Best Scicomm Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Enhance Your Physical & Mental Resilience (HRV, Respiratory Rate, RHR) 2:08:52

11d ago2:08:52

2:08:52

In this episode, I explain how to increase your control over your nervous system — not just to manage stress, but to recalibrate your autonomic nervous system for long-term physiological resilience and adaptability. This episode goes beyond basic stress management techniques to explore how to fine-tune your nervous system, become more stress tolera…

1
Jill Miller: Increase Flexibility & Relieve Pain with Breathwork & Myofascial Release 2:10:00

19d ago2:10:00

2:10:00

In this episode, my guest is Jill Miller, a renowned fascia expert and teacher of breathwork practices and self-myofascial release (SMR) to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance body awareness. We discuss how fascia—the connective tissue in and around muscles, bones and organs—is essential for flexibility and movement, and we explore how tools…

1
Dr. Michael Ormsbee: Food Timing, Nutrition & Supplements for Fat Loss, Muscle Growth & Recovery 2:32:11

26d ago2:32:11

2:32:11

My guest is Dr. Michael Ormsbee, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition and integrative physiology and the director of the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine at Florida State University. We explore how pre-sleep nutrition affects fat metabolism, muscle growth, performance, and recovery, while helping individuals meet their daily protein goals witho…

1
Dr. Allison Brager: Improve Sleep Efficiency & Resilience 1:57:00

1M ago1:57:00

1:57:00

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Allison Brager, Ph.D., an active-duty Army neuroscientist whose research focuses on physiological resilience in extreme stress environments such as Antarctica and outer space. We discuss how sleep is impacted in these harsh conditions and the broader concept of sleep resilience, which is crucial for athletes, milita…

1
Strength Training for Kids & Building Lifelong Movement Skills 1:49:59

1M ago1:49:59

1:49:59

In this episode, I discuss the importance of exercise, specifically strength training, for kids. With growing concerns over childhood obesity, limited opportunities for physical activity in school, decreased outdoor playtime, and reduced sports participation, the lack of physical activity in children poses serious long-term risks to their physical …

1
Dr. Herman Pontzer: How We Really Burn Calories & Lose Weight 2:19:03

2M ago2:19:03

2:19:03

My guest is Dr. Herman Pontzer, Ph.D., a professor of evolutionary anthropology and global health at Duke University, known for his research on human bioenergetics, particularly energy expenditure and the exercise paradox. We discuss his work comparing highly active hunter-gatherer groups to more sedentary cultures, exploring their total energy exp…

1
Jordan Sullivan: Fueling for Sports Performance & Body Composition 2:58:21

2M ago2:58:21

2:58:21

In this episode, my guest is Jordan Sullivan, APD, a registered sports dietitian and the founder of The Fight Dietitian (TFD), whose clients include UFC world champions, Olympians, and ultra-endurance athletes. We discuss performance nutrition, focusing on how to strategically use diet and nutrition to optimize an athlete’s physical performance, re…

1
Enhancing Bone Health at Every Age 1:52:56

2M ago1:52:56

1:52:56

Bone health is often dismissed as something only “old people” or postmenopausal women should worry about, but evidence clearly indicates that poor bone health is extremely common—even among young, healthy people, including men. It is also highly preventable and reversible through various lifestyle and other modifiable factors. In this episode, I ex…

1
Dr. Bret Contreras: How to Build Bigger Glutes & Legs 3:28:58

2M ago3:28:58

3:28:58

My guest is Dr. Bret Contreras, PhD, CSCS, a leading expert in glute training. We cover key strategies for maximizing glute growth, explore the anatomy and function of the glutes, and break down effective exercises like the hip thrust. We discuss how to structure training programs based on individual goals, the importance of prioritizing recovery, …

1
Dr. Tommy Wood: Enhancing Brain Performance & Preventing Dementia 3:03:32

2M ago3:03:32

3:03:32

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Thomas Wood, a UK-trained M.D. with a Ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience. He is a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington. We discuss how both physical and mental challenges can enhance cognitive function in the short and long term. We also examine the crucial roles of nutrition, s…

