The Spoondrift: Recent Episodes
Asher Leomund
Let's talk about science, philosophy, and the weird idea that popped up the other day. Here on the Spoondrift, the conversation spans a little bit of everything. The word Spoondrift describes that spray of water that a strong gust of wind blows from the tops of the waves. I talk about the spoondrift from the ocean of ideas. The goal is to unearth new perspectives and inspire curiosity.
Artwork by 25 Sweetpeas
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund speaks with Jessie,a mechanical engineer who has taken a close look at how to bring diversity andinclusion into engineering. Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:Picture a Scientist: https://www.pictureascientist.com/https://www.pictureascientist.com/Book: “Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men” by Caroline Criado PérezInterview with Caroline Criado Pérez: “Why Everything From Transit to iPhones Is Biased Toward Men”, https://www.wired.com/story/caroline-criado-perez-invisible-women/Book: “Defined by Design: The Surprising Power of Hidden Gender, Age, and Body Bias in Everyday Products and Places” by Kathryn H. AnthonyNPR Article: “The first female crash test dummy has only now arrived”, https://www.npr.org/2022/11/01/1133375223/the-first-female-crash-test-dummy-has-only-now-arrivedINC article: “Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Use the 3 Percent Rule to Help People Embrace New Ideas, Products, and Processes”, https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/emotionally-intelligent-leaders-use-the3-percent-rule-to-bypass-hesitation-fear-help-people-embrace-new-ideas-products-processes.htmlhttps://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/emotionally-intelligent-leaders-use-the3-percent-rule-to-bypass-hesitation-fear-help-people-embrace-new-ideas-products-processes.html
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses Fast Radio Bursts before identifying different strategies to improve the workplace.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
“Scientists have picked up a radio signal 'heartbeat' billions of light-years away”: https://www.npr.org/2022/07/14/1111471532/space-science-stars-radio-waves-signals-galaxy-lightyears-mit
“One Advantage of Trashing Time Sheets: Humanizing Work”: https://www.inc.com/magazine/202205/lindsay-blakely/the-mb-group-employee-benefits.html
“How Great Companies Are Making Work Work”: https://www.inc.com/magazine/202205/inc-staff/office-benefits-best-workplaces.html
“As Knowledge Workers Return to the Office, This Powerful Productivity Tool Is Primed for a Comeback”: https://www.inc.com/joe-procopio/as-knowledge-workers-return-to-office-this-powerful-productivity-tool-is-primed-for-a-comeback.html
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses thermal radiation.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
“What Causes Hot Things to Glow?”: https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/stem-in-context/what-causes-hot-things-glow
“What is a pyrometer?” [Video]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcBPy9tQeYc
“How Thermocouples Work - basic working principle + RTD” [Video]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7NUi88Lxi8
“Introduction to Infrared Pyrometers”: https://es.omega.com/temperature/Z/InfraredPyrometers.html
The Science and Engineering of Materials by Donald R. Askeland and Wendelin J. Wright
In this rerelease of The Spoondrift’s 20th episode of Season 1, host Asher Leomund discusses the question of whether or not you should suppress a sneeze (the short answer is no). He then talks about the Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded for research into CRISPR-Cas9.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Suppressing a Sneeze: https://time.com/3975363/sneezing/
Nobel Prize: CRISPR-Cas9: https://www.npr.org/2020/10/07/921043046/2-female-scientists-awarded-nobel-prize-in-chemistry-for-genome-editing-research
How Genome Editing and CRISPR-Cas9 work: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/genomicresearch/genomeediting/
What is CRISPR?: https://biologydictionary.net/crispr/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the history of interracial marriage in the United States of America as well as the recent integration of mental health days into select public school systems.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
“June 12 is Loving Day — when interracial marriage finally became legal in the U.S.”: https://www.npr.org/2021/06/12/1005848169/loving-day-interracial-marriage-legal-origin
“More states are allowing students to take mental health days off”: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/06/10/1103939937/kids-mental-health-days
Illinois Bill Permitting Mental Health Days: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1577&GAID=16&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=110&GA=102
Constitution of the United States of America: https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/
Advisory on Youth Mental Health Crisis: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/12/07/us-surgeon-general-issues-advisory-on-youth-mental-health-crisis-further-exposed-by-covid-19-pandemic.html
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses hydrogen fuel cells.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
“How Does a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Work?”: https://www.ecobattsolutions.com/how-does-a-hydrogen-fuel-cell-work/
