Science for the Culture

Latest Episodes:

Season 2 Finale! May 12, 2021

It’s that time again - time for us to take several seats after another season of your favorite science podcast! Listen as Drs. Nyote, Alicia, and Devyn share their highlights from the season and chat about current topics in science. Which episodes from the season were our favorites & what did we learn?! You’ll have to listen to find out! Thanks so much for listening! If you like what you’ve been hearing, subscribe to the podcast, tell a friend about us, follow us on IG, & leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

The Opioid Episode Apr 28, 2021

Opioid addiction is no laughing matter! Roughly 130 people die every day of an opioid overdose in the US alone. In this episode, your favorite melanated PhDs take a deep dive into the topic of opioids - what are they, where do they come from, how did we get them, and why are so many people dying from overdose. Topics from pain management and pharmaceutical companies to dark web drug trafficking and illicit drug use in Rap culture will be covered, so don't miss this. If you or a loved one has ever been prescribed an opioid pain killer, please listen as you never know whose life you can save when you’re armed with information!

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

We dedicate this episode to the memories of DMX and George Floyd.

Want an alternative perspective on recreational drug use? Check out the recent book "Drug Use for Grown Ups", by Dr. Carl Hart here: https://drcarlhart.com

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us hello@sciencefortheculture.com

I Ain't Got No Type: Recycling Rules Apr 14, 2021

Y'all have seen those commercials with ducks caught in soda can plastic pack rings and turtles with plastic straws in the nose. Yikes in an understatement. It’s so important that we all do our part & take care of the Earth and its creatures in whatever ways we can. Black folks have been playing a part upcycling Country Crock containers, Butter Cookie tins, and Crown Royal bags for decades, but how is our recycling game? In this episode, your favorite melanated PhDs, Drs. Devyn, Nyote, and Alicia, tackle the topic of recycling - what is it, how it got started, why we should care, and how to do it. Did you know you're probably using your grandma's tin foil? Well, kinda. We'll discuss how all plastics are not created equal, why glass and aluminum foil need space in your recycling routine, and why reusing your disposable water bottle is creating your very own Petri dish. After listening to this episode, don’t be surprised if you start side eyeing your coworkers who don’t recycle or switching to more glass and using less plastic!

Want to know more about the bomb.com stylist upcycling luxury threads? Check out Kellie Ford on Instagram @fly4i to see her create custom pieces.

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us hello@sciencefortheculture.com

Dat Outside Stank Apr 01, 2021

Part of growing up Black in the US is being told on the regular that you smell like outside. We’ve now become adults who can’t stand for our kids, nieces, and nephews to come in from outside stinking up our homes! But what IS outside smell and why does it exist?! Furthermore, how are we able to smell and where do body odors come from? Join in as your hosts spit straight facts and answer all of your burning questions about smell.

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us hello@sciencefortheculture.com

GM-Oh No? Mar 17, 2021

In this episode, join Drs. Devyn, Nyote, and Alicia as they break down exactly how humans got into the GMO game, how the government tried to pump the breaks on this new wave, and what plant is the G.O.A.T of the GMO world (it’s so corny you would never guess it!). Hear us chat it up about fruit ovaries, Chipotle being a teacher’s pet, and how to spot that PLU code for organic bananas a mile away! So whether you are chowing down some strawberries in the winter or adding some sugar into that lemonade, keep giving SFTC and these GMOs some love and check out the newest episode!

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us hello@sciencefortheculture.com

Backy with the COVID Vacky Mar 03, 2021

It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has turned the whole world on its head. We can’t go anywhere without wearing a mask and observing social distancing. Good news, though - we are finally at the point where vaccines are available! This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for! We should be excited! ...Right?! In this episode, Drs. Devyn, Nyote, and Alicia dive deep into the science behind these vaccines, what's in them (spoiler alert: there isn't a microchip to track your whereabouts- your phone does that just fine), why the vaccines were able to be developed so quickly, and why you may want to think twice before refusing to get it.

This episode is ripe with tons of info you can use to make an informed vaccination decision, but please do so in conjunction with the expertise of your physician. We are laying out the science, but we are not medical doctors. Please note that the choice to vaccinate is yours and should be done in consultation with a licensed medical professional.

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us hello@sciencefortheculture.com

ReCAP Bussin': Season 1 Edition Nov 11, 2020

Issa Season Finale - SFTC Style! Listen as your favorite melanated scientists recap our first season - the highs, the lows, and everything in-between! Which episodes from the season were our favorites & what strange facts did we learn?! You’ll have to listen to find out! Thank you so much for tuning in episode after episode! We're humbled and excited to see what the future brings! If you like what you’ve been hearing, subscribe to the podcast, tell a friend about us, follow us on IG, & leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Scientifically Shootin' the Shit: Election Edition Oct 28, 2020

The first season is almost coming to an end and we had to pause because the presidential election is looming. With the debates being so unhinged and out of control, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. Our intent is not to sway anyone’s vote. We hope that after listening, you’ll be a more informed voter. And if you haven’t voted already - what are you waiting for?!

