Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we delve into the world of chemophobia and its impact on society with renowned science communicator James Kennedy. Discover the historical roots of chemophobia and its prevalence in today's world. From debunking myths to exploring the influence of social media on education, we explore the intersection of science, perception, and media. Tune in to gain valuable insights, challenge your perspectives, and uncover the truth behind the fear of chemicals. Don't miss this engaging conversation with James Kennedy that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew

Bio

James Kennedy is a British-born science communicator with a Natural Sciences BA(Hons.) and MSci degrees from the University of Cambridge, U.K. He has a wealth of experience in science communication and speaks at corporate events about how to tackle an irrational fear of “chemicals”. His 2021 book, Everything Is Natural, was published by the Royal Society of Chemistry. He has since released two chemistry textbooks and multiple sets of chemistry education materials.

Time Stamps: 

0:51 Sponsor message

1:31 How James Kennedy made the viral banana poster and introduction to chemophobia(Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome)

6:25 Is the fear of chemicals a new thing or is there a history behind it?

8:52 What is 'provenance' and how do objects carry stories 

12:15 Why are adults more chemophobic than kids?

17:29 History of Chemophobia in the United States 

22:14 The "Running Girl" Photograph and its Influence on the World 

23:42 Post-modernism and uptick of Chemophobia 

26:14 How is social media impacting education across the globe?

31:34 What is your stance on artificial intelligence and tools like ChatGPT?

37:06 Sponsor mid-roll

37:57 Will AI completely change the education system as a whole? 

44:25 How are kids being influenced by social media in schools?

50: 30 The dystopia of TikTok mental health issues in kids 

54:21 "Everything is Natural" blurring the lines between natural and artificial

55:47 Final plugs

Plugs

Links
Website: https://jameskennedymonash.wordpress.com/

Kennedy College: https://kennedycollege.com.au/

Book: Everything Is Natural: Exploring How Chemicals Are Natural, How Nature Is Chemical and Why That Should Excite Us

Course: Chemistry for VCE

Twitter: James Kennedy (@JamesKennedyEDU) / Twitter

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