Podcasts by Chemistry For Your Life

What even is MSG? Is it bad for you? from 2023-12-07T04:51

Chemistree Holiday Sweatshirt Available Now! chemforyourlife.com/store

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#175

MSG! The ...

Why does rain smell? from 2022-04-14T13:02:03

#029 Rebroadcast

What's that smell? This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of smell. Now a lot of smell science has to do with our physiology and neurology. We'l...

Why do lobsters turn red? (when we cook them) from 2022-04-07T02:58

#132

When you think of lobsters, you probably always imagine them being red. But they're only actually red after they die, or more specifically, after we cook them. Why? I...

What do sunscreen and paint have in common? (and other questions) from 2022-03-31T10:47:34

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 29

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about soda bubbles, mentos, raisins, sunscreen, an...

Why do sodas explode? (when we shake them) from 2022-03-24T03:11

#131

We've all shaken up a carbonated drink, either accidentally or on purpose, so we all know what happens. But why? Why does simply shaking it agitate the carbonation so...

Why is the sky blue? from 2022-03-17T03:03

#034 Rebroadcast

This week, Melissa and Jam explore the oldest question in the book. But we're not going to answer it. Just kidding. Why the HECK is the sky blue? And also...

Chemistry and Greek myths? (and other questions) from 2022-03-10T03:16

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 28

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about greek myth analogies, hydrogen peroxide, ben...

Why do we use hydrogen peroxide? (and should we?) from 2022-03-04T10:49:25

#130

For many people, hydrogen peroxide has been an essential first aid tool. Should it be? And before we answer that question, what even is hydrogen peroxide? How does it...

Why are blue jeans actually dyed yellow? from 2022-02-17T03:12

#129

Are you sitting down? Because we've got some news for you. Those blue jeans you own, they weren't actually dyed blue. They were dyed YELLOW. That doesn't mak...

Why are blue jeans actually dyed yellow? from 2022-02-17T03:12

Are you sitting down? Because we've got some news for you. Those blue jeans you own, they weren't actually dyed blue. They were dyed YELLOW. That doesn't make any sense right? Well it might, if you...

Is higher pH water better? (and other questions) from 2022-02-10T03:05

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 27

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about stretching molecules, stigmas around organic...

Why do Pop Rocks pop? from 2022-02-03T03:17

#128

If you know what pop rocks are, then this episode will answer one of the greatest mysteries of your childhood. And if you've never heard of pop rocks, then you'll sti...

How does Benzoyl Peroxide fight acne? from 2022-01-20T03:12

#127

If you've ever had acne, you've probably tried some creams or washes with "benzoyl peroxide" somewhere on the label. How is it that this specific ingredient is helpfu...

How do gasses dissolve in liquid? (and other questions) from 2022-01-13T03:54

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 26

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about fluoride, decaf coffee, dissolving gasses, c...

How is coffee decaffeinated? from 2022-01-06T03:14

#126

Coffee Part 3! So we all know coffee has caffeine in it. But what if you want your coffee... without the caffeine? Is that as impossible as wanting to have your cake ...

Why do tires go flat in the winter? from 2021-12-23T03:18

#125

Well you've probably been there. It's the first significantly cold day of the season, and you turn your car on and the tire pressure light comes on. This is an annual...

Bonus: Blood in pool water? (and other questions) from 2021-12-16T14:32:16

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 25

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about antacids, imposter syndrome, ice expanding, ...

Why do we roast coffee? from 2021-12-09T03:01

#124

Coffee Part 2! So before we brew coffee, it gets roasted. What is roasting you might ask? Well it's pretty much the stage where all the magic is happening, everything...

How is brewing coffee chemistry? from 2021-11-25T03:05

#123

The long overdue cracking open of the door into the chemistry of coffee! First, the chemistry of what happens when you brew coffee. Check it out!

Like the show?...

Fall Mini 07 - Who is and isn't a chemist? from 2021-11-18T03:36

#122

What makes someone a chemist? At what point does someone become one? Is it a defined line or is it a blurry one? Melissa shares some thoughts, as well as the thoughts...

Fall Mini 06 - What is imposter syndrome? (with Vianet Garza) from 2021-11-11T11:58:06

#121

This week we have a very special guest, Vianet Garza (LPC). She's going to talk us through something that's common in chemistry, science, and likely every other profe...

Fall Mini 05 - Is BPA really that bad for you? from 2021-11-04T03:13

#120

This week we received an interesting email about BPA from listener and retired chemistry teacher Danny. Let's get into it.

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Green Fire?! from 2021-10-31T03:34

Rebroadcast #015

This week Melissa and Jam explore a Halloween-themed topic, perfectly-timed for the fact that our episode air date happened to land on H...