“Hydrogen Fuel Cell: How It Works” [Video]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFb5TKVPSiY
“How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work – GenCell” [Video]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck6lTRvHROg
“Fuel cell stack explained” [Video]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5E_MAZdO-k
“Is a cathode positive or negative?”: https://www.quora.com/Is-a-cathode-positive-or-negative?share=1
“Hydrogen may be a climate solution. There's debate over how clean it will truly be”: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/27/1096584260/clean-energy-hydrogen-energy-climate-change
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses how the James Webb Space Telescope will be using data to study exoplanets as well as how a company is using Artificial Intelligence to analyze data describing the sounds of whales and other marine mammals.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
“A computer program designed to sort mice squeaks is also finding whales in the deep”: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/31/1102097099/how-deep-squeak-an-a-i-program-with-a-weird-name-is-detecting-whales
“James Webb targets detailed as commissioning nears completion”: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/05/james-webb-first-research-targets/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses Boeing’s recent Starliner mission and the image that was recently published of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
“Boeing finally docks a capsule to the space station”: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/21/1100534373/boeing-docks-space-station-iss
“This is the first image of the black hole at the heart of the Milky Way”: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/12/1098472567/image-black-hole-milky-way
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund goes over the differences between butterflies and moths. He then discusses an experiment that was recently conducted showing that growing plants in lunar soil is possible.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
“What's the difference between a moth and a butterfly?”: https://www.livescience.com/34472-difference-between-moth-butterfly.html
“Scientists successfully grow plants in soil from the moon”: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/14/1098753238/scientists-grow-plants-soil-moon-nasa-university-of-florida
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses random words and phrases that he uses to spice up conversations.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses exoplanets and the different types of engineering.
Here are links to the videos that were referenced in the show:
“There are more than 5,000 confirmed planets beyond our solar system, NASA says”: https://www.npr.org/2022/03/22/1088009414/there-are-more-than-5-000-confirmed-exoplanets-beyond-our-solar-system-nasa-says
“What is engineering?”: https://www.livescience.com/47499-what-is-engineering.html
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the process of making decisions.
Here are links to the videos that were referenced in the show:
“How To Make Big Decisions In Your Business (Without Experience)”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYNlpPe7J9g
“The Elements of Good Decision Making - Dave Ramsey”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUquj5onSVM
“Before You Decide: 3 Steps To Better Decision Making | Matthew Confer | TEDxOakLawn”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Jnmi2BkS8
“How to make good decisons | Mikael Krogerus & Roman Tschappeler | TEDxDanubia”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkyzYjPuxK8
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Artemis Mission, COVID-19 and its potential to become an endemic, and how to get better sleep.
Here are links to the articles that were referenced in the show:
“The James Webb Space Telescope is working as well as astronomers dreamed it would”: https://www.npr.org/2022/03/16/1086956505/james-webb-space-telescope-test-image-mirrors-aligned
“NASA's Artemis 1 moon rocket reaches the launch pad”: https://www.npr.org/2022/03/18/1087417075/nasas-artemis-1-moon-rocket-reaches-the-launch-pad
“Coronavirus FAQ: What does endemic mean — and are we there yet?”: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/03/11/1085839027/coronavirus-faq-what-does-endemic-mean-and-are-we-there-yet
“A Neuroscientist From The Army Reveals How To Sleep Better”: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/sleep-readiness-tips-benefits
In this re-release of Season 2 Episode 25 of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and the impacts that this rocket technology could have on future space travel.
Here is the link to the articles discussed in the show:
NASA issues contracts for nuclear thermal propulsion studies: https://spacenews.com/nasa-issues-contracts-for-nuclear-thermal-propulsion-studies/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the different work styles that many people may relate to. He also discusses his own work style and how it impacts his ability to complete tasks.
Here are links to the articles and websites referenced in the show:
“The 4 Working Styles and Why They're Important”: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/working-styles
16 Personalities: https://www.16personalities.com/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses black diamonds and recent developments in the James Webb Telescope mission.