1
How to Boost Your Metabolism & Burn Fat 2:13:38

3M ago2:13:38

2:13:38

In this episode, I discuss science-supported methods to boost metabolism and maintain sustainable fat loss. I explain the key components of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and why some people seem to stay naturally lean with little effort. Using the three I’s—Investigate, Interpret, and Intervene—I explain how to assess your metabolism and ma…

1
Join us at Research Unravelled 2:26

6M ago2:26

2:26

Come and listen to our new podcast, Research Unravelled. We'll be digging into the complexity that lies at the heart of research communication and hearing from expert practitioners about how they navigate or unravel that complexity. Research Unravelled is hosted by Peter Barker and brought to you by Orinoco Communications - the creative agency wher…

1
Nutrition to Support Brain Health & Offset Brain Injuries 1:41:52

9M ago1:41:52

1:41:52

In this episode, I discuss nutrition and supplementation to reduce the risk of brain injury and enhance brain performance and long-term health. Most brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBIs) and concussion, are not from sports and are actually quite common in non-athletes. I explain what happens in the brain when a TBI occurs and disc…

1
How to Use & Interpret Blood Tests for High Performance 2:22:34

9M ago2:22:34

2:22:34

In this episode, I discuss blood testing for athletic performance. I explain how performance-based blood testing differs from medical or disease-based blood panels and the pros and cons of blood testing for performance. I explain how to choose specific blood markers based on your performance goals, scenario, and situation. I also discuss the timing…

1
Genetic Testing for Sports Performance 1:43:29

9M ago1:43:29

1:43:29

In this episode, I discuss genetic testing for sports and athletic performance. I describe the history of sports genomics and the search for genes that determine strength, endurance, and other performance markers. I explain how to interpret genetic test results, including how many genes determine a trait, the relative influence of a single gene, an…

1
Avoid Fitness Plateaus, Overtraining & Mis-Timed Performance Peaks 2:05:56

9M ago2:05:56

2:05:56

In this episode, I discuss training plateaus, overtraining, and peaking (aka “tapering”) to help you train smart for your goals and effectively use rest to maximize performance. I discuss training plateaus, the underlying molecular mechanisms that cause plateaus, and how to overcome plateaus by targeting systems and nutrition-based approaches. I de…

1
How Lactate & Metabolism Influence Performance 1:48:30

9M ago1:48:30

1:48:30

In this episode, I discuss lactate (or “lactic acid”) and its essential roles in metabolism and athletic performance. Lactate is commonly misinterpreted as the waste product responsible for muscle soreness and exercise fatigue. However, I explain why it is produced, how lactate positively affects multiple organ systems, and its critical function in…

1
How to Enhance Performance With Better Sleep 2:02:33

10M ago2:02:33

2:02:33

In this episode, I explain how sleep optimization produces a competitive advantage and the many tools available for improving sleep to maximize athletic performance. I explain how sufficient, high-quality sleep enhances speed, accuracy, reaction time, and competition performance and aids in injury recovery. I also describe why most athletes suffer …

1
Build Muscle Size, Strength & Power With Science-Backed Programs 2:01:48

10M ago2:01:48

2:01:48

In this episode, I explain protocols to build muscle hypertrophy (muscle size) and maximize strength and power for athletic performance, health, and longevity. I describe two science-supported programs developed by strength and performance experts that are appropriate for both men and women, no matter the sport or training level background. I discu…

1
Beyond the buzzword: how storytelling can transform research communications 34:45

10M ago34:45

34:45

It's the final episode of Research Comms! To mark this momentous moment, Peter takes a trip through six years of archives to explore a topic that has featured prominently throughout the series: Storytelling. With insights from past guests, including Dame Uta Frith, Kat Arney, Will Storr and Jessica Fox, the podcast unpacks why stories have such a h…

