Talk That Science

What does gender representation in economics really look like today—and why does it matter? In this episode of Talk That Science, we’re joined by Kaneta Zillur, Head of Research at the Women in Economics Initiative (WiE), to explore the state of gender equality across academia, the private sector, and public institutions. Kaneta introduces us to the Women Economics Index, a tool that tracks female leadership globally, and unpacks this year’s spotlight on African economists.

We discuss how the Index is built, what the numbers reveal (including it's surprising trends in Africa and the private sector), and why representation in leadership is so crucial for shaping policy, business, and the next generation of economists. Kaneta shares insights on the barriers women face, from the “leaky pipeline” to financial and caregiving pressures, and highlights the importance of mentorship and intersectional approaches—including amplifying voices from the Global South and addressing gaps in Asian data.

Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and progress of breaking up the glass ceiling in economics!

Tracks played during the episode include:

Tomar Ghorey - Anusheh Anadil

Anxiety - Doechii

No Hands - Joy Crookes

Woman (Feat. Lianne La Havas) - Nao

Host: Kira

A big thanks to the Student Impact Center of the University of Amsterdam for supporting the show and to EchoBox Radio for hosting us! Join us for an great conversation on gender representation, leadership, and the future of economics.

Can we trust our political institutions? And how is that trust—or distrust—shaped over time? In this episode of Talk That Science, we sit down with Hannes Bey and Giovanni D’Agostino, PhD candidates in the Challenges to Democratic Representation research group at the University of Amsterdam, to explore the complexities of political trust. Giovanni investigates how young citizens develop trust or distrust in political institutions, while Hannes examines long-term trends in political trust at the macro level.

We discuss how political trust is measured, what drives its decline, and how researchers determine when distrust becomes ‘critical’ or ‘blind.’ Giovanni walks us through his research on 14-year-olds and generational trends in trust, while Hannes sheds light on the gap between actual political trust and public perception. We also explore how education can both strengthen and divide democracies, shaping the way different groups relate to political institutions. And, of course, all of this is accompanied by some thought-provoking tracks!

Tracks played during the episode include:

Ho Visto Un Re – Enzo Jannacci

The Mess We’re In – PJ Harvey

What Did You Learn in School Today – Pete Seeger

Hosts: Amity & Bronagh

A big thanks to the Student Impact Center of the University of Amsterdam for financing our show and to EchoBox Radio for hosting us! Tune in for a timely discussion on political trust, democracy, and the factors shaping public perception today.

In this episode of Talk That Science, we sit down with Erik Stei, an assistant professor in theoretical philosophy at Utrecht University, to explore the fascinating world of logic and its philosophical foundations. Erik recently published his book Logical Pluralism and Logical Consequence with Cambridge University Press, and he joins us to unpack key ideas about the nature of logic, its different interpretations, and why it plays a crucial role in both philosophy and everyday life.

We discuss what it means to study logic, how it connects to mathematics, and how we encounter logic in our daily thinking. Erik also walks us through the core arguments of his book, sharing insights into logical pluralism and his stance within the field. Plus, we get a behind-the-scenes look at his academic journey, the process of writing a book, and where his research is headed next. And, of course, all of this is accompanied by some sunny tunes to keep things lively!

Tracks played during the episode include:

Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell

Shape of My Heart – Sting

Handlebars – Flobots

The Logical Song – Supertramp

Host: Kira

A big thanks to EchoBox Radio for hosting our show and to the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam for supporting this project! Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about logic, philosophy, and the many ways they shape our understanding of the world

Are glaciers really disappearing? And what does that mean for our planet? In this episode of Talk That Science, we welcome back returning guest Marion Dugue, a PhD student at ETH Zurich, to uncover the role of satellite technology in glaciology and climate research. Marion shares insights from her master's thesis in applied geophysics, where she used satellite data to analyze glaciers, and explains why distinguishing different types of glaciers is crucial in the context of global warming.

We also dive into the challenges of fieldwork in extreme environments like the Arctic Circle, the physical and logistical hurdles glaciologists face, and how their research contributes to our understanding of climate change. Plus, Marion tells us about her shift from glaciers to agricultural research and how space technology ties into it all. And of course, all this is accompanied by some sunny tunes to brighten your day!

Tracks played during the episode include:

Au Temps des Coquillages – Meimuna

Mexico – Mar Malade

Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix

Hosts: Amity & Kira

A big thanks to EchoBox Radio for hosting our show and to the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam for supporting this project! Tune in for a fascinating discussion on glaciers, satellites, and the future of climate research.