Fall Mini 04 - Icebreakers from 2021-10-28T03:57

#119

It's time to break some ice.

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Fall Mini 03 - How chemistry revolutionized baking (For Melissa) from 2021-10-21T04:05

#118

Are you an avid baker? Melissa's baking discovery may be as revolutionary for you as it was for her.

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Fall Mini 02 - The biochemistry of sugar? from 2021-10-14T11:16:48

#116

Let's hear more about sugar from the perspective of biochemist, Caibe Alves.

Like the show? Buy us a coffee to he...

Fall Mini 01 - Vanilla and beaver butts? from 2021-10-07T02:59

#116

Does vanilla come from beaver butts?

Our merch store is open until October 21! -> Listen

What is vanilla? (and imitation vanilla?) from 2021-09-30T03:33

#115

Well we've all had vanilla. And if you have a tongue then you probably like it. But the question we've all wondered each time we're baking something is probably somet...

How do Tums make us feel better? (And why do they make us burp?) from 2021-09-23T03:19

#114

Tums, alka seltzer, and other antacids: they're simple, they've been around for a long time, but they're a tried and true method for helping our stomachs. But how do ...

Bonus: Does elevation affect airbags? (and other questions) from 2021-09-20T03:38

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 24

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about breathalyzers, high fructose corn syrup, can...

Is there BPA in my receipt? And is that bad? from 2021-09-16T03:15

#113

What if BPA was in something more ordinary and everywhere than a water bottle? Something seemingly innocent and inconspicuous? Like a receipt? Wouldn't that just be a...

What does BPA free really mean? from 2021-09-09T03:13

#112

Every time you buy a plastic water bottle or something, you probably see a sticker that says "BPA free." Pretty good news right? I mean who knows? But what is BPA? An...

How do breathalyzers detect alcohol? from 2021-09-02T02:35

#111

How can machines tell how much alcohol is in our blood, simply from checking our breath? Is it magic, or is it chemistry? I think you know the answer to that. But let...

What is the ozone layer? from 2021-08-26T02:55

#110

We've all heard about it. And most likely you've heard that it's in danger. But what is the ozone layer in the first place? And once we learn that, how about figuring...

Bonus: How does weed killer not kill grass? (and other questions) from 2021-08-23T12:48:11

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about sugar, high fructose corn syrup, weed killer, water's cleaning ability, tips about college, Jam's name, making...

Bonus: How does weed killer not kill grass? (and other questions) from 2021-08-23T12:48:11

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 23

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about sugar, high fructose corn syrup, weed killer...

How much urine is in an olympic size swimming pool? from 2021-08-19T02:31

#109

Well it's no secret. Some people like to make the relaxing, refreshing environment of a pool into a toilet. It's a problem that's probably existed just as long as poo...

Is high fructose corn syrup bad for you? from 2021-08-12T09:54:03

#108

It's got high fructose, it's somehow from corn, and it's in syrup form. What's not to like? Well maybe a lot. Or maybe not. Is it worse than sugar? Is it the same? Le...

What is in magic erasers? (and should you clean your teeth with them?) from 2021-08-05T02:01

#107

By now you've already probably experienced the magic of magic erasers. But what IS the magic? How does it erase what other things cannot? And if you don't know what m...

How do candles burn? (and how do you light them with smoke?) from 2021-07-29T04:38

#106

Candles are simple enough right? Probably nothing crazy going on right? Wrong. Where does all the wax go? And how does the wick just keep on burning so long? Let's fi...

Chemistry at Home: Candle Magic from 2021-07-26T11:26:14

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 15

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see how to light ...

How do batteries power our electronics? from 2021-07-22T04:56

#105

Batteries. The mysterious little cylinders that have powered our essentials and fun for decades. How in the world do they work? What's the chemistry that's going on i...

Bonus: How do candy colors not mix? (and other questions) from 2021-07-19T20:18:07

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 22

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about dyes, onions, soaps, candies, eggs, salt lam...

What is cheese? And what does it have in common with soap? from 2021-07-15T04:58

#104

Seriously what the heck is cheese? It's a question we've all wondered, but most of us only ever know that it's from milk—but what else? How do we turn milk into chees...

What is hyaluronic acid and is it magical? from 2021-07-08T04:55

#103

What do roosters' combs and cows' eyeballs have that our skin needs? Let's add another chapter to the chemistry of skin care. Today we explore a special and unusual a...

What is benzene and why is it in my sunscreen? from 2021-07-01T04:55

#102

Well there's more to sunscreen than we thought. Like some super recent not so great info, about something called benzene. This is another example of the unfortunate d...

Chemistry at home: Elephant's Toothpaste from 2021-06-28T04:54

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 14

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see how to make t...

