Finding Genius Podcast

Joining us in this episode to discuss all things pharmacology is Bryan Roth. Brian is the Michael Hooker Distinguished Professor of Protein Therapeutics and Translational Proteomics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. With discoveries and inventions in the areas of GPCR structure and molecular pharmacology, Bryan is one of the leading figures in the North Carolina pharmacological community.  Bryan has been interested in psychedelics and psychoactive drugs since he was young, and as he pursued pharmacological research, he is determined to find the “healing magic'' of these substances for the benefit of mental health… Click play to explore: How brain receptors interact with different psychoactive drugs. What psychoactive drugs actually are, and the different substances that fall under this umbrella. The role psychedelics can play in therapeutic purposes.  The unanswered questions surrounding psychedelic research.  While psychoactive drugs certa...

In this episode, we have the privilege of chatting with Helene Wecker. Helene is the author of the Mythopoeic Award-winning historical fantasy novel The Golem and the Jinni and its sequel, The Hidden Palace . Today, she joins the podcast to discuss her work, background, and writing process. Helene was an aspiring writer from a young age, and as time went on, she started writing short stories that ultimately blossomed into a successful career path. Drawing inspiration from a number of distinct elements related to her Jewish heritage, Helene has created a work of literature that is truly intriguing…  Click play to hear Helene talk about: A timeline of her creative writing journey.  How being a child of an immigrant family informed her work as an author. The writing process behind The Golem and the Jinni . How the story arc of her work captures people’s attention. Want to learn more about Helene and her fascinating work? Visit www.helenewecker.com now! Episode als...

What is the most sustainable and economic way to farm? Eddy Badrina of Eden Green Technology may have the answer to this million-dollar question…  Eden Green Technology is a company that uses vertical farming technology to produce more food while simultaneously using less energy, space, and water. As the CEO of this innovation-driven company, Eddy is instrumental in bringing this technology to retailers, researchers, cities, and governments across the globe…  Click play to explore: How to get more food production volume out of a building with a smaller footprint and less energy consumption. The economic challenges that exist for flat greenhouses. How to effectively control the climate of greenhouse spaces. Want to learn about innovative farming technology from an individual at the forefront of the industry? Tune in now to find out! To connect with Eddy and his work with Eden Green Technology, visit www.edengreen.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:...

How do farm animals’ gut health and eating habits impact sustainability? What are researchers doing to improve food safety and animal health? In this episode, we sit down with animal and dairy science expert Todd Riley Callaway to address these questions and others like them…  Todd is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia, where he researches topics related to the microbial population of the gastrointestinal tract of animals. With his studies, Todd is seeking to encourage sustainability and animal health by looking closely at their diets and overall gut health. Tune in to explore: How the microbiome of animals influences their overall welfare. Why reducing methane production in animals can impact sustainability.  The importance of harnessing the microbial population in the gut of food animals. If you have any interest in the sustainability of our meat production, you won’t want to miss this informative episode...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to produce your favorite beer? Well, it turns out that it requires a fair amount of scientific research to create a decent brew. In this episode, we chat with John Sheppard about exactly what this looks like for both craft and major breweries alike…  John is a Professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at NC State where he teaches in the Bioprocessing Science major with particular interests in upstream processes and validation. With his many years of experience as a research scientist in this subject, John has cultivated an in-depth understanding of the biological processes associated with beer fermentation. Join the conversation to uncover: John’s past “Eureka moments” of research discovery.  How major brewing companies approach scientific research and refinement. The metrics and components that contribute to aroma and flavor in beer.  How consumers interact with breweries’ products. Click here ...

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Paladino, a scientist, humanitarian, and pioneer in quantum health research. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability, Tom is the founder and CEO of the award-winning green building consulting firm, Paladino and Company. Tom has worked with countless real estate owners, operators, and developers as they aim to develop business results that are backed by sustainable strategies. With over 25 years of experience, Tom is an innovator that is focused on market transformation, carbon strategies, climate action, wellness, resilience, and the next generation of sustainable real estate… Tune in now to discover: What scalar energy is, and what Tom is doing to research it. Where scalar energy comes from, and what it is responsible for. How Tom uses scalar energy instruments to promote human health. Why it is called “scalar energy”. What does it look like to cultivate sustainable wellness and business practices in today’s age? Join the conv...

