Chemistry For Your Life

By: Melissa and Jam Bleav
  • Summary

  • A podcast that helps you understand the fascinating chemistry hidden in your everyday life. Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? Or how soap gets your hands clean? What really is margarine, or why do trees change colors in the fall? Melissa is a chemist, and to answer these questions she started a podcast, called Chemistry for your life! In each episode Melissa explains the chemistry behind one of life’s mysteries to Jam, who is definitely not a chemist, but she explains it in a way that is easy to understand, and totally fascinating. If you’re someone who loves learning new things, or who wonders about the way the world works, then give us a listen.
    © For Your Life 2023, All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • What makes honey crystallize?
    Nov 7 2024

    #055 Rebroadcast

    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.

    References from this episode

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5884753/
    2. https://www.usda.gov/codex
    3. https://www.fda.gov/files/food/published/PDF---Guidance-for-Industry--Proper-Labeling-of-Honey-and-Honey-Products.pdf
    4. Honey: Chemical composition, stability and authenticity, da Silva et. Al
    5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.09.051
    Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife. Email us at chemforyourlife@gmail.com And check out our chill, simple little website at https://chemforyourlife.transistor.fm/

    Thanks to our monthly supporters

    • Ciara Linville
    • J0HNTR0Y
    • Jeannette Napoleon
    • Cullyn R
    • Erica Bee
    • Elizabeth P
    • Sarah Moar
    • Rachel Reina
    • Letila
    • Katrina Barnum-Huckins
    • Suzanne Phillips
    • Nelly Silva
    • Venus Rebholz
    • Lyn Stubblefield
    • Jacob Taber
    • Brian Kimball
    • Emerson Woodhall
    • Kristina Gotfredsen
    • Timothy Parker
    • Steven Boyles
    • Chris Skupien
    • Chelsea B
    • Bri McAllister
    • Avishai Barnoy
    • Hunter Reardon
    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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    34 mins
  • Halloween Chemistry: How do things glow in the dark?
    Oct 31 2024

    #198

    In this special Halloween episode Melissa and Jam explore the spooky yet fascinating world of glow-in-the-dark chemistry. The discussion delves into nostalgic aspects of Halloween, focusing particularly on phosphorescence and the forbidden transitions that cause electrons to glow. The chemistry behind these glowing phenomena is explained with engaging analogies, making complex concepts more accessible. They also share their favorite glow-in-the-dark items from childhood, connecting science with personal memories. The episode is a fun and informative dive into the eerie light of glow-in-the-dark materials.

    00:00 Spooky Halloween Introduction
    00:42 The Science of Glow in the Dark
    05:07 Understanding Electron Excitation
    16:10 The Forbidden Transition
    20:25 Exploring Electron Excitation
    21:41 Forbidden Transitions and Rare Materials
    22:21 Space Analogies and Electron Behavior
    24:35 Creative Analogies for Electron States
    26:02 Recap and Detailed Explanation
    33:06 Glow-in-the-Dark Nostalgia
    39:24 Listener Engagement and Support

    References from this episode:

    We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter!

    Thanks to our monthly supporters

    • Scott B
    • Jessie Reder
    • Ciara Linville
    • J0HNTR0Y
    • Jeannette Napoleon
    • Cullyn R
    • Erica Bee
    • Elizabeth P
    • Sarah Moar
    • Rachel Reina
    • Letila
    • Katrina Barnum-Huckins
    • Suzanne Phillips
    • Venus Rebholz
    • Lyn Stubblefield
    • Jacob Taber
    • Brian Kimball
    • Emerson Woodhall
    • Kristina Gotfredsen
    • Timothy Parker
    • Steven Boyles
    • Chris Skupien
    • Chelsea B
    • Bri McAllister
    • Avishai Barnoy
    • Hunter Reardon
    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★

    Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

    Watch our episodes on YouTube

    Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • Ask a Chemist: Why do self-tanners smell weird? (and other questions)
    Oct 24 2024

    Question and Response 61

    New College-Style Sweatshirt! And Spooky Chemistry Shirts Are Back!

    In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam address a variety of intriguing listener questions. They cover topics such as the chemical processes behind self-tanners and why early formulations could result in uneven appearances, the unique properties and phase changes of dry ice, and the complexities surrounding high fructose corn syrup. The discussion spans the importance of physical chemistry, the societal pressures linked to beauty standards, and the exfoliating benefits of chemical peels. Positive feedback from viewers is acknowledged, and the hosts encourage further engagement via questions and Patreon membership.

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
    00:35 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life
    01:26 Listener Questions: Tanning and Self-Tanning
    06:54 Chemistry Behind Self-Tanners
    08:09 More Listener Questions: Self-Tanner Reactions
    11:13 The Smell of Self-Tanners
    12:09 Scariest Chemistry Class
    12:36 Understanding Small Particle Physics
    13:33 Physical Chemistry and Thermodynamics
    14:41 Chemical Peels Explained
    15:34 Is Fructose Bad for You?
    16:29 The Science of Dry Ice Sublimation
    22:09 Listener Questions and Comments
    24:15 Supporting the Show and Community Shoutouts

    Thanks to our monthly supporters

    • Heather Ragusa
    • Autoclave
    • Chelsea Morelos
    • Dorien Vdb
    • Scott B
    • Jessie Reder
    • Ciara Linville
    • J0HNTR0Y
    • Jeannette Napoleon
    • Cullyn R
    • Erica Bee
    • Elizabeth P
    • Sarah Moar
    • Rachel Reina
    • Letila
    • Katrina Barnum-Huckins
    • Suzanne Phillips
    • Venus Rebholz
    • Lyn Stubblefield
    • Jacob Taber
    • Brian Kimball
    • Emerson Woodhall
    • Kristina Gotfredsen
    • Timothy Parker
    • Steven Boyles
    • Chris Skupien
    • Chelsea B
    • Bri McAllister
    • Avishai Barnoy
    • Hunter Reardon
    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★

    Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

    Watch our episodes on YouTube

    Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

    Show more Show less
    26 mins

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