ScriptPhD Podcast

IBM's Ann Rubin (Senior VP of Creative Branding) and Stephen Gold (CMO of Watson) join the ScriptPhD to discuss the storytelling, education and marketing strategy behind introducing the world to cognitive supercomputer Watson. Among our topics of discussion: how to educate and inform the public about artificial intelligence, how advertising technology must focus on creative content, the future of integrated computing and how it might even enhance creativity. A part of ScriptPhD.com's "Selling Science Smartly" series.

Llewellyn Cox, PhD joins the ScriptPhD.com podcast to discuss his revolutionary new not-for-profit biotechnology incubator space "Lab Launch." Topics of discussion include: how lack of funding and overflow of PhDs in the current scientific climate stifles creativity and innovation, why biotechnology will cultivate new industries, how no strings attached incubators like Lab Launch help give rise to Silicon Valleys of the future and why we should be hopeful about advancing scientific progress.

Dr. Naren Shankar is an acclaimed writer/producer of television shows such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, CSI, Almost Human and The Expanse. He also holds degrees in engineering and physics from Cornell University. He joins the ScriptPhD.com podcast to discuss his role as executive producer in SyFy channel’s adaptation of The Expanse novel series. Topics of discussion include: his transition from PhD scientist to working Hollywood writer, the iconic impact of Star Trek and CSI and how The Expanse evokes the best allegory and elements of the sci-fi genre to tell an existential narrative.

Dr. Kevin Grazier is a former JPL planetary scientist and notable consultant on TV shows such as Eureka, Defiance, Battlestar Galactica and Falling Skies, as well as film blockbusters such as Gravity and Pirates of the Carribean. He joins the ScriptPhD.com podcast to discuss the overarching themes and concepts that influenced his new book “Hollyweird Science: Quantum Quirks and the Multiverse." These include how the current Golden Age of sci-fi arose and why there’s more science and technology content in entertainment than ever; why scientists and screenwriters are remarkably similar; why physics and astronomy are the building blocks of the majority of science fiction; how the “Hollyweird Science” trilogy can be used as a didactic tool for scientists and entertainment figures; and his favorite moments working both in science and entertainment.

Dr. Gary Small, a world-renowned professor of psychiatry and neurodegenerative aging diseases, joined the ScriptPhD.com podcast to discuss his breakout book "The Naked Lady That Stood on Her Head." We discuss how media and on-screen portrayal of psychiatrists contribute to people’s perceptions of the field, how the themes of empathy and humanity are indellibly woven into case studies, the challenges and fullfillment of psychiatry and the contribution of pop culture in modern psychoses.

Dr. Chuck Kopczak, the curator of ecology at the California Science Center, joins the ScriptPhD.com podcast to discuss the design and thought process behind the groundbreaking "Ecosystems" interactive exhibit. An avid diver and geologist by training, "Dr. Kelp" breaks down why interactive learning is the future of science education, how emotional connection resonates with environmental awareness and why the California Science Center is setting up labs and charter schools on site to encourage young scientists.

Dr. Brian Cox joins the ScriptPhD.com podcast to discuss his BBC show "Wonders of the Universe" and his views on space exploration. Among our discussion topics: how he is still able to channel a passion for the solar system, why he thinks it's critical for NASA to take risks and go to Mars, the possibilities of life in the outer solar system and why it's a huge mistake for NASA to cut their budget for space exploration.