Here are links to the articles that were referenced in the show:
“Sotheby's unveils 555.55-carat black diamond thought to come from outer space”: https://www.npr.org/2022/01/17/1073703748/sothebys-unveils-555-55-carat-black-diamond-thought-to-come-from-outer-space
“What are Black Diamonds and Carbonados?”: https://www.gemsociety.org/article/black-diamonds/
“The first images from NASA's new space telescope show how it's coming into focus”: https://www.npr.org/2022/02/11/1080085026/the-first-images-from-nasas-new-space-telescope-show-how-its-coming-into-focus
In this brief interlude, host Asher Leomund comments on dad jokes. Regularly scheduled shows will resume on March 4th, 2022.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the science behind love. He talks about love from both a biological and a social perspective.
Here are links to the articles that were referenced in the show:
“The Science Of Love: Beyond Lust, Attraction And Attachment”: https://themindsjournal.com/science-of-love/
“The ‘biological bribery’ that explains why humans fall in love”: https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/why-do-humans-fall-in-love/
“Is He “The One”? I Still Don't Know After 4 Years”: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/is-he-the-one-how-to-know
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund speaks with three officers from the Osprey Robotics club at the University of North Florida. The discussion touches on robots, NASA, Python programming, remote control cars, and so much more.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the idea of carbon dioxide removal and the climate surrounding its market.
Here are links to the articles that were referenced in the show:
"Climeworks develops, builds and operates direct air capture machines": https://climeworks.com/co2-removal
"As carbon removal gains traction, economists imagine a new market to save the planet": https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2022/01/11/1071282973/as-carbon-removal-gains-traction-economists-imagine-a-new-market-to-save-the-pla
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses what it takes to be a good conversationalist – to be good at talking with people.
Here are links to the articles that were referenced in the show:
Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1vskiVDwl4
7 Tips To Be A Better Conversationalist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwzmcg3d29U
Hate Awkward Silences? 10 Essential Tips To Be a Great Conversationalist: https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/hate-awkward-silences-10-essential-tips-great-conversationalist.html
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses some of the most recent and intriguing space missions including NASA’s Parker Solar probe, the DART asteroid defense system, and the James Webb Space Telescope.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
“A NASA spacecraft has flown into the sun’s atmosphere for the first time in history”: https://www.npr.org/2021/12/15/1064532565/nasa-spacecraft-sun-atmosphere-parker-solar-probe
“NASA launches spacecraft to test asteroid defense concept”: https://www.npr.org/2021/11/24/1058786230/nasa-launches-spacecraft-to-test-asteroid-defense-concept
“With Its Single ‘Eye,’ NASA’s DART Returns First Images from Space”: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/with-its-single-eye-nasa-s-dart-returns-first-images-from-space
“NASA's Webb Telescope Launches to See First Galaxies, Distant Worlds”: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasas-webb-telescope-launches-to-see-first-galaxies-distant-worlds
“James Webb Space Telescope”: https://webb.nasa.gov/
“NASA launches $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope to explore earliest stars and galaxies”: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/james-webb-space-telescope-launch-12-25-2021/
“About Webb Orbit”: https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/about/orbit.html
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses a useful (if maybe a slightly unsavory) way to detect the coronavirus using fecal matter.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
“Coronavirus FAQ: Help me with omicron vocab. What's immune evasion? Epistasis?”: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/12/03/1061219646/coronavirus-faq-help-me-with-omicron-vocab-whats-immune-evasion-epistasis
“Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)”: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Deoxyribonucleic-Acid
“Poop sleuths hunt for early signs of omicron in sewage”: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/12/09/1062493635/testing-omicron-in-sewage
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses coziness. He then talks a bit about various productivity strategies.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
The Psychological Reason We Crave Cosiness: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/the-psychology-of-cosy
25 Productivity Hacks, According to Highly Productive People: https://www.bustle.com/life/best-productivity-hacks-experts
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the recently announced Orbital Reef space station as well as the new Chinese space station, the Tiangong Space Station, that is being built and deployed into space.
