kelvinxie.jhu

Stuff Behind the Stuff: Why This Material?

Science EN ↓ 3 episodes

Metals, ceramics, plastics, and semiconductors run the modern world—usually unnoticed. This podcast takes everyday materials apart (conceptually, not physically) to explain what they are, how they work, and why engineers care. Made for curious students and anyone who enjoys understanding the stuff behind the stuff.

Author

kelvinxie.jhu

Episodes

Episode 3: Gold - In Gold We Trust 25.01.2026 2:49

Why has gold been worth trusting for thousands of years? From Inca legends and imperial ransom to modern electronics and nanotechnology, this episode explores the history, physics, and enduring allure of gold—and why this soft, yellow metal still shapes how we value the world around us.

Episode 2: Graphite - Graphite is Forever 12.01.2026 3:19

An exploration of graphite—the quiet, enduring form of carbon behind pencils, lithium-ion batteries, and potentially modern electronics. From layered atomic sheets to graphene, nanotubes, and buckyballs, this episode reveals how one modest material shapes everyday life.

Episode 1: Diamond - Like a diamond in the sky 11.01.2026 3:29

Explore the science behind dazzling diamonds—their chemistry, industrial uses, rare colors, lab-grown counterparts, and link to graphite.