---
# System prepended metadata

title: Microbes & Microphones

---

# Microbes & Microphones
## Creating a Science Podcast

Podcasting is a popular method of sharing ideas with the world. Whether you have a phD in microbiology, or are just starting out on your journey to uncover the secrets of the universe, follow along for some tips on how to get started on your science podcast.

![](https://i.imgur.com/oqoPPAf.jpg)

---

## Scope

At its core, science is an interconnected web of concepts and ideas. A single topic can open up hundreds of information rabbit holes, and it's up to you to decide which ones to go down. After a neuroscience lecture about pathogens that invade the nervous system, I spent hours scouring the internet for more information about brain-eating amoeba (*hot tip: if you like to swim in fresh water during the summer months, wear nose-plugs*). The potential topics are endless and exciting!  

Once you have decided what to talk about, take some time to consider how deeply you'll dive into the material. Two possible approaches are to either scratch the surface of a broad idea, or get into the weeds of a more specific one. 

[*Ologies*](https://www.alieward.com/ologies) by Alie Ward is an incredibly popular science podcast that covers broad topics (anything ending in the suffix -ology is fair game). Check out this episode on [Molecular Neurobiology](https://www.alieward.com/ologies/molecularneurobiology?rq=molecular%20neurobiology) for inspiration!  

![](https://i.imgur.com/v2VNgy8.png)

 
On the other hand, the hosts of NPR's [*Invisibilia*](https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510307/invisibilia) dive deeply into specific topics. Their episode on [fearlessness](https://www.npr.org/programs/invisibilia/377515477/fearless) is a great example of this.

![](https://i.imgur.com/JB8Bjb0.png, =300x300)


---

## Terminology 

Think about how you would explain photosynthesis to a classmate in your plant biology course. Would this explanation be the same if you were talking to your friend who hasn't taken a science course before? Probably not. 

![](https://i.imgur.com/AFmbs9R.jpg)


It's up to you to decide your target audience, and this will determine how you communicate scientific information. Scientists often explain things under the assumption that everyone has the same knowledge that they do, but this is (most) often not the case. Add background information as necessary to ensure that your audience is on the same page. 

Anyone who has ever read a scientific publication will will know that jargon can be confusing. Listeners who aren't as confident in their understanding of science may feel excluded by the use of jargon. Think about how you could explain a concept in simple terms without introducing specific terminology.

(Add example)

---

## Stucture 

In the same way that proteins are the building blocks of life, the structure of a science podcast is essential to its survival. 

Here are several different approaches you can take to the structure of your work. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and you can explore other ways to present your ideas.  

- Interview with a guest expert
- Conversation between hosts
- Narrative arc

For an example of an interview with a guest expert, check out [this episode](https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/emh4wd/heartbreak-why-does-it-hurt-so-bad) of [*Science Vs.*](https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs) with Wendy Zuckerman. 

![](https://i.imgur.com/tWlrhFq.png =300x300)

There's no need to limit yourself to one structural format. [*America Dissected*](https://crooked.com/podcast-series/america-dissected/) by Dr Abdul El-Sayed elegantly weaves input from expert interviews into a narrative arc. Check out his episode on [superbugs](https://crooked.com/podcast/superbugging-out/) to see what I mean! 

![](https://i.imgur.com/wXNtlgk.png, =300x300)


Look to [*Radiolab*](https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab) for inspiration if you plan to hold a conversation between hosts. Here's an episode that they did on [infective heredity](https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/articles/infective-heredity).

![](https://i.imgur.com/NhMqGTV.png, =300x300)


For an example of story-telling that will leave you wanting more, check out [this episode](https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/podcast/the-mouse-that-changed-science#transcript) of [*Distillations*](https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/podcast)

![](https://i.imgur.com/eajNCw3.png, =300x300)

---

## Be Yourself! 

Sharing your ideas with the world is fun and exciting, and you should bring that enthusiasm to your podcast. The tone of your voice can make a huge difference when it comes to capturing the audience's attention.

Search for interesting stories and anecdotes that will get your listeners excited about science. And most important of all, be yourself! This is your project after all. 

Have fun, and happy podcasting! 
