Here are the articles referenced in the show:
“China has sent a female astronaut for a 6-month stay on its new space station”: https://www.npr.org/2021/10/15/1046307865/china-is-sending-a-female-astronaut-for-a-6-month-stay-on-its-new-space-station
“China's Tiangong space station”: https://www.space.com/tiangong-space-station
“Wang Yaping becomes first Chinese woman to complete spacewalk”: https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/07/china/china-first-female-spacewalk-wang-yaping-intl-hnk-scn/index.html
“Blue Origin says it will build an orbiting mixed-use business park in space”: https://www.npr.org/2021/10/25/1049077333/blue-origin-space-station-business-park-space-orbital-reef-bezos
Orbital Reef Press Release: https://www.orbitalreef.com/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the search for extraterrestrial ilfe has been going and a recent proposal aims to prevent too many false alarms.
Here are the articles referenced in the show:
Scientists tracked a mysterious signal in space. Its source was closer to Australia: https://www.npr.org/2021/10/30/1050000708/signal-stars-proxima-centauri-mystery
NASA is looking for a framework to better help you understand its deep space finds: https://www.npr.org/2021/11/02/1051407020/nasa-extraterrestrial-life-research-understanding
Call for a framework for reporting evidence for life beyond Earth: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03804-9.epdf?sharing_token=aMvAzNSKTDpeQ_Lx50lBO9RgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0OiHZ7kRMaxJS4ikXfsEfuhWNXQC4W7SsC52JCjUDnSSqLC5BhXbWxxUcFJQ3KnlmY6LAuQF02dgmfPAEQqFuQhHT7iq8uOqnhGqUWJGAFWKU9xwVrg8ofZtBSQm0hNMoQ%3D
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks with Jacksonville sludge metal band Swamp about their music, their new EP, and what drives them as a band.
Instagram: @swamp_fl
Bandcamp: https://swampfl.bandcamp.com/album/swamp-ep-2
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses how a world record was recently set for calculating the most decimal places of pi. He also discusses a recent image that captured the Wigner crystal – a special configuration of electrons.
Here are the articles referenced in the show:
“Pi Calculated to A Record Breaking 62.8 trillion digits”: https://www.livescience.com/record-number-of-pi-digits.html
“Calculating Pi”: https://www.mathscareers.org.uk/calculating-pi/
“Scientists Capture Image of Bizarre ‘Electron Ice’ for the First Time”: https://www.livescience.com/electron-ice-snapshot-first-time
“Physicists Snap First Image of an ‘Electron Ice’”: https://physics.berkeley.edu/news-events/news/20211004/physicists-snap-first-image-of-an-electron-ice
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses meditation. He also discusses the Dhammapada, a book of the Buddhist school of thought.
Here are the articles and books referenced in the show:
How To Meditate: https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/
The Dhammapada translated by Eknath Easwaran
The Dhammapada [Copyright Free]: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2017
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses ways to cope with burnout.
Here are links to the articles that were referenced in the show:
“24 Texts To Send Someone Struggling With Burnout”: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/texts-send-someone-burned-out
“The Fight Against Burnout And What You Can Do About It”: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2021/09/30/the-fight-against-burnout-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/?sh=47f5aca2575a
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses stoicism.
Here are the books that were referenced in the show:
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Translated by Gregory Hays)
How To Be A Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life by Massimo Pigliucci
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses space junk….again.
Here are the links to the articles discussed in the show:
SpaceX Starlink Satellites Responsible For Over Half Of Close Encounters In Orbit, Scientist Says: https://www.livescience.com/spacex-starlink-satellite-collisions-rise.html
YunHai 1-02 Collision: https://www.space.com/space-junk-collision-chinese-satellite-yunhai-1-02
Space Track.org Description: https://www.peterson.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/1657776/usstratcom-expands-ssa-data-on-space-trackorg/
SpaceTrack.org: https://www.space-track.org/auth/login
Kayhan Space: https://www.kayhan.space/#1
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses grief.
Here is the link to the article discussed in the show:
What You Should Know About The Stages Of Grief: https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the book Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses how to measure the mass of an atom.