Have you always wanted to start a backyard garden but never been sure how? Have you created a garden but failed to produce good crops? If so, you’re not alone. One of the most challenging things for people who want to garden is the planning process: knowing when to seed, when to transplant, and when to harvest crops based on location and climate. The good news is that this is precisely what Paul and Edwin Dysinger can help you with. This father and son duo co-founded Seedtime, a company that provides education on gardening and customized plans for starting your own garden, no matter where you live or what you want to grow.   Press play to learn: Why Seedtime starts with a garden planner rather than a layout plan for garden crops How the suite of tools offered by Seedtime work together seamlessly to set you up for gardening success Up-and-coming releases from Seedtime, including crop rotation tracking, farm integration tools, and seed-saving stra...

How could someone who’s illiterate construct an amazing and powerful work of literature such as the Quran? And what does the answer have to do with religious belief, Western literature, and human history in general? Tune in for a fascinating discussion exploring these questions and more. You’ll discover: What formulaic language is, and the tremendous role it’s played in literature, including the construction of the Quran One of the main arguments for validating the Quran The terms “Arab” and “Muslim” are often used interchangeably – should they be? The political events from which hatred between Sunnis and Shiites stems   Why studying Islam has made Bannister more confident as a Christian More about Makkah, the holiest city in Islam … is it really where Islam began? Andy Bannister is the Director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, holds a PhD in Islamic studies, and teaches at universities in multiple countries. Having interacted and held lengthy dialo...

How many chemicals are floating around in natural bodies of water? Where do they travel, how do they change over time, and how much do we know about their environmental and human health impacts? Tune in to explore the answers to these questions and more important topics, including: Examples of the most common biologically active compounds entering the environment and how they impact wastewater treatment plants The quantity and source of chemicals entering various environmental compartments and where they end up How chemicals transform once they enter the environment and what products they form The detection of micropollutants in aquatic systems Bill Arnold, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering at the University of Minnesota, focuses on the environmental impact of various chemicals. Some of these chemicals come from wastewater treatment, agriculture, and industrial processes, while others come from pharm...

About 90% of plants have partners that enrich their life – fungal partners, specifically, and nutritional enrichment that the plants use for growth, reproduction, and photosynthesis. How do these relationships form and develop, and what do they look like? Tune in to explore: How long fungal spores can survive in soil, waiting to germinate in the presence of the right plant How plants sense that a particular fungus will have a beneficial effect on them Whether fungi have microbiomes and associations with bacteria and viruses How fungi transfer nutrients from the soil to the plants they’re associated with Katie Field is a professor in plant-fungi interactions at the University of Sheffield in the UK. She discusses all this and more in today's episode -- press play for the full conversation. Visit  https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/katie-j-field  to learn more about Field's research. Episode also available on Apple Podcast:...

In this episode, we connect with Hannah Collins to discuss the ongoing issue of microplastic contamination. Hannah is a Ph.D. student in Oceanography at the University of Connecticut, Avery Point where she currently focuses her research on microplastics and their impact on marine bivalves (mollusks), and biological solutions to microplastic-related problems. Microplastics seem to find their way into everything – including marine environments. So what is this pollution doing to sea creatures such as clams, mussels, and oysters? Hannah is committed to finding out…  Join the conversation and you will learn about: The microbial communities that form on microplastics, and how they affect bivalves.  How bivalves' digestive systems work, and how they deal with contaminants like microplastics.  A potential concern that scientists have regarding nanoplastics and marine life.  Interesting facts surrounding the microbiome of bivalves. Want to uncover more about Hannah’...

Joshua Burda Ph.D. joins the podcast to discuss how cells in the brain regulate response to injury and disease. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Joshua applies his knowledge as a biomedical neuroscientist to uncover new treatment paths for patients with neurological disabilities. Joshua is interested in the functional recovery of neurological injuries , and his research reflects this. Over the course of his professional career, he has been published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals – including Nature , Neuron , and in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science .  Jump into the conversation to hear Joshua talk about:  How spinal cord injury inhibits people’s ability to live independent lives. The primary methods by which spinal cord injuries occur.  How inflammation impacts brain and spinal cord injuries, and the importance of immune system response to traumatic events. The importance of ma...