1
How to Improve Your VO2 Max & Build Endurance 1:22:35

10M ago1:22:35

1:22:35

In this episode, I explain practical applications for improving your VO2 max and endurance in order to prevent disease, promote longevity, and optimize overall health and performance. I also explain the training fundamentals and methods to consider when developing an endurance training program, such as general conditioning, warm-ups/cool-downs, tis…

1
Why Muscle Matters & How to Build It 1:55:06

10M ago1:55:06

1:55:06

In this episode, I discuss the essential role of skeletal muscle in health and performance. I explain what skeletal muscle is made of, how it works, and its role as an integral organ system for physical and mental health. I explain how to focus on skeletal muscle quantity (total muscle) and muscle quality (functionality, speed, power, strength) to …

1
How & Why to Strengthen Your Heart & Cardiovascular Fitness 1:58:51

11M ago1:58:51

1:58:51

In this episode, I discuss the critical importance of building a strong heart and how to do it. I explain why the human body needs to breathe, the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness for sleep and exercise recovery, and its long-term implications for physical health, disease risk, and mortality. I explain how the heart functions, what determine…

1
Rewriting the future of dementia: building a community of researchers with a shared purpose | Lucy Wilson | UK Dementia Research Institute 33:57

11M ago33:57

33:57

Despite the alarming statistic that 1 in 3 people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime, research into the neurodegenerative disease has historically been underfunded compared with other areas of medical research such as cancer. In this episode of Research Comms, host Peter Barker explores the reasons behind that with Lucy Wilson, Dire…

1
Making Sense of Sensemaking: A framework for communications that cut through the noise | Liz Neeley & Ambika Kamath | Liminal 35:51

12M ago35:51

35:51

Sensemaking is a powerful communications tool that provides a framework for understanding the world in which we live and shaping the stories that we tell. In this episode of Research Comms, Peter is joined by Liz Neeley and Ambika Kamath, the founding members of science communications collective Liminal, to unpack sensemaking and its potential for …

1
How an economic institute's video strategy helped it reach millions of people around the world | Matthew Kulvicki | Institute for New Economic Thinking 33:07

1y ago33:07

33:07

It's no secret that video can be one of the most powerful ways of sharing research with audiences online. But creating a successful strategy that will get your videos seen by the right people isn't always so straightforward. One research organisation that has achieved huge levels of public engagement with its own video content is the Institute for …

1
Avoiding the Spiral of Silence: The Case for Talking About Climate | Eric Fine | Yale Program on Climate Change Communication 39:08

1y ago39:08

39:08

Over the past few decades, the evidence to show that climate change is happening, that it’s caused by human activities, and that we need to take urgent action to limit its impact, has gathered at an overhelming rate. But research into the best way to communicate that message has lagged behind. That’s changing, thanks in large part to the work of or…

1
Generative-AI: Establishing guidelines for how to use it | Amy Mollett, Barney Brown and William Kerslake | University of Cambridge 44:52

1y ago44:52

44:52

Generative-AI tools, like ChatGPT, are increasingly embedded in the day-to-day work of research communicators. At the University of Cambridge the senior comms team has published a set of AI guidelines, created in consultation with staff across the university. In this episode of Research Comms, members of the working group that put the guidelines to…

1
Welcome to Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin 3:02

1+ y ago3:02

3:02

This is Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin. I'm Dr. Andy Galpin, a professor of kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton. With this podcast, my goal is to help you better understand and maximize your own physical performance, leveraging my two decades of experience with top-tier performers, including Olympians and world champions across nume…

1
Trust: how can research communicators earn the trust of the public? 33:53

1+ y ago33:53

33:53

In this episode, host Peter Barker reflects on the unique archive of over fifty Research Comms episodes to bring together insights from those conversations around the theme of trust. Whether we’re discussing vaccine hesitancy, climate scepticism, young people’s engagement with science and scientists or the rise of conspiracy theorists, all of these…

1
Changing landscapes: telling stories from Antarctica against a backdrop of climate change and an evolving media | Athena Dinar | British Antarctic Survey 24:43