How are airbags made of chemicals? from 2021-06-24T04:56

#101

Ok we all get it, they save our lives, and they aren't just a really good Radiohead song. But HOW? Most of us never even need to experience airbags, which is great. B...

Bonus: Why do bug bites itch? (and other questions) from 2021-06-21T04:54

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about bug bites, histamine, jellyfish, hair, coffee, and Harry Potter.

Bonus: Why do bug bites itch? (and other questions) from 2021-06-21T04:54

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 21

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about bug bites, histamine, jellyfish, hair, coffe...

CHEMISTRY QUIZ from 2021-06-17T04:54

For episode 100, it's finally time for a TEST. Jam has been learning chemistry every week for 100 weeks, but what does he know? What does he remember? Let's put it to the test. Follow along with us...

CHEMISTRY QUIZ from 2021-06-17T04:54

#100

For episode 100, it's time for a TEST. Jam has been learning chemistry every week for 100 weeks, but what does he know? What does he remember? Let's put it to the tes...

Do anti-aging products work? from 2021-06-10T04:57

#099

The ads are everywhere. Trying to convince us to buy something to prevent or undo the wrinkles and skin damage that comes with aging. But can those products really do...

What’s the future of antihistamines? from 2021-06-03T04:57

#098

Could histamine and antihistamines do more than just affect our allergies? Actually yes. Today we discuss new and recent research in the world of histamine, and belie...

Chemistry at Home: Lifesavers in the Dark from 2021-05-31T04:53

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 13

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens ...

Why are seasonal allergies the worst? from 2021-05-27T04:58

#097

Most of us know the feeling. But what are we actually experiencing when we experience allergies? How does being around plants and pollen make us all sniffly? Why does...

Bonus: What color is grass at night? (and other questions) from 2021-05-24T04:55

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 20

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about color changing markers, electron energy leve...

Bonus: What color is grass at night? (and other questions) from 2021-05-24T04:55

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about color changing markers, electron energy level analogies, forensics, grass, chocolate, and more!

Why and how do Jellyfish sting? from 2021-05-20T10:27:25

#096

What's the chemistry of a jellyfish sting? Why do they feel so different from other stings? And what can we even do when we get stung? And what about the popular urin...

How do Venus flytraps trap flies? from 2021-05-13T04:51

#095

Venus flytraps: The plants that have fascinated and freaked many of us out since we were kids. How do they do what they do? Most plants just kinda sit there and soak ...

What is the smell of fresh cut grass? from 2021-05-06T04:58

#094

What is that iconic smell? The smell that screams spring and summer? The smell so distinct, and yet so mysterious. Why does freshly cut grass have that smell? Why is ...

Why does american chocolate taste different? from 2021-04-29T04:53

#093 - Chocolate Part 3 of 3

Now it's time to dive into one of chocolate's biggest mysteries. Which, depending on where you live, has been something you've wondered for a ...

Chemistry at Home: Chocolate and Gum from 2021-04-26T15:40:38

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 12

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens ...

Why does chocolate get that white film on it? from 2021-04-22T05:00

#092 - Chocolate Part 2 of 3

You know how when you were a kid, you'd sometimes find some old, forgotten halloween chocolate? But the chocolate would look a little white, a...

Bonus: Do dead leaves smell like tea? (and other questions) from 2021-04-19T04:56

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 19

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about leaves, labs you can do at home, electrophil...

What is chocolate and why is it delicious? from 2021-04-15T04:57

#091 - Chocolate Part 1 of 3

Well you've probably never heard of chocolate, and you've almost certainly never eaten it. But if you had you might wonder, what the heck is t...

Why does cilantro taste horrible? (to some people) from 2021-04-08T04:54

#090

It's of the most puzzling (and heartbreaking) mysteries. Why does cilantro taste so good to some of us, but taste so bad to others of us? Is it in our heads? Or is th...

Why does cilantro taste horrible? (to some people) from 2021-04-08T04:54

It's of the most puzzling (and heartbreaking) mysteries. Why does cilantro taste so good to some of us, but taste so bad to others of us? Is it in our heads? Or is there a chemical explanation for ...

What is ebonized wood? from 2021-04-01T04:58

#089

This question comes from a word-working listener of ours. Ebonized wood is a process that turns wood black... without burning it! But how? What's the chemistry behind...

Chemistry at Home: Crayons from 2021-03-29T04:55

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 11

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens ...

How do color changing markers change color? from 2021-03-25T04:56

#088

Remember those markers that would *magically* change colors when you marked over them with the right marker? Well while it seems very magical, it's actually chemistry...

Bonus: Does gunpowder explode? (and other questions) from 2021-03-22T18:20:17

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 18

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about gunpowder, our wellbeing, food colors, hair ...

