding her academic journey, and her own mentor relationships throughout her time as an early career researcher. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode40.

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Connect with guest Oisin Joyce via LinkedIn: @oisincjoyce
Check out Irish Green Labs via their website

Timestamps​

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 01:15 - Segment 1: Three Bears Wood (Short Story)
• 11:21 - Segment 2: The Origin of "The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side" (Metaphor History)
• 22:47 - Segment 3: Research Sustainability (Communication Topic)
• 33:58 - Segment 4: Talk With Oisin Joyce (Guest Interview)

Description
I cut around the origins to "The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side", along with some serious talk on contentment and mental health. Additionally, I reflect on our roles as researchers to advocate for research sustainability. I interview the sustainability superhero Oisin Joyce (PhD Student) regarding his academic journey and his adoption of a "greener" lifestyle as a representative for sustainable initiatives in Ireland and around the world. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode39.

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Connect with guest Martin Sutton via Instagram: @marty_sutton
Check out The Papa Zitas via their website and YouTube

Timestamps​

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 01:14 - Segment 1: Climate Inaction (Short Story)
• 10:34 - Segment 2: The Origin of "Like A Broken Record" (Metaphor History)
• 20:02 - Segment 3: Hit Song Science (Communication Topic)
• 29:32 - Segment 4: Talk With Martin Sutton (Guest Interview)

Description
I loudly project the origins to "Like A Broken Record", along with some cool jams. As well, I investigate the fascinating realm of Hit Song Science and the predictive ability of music analytical software. I interview the spectacularly sound Martin Sutton (PhD Student) regarding his academic journey and his work-life balance gigging as part of a 10-piece Motown band called the Papa Zitas. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode38.

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