Andrew Morris-Latimer joins the podcast today to discuss his work as a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis. Andrew is here to address responses to fire and drought in California, and educate us on the intricacies of forest environments. Starting out as an environmental lawyer, Andrew moved forward in his professional life by pursuing forest development and conservation as an ecologist and biologist. As he continues to refine his research, Andrew is committed to finding ways to keep our forests healthy and sustainable…  Click play to uncover: Characteristics of forest development that many people don’t consider. What east and west coast forests have in common. How forest shade determines which tree species are able to survive and thrive.  One of the biggest sources of tree death across the world. Want to find out more about forest ecology? If so, Andrew is certainly the person to pay attention to! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http:/...

Dr. Oded Nir joins the podcast today to discuss his work in water treatment and resource recovery. As the lab director of the Nir Water Lab in Israel, Dr. Nir works to eliminate water pollution in order to mitigate damage to human health and the environment.  Impaired water quality can cause a vast array of problems, and Dr. Nir is intent on improving this issue in an effort to facilitate a sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants… In this episode, you will discover: What drew Dr. Nir to the field of water treatment. The importance of recovering valuable resources from processed water. Di to achieve the sustainable use of water. Types of contaminants that are found in wastewater. By encouraging a more sustainable and circular economy, Dr. Nir is contributing much to the field of environmental research. Want to know how he is protecting fresh water and food for future generations? Dive in to find out now! Click here to connect with Dr. Nir’s research at Nir W...

In this episode, we sit down with Sir Steven Cowley, a British theoretical physicist and global authority on astrophysical plasmas and nuclear fusion. Steven is the director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) as well as the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Presently, he focuses his research on plasmas and nuclear fusion in astrophysical plasmas. Steven began his fascination with fusion at the age of eleven, and since then, has pursued physics with a hunger for knowledge and innovation…  In this episode, you will learn about: Why fusion energy is so difficult to control. How fusion energy could be utilized by humans. The hottest temperature ever produced on Earth. The easiest fusion reactions to do. Fusion is an incredibly dense source of energy that researchers are learning more about every day. Want to find out how Steven is working towards harnessing this power? Join the conversation now! Click here to find out more about Steven and his work! E...

Cece Gerstenbacher joins the podcast today to discuss environmental stewardship. Cece is an Environmental Program Coordinator as part of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC). Here, she works on everything from coastal restoration to water quality monitoring – serving a foundational role in the protection and responsible use of Merrimack Valley’s prime natural resources.  Cece is on a mission to bring Merrimack Valley towards a sustainable future, and in this episode, she describes how her work is bringing this vision to life… Tune in now to learn about: What a regional planning agency is. How seagrass ecosystems may be impacted by microplastic pollution.  The pervasive nature of microplastics.  What water quality samples can tell researchers about microplastic contamination. Want to find out more about Cece and her work? Visit mvpc.org now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

In this episode we are joined by John Williams, a real estate investor and mentor who also creates educational Youtube videos . John has a passion for surrounding himself with successful people, and throughout his career, he has provided countless individuals with valuable economic insight.  Jump into the conversation to discover: How John’s social media presence has evolved over the years. Where John acquires his information from, and how he organizes it for video content.  Economic predictions for the next 4 months, and the best ways to prepare. Things to be aware of when it comes to real estate investments.  Being prepared for the future is immensely valuable – and John dedicates much of his time and energy to helping people become aware of the economic tools that are available to them.  Want to know how you can think big and prepare for the potential changes on the horizon? Tune in now! Visit thisisjohnwilliams.com now to engage with John’s content...

Every experience, connection, meal, and countless other environmental factors can influence whether specific genes are turned on or off, affecting all kinds of physiological processes, including aging. Kara Fitzgerald provides eye-opening insights into this topic and so much more. Tune in to explore: Epigenetics – what it means and the latest developments in the field How the tumor microenvironment affects gene expression How B12 and other supplements might impact the process of DNA methylation and why it matters clinically The mechanism of DNA methylation The difference between chronological and biological age How toxins like alcohol might impact the DNA methylation cycle Fitzgerald is the medical director of The Sandy Hook Clinic, host of  New Frontiers and Functional Medicine , and author of the book  Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better. Her current research revolves around the impacts of diet and lifestyle on the epigenome an...