What is jam? (and jelly and preserves etc.) from 2021-03-18T15:49:35

#087

Jams, jellies, preserves, marmalade. So many kinds of fruit spreads, but how are they made? How do they go from fruit to gooey spread? How are they delicious? What th...

What is jam? (and jelly and preserves etc.) from 2021-03-18T15:49:35

Jams, jellies, preserves, marmalade. So many kinds of fruit spreads, but how are they made? How do they go from fruit to gooey spread? How are they delicious? What the chemistry here, and how has i...

What and why is maple syrup? from 2021-03-11T04:58

#086

We all know that maple syrup is one of Canada's most popular gifts to the world, but what really is it? Why do maple trees (and other trees) even have sap? And is the...

Why do plants die in freezing weather? from 2021-03-04T04:57

#085

Well here in Texas, we just suffered through an intense freeze. And many a plant became a casualty of the cold, but why? What's going on at the molecular level that c...

What are muscles and their cramps? from 2021-02-25T04:48

#084

Wait, muscles are biology right? Well they're also chemistry. And guess what, muscle soreness and cramps are also chemistry. And believe it or not, the mystery of mus...

Extra Special Bonus: Time Warp! from 2021-02-23T04:55

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 18

In this month's bonus episode, we share a special old Q&R that we've had in our back pocket for almost a year! Enjoy!

Listen

How do bath bombs fizz? from 2021-02-18T19:55:56

#083

This might be one of the best chances to both listen to AND experience chemistry at the same time. Grab a bath bomb, fill up the tub, and let's find out how these fri...

Chemistry at Home: Vinegar and Baking Soda (with Stephanie Ryan Ph.D.) from 2021-02-15T04:56

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 10

We have a very special guest this month, Stephanie Ryan Ph.D. aka @letslearnaboutscience (on Instagram)! Stephanie leads us through som...

How do sunglasses protect us? from 2021-02-11T04:58

#082

Wow sunglasses sure are cool. What's the coolest thing about them? Is it how cool they make us look and feel? Or is it the chemistry inside them? We'll let you decide...

Why do things fade in the sun? from 2021-02-04T04:51

#081

The sun. It's nice, it's warm, it helps things grow, it helps us see, it helps us exist in the first place. But it's also a massive burning molten ball of radiation a...

New Merch Out Now! (Until Nov. 30) from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

We just released a new run of merch! But it's ONLY available until November 30! Tap the link in our show notes to check it out!

What is a dryer sheet? from 2021-01-28T04:55

#080

Dryer sheets. They smell good. They make our clothes soft. They get rid of static. But how? How is one little sheet allowed to solve that many problems? What are they...

Chemistry at Home: Pennies from 2021-01-25T04:56

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 9

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens w...

Is glass a liquid? from 2021-01-21T04:55

#079

Glass. The more you look at it, the more clear it becomes that it holds some serious mysteries. So what really is glass? Is it a liquid? How is it different from typi...

Bonus: Why does my bread taste like a banana? (and other questions) from 2021-01-19T04:01

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 17

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about salt, bread that tastes like bananas, sunscr...

Bonus: Why does my bread taste like a banana? (and other questions) from 2021-01-19T04:01

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about salt, bread that tastes like bananas, sunscreen on fences, AND improvements to our chemistry analogies!

Why do cornstarch and water do that thing? from 2021-01-14T04:57

#078

It's one of life's most head-scratchy questions, and one of the most popular chemistry mysteries for youtubers. So let's get to the bottom of this crazy, shape-shifti...

What is iodized salt? And why? from 2021-01-07T05:01

#077

Who's doing what to our salt? What's iodine, do we need it, why, and how do they get it in there? This week Melissa and Jam dive head first into figurative iodized sa...

How do fireworks use chemistry to look awesome? from 2020-12-31T04:57

#076

Happy New Years Eve! Let's all kiss 2020 a speedy (not speedy enough) goodbye and look at some beautiful exploding lights! And why not look at the chemistry in these ...

Chemistry at Home: Diapers from 2020-12-28T04:57

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 8

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens w...

What are LEDs and how do they light up? from 2020-12-24T04:56

#075

Happy holidays, we hope you have a wonderful season whatever you celebrate! We've got a holiday related episode for you: LEDs. Well I guess we use them all year round...

Bonus: Enzymes eat plastic? (and other questions) from 2020-12-21T04:58

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 16

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about enzymes that eat plastic, super glue on diff...

How do we see our breath in the air? from 2020-12-17T15:23:51

#074

This time of year, it's a common occurrence, something so common that we might not even wonder about it anymore. But really, why do we see our breath in the air when ...

What is silver tarnish? from 2020-12-10T04:57

#073

Well if you haven't experienced silver tarnish yourself, then you've almost certainly heard people complain about it. Can anything last? These sparkly treasures we co...