What is quantum computing? and how might it impact our society? In this episode of Talk That Science, we sit down with Pablo Cova Fariña, a PhD student at the research institute for quantum computing and quantum internet to unpack the core principles of quantum physics, like superposition and entanglement, and discover how they're being harnessed to build the supercomputers of tomorrow. Pablo also tells us about his cutting-edge research using chips to simulate real-world materials, giving us a glimpse into work as a researcher and the exciting future of quantum technology. Plus, we discuss this emerging field's potential benefits, risks, and challenges – all between some great music!

Tracks played during the episode include:

Computer World - Kraftwerk

Waves - Max Cooper

Depende - Jarabe De Palo

Sleepy Head - The Pillows

Hosts: Amity & Kira

As always, a big thanks to EchoBox Radio for hosting our show, and to the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam for supporting this project! Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about quantum computing.

This episode Annemie Ploeger, a Senior Lecturer at the programme group for Developmental Psychology at the University of Amsterdam will be our guest.She is an evolutionary developmental psychologist whose research provides an evolutionary perspective on mental disorders, with the focus on depression. Her main topic I study is the mismatch hypothesis: the mismatch between our current modern environment and the one in which we evolved makes us vulnerable to diseases and disorders. Enjoy our chat! Here is the music and videos Annemie proposed to us:

-Mad World - Tears for Fears

-Bayaka foragers singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cdsyj5kgWE

-Moment of meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyj8l9miy4w

-Back to the Garden - Delta Rae

-Breathe Me - Sia

What is an equal city, and how do we achieve one? In this episode of Talk That Science, we sit down with Elisabetta Gobbo, a PhD student at Erasmus University, to dive into the complex relationship between gentrification, housing, and tourism. Elisabetta explores how political philosophy helps frame discussions about city equality, property rights, and urban justice. We also discuss the ongoing housing crisis in cities like Venice and Amsterdam, where tourism is affecting the local way of life. Elisabetta shares insights into how cities around the world are coping with these challenges, highlighting the need for sustainable policies.

Tracks played during the episode include:

Venezia in Affitto - Pitura Freska

Gentrification - Joy York & The Co-operators

Troddin on - The Admirals

The Beat Goes Ska! - Marina P and Mungo's Hi Fi

Hosts: Amity & Nicolien

As always, a big thanks to EchoBox Radio for hosting our show, and to the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam for supporting this project! Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of our cities.

Join us for a special episode on how the Iranian Revolution was perceived in the USSR. Lilit Zeltburg talks us through how these two historical revolutionary regimes came in contact. She has studied how the media in the USSR depicted the revolution of 1979, how the elites appropriated the narrative and what the differences were with the reaction of the Western world. Join our hosts Amity and Kira for one more appointment with the coolest science and the best tunes! This is the song list: Gruppa krovi, Kino, Blood Type https://open.spotify.com/track/0qlCTm0U6Jcgx29HEYIXrg?si=892fdb8fabf24b7f ; Millions Of Scarlet Roses, Alla Pugacheva https://open.spotify.com/track/6hZKMAiaIepVtAtgFKm4xt?si=36853e392d244afd; povorot, Mashina Vremeni, Turn https://open.spotify.com/track/0cNewbixCGIsFYH32kGcF3?si=9e4345f7c05d43d3

Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the philosophy of conspiracy theories, why do people believe them, is it wrong to believe in conspiracies, and why do they seem so useful for pursuing political goals? In this episode we answer to these questions, and pose many more, with Giulia Napolitano, Assistant professor at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, and our hosts Amity and Gabriele. The tracks played during the episode are:

MK Ultra - Muse

Turn The Fricking Frogs Gay - YOLODANKMEMESBRO

Voglio Vederti Danzare - Franco Battiato

As always, huge thanks to Echobox Radio for hosting our show and to the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam for financing the whole project!

Sexual double standards shape the ways in which we interact with each other and how we think about ourselves. We spoke with Gijsje Maas, a PhD candidate and junior lecturer at the Communication and Media research group of the Behavioural Science Institute at Radboud University. In this episode we discuss the role of entertainment media in the establishment, continuation, and transformation of gendered norms surrounding sex, specifically the sexual double standard.

Tracks played during the episode:

1. If I Were a Boy, by Beyonce

2. Azadi, by Naaz

3. Samaritans, by Idles

4. One of Your Girls, by Troye Sivan

Big thanks to the Echobox Radio team for hosting us and helping out with everything!