We're back! Months later and with a new face/voice, but hey! We're back! And discussing meeting people where they are with STEM interest, STEM superhero Nalini Nadkarni, the science behind hauntings and the Captain Obvious reason the Houston Astros are called the Astros.
Jamee is the latest co-host of what we now assume will be a rotating cast of characters, because logistics of coordinating guests and hosts can be a lot, you guys.
This episode was recorded the week of Halloween, so we discussed the all-female space walk, Jamee's fondness for the "M" in STEM and Newton (who gave us way more than an apple falling on his head), and what may actually be going on if you think you're haunted.
The infamous run-of-show on the dungeon whiteboard. If you haven't seen Nalini Nadkarni's TED talk, you should get on that, because she is an amazing pioneer and badass, and I was super-stoked to hear her on Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN7VcY1f-1Q She uses a cross-bow. Like an actual superhero. Because she is.
When we come to understand nature, we are touching the most deep, most important part of ourselves.
- Nalini Nadkarni
While we are on the topic of entomologists (nice segue, eh?), make sure you check out the unrelated entomologist who rated all the ant emojis last summer.
Jamee explains how Isaac Newton helped us get out of the Dark Ages by inventing Calculus but maybe could have gotten us even further if he had used a little teamwork.
Because I'm obsessed with scary things and it was Halloween, we also talked about last year's Netflix hit The Haunting of Hill House and the role black mold may have played in the Crain family ghosts.
My phrase of the episode, by the way, was clearly "rabbit hole."
In the spirit of what was then the season, we also discussed Roy the friendly ghost and whether Sarah Winchester was haunted or simply clever. (I"ll go with clever.)
If you're looking for more modern-day examples of inventive thinkers, make sure to check out Miranda Cosgrove's Mission Unstoppable, which I wasn't aware of until I read this Forbes piece on the If/Then Summit. Gold stars for you, Summer Hathaway! And fun fact: Did you know both Jack Black's parents were rocket scientists? True story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwpOtax1aJo
Jamee and I will be back in