How do odor absorbers work? from 2020-12-03T04:58

#072

You know what they say, everyone's experienced odors, and 99.99% of all odors smell. We have room sprays, candles, air fresheners, etc. But how can we absorb or elimi...

Chemistry at Home: Leaf Pigments from 2020-11-30T05:01

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 7

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens w...

Chemistry at Home: Leaf Pigments from 2020-11-30T05:01

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens when we cut up different colors of leaves, put them in alcohol...

What happens to eggs when we cook them? (with Jason Cress) from 2020-11-26T05:01

#071

It's time to crack into one of life's great mysteries: eggs. So what happens when we cook them?! How do they go from clear goo to white jiggle? This is a question we ...

Bonus: Can equilibrium occur in any state of matter? (and other questions) from 2020-11-23T05:05

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 15

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about equilibrium, recycling on a large scale, why...

How do diapers absorb liquid? from 2020-11-19T05:05

#070

Ok parents. It's time to explore the chemistry of something we rely on every hour of every day: diapers. What the heck is going on inside there? How do they absorb SO...

How is nail polish chemistry? from 2020-11-12T05:11

#069

There's this stuff, you've probably heard of it, that you can put on 10-20 specific places on your body, and it stays there, and it can be different colors. That's ri...

Is science always right? from 2020-11-05T05:07

#068

This week we issue a correction, joining other science publications issuing the same correction. That's kind of an obvious answer to the question of "Is science alway...

How do glowsticks glow? from 2020-10-29T05:05

#067

Guess what time of year it is. It's spooky time! One thing we see a lot of during this time of year, is things that glow. And you better believe that's chemistry. So ...

Chemistry at Home: Cabbage Juice from 2020-10-26T05:04

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 6

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens w...

What IS lavender oil? from 2020-10-22T05:09

#066

This week we take a teeny tiny step into the vast, intimidating sea of essential oils. Not to worry, we're sticking to the chemistry. And we're exploring one of the s...

Bonus: How do you remove superglue from your fingers? (and other questions) from 2020-10-19T05:10

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 14

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about buying renewable items, missed puns, polymer...

Why do leaves change color in the fall? from 2020-10-15T05:02

#065

It's Fall! You know why they call Fall Fall? Well because the leaves fall. But before that, the leaves change color. Why do they do that? How? Is there any sort of fu...

What's the future of recycling? from 2020-10-08T05:03

#064

Part 3 of 3 on plastic! This week we look to the future. Is there hope to overcome our piles of plastic? What new ways of recycling are coming down the pike? What are...

Is plastic really recyclable? from 2020-10-01T05:01

#063

This is part 2 of 3 on plastic, so check out last week's episode if you haven't yet! This week, Melissa and Jam dive into one of the weightiest questions of our day. ...

Chemistry at Home: Slime from 2020-09-28T08:56:29

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 5

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens w...

What is plastic? from 2020-09-24T05:03

#062

Think about it for a second, plastic is everywhere. What plastic things are around you right now? What plastic things do you use everyday? This week, Melissa and Jam ...

Bonus: Why doesn’t superglue harden in the tube? (and other questions) from 2020-09-21T05:04

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 13

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about gasoline, super glue, smells, books, and a c...

How does super glue glue things? from 2020-09-17T05:02

#061

Be honest. Have you ever glued yourself with super glue? Everyone should accidentally make that mistake at least once, so you can literally feel the impressive sticki...

Why do we use fluoride on our teeth? from 2020-09-10T05:09

#060

Chances are you've heard the word "fluoride" said in reference to your teeth. At the dentists office, on your bottle of mouthwash, maybe you've heard it's in tap wate...

How does caffeine make you not sleepy? from 2020-09-03T05:05

#059

Ok so, caffeine. Some of us live on the stuff, and others of us want nothing to do with it. There's a lot of things caffeine can do to our bodies, but of course the n...

Chemistry at Home: Density from 2020-08-31T09:05:56

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 4

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens w...

What makes fruit ripen? from 2020-08-27T05:11

#058

Fruit. You eat it too early? It tastes bland and tart. You eat it too late? And it's rotten. You eat it when it's ripe? It's perfect, sweet, and juicy. What makes fru...

Bonus: Do mosquitos care about blood-type? (and other questions) from 2020-08-24T05:02

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 12

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about mosquito repellents, mosquitos and blood typ...

What's up with alcohol(s)? from 2020-08-20T05:05

#057

So we all know what we think of when we hear the word "alcohol," but what if that's not really the whole picture? There's actually many kinds of alcohol, most of whic...

What IS fire? (and what happened in Beirut?) from 2020-08-13T05:03

#056

Seriously. What is fire? This week Melissa and Jam hop out of the frying pan. What are those warm orange wisps? We all sort of know what fire is but also, do we? It's...