Here is the link to the articles discussed in the show:
How Do You Weigh an Atom?: https://www.livescience.com/20581-weigh-atom.html
Mass Spectrometry: The Basic Concepts: https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/Providence_College/CHM_331_Advanced_Analytical_Chemistry_1/15%3A_Molecular_Mass_Spectrometry/15.01%3A_Mass_Spectrometry_-_The_Basic_Concepts
Mass Spectrometry: What It Is And How It Works: https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-mass-spectroscopy-605331
Faraday’s Cup: https://faradaym.weebly.com/faradays-cup.html
In anticipation of a small break, host Asher Leomund talks about...old candy. Episodes will resume on September 3rd, 2021.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses how to be a good listener.
Here is the link to the articles discussed in the show:
How to Be a Good Listener: 8 Ways to Stand Out in Conversations: https://www.developgoodhabits.com/good-listener/
Using Effective Listening to Improve Leadership in Environmental Health and Safety: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ecpe/listening-to-improve-leadership/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and the impacts that this rocket technology could have on future space travel.
Here is the link to the articles discussed in the show:
NASA issues contracts for nuclear thermal propulsion studies: https://spacenews.com/nasa-issues-contracts-for-nuclear-thermal-propulsion-studies/
6 Things You Should Know About Nuclear Thermal Propulsion: https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/6-things-you-should-know-about-nuclear-thermal-propulsion
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion: Game Changing Technology for Deep Space Exploration: https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/game_changing_development/Nuclear_Thermal_Propulsion_Deep_Space_Exploration
What Is Enriched Uranium?: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-is-enriched-uranium-17091828/
About Plutonium-238 [Radioactive fuel forms information]: https://rps.nasa.gov/about-rps/about-plutonium-238/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses ghosting (the social situation) and how to talk with people when you may feel awkward doing so.
Here are the links to the articles discussed in the show:
Ghosting: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/ghosting
How To Confront A Friend Who Ghosted: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/confront-friend-who-ghosted-you-text
The Return of Awkward Small Talk: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/how-to-talk-to-someone-post-pandemic
How To Make Small Talk When You haven’t Seen Anyone In A Year: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/small-talk-conversation-starters-post-pandemic-socializing
Is A Tomato A Fruit Or Vegetable?: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-tomato-a-fruit#fruits-vs-veggies
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses 3D printing with two engineering students who have been working hard to master skill.
Here is the link to the article discussed in the show:
The World’s Largest 3D Metal Printer Is Churning Out Rockets [Relativity Space]: https://spectrum.ieee.org/aerospace/space-flight/the-worlds-largest-3d-metal-printer-is-churning-out-rockets
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses project management – a process that is very difficult to get right.
Here is the link to the article discussed in the show:
Project Management For Beginners: https://toggl.com/blog/project-management
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the pending re-emergence of commercial supersonic travel, the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), and the synthesis of fuels like gasoline and jet fuel.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses satellites talks with nail artist ToNailsAndBeyond (Guadelupe Rodriguez or Lupe) about nail art and the host of other things she is doing with her time.
Where You Can Find Lupe:
Website: https://www.guadaluperodriguez.org/
Instagram: @tonailsandbeyond
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses satellites. The discussion extends from sending satellites to the Moon as well as to maintaining satellites in orbit around Earth.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
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Europe plans sat-nav and telecoms network at the Moon: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57191359
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The 17 biggest lunar missions leading up to NASA’s 2024 moon landing: https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/02/27/905641/lunar-missions-before-nasa-2024-artemis-moon-landing-space-x-mining/
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Commercial satellites dock high above Earth: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56731502
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks with special guests Austin, Brian, and “Sparky” from Osprey Racing about how to build a racecar.
