Finding Genius Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with a plastic and waste expert to discuss the science of sustainability. Given the threats that microplastics and other contaminants pose to the environment, animals, and humans, having a well-rounded approach to this subject is crucial. With the insight that this guest offers, we get to dive deeper into the intricacies of how to monitor, develop, and sustainably solv...

In this episode, we are joined by Amy Bernard, the head of strategy and programs for the nanoscience and neuroscience divisions of The Kavli Foundation. She sits down with us today to discuss her work in neuroscience, molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, imaging, physiology, open science, and more. With more than 30 years of experience, Amy provides support for fundamental scientific re...

How can GI health significantly determine the general health of the rest of the body? Since so many bodily systems utilize products produced along the gastrointestinal tract, minor issues can be increased throughout the body. Listen up to learn: How the gut microbiome has the potential to make or break the body's health How the Western diet may be threatening your gut's health How "bacterial econo...

"Who eats first?" Richard asks Dr. Emeran Mayer as the researcher discusses his new book about the gut-immune connection. The answer is as complex as gut health and immune system interactions, but also just as fascinating. Listen and learn: How the rapid timeline of microbiome research led to understanding connections between gut microbiota and immunity, How facial expressions from emotions are al...

Ants are perfect models for Manuela Ramalho's research interest in microbiome and host symbiosis. Ants have one of the widest global distribution and habitat diversity of any animal. She captures her enthusiasm and shares it with listeners as she discusses the ecological role of insects and her research on ants. Listen and learn What key questions and ant facts are tied to a better understanding o...

Tiny microbes make a huge difference in our health. These internal ecological systems utilize communication or signaling to maintain this health, effecting immune system function. This podcast shares an important discovery in this communication that influences receptivity to cancer treatment. Listen and learn. How scientists knew the human microbiome influences cancer immunotherapy, but couldn't i...

Science journalist and author of a revolutionary book on psychobiotics shares compelling insight on the latest research in microbiome and gut-brain connection research. Tune in to discover: In what specific ways the behavior of mice has been shown to change in response to the presence or absence of gut bacteria What role the vagus nerve may play in the gut-brain connection What types of foods lead...

Gavin Douglas and colleagues published a paper assessing microbiome research and assertions that the human microbiome explains missing heritability in nature. He discusses this issue and explains What are classic ways of understanding genetic variation in humans and how recently microbiome research has entered this understanding, What the holobiont model is and how it involves claims regarding the...

Trent Northen studies the chemistry of microbiomes. More specifically, he studies how exogenous metabolites structure a microbial community , and, in turn, how those microbes change the metabolite pool and grow the microbial population. Because his work is primarily funded by the Department of Energy, he's focused on the microbial community in soil and on plant roots. He describes The basic cycle...

Filipe Cabrerio researches how a host's microbiome and physiology interact in the context of different conditions such as aging and metabolic syndrome while taking various medications. He shares some his lab's research with listeners, explaining What they found when studying colorectal cancer drugs and microbial metabolism, How metformin interacts with microbial physiologies to alter metabolic syn...

A microbiologist by training, Sam Minot now works as a computational biologist helping other scientists understand the data between of human microbiome and health connections. In this podcast, he explains Why the complexity of bacteria and viruses is important in how scientists might approach infectious viruses and infectious diseases , Why is it difficult to culture "all" bacteria and what that m...

While scientists know antibiotic resistance is linked to the widespread use of antibiotics, understanding the physiology and microbiome of guts that have never been exposed to synthetic antibiotics might offer information to help address this resistance. Researcher Sharmily Khanam designed a study to tackle this gap in knowledge. She explains How our understanding of resistance mostly comes from c...