What makes honey crystallize? from 2020-08-06T05:05

#055

Ever notice that honey crystalizes? Isn't that like super weird? Why does it do that? This week, Melissa and Jam risk getting stuck in this question.

Like the s...

What is the future of mosquito repellents? from 2020-07-30T05:11

#054

This week, Melissa and Jam close out the mosquitos series with part 4 (If you missed the previous three, go check them out). What does the future look like for humans...

Chemistry at Home: Milk and Soap from 2020-07-27T05:09

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 3

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens w...

What even is DEET? from 2020-07-23T05:08

#053

This week, Melissa and Jam continue to part 3 on the topic of mosquitos (If you missed the previous two, go check them out). What is DEET? What part does it play in r...

Bonus: Is rain just like sweat for the earth? (and other questions) from 2020-07-20T05:06

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 11

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about carbonation, color-changing dyes, spiciness,...

Do mosquitos bite some people more than others? from 2020-07-16T05:02

#052

This week, Melissa and Jam continue the topic of mosquitos (If you missed last week's, listen to it first). It's time to answer the age-old, every-summer question. Wh...

Why do mosquitos bite people? from 2020-07-09T05:06

#051

This week, Melissa and Jam begin a multi-faceted topic: mosquitos. Now of course mosquitos are insects, so studying them would mostly fall into biology. But there's a...

How does sweat cool us down? from 2020-07-02T05:00

#050

This week, Melissa and Jam once again look under the armpits of society, this time to explore sweat. Is it cool? Well does it keep us cool? How? At what cost? Is ther...

Chemistry at home: Chromatography from 2020-06-29T05:00

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 2

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens w...

What is a calorie? from 2020-06-25T05:00

#049

This week, Melissa and Jam question the whole system of food. Or rather, the way we calculate food: calories. What are they? Where'd the come from? How are they calcu...

What makes jalapeños hot, and do they have other super powers? from 2020-06-18T05:00

#048

This week, Melissa and Jam dive into spiciness. What is it? Is it a flavor? Is it a feeling? Is it both? Is it more? Why can some people handle more than others? Does...

Bonus: What is Mel's cast iron routine? (and other questions) from 2020-06-15T05:00

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 10

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about cast iron routines, dyes, activating almonds...

What is rust and is it the worst? from 2020-06-11T05:00

#047

A somewhat natural chemical topic following cast iron: rust. This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of rust. What even is it? Where does it come from? Is it...

Black lives matter from 2020-06-04T05:30

Support
blacklivesmatter.com
naacp.org
colorofchange....

Are cast iron pans as cool as people say? from 2020-05-28T05:00

#045

The continuation of the unexpected cookware chemistry saga: cast iron. This week, Melissa and Jam discuss multiple aspects of cast iron chemistry. What is cast iron? ...

Chemistry at home: Homemade Lava Lamp from 2020-05-25T05:30

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 1

What's this, another bonus episode? It's something new we're test driving! A short little extra bonus episode dedicated to teaching a sp...

Why do diet coke and mentos do that thing? from 2020-05-21T05:00

#044

You know what we're talking about. That spectacular fizzy geyser. This week, Melissa and Jam explore what makes diet coke and mentos go crazy together. Is it love? Is...

Bonus: My girlfriend's sweat doesn't stink (and other questions)? from 2020-05-18T05:00

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 9

In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about sunlight bleaching, weird feeling soap, sweat...

How do color-changing mugs change color? from 2020-05-14T05:00

#043

You know how you have that one mug that changes colors when you put hot coffee in it? Let's talk about that. This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of color...

How do deodorant and antiperspirant work? from 2020-05-07T05:10

#042

What's that smell? Is it us? Is it you? We hope it's neither, thanks to deodorants and antiperspirants. This week, Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry of this ev...

Is it safe to use teflon pans? from 2020-04-30T05:15

#041

Ok! So now that you know how teflon works (see last week's episode if you missed it), now it's time to discuss the equally important question: is it safe to use?? Are...

Bonus: Do purple carrots have beta carotene (and other questions)? from 2020-04-27T05:00

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 8

In his month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about carrots, pigments, quinones, thermoses, and un...

What makes nonstick pans not sticky? from 2020-04-23T05:10

#040

Who you calling sticky? This week, Melissa and Jam open up another two-part series about nonstick pans, aka teflon. What keeps food from sticking to them? How did sci...

How does helium change your voice? from 2020-04-16T05:05

#039

Part two on the chemistry of helium! Now to the question you've all been wondering, how does helium change your voice? This week, Melissa and Jam explore this mystery...