Joining us in this episode to discuss microplastics and nanoplastics is Andrew Mayes. Andrew is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of East Anglia where he analyzes and identifies microplastic contamination at a chemical level. Andrew has spent much of his career producing polymer micro and nanoparticles for various analytical applications. Using his skills in environmental analysis, he has been able to shift his focus on researching the growing problem of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution – and what we can do to stop it. Jump into the conversation and you’ll learn: Why it is important to be able to detect and count microplastics quicker, cheaper, and more easily. How to properly analyze microplastic samples. What happens to microplastics as they oxidize over time. What the future may hold for microplastic data and how they affect humans. Microplastic pollution is still a fairly new problem, and researchers like Andrew are redefining the way the scientif...

Joining the podcast to address microplastic pollution is Aleksandra Tubić, Ph.D. Aleksandra is an Associate Professor and Chair of Chemical Technology and Environmental Protection at the University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences in Serbia. With a background in chemistry, Aleksandra has fostered a deep fascination with the issue of microplastic pollution. Examining how microplastics interact with other pollutants at a chemical level has allowed Aleksandra to uncover many interesting facts about this complex issue – and in this episode, you have the opportunity to hear about these findings for yourself… Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocad...

Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez joins the podcast today to discuss his research in vegetable production and physiology. Juan is a Professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia where he investigates plasticulture/protected agriculture technologies, how preharvest factors impact postharvest quality, and sustainable/organic vegetable production. Juan is from Guadalajara, Mexico, where he grew up gardening with his parents. With his passion for horticulture instilled at a young age, Juan has been able to expand his knowledge on this subject and dive deeper into the intricate world of vegetable production… Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite produc...

Joining us in this episode to discuss climate science is Andrew Dessler. Andrew is the Director of the Texas Center for Climate Studies. He is also a Professor of Atmospheric Sciences and holder of the Reta A. Haynes Chair in Geoscience at Texas A&M University.  Andrew wants to know how climate change is going to affect humans in the future. In order to unpack this area of interest, he spends his time researching topics such as climate change policy, climate impacts, atmospheric chemistry, and global climate physics. Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and skin-revitalizing red light lamps...

Today we discuss the “new frontier” of health and wellness: gut science . With all that the gut does for our bodies as a whole, it’s about time we take proper care of it. In this episode, we learn how to do just that with molecular and microbiology expert Sunny Jain.  Sunny is the CEO and Founder of Sun Genomics, a company that provides probiotics tailored to your gut. This distinct approach to gut health allows users to get the most out of their probiotic use.  With 25 years of experience following the development of genomics, Sunny has gained a well-informed perspective on gut health – and he’s committed to bringing this knowledge to the public…  Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did y...

Scott Wilson joins the podcast today to discuss all things gardening-related. Scott is a Master Gardener in the state of Colorado, where he educates people both in person and with his instructional Youtube videos. Since 2004, Scott has been refining his approach to gardening and sharing his knowledge with people near and far. From starting seeds to harvesting crops, Scott is deeply familiar with every step of the gardening process. In this episode, he shares his techniques with us and reveals just what it takes to cultivate a healthy garden.   Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and ski...

In this episode, we analyze the environmental impact of food waste and how to reduce it with Dr. Simon Lockrey. Dr. Lockrey is a leading sustainability and design-based entrepreneur, board member, and academic. He has been based at RMIT since 2009, and recently became an interim national leader of the Reduce Program with FFW CRC – a series of reduction projects aimed at cutting Australian food waste in half by 2030. Dr. Lockrey has worked across a spectrum of industries, and he uses his diverse skillset to promote sustainability at a global level. In this conversation, he reveals just how important it is to be aware of food waste, and decrease it as much as possible. Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .D...