Want a want to fact check political parties or candidates? Check out: factcheck.org

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at hello@sciencefortheculture.com

Gangsta Leanin' Globe Oct 14, 2020

Let’s keep it all the way a hunnid - almost all of the astronomy we learned in 3rd grade, we forgot. It was time for a little refresher! Learn along with us about the U.S Space Force (yes, y’all! The Space Force is a real thing!), the differences between astronomy & astrology, how the moon affects the ocean tides, and why we’re crowning the Earth the Wobble dance champ at the next cookout!

Check out keatsdidit on Instagram for some hilarious skits about the planets!

https://instagram.com/keatsdidit?igshid=o6zgz9yvhbb9

Buy his merch! https://keatsdidit.com/

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at hello@sciencefortheculture.com

Disinfecting WIPE Me Down Sep 30, 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic has made a clean freak out of everyone! You can’t find nan Lysol wipe ANYWHERE! But while you’re wiping down groceries & scrubbing down surfaces, are you sure that your household cleaners are doing what you think? All cleaning products are NOT created equal! Cleaners, disinfectants, and sanitizers – each of these has a different role.

In this episode of Science for the Culture, we'll dive into everyone's Saturday morning cleaning ritual (minus the Patti and Gladys playlist) the do's and don'ts of cleaning, and spilling the tea on Lysol, Fabuloso, and more.

Want to check out that article on Lysol? Find it here: bit.ly/30kBJuz

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at hello@sciencefortheculture.com

Protect that Melanin Drip Sep 16, 2020

As climate change grows more severe, the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays are becoming more pronounced. But we’ve been taught that melanated skin is a natural SPF. Shouldn’t it be enough to protect us?!

Don't get us wrong- the essential vitamin D we make from sun exposure is where it's at, but measures should be taken to protect against UVA and UVB rays- even for melanin rich kings and queens.

Want to rock melanin inspired fashion? Check out Eumelanin by founder Deirdre Roberson https://www.eumelanin.com

Want to protect that precious melanin drip? Check out Black-owned sunscreen brands:

Black Girl Sunscreen by Shontay Lundy https://www.blackgirlsunscreen.com and

Unsun Cosmetics by Katonya Breaux https://www.unsuncosmetics.com

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at hello@sciencefortheculture.com

We Some Cap Bussas Sep 02, 2020

In the day and age where information is abundant and at our fingertips in a matter of milliseconds, we have so much misinformation and disinformation that spreads so quickly… sometimes more quickly than the truth. How can you tell if something is cap? In this episode, we will discuss the nature of science, conspiracy theories, and how to challenge your (or someone else's) perspective on a scientific topic to get towards a more objective truth. WE SOME CAP BUSSAS, WE SOME CAP BUSSAS, we'll knock a liar out, WE SOME CAP BUSSAS and you can be one too! Tune in to get this game.

Want to test your implicit biases? Take the Harvard Implicit Association Test (IAT) we discuss in the episode: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html

Want to learn more about consipriacy theories from Drs. Cook and Lewandowsky? Read their handbook here: https://www.climatechangecommunication.org/conspiracy-theory-handbook/

Want to watch Dr. Williams' TED talk, "Own Your Body's Data"? Watch it here: https://www.ted.com/talks/talithia_williams_own_your_body_s_data?language=en

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us hello@sciencefortheculture.com

History of Hatin' Aug 19, 2020

Science for the Culture is our name and boosting science literacy while calling out cap is our game. The scientific community has oftentimes wanted to separate itself from matters of race in the interest of objectivity, but what role has science played in perpetuating and upholding standards of inequality against Blacks? In this episode, Drs. Alicia, Devyn, and Nyote will discuss the historic way in which scientific racism has shaped beliefs about Black people. This episode examines how a history of hatin' towards Blacks has instilled feelings of fear and distrust towards scientists and physicians, further widening the gap in science literacy, among other things.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "I have great respect for the past. If you don't know where you've come from, you don't know where you're going." Science for the Culture hopes this historical look at science and racism addresses the longstanding fears within the Black community and encourages listeners to take agency over their future engagement with science for the betterment of their health.

Want to test your science literacy? Take the Pew Research Center Quiz we discuss in the episode: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/quiz/science-knowledge-quiz/

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us hello@sciencefortheculture.com

Introducing Science for the Culture Aug 11, 2020

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