Bonus: Podcast For Your Life - Books for your life from 2020-04-15T05:15

Don't worry, you didn't click on the wrong podcast. This week Melissa was a guest on another "for your life" podcast: Podcast For Your Life, Jam's original podcast with his frie...

Is there a helium shortage? from 2020-04-09T05:05

#038

Helium is all fun and games right? High voice, super funny, no worries right? Or is there a serious shortage of helium? This week, Melissa and Jam answer this questio...

Why does orange juice taste bad after you brush your teeth? from 2020-04-02T05:15

#037

It's the lesson we've all had to learn the hard way. The pain our mouths feel when we take a treacherous swig of the post-brush poison. This week, Melissa and Jam del...

How does soap kill COVID-19? from 2020-03-26T05:05

#036

Ok so we've known for awhile how soap works in a general use sense, like how it cleans dishes (Listen

Why do apples turn brown when you cut them? from 2020-03-19T05:05

#035

Do you like apples? Ever wonder why they turn brown when you cut them? This week, Melissa and Jam explore this very question. What's going on in these apples? Where d...

Bonus: Methane doesn't have a smell (and other questions)? from 2020-03-16T05:05

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 7

In his month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about methane, bad smells, bleach, computers seeing ...

Why is the sky blue but sunsets aren’t? from 2020-03-12T05:05

#034

This week, Melissa and Jam explore the oldest question in the book. But we're not going to answer it. Just kidding. Why the HECK is the sky blue? And also why are the...

How do thermoses keep coffee hot? from 2020-03-05T05:10

#033

That's right, we are sort of talking about coffee this week. Or rather, how to keep it hot. Nowadays we all have some version of a thermos for our coffee, te...

How do hand warmers get hot? from 2020-02-27T05:10

#032

This week, Melissa and Jam investigate reusable hand warmers. How do they get hot? Where does the heat even come from? How do reusable ones even work? Is it real? How...

How does bleach remove color? from 2020-02-20T05:15

#031

How does bleach bleach stuff? Oh and also, what even is color? This week Melissa and Jam investigate these questions. What's the molecular makeup of color and then ho...

Bonus: Does cold exist (and other questions)? from 2020-02-17T05:15

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 6

In his month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about cold/cool, water temperature's effect on boats...

Why do bad smells smell bad? from 2020-02-13T05:15

#030

Melissa and Jam continue to sniff out the chemistry of smell, focusing this week on bad smells. Why are we so good at smelling bad smells? Why do they haunt us at nig...

How do we smell things? from 2020-02-06T05:15

#029

What's that smell? This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of smell. Now a lot of smell science has to do with our physiology and neurology. We'll talk some ...

What’s really happening when our hair gets damaged? from 2020-01-30T06:25

#028

This week, Melissa and Jam travel even further down the rabbit hole of hair chemistry. How does our hair get damaged? How do we curl, straighten, and perm our hair? W...

What gives curly hair its curl? from 2020-01-23T06:25

#027

This week, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry of something that may not seem like chemistry at first: hair.
Curly hair to be specific. What makes hair curl? A...

Bonus: Growing crystals, bobby pins, and how should we address the Hulk? from 2020-01-20T06:25

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 5

In his month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about how to grow crystals, details about snowflake ...

What is the taste of carbonated water? from 2020-01-16T06:25

This week, Melissa and Jam discuss part of an often requested topic: carbonation. Does it have a taste? Like why does carbonated water taste different than flat water? And what is carbonation in th...

What is the taste of carbonated water? from 2020-01-16T06:25

#026

This week, Melissa and Jam discuss part of an often requested topic: carbonation. Does it have a taste? Like why does carbonated water taste different than flat water...

The sea is rising? Should I be scared? (with Renee Collini) from 2020-01-09T06:25

#025

This week, Melissa, Jam, and very special guest Renee Collini (Melissa's sister and climate scientist) delve into the important topic of sea-level rise. What causes i...

What do rainbows and mirages have in common? from 2020-01-02T06:25

#024

This week, Melissa and Jam explore three very different, but related, light phenomena. We'll discuss situations when light can be bent, slowed down, and even broken. ...

How do snowflakes form and look so cool? from 2019-12-26T06:25

#023

This week, Melissa and Jam explore the wintery chemistry of snowflakes. How do they form? How are they all unique? How do they look so gosh darn cool? Why don’t we se...

What are antioxidants and are they even good for you? from 2019-12-19T06:25

#022

This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of antioxidants. What are they? Is it just magical stuff they put in sport drinks and workout supplements? Can you fi...

Bonus: Do solar farms kill birds (and other questions)? from 2019-12-16T06:25

Bonus Episode: Question and Response 4

Welcome to the new home for our Question and Response episodes! This week we respond to comments and questions about solar energy, a...