Here are links to articles discussing how to combat racism and sexism in the workplace:
Building an Anti-Racist Workplace: https://timesupfoundation.org/work/equity/guide-equity-inclusion-during-crisis/building-an-anti-racist-workplace/
3 Ways To Combat Gender Bias in the Workplace: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/3-ways-to-combat-gender-bias-workplace
Here are links to the articles where you can learn more about the car parts discussed in the show:
Inline 4/Inline 6 Engine (Article): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straight-six_engine
V8 Engine (Article): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V8_engine
Differentials (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOgoejxzF8c
Limited Slip Differential (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeLm7wHvdxQ
Hydraulic Brakes (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_imyybhZV80
Air Intake (Article): https://www.liveabout.com/the-air-intake-system-262563
Spool Drive (Article): https://viciousoffroad.com/n-24-theres-a-diff-lsd-vs-locked-vs-spooled-part-2-lockers-and-spools.html
Brake Bobbins (Video) [Warning: This video contains foul language and may not be appropriate for all audiences]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOA5cOrvwRw
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses global warming and ways to help slow it down. Specifically, he discusses the Paris Climate Agreement, and a class of greenhouse gases that are soon to be more closely regulated.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Paris Climate Agreement: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
America’s Promise on Climate Change: https://www.npr.org/2021/04/19/986973263/faq-americas-new-promise-on-climate
Regulating Hydrofluorocarbons: https://www.npr.org/2021/05/03/993054374/epa-moves-to-cut-a-powerful-greenhouse-gas
Hydrofluorocarbon Replacements: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/alternatives_en
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses how hair works as well as SpaceX’s new Starship.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Why does hair turn gray?: https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/item/why-does-hair-turn-gray/
Function of Human Hair: https://healthfully.com/what-is-the-function-of-human-hair-4102770.html
SpaceX Wins $2.9 Billion Contract For Next Lunar Lander: https://www.npr.org/2021/04/17/988416951/spacex-wins-2-9-billion-contract-for-next-lunar-lander
SpaceX Starship: https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses synesthesia. Synesthesia is the phenomenon when people have multiple senses stimulated by a single external phenomenon. One form would be when letters have very distinct colors and visual appearances. Tune in to learn more.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Synesthesia (Psychology Today): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/synesthesia
The Many Types of Synesthesia Explained (betterhelp.com): https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/synesthesia/the-many-types-of-synesthesia-explained/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the book The Old Man And The Sea by Ernest Hemingway.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, the host of The Spoondrift Interviews Asher Leomund, a fellow podcast host.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks with electrical and mechanical engineering students from the University of North Florida’s Marine Energy Collegiate Competition team. The discussion reaches marine renewable energy, the design process, why mistakes are a good thing, and so much more.
Here is a link to the team’s website:
http://ospreycrewunf.club
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses photography with special guest Nic.
Here is where you can find Nic on social media:
Instagram: @salzwedel_photography and @salzwedel_portraits
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses life during the COVID-19 pandemic with Sean Fagan. Topics include loneliness, going to school from home, and new pursuits amidst a new world.
You can find Sean Fagan on twitter @seansocal or on Instagram @sean_socal .
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses everything to do with clouds. He answers questions like “What are they?”, “Why do they move?”, and “What are the different types of clouds?”
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Cloud Movement: https://www.dailysciencejournal.com/how-fast-do-clouds-move/
The Coriolis Effect: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/coriolis-effect/12th-grade/
Types of Clouds: https://scijinks.gov/clouds/
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the process of manufacturing in space.
Here are links to some of the companies discussed in the show:
Made In Space: https://madeinspace.us
Icon: https://www.iconbuild.com
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund disucusses imposter syndrome. He covers what it is, how to deal with it, and a bit about his personal experience with it.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses a rocket booster (minimoon) that is leaving orbit around Earth as well as the use of compressed air to store energy. The discussion also diverges to the Kerbal Space Program video game.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Rocket Booster Minimoon: https://www.livescience.com/farewell-minimoon-so-2020.html
Compressing Air To Store Energy: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54841528
Claude Cycle: https://chemistry-desk.blogspot.com/2011/06/claudes-process.html
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks about the role music plays in his life. He discusses memories associated with songs, the ways he got introduced to new types of music, and so much more.
On this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks to guest Michael about a personal history of video games. The conversation reaches everything from Rocket League and Need for Speed to Battle Cats. Other topics like football, Bakugon, and Death Metal also somehow worked their way into the conversation.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund tries to identify why he likes sad movies.
Spoiler Alert: Details from the movies "Me Before You", "The Last Full Measure", "The Last Song", "Onward", and "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" are revealed in this episode.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund reviews the book From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. The discussion touches on the plotline of the book as well as concepts such as the value of learning, the potential importance of secrets, and how to build a world view in a productive manner.