In this episode, we discuss depression's causes and cures with Sarah Zabel, a writer who concentrates her work on this universal mental illness. Sarah retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2018 as a Major General, and since then, she has embarked on a new career as a science writer. Inspired, intrigued, and frustrated by watching someone close to her struggle with depression, Sarah has made it her mi...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jonathan Sadowsky, the Theodore J. Castele Professor of Medical History at Case Western Reserve University. In addition to his work as an academic, Dr. Sadowsky has written three books, the most recent being The Empire of Depression: A New History . He also has an upcoming publication from Routledge Press entitled Electroconvulsive Therapy in America: The Anat...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Marc Milstein, an internationally recognized speaker on optimizing brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, and boosting happiness and productivity. He joins us today to discuss the many facets of brain health, and how he's made it his mission to educate people around the world… Starting out as a researcher at UCLA studying breast cancer, Dr. Milstein lear...

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Harris, the author of What's Wrong with My Child and America Is Infected . She sits down with us today to discuss her work as a researcher and entrepreneur – specifically her distinct take on autoimmune conditions. With more than 20 years of experience in the field of wellness, Elizabeth is a science-minded business owner that is on a mission to educate...

How do successful companies scale and create fantastic retail experiences for their customers? Kelley Thornton, the CEO of Tiege Hanley, Inc., joins us today to discuss this, and much more… Kelley describes himself as a "serial entrepreneur", and since founding Tiege Hanley in 2015, he has focused his expertise on a distinct marketing strategy: uncomplicated skin care for men. Skincare is an impor...

Today, we sit down with Dr. Michelle S. Min, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UC Irvine's School of Medicine. As a professional that specializes in dermatology-rheumatology, Dr. Min deals with a wide range of skin disorders – from psoriatic disease to lupus… Dr. Min graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine in 2016, and since then, she has continued to refine her rol...

In this episode, we sit down with Luigi Gentile, the Chief Revenue Officer at BenchSci, a company that uses advanced biomedical artificial intelligence to empower scientists all around the world. He joins us today to discuss their preclinical R&D platform that uses patented machine learning technology to extract experiment evidence from internal and external data sources. The R&D process behind cl...

In this episode, we sit down with Colin Stuckert, the Founder and CEO of Wild Foods Co. With a mission to help their customers live their best lives, Wild Foods is a company that provides high-quality functional superfoods and Earth-sourced supplements – all directly sourced from small producers. What are the benefits of knowing your ingredients are sustainable, natural, and pure? Wild Foods Co's...

In this episode, we connect with Dr. Jay Shah, the Chief Medical Officer at Aktiia. As a cardiologist by training and practice, Dr. Shah has developed extensive experience within the medical field – with expertise lying in the academic, clinical, and teaching environments.  After more than 10 years as a practicing medical professional, Dr. Shah was ready for something new. He was ready to impact m...

In this episode, we discuss silicone and polymer chemistry with Michelle Cummings, a Senior R&D Leader at Dow Performance Silicones. With over 25 years of experience in this industry, Michelle has developed a strong technical understanding of silicone chemistry and material science.  From consumer electronics to automotive applications, silicone is used in more than one may think. By utilizing her...

Joining us today is Andrea "Annie" Lynn Kritcher, a nuclear engineer and physicist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Annie has been working in fusion for over 18 years, which eventually led to her developing Hybrid-E – a capsule that enables inertial confinement fusion. Much of Annie's postdoctoral research explored how to use X-rays to measure the properties of plasma, and how nuclei...

Happiness is an abstract concept that can be difficult to define – but it seems like we're all trying to find it in some way or another… What if you had the ability to uncover happiness from within yourself? Spiritual teacher Shai Tubali joins us today to discuss how you can accomplish just that through one holistic process. Shai describes himself as a "happiness history expert". He believes that...

What are the benefits of buying your meat from a local farm? In this episode, we sit down with Sebastien Bonneu to discuss his farming practices, and why farm-raised meat is generally better tasting – and better for you – than meat from a factory. Sebastien runs Countryside Farm, a farm based in Cedar Creek, Texas that raises, processes, and sells birds, rabbits, and wild hogs.  Raised on a farm o...