Distillations

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Each episode of Distillations takes a deep dive into a moment of science-related history in order to shed light on the present. We're produced by the Science History Institute. 

 

Series

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Distillations  
167 Pieces

Science + Culture + History

Caption: The midnight sun., Credit: Louisa Jonas
Distillations - A Day in the Life: Morning, Noon, and Night 
3 Pieces

Distillations' three-part series "A Day in the Life" spotlights the common chemistry of morning, noon, and night.

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Distillations - Blood, Sweat, and Tears 
3 Pieces

In this 3-part series we parse the chemistry of blood, sweat, and tears.

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Distillations - Essential Elements 
4 Pieces

Distillations' 4-part series about the four classical elements: earth, air, water, and fire.

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Distillations - Our Chemical Landscape 
4 Pieces

In honor of the International Year of Chemistry, Distillations produced a four-part series: Our Chemical Landscape. These shows look at how science has shaped the city, the suburb, the farm, and the wild.

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Distillations - Stages of Life 
3 Pieces

A three-part series spotlighting the common chemistry of childhood, adulthood, and old age.

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Stories From the Field 
49 Pieces

Stories from the Field preserves and celebrates the contributions of women working in chemistry and related sciences. The project captures scientific adventures and career insights in short, conversational audio interviews.

Pieces

Distillations Episode 175: The Kid Show
From: Distillations
Series: Distillations - Stages of Life
Caption: Children have been coloring in with crayons for almost 100 years. , Credit: Sruthi Pinnamaneni.
This episode kicks off a three-part series, The Stages of Life, spotlighting the chemistry found in childhood, adulthood, and old age. First, a loo...

Bought by WTJU


  • Added: Jul 02, 2013
  • Length: 17:28
  • Purchases: 1
Distillations Episode 174: Water Webs
From: Distillations
Series: Distillations
Caption: Most people have heard the term 'food webs.' But have you heard about 'water webs'? , Credit: Flickr user shinybluesmiles.
In this episode we look at how delicate desert ecosystems are affected by climate change. Then the impact of toxic metals on Rocky Mountain streams.

Bought by KAWC / Border Radio - KOFA


  • Added: Jul 02, 2013
  • Length: 15:11
  • Purchases: 1
“When I’m in an environment where I need to rely on myself, I thrive.”
From: Distillations
Series: Stories From the Field
Caption: Cynthia Palmer
When navigating the career path, advises Cynthia Palmer, make sure the jobs you take are the ones you actually want. She talks about the importance...

  • Added: Jun 10, 2013
  • Length: 03:27
“Remain flexible and open to what the possibilities might be.”
From: Distillations
Series: Stories From the Field
Caption: Terri Taylor
It was a tough decision, she says, but Terri Taylor left grad school to become a high-school chemistry teacher. She talks about the importance of f...

  • Added: Jun 10, 2013
  • Length: 03:30
“Whenever I’ve had a challenge, or people say ‘no, you can’t,’ I say ‘why not?’”
From: Distillations
Series: Stories From the Field
Caption: Marinda Wu
Marinda Wu chose her particular graduate program because she wanted to work for a famous professor. But when she arrived, she was told the professo...

Bought by WTJU


  • Added: May 20, 2013
  • Length: 04:00
  • Purchases: 1
Distillations Episode 173: Power Up
From: Distillations
Series: Distillations
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In this episode we look at the modern power grid, which is on the brink of important changes. First, why the smart grid matters. Then, the critical...

Bought by WTJU


  • Added: May 15, 2013
  • Length: 17:06
  • Purchases: 1
"You get a lot of pushback."
From: Distillations
Series: Stories From the Field
Caption: Bevin Parks
Women chemists who are also trying to raise a family can get a lot of heat, even from other women, says Bevin Parks. It helps, she says, to get to ...

  • Added: May 13, 2013
  • Length: 04:12
“Act, respond, and let it go, or else your own mind will bring you down.”
From: Distillations
Series: Stories From the Field
Caption: Isabel Escobar
In the face of harassment, Isabel Escobar learned the hard-earned lesson of standing up for herself. From men assuming she had a temper and could “...

  • Added: May 06, 2013
  • Length: 04:36
“Competing with men was just part of the game.”
From: Distillations
Series: Stories From the Field
Caption: Kathryn Lysko
When Kathryn Lysko began her undergraduate work, there were 15,000 men and 100 women in her entire college. She talks about the camaraderie that em...

  • Added: May 01, 2013
  • Length: 04:15
Distillations Episode 172: On Beauty
From: Distillations
Series: Distillations
Caption: Want strong, shiny hair? Pick up a package of Superstrength Henna 'N' Placenta Conditioning Treatment at your local beauty store. It's just one of many beauty products containing decidedly icky ingredients., Credit: Jennifer Dionisio
In this episode we look at questionable appearance enhancers. First the Beauty Historian shares some shocking beauty rituals of yore. Then a look a...

  • Added: Apr 30, 2013
  • Length: 15:25

Playlists

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People who work with Distillations

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Mariel Carr (Admin)
Senior Producer, Distillations Podcast