Spoiler Alert: This episode reveals key plot points of the book.
goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/spoondriftpodcast
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses new developments in Artificial Intelligence, recent announcement made about what members of the Space Force will be called, and a trend of dam removal in the United States.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Dam Removal: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20201110-the-largest-dam-removal-project-in-american-history
AI: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-55403473
Space Force: https://www.npr.org/2020/12/19/948375055/space-force-members-will-be-called-guardians
For the Season 1 Finale of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund provides a bit of reflection on the show and the changes it has undergone in its first season. Then, to showcase that progress, Episode 18 entitled "Banning Plastics + Rocks that May or May Not Tip Over" is featured.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks about Christmas traditions with Carissa from The Indie Popsicle. The conversation flows all the way from the food eaten on Christmas day to embarrassing stories from past holiday seasons. And, of course, there is a lot more than that.
If you are interested in checking out the cookie shop Carissa was talking about, you can find its Instagram profile by searching for @beanbakescookes on Instagram.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses how much time is worth, how much all of the man-made stuff on the world weighs, China’s mission to the moon, and the symbolism of ravens.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
NPR: What is your Time Worth?
BBC: How much does man-made stuff weight?
BBC: China’s Mission to the Moon
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund the collapse of the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico as well as Japan's recovery of a rock sample from Ryugu, an asteroid.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Arecibo Telescope
Japan’s Recovery of a Sample from Ryugu
Ryugu Orbit Visualization
JAXA Mission Details
NASA Mission Details
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses paradoxes and hypersonic flight. He first details the new Ogledrop Paradox before discussing more well-established paradoxes. Finally, he takes a look at Stratolaunch, a company helping to pave the way for the development of hypersonic flight technology.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Livescience Article on Stratolaunch
Stratolaunch Official Website
In this Archive episode from The Spoondrift pilot series Conjuring Curiosity, host Asher Leomund discusses where ideas come from and whether or not bad ideas are still worth having. A major portion of the conversation is centered around the book Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses earwax. He then has a word of encouragement for anyone who is at a crossroads and is doubting why they got on their path to begin with.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Measuring Cortisol Using Earwax
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses how to be wrong and why is a good idea to get comfortable with saying “no” to opportunites that come up.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
How to be Wrong
Steps to Gracefully Admit You are Wrong
Why it is Important to Say No
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the question of whether or not you should suppress a sneeze (the short answer is no). He then talks about the recent Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded for research into CRISPR-Cas9.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
Suppressing a Sneeze
Nobel Prize: CRISPR-Cas9
How Genome Editing and CRISPR-Cas9 work?
What is CRISPR?
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses both fictional and real-life superpowers. The conversation is centered around the characters of the book Archenemies by Marissa Meyer, but extends to DC Comics and Marvel Comics as well.
In this week’s episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks about England’s new ban on certain single use plastic products, how weird rocks might tell us things about seismic activity, and time management.
Here are links to the articles discussed in the show:
England’s Ban on Select Single-Use Plastic Products
Precariously Balanced Rocks
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks about virtue signalling. The discussion touches upon what virtue signalling is, the good and bad aspects of it, as well as how we might be able to work with it to make the world a better place.
Here is a link to sources referenced in the show:
12 Examples of Virtue Signaling
Inspiration: No Stupid Questions
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses quantum computing and encryption. First, Asher talks about how current computers process data and how that is different from how quantum computers work. Then he shares a bit about his personal experience with encryption.
Here are some links to the articles discussed in or used in research for the show:
Quantum Computing Announcement made by IBM
What is Quantum Computing?
How Quantum Computing Works
How Do Hard Drives Work?
This episode of The Spoondrift is a raw version of this week's "What is the point of podcasting?" episode. As host Asher Leomund mentions in the show, awkward pauses and botched sentences are all a part of the podcasting process. This version of the episode showcases all of things that were edited out of the official version and highlights all of the behind-the-scenes work necessary to prepare an episode for public release.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses podcasting. He describes the history of the show and the personal mission that motivates its production.
