Dope Labs

Bird flu is here, and it’s not just for birds. How concerned should we be? With bird flu spreading across continents, it’s time to understand what’s at stake. Dr. Maurice Pitesky, veterinarian and epidemiologist at UC Davis, breaks down the science behind avian influenza, how it spreads, and what we can do to stop it. Learn about the growing risks, from poultry to public health,...

We’ve seen all the reels and comments about astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. They originally went to space for a short trip of ~10 days but ended up there for 9 months. But were they actually stuck? We asked Dr. Jordan Bimm, whose expertise is on US space exploration, to set the record straight. Stay up to date with us on Instagram at @ DopeLabsPodcast and at DopeLabsPodcast.com J...

Titi and Zakiya are back in the lab talking all about relationships with Yung Pueblo, author of How to Love Better . If you’re tired of the internet convos about who should text first, balloon popping, or when to go no contact with the love of your life, this is the episode for you. Put your lab coat on! Stay up to date with us on Instagram at @ DopeLabsPodcast and at DopeLabsPodcast.com Joi...

It’s been a minute, but Titi and Zakiya are back for Semester 5 of Dope Labs. Tune in for what they’ve been up to and to learn about the new exciting topics we’re tackling. Grab your lab coats, because this new semester will be better than ever. We’re going to dissect love and break ups, the possibility of being abandoned in space, the latest news on bird flu, and much MUCH...

Dope Labs is back March 9, 2025. A new year of episodes with your same old friends - Titi and Zakiya. Line up all your burning questions and get ready to put them under the microscope. Follow us so you don’t miss out when we talk about falling in love, the latest in AI, what’s REALLY happening in space, and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second part of our season finale, Titi and Zakiya revisit more of their favorite labs from Semester 4 and hear updates on reproductive health, the economy, HBCU homecoming season, and more. Plus, we hear from some of you! You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at http://dopelabspodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/l...

The semester is nearly over, can you believe it? Titi and Zakiya revisit some of their favorite labs from semester 4 and hear updates on science denial, Monkeypox, the supply chain, cybersecurity, and more. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at dopelabspodcast.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Real talk: Did it really happen if it’s not on social media? Do you even exist if you’re not on the feed? These days, it seems like everyone and their dog has an IG or a TikTok account. But this ability to constantly socialize online is still relatively new for society. This week, Titi and Zakiya ask how social media may impact our well-being, attention spans, and the ways in which we communicate...

Is it just us, or did everyone travel this summer? The pandemic restricted far-off vacations for a while, but people seem to be flying everywhere again. Some have even set up their remote work “offices” in paradise. But before you pack your beach bag, you might want to think about how your wanderlust affects the locals. This week, Titi and Zakiya learn all about coastal tourism, the larger tourism...

Lizzo has Yitty, Kim has Skims, and even our favorite influencers are doing ads for waist trainers on Instagram. Shapewear is  in.  These aren’t your great-great-granny’s corsets…things have changed. This week, Titi and Zakiya learn about the history of shapewear and how the trends are impacting societal beauty standards. Guest: Dr. Wendy Burns-Ardolino. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, an...

Dope Labs will be back next week. In the meantime, here's one of our favorite Labs from the archives: Cuffing Season – Lab 001. In their very first lab ever, Titi and Zakiya dissect cuffing season using the sciences of biology, ethology, and ecology. What is it? How did it start? And how can we strategize the next time cuffing season rolls around? Guest: Dr. Paula Alejandra Trillo. You can find mo...

Anyone else feel like everything is getting more expensive? That’s because it is. Inflation is driving up the cost of all our basic needs and lots of Americans are feeling the squeeze. This week, Titi and Zakiya are learning all about the current state of the U.S. economy. We’re unpacking everything from rising interest rates, to inflation, to why recessions are inevitable. Guest: Dr. Vanessa Perr...

We know friendship is important, but let’s be real – it gets harder to make new friends as we get older. In a follow up to What About Your Friends – Lab 026, Titi and Zakiya learn about romance in friendship, how people approach friendships differently, and how we can handle conflict with our besties. Guest: Dr. Marisa G. Franco. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at dopelab...

If you could go on a first-class trip to space…would you? Titi and Zakiya learn more about the history of space exploration and its origins, the rise of commercial space flights, and what we should consider as more people are going to space. Guest: Dr. Jordan Bimm. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at  dopelabspodcast.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....

Monkeypox has been around for a long time. But with the recent increase in cases, the virus seems to be dominating our headlines and social feeds. Titi and Zakiya learn what Monkeypox is, how it got here, and why public health recommendations don’t always align with science. Guests: Dr. Angie Rasmussen and Kenyon Farrow. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at http://dopelabsp...

We’ve all seen things blow up in the comments section on social media! And this week, we’re asking ‘how do you change someone’s mind’? We’re asking how we make up our mind, what happens when someone tries to change it, and why we see strong reactions when debating topics big and small. Guest: David McRaney. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at  http://dopelabspodcast.com ....

This week we’re talking all about the chemicals found in food packaging and how they impact our bodies and the environment. Guest: Justin Boucher. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at dopelabspodcast.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’re celebrating National Oyster Day! We’re talking all about shellfish aquaculture and how cultivating oysters fits into our economy, environment, and our changing climate. Guest: Dr. Bill Walton. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at dopelabspodcast.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

It feels like everyone is online these days, but is that really the case? In this lab, Titi and Zakiya discuss the state of internet access in the US, digital disparities in minoritized communities, and how algorithm bias affects us in real life. Guest: Dr. Nicol Turner-Lee. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at dopelabspodcast.com .  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

There are chips in every computing device out there, from refrigerators to smart phones to cars. They are vital to how our world runs – and right now, there's a shortage. Titi and Zakiya learn what’s behind the shortage and what’s being done to close the gap. Guest: Al Thompson. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at dopelabspodcast.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Nail art and nail styling has been trending in mainstream culture, and this week we’re talking all about it! This week, Titi and Zakiya are discussing the history and culture behind nails, the intimate relationship between nails techs and their clients, as well as some of the health, safety, and labor issues affecting the industry. Guest: Crystal Kayiza. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, an...

Dope Labs will be back next week. In the meantime, here's one of our favorite Labs from the archives: The Cookout – Lab 012. There is nothing Zakiya loves more than having a cookout and Titi… loves to eat. Especially Z’s spiral cut hotdogs. So grab a drink, put on your cookout best, and get comfortable. We are taking you through taste, flavor, and the science behind the perfect bbq method. You can...

Language is a huge part of culture, and this week we’re talking all about linguistics. We’re getting into the difference between accents and dialects, the linguistic history of Black American English, codeswitching, and more! Guest: Dr. John Baugh. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at dopelabspodcast.com .  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See...

It’s Black Music Month! This week, Titi and Zakiya are celebrating Black music and getting into its history, culture, and politics. We’re diving into the roots of hip hop and jazz and tracing how Black music and artists have been at the forefront of music and popular culture. Guests: Professors Mark Anthony Neal & 9th Wonder. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at dopelab...

Juneteenth is around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate! In this lab, Titi & Zakiya get into the history of Juneteenth, the food traditions behind the holiday, and the power that food has to connect people across families, communities, and cultures. Guest: Nicole Taylor. You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at dopelabspodcast.com .  Learn more about your ad choices...