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Lab Coat Optional

Podcast by Arizona State University

English

Technology & science

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About Lab Coat Optional

Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday. We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.

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22 episodes

episode What sound SOUNDS like with Lindsey Reymore artwork

What sound SOUNDS like with Lindsey Reymore

What does sound feel like? Music theorist Lindsey Reymore explores timbre — the “color” of sound — and why the way we describe music might be more shared than subjective. Further reading and listening: * Learn more about the ACTOR project at McGill University [https://www.actorproject.org/]and the Timbre and Orchestration Resource [https://timbreandorchestration.org/] * Listen to Peter and the Wolf [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfM7Y9Pcdzw]! Learn more about: The School of Music, Dance and Theatre [https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/] at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts [https://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/] at Arizona State University. The Institute for Social Science Research [https://issr.asu.edu/] at ASU, which is funding Lindsey’s upcoming timbre study in different languages. Special thanks to the Ocotillo Winds from ASU’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Bass clarinet: Assistant Professor Jeff Anderle [https://search.asu.edu/profile/5162638] Flute: Professor Elizabeth Buck [https://search.asu.edu/profile/301275] Alto saxophone: Professor Christopher Creviston [https://search.asu.edu/profile/1958586] Oboe: Assistant Professor Jonathan Davis [https://search.asu.edu/profile/5525859] Clarinet: Associate Professor Josh Gardner [https://search.asu.edu/profile/797344] Bassoon: Professor Albie Micklich [https://search.asu.edu/profile/968302] Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/asuresearch/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/asu-knowledge-enterprise/] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/asuresearch.bsky.social] or visit us at research.asu.edu. [http://research.asu.edu] Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu [ke.podcast@asu.edu]. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin and Christian Van Bebber Edited by Alexander Chapin and Patrick Cheung Music composed by Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

13 May 2026 - 41 min
episode The surveillance network you consented to with Rakibul Hasan artwork

The surveillance network you consented to with Rakibul Hasan

We trade data for convenience every day. But at what cost? Rakibul Hasan breaks down how everyday tech became a surveillance network that determines what we see, what we pay — and maybe even what we think. Resources * Try Brave [https://brave.com/] or Duck Duck Go [https://duckduckgo.com/] as a browser * Try the Start Page [https://www.startpage.com/en/] search engine Further reading and watching: * Privacy Is Power [https://bookshop.org/p/books/privacy-is-power-why-and-how-you-should-take-back-control-of-your-data-carissa-veliz/f5592a82b697461f] by Carissa Veliz * LOST GENERATION [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnqcIQ6Pmvw] * The Social Dilemma [https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224] from Netflix Learn more about the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence [https://scai.engineering.asu.edu/] in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering [https://engineering.asu.edu/] at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/asuresearch/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/asu-knowledge-enterprise/] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/asuresearch.bsky.social] or visit us at research.asu.edu. [http://research.asu.edu] Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu [ke.podcast@asu.edu]. Special thanks to our No. 1 fan Meg Hebing for her cameo Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson Disclosure: Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

29 Apr 2026 - 34 min
episode Coding the cosmos with Skylar Grayson artwork

Coding the cosmos with Skylar Grayson

Astrophysicist Skylar Grayson explains how she uses supercomputer simulations to study black holes, how scientists can piece together a picture of phenomena billions of light years away and why communicating science clearly matters just as much as discovering it. Find Skylar on: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/SpaceAccordingtoSkylar] * Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@spaceaccordingtoskylar] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/spaceaccordingtoskylar/] Further reading: * Read The End of Everything by Katie Mack [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-end-of-everything-astrophysically-speaking-katie-mack/805a575879c098ff?ean=9781982103552&next=t&next=t&affiliate=1688] * Check out Starts with a Bang by Ethan Siegal [https://www.startswithabang.com/] Learn more about the School of Earth and Space Exploration [https://sese.asu.edu/] at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/asuresearch/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/asu-knowledge-enterprise/] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/asuresearch.bsky.social] or visit us at research.asu.edu. [http://research.asu.edu] Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Support our friends! Check out AskABiologist [https://askabiologist.asu.edu/podcasts] wherever you get your podcasts! Special thanks to Kaden Ryback for suggesting this episode! Do you have an idea for an episode, or just want to torture the host with facts about dark matter? Get in touch at ke.podcast@asu.edu [ke.podcast@asu.edu]! Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

15 Apr 2026 - 42 min
episode Tackling plastic pollution from coast to coast with Charlie Rolsky artwork

Tackling plastic pollution from coast to coast with Charlie Rolsky

Plastic is everywhere. The same material that makes modern life easier has also become a persistent environmental pollutant. Charlie Rolsky [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolsky/] — ASU alumnus and executive director of the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill, Maine — explores how microplastics move through our environment and into our bodies, what we do and don’t know about their impacts, and why “biodegradable” often doesn’t mean what we think. He also reflects on his journey from ASU to Maine — and how scientists balance urgency with responsible communication. Learn more about * The Shaw Institute [https://shawinstitute.org/] (and their free touch tank [https://shawinstitute.org/touch-tank/]!) * Dirigo Sea Farm [https://dirigoseafarm.com/] Further listening * Listen to Science Vs [https://open.spotify.com/show/5lY4b5PGOvMuOYOjOVEcb9?si=1f6874bfe3634e77]! Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/asuresearch/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/asu-knowledge-enterprise/] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/asuresearch.bsky.social] or visit us at research.asu.edu. [http://research.asu.edu] Please give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! It helps other listeners find us. Got an idea for us? Get in touch at ke.podcast@asu.edu [ke.podcast@asu.edu]. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson Disclosure: Lab Coat Optional is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This show does not create a doctor-patient relationship, and the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

31 Mar 2026 - 37 min
episode Staying human in the age of AI with Andrew Maynard artwork

Staying human in the age of AI with Andrew Maynard

As AI and emerging technologies reshape daily life, Andrew Maynard — scientist, author and professor in the Rob Walton College of Global Futures [https://collegeofglobalfutures.asu.edu/] — discusses how we navigate disruptive innovation responsibly — and how we can hold onto our humanity in a rapidly changing world. Further reading: * Andrew’s Substack [https://substack.com/@andrewmaynard] * AI and the Art of Being Human [https://bookshop.org/p/books/ai-and-the-art-of-being-human-a-practical-guide-to-thriving-with-ai-while-rediscovering-yourself-in-the-process-andrew-maynard/424ffd3e28f0c3f8?ean=9798993145303&next=t] * Future Rising [https://bookshop.org/p/books/future-rising-a-journey-from-the-past-to-the-edge-of-tomorrow-future-of-humanity-social-aspects-of-technology-andrew-maynard/322e55b40765f1c2] Listen to Andrew’s show, Modem Futura [https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu/2024/10/09/modem-futura-podcast/] wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about Andrew’s Future of Being Human Initiative [https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu/], and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures [https://collegeofglobalfutures.asu.edu/], part of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory [https://globalfutures.asu.edu/] at ASU. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/asuresearch/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/asu-knowledge-enterprise/] and Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/asuresearch.bsky.social] or visit us at research.asu.edu. [http://research.asu.edu] Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu [ke.podcast@asu.edu]. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot and edited by Alexander Chapin Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

18 Mar 2026 - 47 min
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