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the difficulty in identifying a frog while it is still its tadpole stage. He then talks about how microplastics are becoming more of an issue in our oceans than ever before.
Here are links to the articles discussed in this episode:
Tadpole Identification
Microplastics
Host Asher Leomund has a conversation with Carissa, the host of The Indie Popsicle podcast, about great stories. While the main focus is books, the conversation takes lots of intriguing detours into movies, music, and more.
Here is a link to The Indie Popsicle on Spotify:
The Indie Popsicle
**We are aware of the recent opinions/ideology shared by the author of a work we discuss in today's episode. However, we will not be talking about the author in the episode and will only be discussing the book series.
On this week’s episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks about pens. Specifically, he discusses fountain pens and ballpoint pens. He talks about the different parts of pens, how they work, and a bit about his pen preference.
Here are the links to the articles referenced in the show:
Fountain Pens
Ballpoint Pens
In this archive episode from The Spoondrift pilot series Conjuring Curiosity, host Asher Leomund discusses a recently discovered spider that has a pattern on its back that looks like the Joker, the notion of a stupid question, as well as the deeper meaning behind Dax’s song “Joker”.
Here is a link to the article discussed in the episode:
Joker Spider
In this episode of the Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund speaks with special guest Lucas Futurist about language. They talk about everything from what you call long pieces of furniture meant to seat multiple people to the history of translating Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Here is a link to Lucas' band:
The Citrus Trees on Spotify
Here are some links to things discussed in the show:
No Stupid Questions interview with Luis Von Ahn
Islamic Art
Muslim Detainment in China
Rosetta Stone: Britannica, History.com
Margaret Thatcher
In this Archive episode from The Spoondrift pilot series Conjuring Curiosity, host Asher Leomund discusses the potential discovery of a gas giant core visible for the first time as well as the notion of karma.
Here is a link to the article discussed in this episode:
Discovery of Gas Giant Core
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund talks about The Shining, a novel by Stephen King.
SPOILER ALERT! Asher goes into great detail to describe both the book and the movie inspired by the book. He talks about the differences between the book and the movie, which one he liked better, the writing style of Stephen King, themes in the book, and much more.
In this Archive episode from The Spoondrift pilot series Conjuring Curiosity, host Asher Leomund discusses rarely visited National Parks, an ancient temple discovered in Italy, and new evidence found supporting the General Theory of Relativity.
Here are links to articles discussed in this episode:
Least Visited National Parks
Ancient Temple in Italy
Evidence Supporting the General Theory of Relativity
In this week’s episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on loneliness. The conversation starts by analyzing loneliness empirically and then transitions to personal experiences with loneliness and ways to cope with it.
Here are some links to the articles discussed in the episode:
The Pandemic and its effect on Loneliness
Types of Loneliness
Coping with Loneliness
In this Archive episode from The Spoondrift pilot series Conjuring Curiosity, host Asher Leomund discusses topics spanning how libraries are dealing with the pandemic, a mystery celestial object that could either be a black hole or a neutron star, and how the human perception of time works.
Here are links to articles discussed in this episode:
Libraries During the Pandemic
Black Hole or Neutron Star?
Perception of the Passage of Time
In this episode of The Spoondrift, host Asher Leomund discusses how scientists are coming to understand the genetic makeup of squids much better. He then takes a deep dive into romance movies through the lens of the movie "5 Centimeters Per Second".
Here is a link to the story discussed in the episode:
Altering the Genes of Squid
In this Archive episode from The Spoondrift pilot series Conjuring Curiosity, host Asher Leomund discusses character development and all of its complexities.
Host Asher Leomund discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected underwater noise pollution in our oceans as well as what the future looks like for polar bears as climate change progresses.
Here are the links to the stories discussed in the episode:
Underwater Noise Pollution
The Future of Polar Bears
In this Archive episode from The Spoondrift pilot series Conjuring Curiosity, host Asher Leomund discusses a number of topics that span the globe. He discusses when the Great Rift Valley is going to split open, how the United Arab Emirates launched an orbiter to Mars, and interesting Google searches. He also compares some of the fastest rap songs ever made.
Here are some links to the stories discussed in the show:
Great Rift Valley
United Arab Emirates Launches Mars Orbiter