Scientista

We’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes with Gina McCarthy—former EPA Administrator and the first-ever White House National Climate Advisor.

From her early days in local public health to shaping national climate policy at the highest levels of government, Gina shares what it takes to lead with purpose, protect communities, and push for bold action in the face of political headwinds. She reflects on her role in crafting the Inflation Reduction Act, defends environmental safeguards, and makes a compelling case for why public service is ultimately about protecting people, not just policy.

If you missed it the first time, this is your chance to hear from one of the most trusted voices in climate and health. And if you’ve heard it before, it’s well worth a replay.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

What if we could prevent disease before it starts? Dr. Raj Panjabi—former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security—explains how biotech, AI, and early intervention can revolutionize healthcare. But with science under attack and public health funding at risk, the stakes couldn’t be higher. He also reflects on how his mother’s career as a scientist shaped his own mission to serve. This episode dives into the personal, the political, and the possible.

Note to listeners: On issues not directly related to Flagship Pioneering or its companies, Raj’s views are based on his general experience and background and should not be attributed to Flagship Pioneering

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

After four decades at The Washington Post, Ruth Marcus made a decision few journalists ever face: she resigned after her column — critical of Jeff Bezos’s editorial policy — was blocked from publication.

In this episode, Ruth opens up about the events leading to her departure, the editorial shift she saw under Bezos’s ownership, and why she believes dissenting voices are essential to democracy. She also reflects on her accidental entry into journalism, the evolution of the media industry, and the deep connection between writing and critical thinking — even in the age of AI.

This is a conversation about courage, integrity, and the high stakes of telling the truth in an era of corporate-owned newsrooms and fragmented information.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

As we welcome new listeners to the Scientista Podcast, we’re highlighting some of our most popular conversations from the archive.

In this timely episode, climate scientist and bestselling author Katharine Hayhoe shares what it really takes to talk about climate change — especially with people who might not want to hear it.

She discusses why facts alone aren’t enough, how to reach people where they are — including through shared values like faith — and why empathy is a critical tool for climate action.

If you’re new to the show, this is the perfect place to start.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

The deep sea is one of Earth’s last frontiers—and the battle over who gets to mine it is heating up. This week on the Scientista Podcast, host Monica Medina sits down with Leticia Carvalho, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, to talk about her mission to regulate deep sea mining before it’s too late.

From overseeing negotiations in Jamaica to fending off pressure from billion-dollar mining interests, Carvalho is holding the line on behalf of the planet. She shares her journey from oceanographer to global regulator, the risks of unregulated exploitation, and what it’s like to be a woman leading in a male-dominated space.

This is a rare inside look at the science, diplomacy, and power struggles shaping the future of our ocean.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Bill Nye the Science Guy joins the Scientista Podcast for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about making science accessible, the role of humor in advocacy, and what it takes to keep going when the world feels upside down. Co-hosts Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina talk with Bill about everything from vaccine misinformation and climate denial to his early days in stand-up comedy and how a Steve Martin lookalike contest helped launch his TV career. They also dive into the fight for women in science, how to lead with authenticity, and why voting is one of the most important actions we can take for the future of science.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown School of Public Health and former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about what happens when women are left out of health research and policymaking—and why fixing that gap is critical for everyone’s well-being. From pandemic lessons to the future of public health, Dr. Jha shares candid insights on science, leadership, and how to build a system that works for all.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Kathi Vidal has spent her career at the heart of American innovation — first as an engineer, then as Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. But as she explains in this episode, the system that fuels invention and economic growth is far from equitable. Just 12-13% of patents are granted to women, and the numbers are even lower for other underrepresented groups.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Vidal shares why intellectual property matters, how the U.S.-China rivalry over innovation is evolving, and why inclusive inventing isn’t just good for equity — it’s essential for solving global challenges. From climate solutions to AI to pocket therapists for kids, this episode reveals how expanding who gets to invent can shape the future for all of us.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Former NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about her lifelong love of the ocean, what’s threatening its future—and why she still has hope. From marine protected areas to blue carbon, she shares how the ocean can be a powerful climate solution and why science-based policy is more essential than ever. Plus, hear what it was like to attend the premiere of David Attenborough’s new documentary Ocean, and what gives her the strength to keep pushing for change.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Her Deepness: Sylvia Earle on a Lifetime Underwater and the Fight to Save the Sea

In this special World Oceans Day episode of the Scientista Podcast, we dive deep with legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle. From leading the first all-female aquanaut team to founding Mission Blue and advocating for marine protected areas, Earle shares stories from her lifetime of exploration and activism. She reflects on how the ocean has changed, why it matters more than ever, and what gives her hope for the future. With warmth, wisdom, and urgency, Earle calls on all of us to protect the blue heart of our planet—before it’s too late.

Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world