When you hear the word "science," what do you feel? Bored? Intimidated? In awe? Suspicious? Turns out, that gut reaction matters more than you think — and it might be the key to understanding why science communication so often fails, and why grifters and pseudoscientists are so successful.

In this episode I sat down with Daniel Silva Luna, a science communication researcher from Colombia, now based in Germany, whose work focuses on one of the most overlooked forces in how we understand science: emotion. Not just feelings like crying at a nature documentary (though, no shame), but emotion as a navigation tool — the internal compass that shapes what information you trust, what stories you believe, and who you think "science" is even for.

We got into some big questions that don't get asked enough. What is science to people who didn't study it? Why do anti-science populist movements communicate so effectively while scientists struggle to be heard? How do tech billionaires like Elon Musk wrap themselves in the legacy of real scientists to build authority — and what can legitimate science communicators learn from that? And why does science communication still feel like a club most people aren't invited to?

No lab coat required. Just curiosity.

1. Emotions don't distort our relationship with science — they mediate it. There's no emotion-free way to engage with information.
2. Anti-science movements work because they speak to real feelings of exclusion, distrust, and frustration. Debunking alone doesn't address any of that.
3. Science communication's emotional range is too narrow. Wonder and curiosity are great. But anger, sadness, fear, and frustration are also legitimate and powerful — and they're being left on the table.
4. Representation in science communication isn't just a fairness issue. It's a relevance issue.
5. Science communicators should think of their work as storytelling with a point of view, not just information transfer.

• Ed Yong: Science Writer
• Queering science communication: Representations, theory, and practice
• Lab coats in Hollywood: Science, scientists, and cinema - David A. Kirby
• Varieties of awe in science communication: Reflexive thematic analysis of practitioners’ experiences and uses of this emotion - Daniel Silva Luna
• Emotion in practice: The cultural work of emotion in science communication - Daniel Silva Luna

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Many thanks to Freak Motif for the music and

Biology can be beautiful and disgusting all at once. This is why I loved studying biology and parasites, and why I am captivated by the story of screwworm.

Screwworm is a nasty parasite that is making a come back in North America and in this episode we'll dive into the story of screwworm and hear from Dr. Phillip Kaufman, Head of the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M. He breaks down how screwworm returned and why that's a major problem.

I love this story because it demonstrates the power of adaptation and how studying a parasite like screwworm through the lens of adaptation helps us find ways to fight back.

Takeaways:

1. The New World Screwworm's return exemplifies the intricate relationship between parasitism and adaptation in biological systems.
2. Understanding the ecological impact of the New World Screwworm is crucial for livestock management and prevention of economic losses.
3. The sterile insect technique has proven effective in controlling the screwworm population, highlighting innovative approaches to pest management.
4. The cooperation between countries is vital in managing the spread of pests and diseases, as exemplified by the efforts to eradicate the screwworm.
5. The complexities of insect life, particularly parasitic species, provide insights into the adaptability and resilience of organisms in various environments.
6. The return of the New World Screwworm serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance in ecological monitoring and research.
   • New World Screwworm Outbreak | New World Screwworm | CDC
   • COPEG – Comisión Panamá – Estados Unidos para la Erradicación y Prevención del Gusano Barrenador del Ganado
   • New World Screwworm: Rise, Fall and Resurgence
   • Phillip Kaufman - Department of Entomology - Texas A&M
   
   

   This is the only link you need to subscirbe and never miss an episode of Two Brad For You. Please do rate and review it really helps us out.

   If you'd like to support the show with currency click here. We are grateful for that too. Finally, you can check out the website here.

   Many thanks to Freak Motif for the music and Sebastian Abboud for the logo.

In this episode, I'm joined science-communication researcher Miguel Vissers for a funny, honest, and wildly insightful look at how science actually reaches the public—and why it so often goes wrong. Check out the links below to see Miguel's work and check back for updates as one of the pieces of research we discuss will be available soon.

We start with the question, why science needs its own communication field and whether this is a unique case. We also cover Miguel's area of expertise and look at how press releases shape the news you see—sometimes a little too directly. The conversation also touches on lessons learned during the pandemic regarding transparency, trust, and mixed messaging. Why scientists, journalists, governments, and influencers all talk past each other. And finally… how Joe Rogan went from “gateway to science curiosity” to “uh oh.”

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode delves into the intricacies of science communication, particularly its role in bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
• The challenges faced by scientists in conveying their findings effectively.
• The balance that science communicators must maintain between promoting scientific advancements and critically evaluating the implications of such research for society.
• The necessity of transparency in science communication, especially in light of the public's increasing skepticism towards scientific authorities and findings.

  This is the only link you need to subscirbe and never miss an episode of Two Brad For You. Please do rate and review it really helps us out.

  If you'd like to support the show with currency click here. We are grateful for that too. Finally, you can check out the website here.

  Many thanks to Freak Motif for the music and Sebastian Abboud for the logo.

  • Surfing the COVID-19 news waves - Journal of Science Communication
  • Miguel Vissers on LinkedIn
  • BE Sci Comm - BE SciComm is a community of science communicators, bringing together researchers, journalists, press officers, communication officers, policy makers, designers, event organizers, students, and anyone interested in science communication.
  • About Miguel Vissers | University of Antwerp
  • It’s the science, stupid! by Miguel Vissers for Big Bang Magazine - A warning against scientism and a proposal for science communication focused more on scientific process(es) than scientific facts