2y ago24:43

24:43

Athena Dinar is Deputy Head of Communications at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) where she’s spent over two decades conveying the captivating magic of Antarctica and the vital research scientists carry out there. In this episode of Research Comms, Athena speaks with us about the shifting narratives surrounding the climate crisis and how digital …

1
Unpacking ‘impact’: What does it mean, and how do you know if you’re achieving it? | Prof. Mark Reed | Fast Track Impact 32:29

2y ago32:29

32:29

Professor Mark Reed is a Professor and Research Centre Director at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) as well as the founder and Chief Executive of Fast Track Impact, an organisation that provides researchers with evidence-based tools and training to empower them to use their work to change the world for good. In this episode of Research Comms, Mark h…

1
How can research-adjacent professionals pave the way for a more collaborative research and innovation ecosystem? | Sarah McLusky | Research-Adjacent Consultant 33:03

2y ago33:03

33:03

Sarah McLusky is a Research-Adjacent Trainer and Consultant who works with universities in communications and engagement, education and curriculum enhancement, training STEM ambassadors and organising large scale outreach events, as well as hosting the recently-launched Research Adjacent podcast, among others. In this episode of Research Comms, we …

1
Fusion energy: how to prepare the world for transformative technology | Celestine Cheong | UK Atomic Energy Authority 38:11

2y ago38:11

38:11

Celestine Cheong is Head of External Communications at the UK Atomic Energy Authority. In this episode of Research Comms she talks about the work of UKAEA to push for the delivery of sustainable fusion energy, about the challenges of communicating science that is at times, very complex, and about managing public expectations around the development …

1
How can we improve public understanding of artificial intelligence to ensure it works for all? | Sophie McIvor | Alan Turing Institute 23:13

2y ago23:13

23:13

Sophie McIvor is the Director of Communications and Engagement at the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. She has been in the role since the Institute opened in 2015 and is spearheading its new strategy focused on public engagement with AI. In this episode of Research Comms we discuss why…

1
Attitudes of young people to science | Katherine Mathieson | British Science Association 29:12

3y ago29:12

29:12

In March 2022 the British Science Association published a report examining the attitudes of young people in the UK to science. In this episode of the Research Comms podcast, the BSA’s outgoing Chief Executive, Katherine Mathieson, talks about the reports findings, speculating on why young people do not feel sufficiently engaged with science, the im…

1
What can we learn from the Covid pandemic about crisis communications? | Glen Nowak | Grady College 28:38

3y ago28:38

28:38

It's been more than two years since the Covid pandemic took hold. And although it may have more surprises in store for us, there is hope that the worst has passed. So now seems a good time to start thinking about what lessons we can learn from the experience to better prepare us for future pandemics and public health crises. How we communicate the …

1
Growing your community on Linkedin | Laura Hannan | Pitch121 36:17

3y ago36:17

36:17

In this episode of Research Comms, Laura Hannan shares the wisdom that she’s gleaned from 15 years of experience on Linkedin and gives her top tips on how communicators can make the most out of the platform to grow their network and drive engagement with their organisation’s research.By Peter Barker

1
Harnessing the power of social media | Amy Mollett | University of Cambridge 30:47

3y ago30:47

30:47

In this episode of Research Comms Amy Mollett talks about the exciting early days of blogs and twitter, of her social media work at LSE, of the digital services team in Parliament. Tips for getting started, maintaining digital wellbeing and tracking what’s important abound.By Peter Barker

1
Communicating research for the development sector and NGOs | Suzanne Fisher-Murray | Christian Aid 33:46

3y ago33:46

33:46

In this episode of Research Comms, Suzanne Fisher-Murray talks about the differences between communicating research in the development sector and academia, the power of radio for sharing stories and influencing behaviour, what truly participatory communications look like and the value of creating personas for strategic communication with communitie…

