Science 101

Science 101, in its third season, features Mark Christensen in an insightful episode titled The Power of Curiosity: How Science Explains Our World. This conversation explores curiosity as the driving force behind scientific discovery, innovation, and human progress, showing how asking the right questions leads to deeper understanding of the natural world. Mark Christensen breaks down complex scientific ideas into accessible insights, demonstrating how observation, experimentation, and critical thinking shape everything from everyday phenomena to groundbreaking breakthroughs. The Power of Curiosity invites listeners to see science not as a collection of facts, but as an ongoing journey of inquiry—one that empowers us to better understand, navigate, and appreciate the world around us.

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Chris Philbrook is the creator and author of Adrian’s Undead Diary, The Reemergence, Colony Lost, the fantasy world of Elmoryn and the upcoming horror series The Darkness of DIggory Finch. Chris has several years of experience working in game development and editing as well as writing fiction for several major game design companies. He has a business degree as well as a psychology degree.

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Dalton Sizemore

Biology with Heart, Humor, and a Drawl

I’m Dalton — a molecular biologist, science communicator, and caregiver. I hold a BS and MS in Cell and Molecular Biology from Appalachian State University, where I focused on cancer biology, virology, and immunology. My research explored how viruses like VSV might be used to disrupt the immune processes that help cancer metastasize. I also hold a graduate certificate in clinical psychology, which helps me bridge the gap between the science of the body and the realities of the human experience.

But the truth is, everything I’ve done in science is rooted in something far more personal.

I’m a survivor of childhood abuse. My father left when I was young, and my mother — who raised me on her own — endured two severely abusive relationships: one during my childhood, and another while I was in high school and starting college. Those years shaped me deeply. They taught me what it means to live in chaos and still push forward, to carry pain and still protect others, and to learn, even when nothing in your life feels safe.

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This episode examines how curiosity fuels observation, experimentation, and innovation, transforming everyday questions into breakthroughs that reshape our understanding of nature, technology, and human life. By connecting simple wonder to complex scientific principles, the discussion highlights how science demystifies the universe—revealing patterns, causes, and connections that govern everything from microscopic particles to vast cosmic systems. The Power of Curiosity reinforces the idea that science is not merely a collection of facts, but a living process—one that empowers humanity to question boldly, think critically, and continually expand the boundaries of what we know about the world we inhabit.

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Daniel Tausan

Know a little bit about everything to be part of anything

Daniel Tausan holds a graduate degree from the University of British Columbia in Stem Cell Biology with a Bachelor of Science in General Biology. He worked in research in the molecular profiling of exercise, looking into comprehensive blood panels in search of biomarkers for predictive health analytics with Molecular You and UBC’s School of Kinesiology to develop methods for biological age calculation.

He spent his early 20s with the Canadian National Waterpolo Team and coached the next generations of athletes to participate in the youth Pan-American games and World Championships. He personally trained clients for general fitness goals and athletic performance and continued to share the biological knowledge of the molecular world from his scientific pursuits.

Asthma, allergies and gastrointestinal challenges throughout his early years kept him eager to explore regenerative principles and the healthcare systems. Although the academic and industry surrounding the molecular biological revolution were exploding few professionals were present to help the public interact and integrate with the newfound biological knowledge. With a love for education and working directly with people he stepped away from academics. He launched Timeline Sciences to put “you” on the timeline aligned with your unique genome and goals.

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Mental Health 101, in its first season, features Ali Yilmaz as a guest, offering a thoughtful and compassionate conversation on Mental Health Awareness that underscores the importance of understanding emotional well-being in everyday life. This episode explores how awareness, education, and open dialogue can reduce stigma and empower individuals to recognize mental health as an essential part of overall wellness. Ali Yilmaz shares grounded insights on fostering supportive environments—at home, at work, and within communities—where people feel seen, heard, and encouraged to seek help without fear or judgment. By emphasizing empathy, early awareness, and practical communication, the discussion reframes mental health not as a weakness, but as a shared human responsibility, inviting listeners to cultivate resilience, connection, and healthier conversations for themselves and those around them.

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Mental Health 101, in its first season, features Kevin Jackson as our guest, bringing an insightful and compassionate voice to the conversation on mental health awareness. In this episode, he explores the everyday struggles people face, the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help, and the transformative power of honest dialogue. Kevin emphasizes the value of early recognition, supportive relationships, and practical strategies that can make a meaningful difference in one’s emotional well-being. His thoughtful reflections and lived experiences offer guidance that is both empowering and deeply relatable. This episode serves as an encouraging reminder that understanding mental health is an essential step toward building healthier, more resilient communities.

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mmortalized: The Characters Who Live in Our Songs explores how music gives eternal life to the people, lovers, rebels, dreamers, and heartbreakers who inhabit our favorite lyrics. Through melody and story, these characters become more than words—they become reflections of our own experiences, memories, and emotions. From unnamed strangers to vividly drawn personalities, songwriters transform ordinary lives into timeless narratives that continue to resonate across generations. This episode dives into how music preserves human stories, allowing voices, moments, and identities to live on long after the final note fades.

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Writer, paraglider pilot, rare cancer survivor

I knew I wanted to learn how to fly after dabbling in skydiving 13 some years ago. The freedom of flying a canopy - being suspended in the air, seeing the world from a completely different perspective - changed something in me.

In a similar way, living through a decade with recurrent and rare head/neck cancer has galvanized me to see life, work, priorities through a new lens. I had no idea I was even capable of writing a book, but I’ve come to understand that sitting with adversity, reflecting on the challenges in your life, that there’s healing to be found there. Healing - through writing, sharing, challenging yourself to do that big, improbable thing now - is something you can find, even if your disease has no cure. Life is short, so learn how to fly, whatever ‘flying’ is for you.

I have learned so much about what goes into writing a book as a first-time author, what it’s like to hire and work with an editor, how the whole process will change you. I believe these stories will be useful to aspiring authors, people who are trying to find their voice, but uncertain on how to proceed.

I am deeply fortunate to still be alive, having navigated not only rare, but life altering side effects from cancer treatment - unexpected outcomes that required reconstructive surgery. I tell many of these stories in the book, and speak freely about them in general, because I know just how unmooring having your body altered in this way can be. I’ve arrived at this place where I know more about free flap reconstructions than most, which is strange, but also inspiring; I am inspired by the providers who do this work, who understand the trade-offs and difficult recoveries their patients face.

I’ve met a lot of cancer survivors over the years, people who have suffered, some who found cures, some who are still looking for healing and meaning amidst hardship. In our 4,000 weeks alive, which could very well be less, we have so many choices and pathways, so much vying for our attention. The stories we tell, the ones we listen to, our ability to be present, is a gift.

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