Faust Ruggiero joins the podcast today to discuss his work as a published research author, clinical trainer, and therapist. Faust has counseled people from all walks of life, and has helped countless individuals take control of their emotions and intellect with thoughtful and practical guidance. Faust recently wrote the book entitled, The Fix Yourself Handbook: Using the Process Way of Life to Transform Your Life into a Happy, Healthy Journey . Here, he provides advice on how to reduce the impact of anxiety on your life and empower your sense of inner being. Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and...

Sustainable agriculture is a concept that takes an immense amount of attention and commitment. The disconnect between society and our food sources is staggering – and in this episode, we get familiar with food origins from the ground level…  Andy Smith joins the podcast today to discuss his work as the Farm Manager at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Here, he informs students on sustainable farming practices and provides hands-on agricultural education. Join us now to explore: Why rural communities are becoming less sustainable. Andy’s role as Farm Manager at KPU. The importance of looking at a farm as an integrated whole. How peat moss is being used in small-scale farming operations. With a dedication to functional farming, Andy has played a major role in enriching KPU’s Department of Sustainable Agriculture. Wondering how he’s accomplishing this? Tune in now! Want to find out more about Andy and his work with KPU? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple ...

Returning to the podcast to discuss water desalination is Mark Holtzapple. Mark is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University where he researches technologies that improve sustainability. With close to 30 years of experience as a researcher, Mark is constantly finding new ways to turn waste into useful products. So what’s his take on obtaining fresh water from saltwater?  In this episode, you will learn about: What desalination is, and how Mark got started working with it. Techniques used to desalinate water, and how they have evolved over the years.  How reverse osmosis contributes to water desalination.  What vapor compression technology is, and why this may be the future of energy-efficient water desalination. Imagine a world where freshwater is as plentiful as seawater… With the work that researchers like Mark Holtzapple are doing, this idea may be more realistic than you may think! To find out more about Mark Holtzapple and his work, yo...

Have you ever wondered how alcohol contributed to the origins of our civilization? Well, look no further. In this episode, we explore how our ancestors used alcohol and other intoxicants – and why humans have been innately drawn to drunkenness throughout history… Joining us to address this topic and others like it is Edward “Ted” Slingerland. Ted is a professor at the University of British Columbia, where teaches and researches East Asian studies, religious history, philosophy, and psychology.  Ted is the author of the recent book, Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization . Here he dives into “the alcohol-soaked origins of civilization — and the evolutionary roots of humanity’s appetite for intoxication.” In this episode, you will uncover: The intersection between chemical intoxicants and spiritual experience. The difference between stimulants and intoxicants. Dangers that have arisen as alcohol consumption has evolved.  The importance of under...

Joining us in this episode is physicist and astrophysicist Marco Castellano. Marco is a researcher at Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma-INAF, where he investigates galaxy formation – specifically looking at the early galaxies that formed right after the Big Bang.  Our universe is estimated to be 13.7 billion years old, and the James Webb Space Telescope has been using infrared technology to explore the ancient history of our cosmos. This revolutionary device is illuminating an array of mysteries that astronomers have been guessing at for centuries…  Tune in now to hear Marco discuss: What the James Webb Space Telescope is telling us about extragalactic origins. When the first galaxies were formed, and why it took so long for them to do so following the Big Bang. What the very first stars may have looked like. We are living in an exciting time for astronomy, and Marco is among the integral researchers that are at the forefront of these fascinating discoveries. Join the...

In this episode, we sit down with two expert agriculturalists: Jim Kamas and Jacy L. Lewis. Both Jim and Jacy reside in Texas, where they lend their horticultural insight to Texas A&M University and various other education programs. Jim is an Assistant Professor and Extension Fruit Specialist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, and is stationed in Fredericksburg, TX. He works as a farm advisor to fruit growers across Texas and devotes his time to understanding the needs of both commercial and home fruit producers. Jacy is the Program Manager in the Viticulture and Sustainable Fruit Lab at Texas A&M and is also stationed in Fredericksburg. She serves the Texas wine industry with her involvement in a number of sustainable research projects for wine grapes and perennial fruit crops.  Tune in now to hear Jim and Jacy discuss: What Jacy’s lab is doing to control diseases in wine grapes. How long it typically takes for wine grapes to come to full maturity. Why s...