1
Telling stories about innovation | Ashley Jennings | Texas Innovation Center 25:31

3+ y ago25:31

25:31

Managing Director of the Texas Innovation Center, Ashley Jennings, talks about the thriving innovation and startup scene in Austin (and across Texas) and how the innovation center is helping transform great ideas into valuable products. A big part of that is training founders in how to tell their stories in a compelling way, to raise awareness, gen…

1
Is 'data sonification' the new frontier for science communication? |Matt Russo | System Sounds 21:56

3+ y ago21:56

21:56

Matt Russo is an astrophysicist, musician and sonification specialist. He teaches physics at the University of Toronto and has toured schools with sonifications that bring parts of the universe to life. He founded the sci-art project SYSTEM sounds, through which he works with NASA to sonify data collected in and about the cosmos. In this episode of…

1
How to read statistics (and knowing when to trust them) |Tom Chivers 33:30

3+ y ago33:30

33:30

Tom is science editor for the digital news magazine UnHerd. His writing has featured in The Guardian, Telegraph, New Scientist and BuzzFeed. He covers an array of subjects, mostly science, but he also delves into politics, foreign affairs, sport, culture wars - pretty much anything that piques his interest. He's won two statistical excellence in jo…

1
Creating new narratives around Artificial Intelligence |Dr Kanta Dihal| Global AI Narratives Project 33:54

4y ago33:54

33:54

This week’s guest on the Research Comms podcast is Dr Kanta Dihal, a Senior Research Fellow at Cambridge University’s Leverhulme Centre for Future Intelligence, where she runs 'Global AI Narratives', a project exploring the many ways in which artificial intelligence is perceived by cultures around the world. Presented by Peter Barker Produced by Or…

1
The art of data visualization | Stefanie Posavec and Miriam Quick 28:48

4y ago28:48

28:48

This week’s guests are data designer, Stefanie Posavec, and data journalist, Miriam Quick. We talk about their new book, about how constraints can encourage creativity, and they give their tips on how researchers and communicators can improve their own data visualizations. ------------ Presented by Peter Barker Produced by Orinoco Communications ww…

1
How to create effective online public engagement events | Dr. Jamie Gallagher 29:02

4y ago29:02

29:02

Dr. Jamie Gallagher is a science communication and evaluation expert. In early 2020 Jamie’s freelance schedule, which was dominated by live workshops, talks and events all over the world, emptied. In this interview I talk to Jamie about how he pivoted to take his science communication business online and how he’s been helping others navigate that t…

1
Communicating the biggest story of our times | Alex Buxton | University of Oxford 41:42

4y ago41:42

41:42

This week’s guest on the Research Comms podcast is Alex Buxton, Head of Strategic Communications at the University of Oxford. We discuss what it was like to be parachuted into his role just after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and to do so at a time when the University was involved in one of the biggest news stories of our times - the race to d…

1
How to combat the 'crisis of science communications' | Prof. Andy Miah | University of Salford 31:37

4y ago31:37

31:37

This week’s guest is Professor Andy Miah - Chair in Science Communication and Future Media at the University of Salford. In our conversation we discuss how best to engage people with unfamiliar technological advances, why it’s so important for all academics and researchers to have some kind of a public presence, as well as delving into what Prof. M…

1
Going viral on Tik Tok with vaccine video content | Dr. Anna Blakney 30:03

4y ago30:03

30:03

This week’s guest is Dr. Anna Blakney, a vaccine scientist and recent viral sensation on the social media platform, TikTok, where her videos about vaccines have racked up millions of views since she started creating them just a few months ago, gaining her hundreds of thousands of followers. She uses her platform to teach people about the Covid-19 v…

1
#BlackInSciComm Week and STEM diversity | Raven Baxter aka Raven the Science Maven 36:42

4+ y ago36:42

36:42

This week’s guest is Raven Baxter, aka Raven the Science Maven. Raven is a molecular biologist and science communicator who, as well as sharing her love of science with the world, is also a huge champion of greater diversity in the STEM sector. One of the most notable ways that she’s challenge stereotypical ideas of what a scientists should look an…

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