Planet SciComm
Planet SciComm
Utah Science Communicators
Utah Science Communicators (USCo) is excited to take over the Planet SciComm podcast!This new chapter will highlight the art of communicating science through conversations with researchers, science communicators, and community voices. We're building a collaborative space where students from all disciplines can try their hand at podcasting, share their ideas, and explore creative ways to make science accessible and engaging.Intro song by Mantis Jackson (https://www.facebook.com/mantisjacksonmusic/).Original podcast created by Jason McDermott (@redpenblackpen), Patrick Videau, and Sara K. Yeo (@sarakyeo)This podcast is independently produced and distributed by Utah Science Communicators. The opinions expressed are those of the individuals involved in this organization or their guests and do not reflect the official views of the University of Utah.
Cutie Pie Animals
Planet SciComm is back in 2026!Our first episode of the year, in honor of Valentine's Day, explores the lovey-dovey behavior of different animals. Sam, Sarah, and Allie dive into the world of monogamous sleepy lizards, dancing sage grouse, and empathetic rats. Learn more at utahsciencecommunicators.com, follow us on Instagram @utahsciencecommunicators, and don't miss our upcoming events! Contact us at: [email protected]. This podcast is independently produced and distributed by Utah Science Communicators. The opinions expressed are those of the people involved in this organization and guests, and do not reflect the official views of the University of Utah.Notes:More on sleepy lizards: https://blog.nature.org/2021/09/20/the-love-stories-of-sleepy-lizards/Sage Grouse mating dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCBQrVpeLQULucy Cooke: http://www.lucycooke.tv/More on empathetic rats: https://news.uchicago.edu/story/helping-your-fellow-rat-rodents-show-empathy-driven-behavior#:~:text=While%20emotional%20contagion%20is%20the%20simplest%20form,immediately%20upon%20placement%20in%20the%20test%20arena.
Feb 27
56 min
Be braver, be bolder: an interview with Courtney Demmitt-Rice
On this episode of Planet SciComm, Sarah and Allie chat with graduate student Courtney Demmitt-Rice about her experiences as a researcher, mother, and caretaker. Courtney discusses how public health policy intersects with her research, why we should all care about rare diseases, and why lipids are the most underrated macromolecule.Learn more at utahsciencecommunicators.com, follow us on Instagram @utahsciencecommunicators, and don't miss our upcoming events! Contact us at: [email protected]: Courtney does not receive any money for June's medical services, only insurance coverage through Medicaid. This podcast is independently produced and distributed by Utah Science Communicators. The opinions expressed are those of the people involved in this organization and guests and do not reflect the official views of the University of Utah.
Nov 24, 2025
1 hr 1 min
Find Your Trina
Join us for the second episode of Planet SciComm: A Utah Science Communicators Podcast, where we dive into the science behind science communication.Allie White and Nathan Johnston sit down with Dr. Sara Yeo, one of the original hosts of Planet SciComm. Dr. Yeo is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah, where she researches strategic science communication, public opinions of STEM, and information processing.In this interview, Sara, Allie, and Nathan delve into a variety of topics, ranging from why ospreys are the best bird to the importance of impact identity in science communication.Learn more at utahsciencecommunicators.com, follow us on Instagram @utahsciencecommunicators, and don’t miss our upcoming events! Contact us at: [email protected] out the links below to learn more about some of the references made in this episode:https://www.kavlifoundation.org/news/insights-and-practical-considerations-for-communicating-basic-sciencehttps://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12411/strategic-science-communication?srsltid=AfmBOorYxETMFhRpW8hTKMyEEMZmhyNTyE40Lgag1WPV2nsOHvkF4Thhhttps://stemap.utah.edu/https://www.kenyon.edu/news/archive/turtles-all-the-way-down/https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Osprey/overviewhttps://www.science.org/content/article/fifteen-years-later-science-retracts-arsenic-life-paper-despite-study-authorsThis podcast is independently produced and distributed by Utah Science Communicators. The opinions expressed are those of the people involved in this organization and do not reflect the official view of the University of Utah.
Nov 13, 2025
1 hr 9 min
Planet SciComm: A Utah Science Communicator's Podcast - Meet the New Hosts!
Welcome to a brand new chapter of Planet SciComm! In this kickoff episode, we're thrilled to introduce ourselves as the new hosts - students from Utah Science Communicators (USCo). We are a passionate, student-led group dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and fun. Join the USCo team as we: Introduce each branch of our group (podcast, blog, and outreach)Share the origin story of Utah Science Communicators (USCo)Reflect on the challenges and excitement of science communication todayHighlight our collaborative vision for this podcast moving forwardWhether you're a longtime listener or just joining us, this episode sets the stage for the fresh, creative, and student-driven energy we're bringing to the Planet SciComm platform.Plus: Find out how YOU (yes, you!) can get involved - whether you're curious about podcasting, writing, producing, or sharing your science story.Learn more at utahsciencecommunicators.com, follow us on Instagram @utahsciencecommunicators, and don't miss our upcoming events! Contact us at: [email protected] tuned for exclusive interviews, inspiring science stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at how students are shaping the future of science communication. This podcast is independently produced and distributed by Utah Science Communicators. The opinions expressed are those of the students involved in this organization and do not reflect the official views of the University of Utah.
Nov 13, 2025
38 min
Dr. Angela Rasmussen
Jason, Patrick, and Sara chat with Dr. Angela Rasmussen about her experience with the media during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 30, 2024
1 hr 2 min
Science & Art: Buckets of Failures
Jason, Patrick, and Sara chat with Dr. Bryan Welm of the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. Dr. Welm is faculty in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah. He studies breast cancer and is also a metal sculptor who creates science art.Bryan Welm’s website: https://www.bryanwelm.com/Kimball Art Center, Park City, UT: https://kimballartcenter.org/ASM Agar Art Contest: https://asm.org/events/asm-agar-art-contest/home Twisted Doodles: https://linktr.ee/twisteddoodlesScientific Computing Institute (University of Utah): https://www.sci.utah.edu/
Apr 24, 2024
1 hr 13 min
Not Your Dad's Podcast... Or Is It?
Patrick, Jason, and Sara chat with Bella McDermott about the intersection between industrial design and science communication.
Dec 4, 2023
1 hr 18 min
And We're Back!
After a brief hiatus, Jason, Patrick, and Sara catch up!
Nov 2, 2023
57 min
You Gotta Be Able to Talk with Other People (Scientists)
This week we welcome Dr. Bruce Kirchoff (University of North Carolina at Greensboro) to talk about his recent book, Presenting Science Concisely.Presenting Science ConciselyDr. Kirchoff's YouTube ChannelAssociation of Science CommunicatorsJon Wagner's websiteMike Morrison's Better Poster
May 12, 2023
56 min
Love at First Draft
Happy 2023! Jason and Sara kick off the new year with guest, Michelle Nijhuis, author and science journalist who is currently Acting Editor of High Country News. In today's episode, we discuss Michelle's books, including her latest Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction, Michelle's path to science journalism, and ChatGPT.Michelle’s linktreeBeloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of ExtinctionThe Science Writer’s Essay HandbookSCISPACE: AI CopilotOpen Notebook’s The Craft of Science WritingNational Association of Science WritersSociety for Environmental Journalists
Feb 5, 2023
1 hr 6 min
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