How can sunlight turn into electricity? from 2019-12-12T07:15

#021

This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of solar energy. How do we capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity? Is it as super insanely cool as ...

Why does water form droplets? from 2019-12-05T06:25

#020

This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of water and intermolecular forces. Why does it form into droplets? Why can you fill a glass of water just above the r...

What happens to water in space (and other questions)? from 2019-11-28T06:25

Question and Response #03

This week Melissa and Jam do the last Question and Response episode. We'll continue to do Questions and Responses every month, but afte...

What’s up with foil? from 2019-11-21T06:25

#018

This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of aluminum foil. Why doesn’t it feel hot when we take it out of the oven? How does it cool down so quickly? We harken...

Why do foods brown when we cook them? from 2019-11-14T06:25

This week Melissa and Jam explore some of the chemistry behind cooking. What happens when you sear a steak? What's going on when you toast toast? Why do so many foods turn golden-brown when cooking...

Why do foods brown when we cook them? from 2019-11-14T06:25

#017

This week Melissa and Jam explore some of the chemistry behind cooking. What happens when you sear a steak? What's going on when you toast toast? Why do so many food...

Why do onions make you cry? from 2019-11-07T06:25

#016

This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of onion tears, the emotional reaction we all have, against our will, when cutting onions. Grab some tissues, this one...

Green fire?! from 2019-10-31T06:00

#015

This week Melissa and Jam explore a Halloween-themed topic, perfectly-timed for the fact that our episode air date happened to land on Halloween exactly! Can you change the color of f...

What makes artificial sweeteners artificial? from 2019-10-24T06:25

This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of artificial/alternative sweeteners. What are artificial sweeteners? How can something be sweet but not packed with calories? Are we cheating? Di...

What even is sunscreen and how does it screen the sun? from 2019-10-17T06:25

This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of not being burned by the big, ominous, flaming ball of radioactive insanity that lights up our skies each day. Did you know that to some people,...

How do geckos stick to walls? from 2019-10-10T06:25

This week Melissa and Jam continue in the category of "sticky" things by exploring how geckos stick to walls. How do they do it? Is it magic? Is it like spider-man? Is it intermolecular forces?<...

What's the scientific word for sticky? from 2019-10-03T06:25

In this episode, Melissa and Jam explore the complex, but highly familiar and relatable concept of stickiness. It started as a lighthearted question from the end of "Why didn't Jam's pot ever bo...

You got more questions? from 2019-09-26T06:25

Question and Response #02

We've received even more questions! Melissa and Jam take more listener questions regarding topics from across the first 9 episodes, attempting to...

Baking soda and baking powder: what’s the difference? from 2019-09-19T06:25

Baking powder? Baking soda? I mean they're both white powders with the word "baking" in it. How different could they be? Well, one can cause miniature kitchen volcanos and the other does what? L...

Why didn't Jam's pot of water ever boil? from 2019-09-12T06:25

Remember that one time (in episode 6 "Why do we put lids on pots to boil water") when Jam had a situation where his big pot of water would never boil? And he (quite ironically) took a lot of hea...

What the heck is going on inside microwaves? from 2019-09-05T06:25

Melissa finally explains to Jam how microwaves work after making him wait for an entire week. What the heck is going on inside microwaves? How does it do it's thing and make our food tasty? Is i...

Why do we put lids on pots to boil water? from 2019-08-29T06:25

Melissa and Jam discuss the curious habit of putting a lid on a pot in order to boil water. Does it help? Does it speed things up? If so, why?

Find us on Listen

You got questions? from 2019-08-22T06:25

Question and Response #01

Melissa and Jam take listener questions regarding the topics from episodes 1 and 2, Soap and Specific Heat, attempting to clarify some things and...

What are trans fats and are they evil? from 2019-08-15T06:25

Continuing the conversation from last week's margarine episode, Melissa and Jam talk about some of the possible unexpected results of hydrogenation, including trans fats.

We also announce ...

What IS margarine anyway? from 2019-08-08T06:35

Melissa and Jam discuss margarine and what the heck it is, and how it's different from butter, and if it is actually made in the "country" in a "crock" or not.

Find us on Instagram, Twitte...

Why are sand and water different temperatures at the beach? from 2019-08-01T06:40

Melissa and Jam discuss the difference of temperatures, aka specific heat.

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife.
Email us at chemforyourlife@gmail.com
...

How does soap get things clean? from 2019-08-01T06:35

Today Melissa and Jam talk about the chemistry of soap, and how it does its magical work.

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife.
Email us at chemforyourlife@gm...

What is Chemistry For Your Life? from 2019-07-09T15:00

A new podcast is coming your way. On chemistry for your life, we seek to help you understand the chemistry of everyday life.

Find us on Inst...