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PODCAST

Chemistry For Your Life

Melissa and Jam, Bleav

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

science chemistry

All Episodes

00:43:03

How do X-Rays reveal what's hidden inside us?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/12/04

#226Melissa and Jam delve into the intriguing world of X-rays. They start with relatable stories from the dentist's office and transition into a deep dive into how X-rays work. Key topics include the electromagnetic spectrum, how X-rays are generated, why some materials allow X-rays to pass through while others don't, and the potential risks associated with repeated exposure. They also share personal anecdotes about broken bones and medical X-ray experiences, as well as shout out to community

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00:30:54

What's up with aluminum foil?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/11/27

#018 RebroadcastThis 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 back to a previous episode about specific heat a few times in this episode, listen to that one by clicking here. 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

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00:34:38

Reddit Chemistry: Mishaps, Mentorship, and More

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/11/20

#225Melissa and Jam take a break from traditional chemistry topics to delve into chemistry-related stories from Reddit. They discuss a funny sunscreen mishap, give advice to a student struggling in chemistry, and navigate complex interpersonal situations involving TA duties and friend dynamics. Throughout the episode, they provide insightful commentary and useful advice, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging. They also promote their new 'chemist Tree' holiday sweater and remind

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00:28:04

Ask a Chemist: Why are skunks so potent? (and other...

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/11/13

Question and Response 72Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of listener questions about chemistry-related topics. They discuss the differences between conductors, semiconductors, and superconductors, and delve into why minty things feel cold and spicy things feel hot. The duo also addresses the safety of silica gel packets, the potency of skunk spray, and the phenomenon of microplastics. They answer questions from their Patreon community and Instagram followers, touching on the unique properties of

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00:45:01

How do pimple patches save our faces?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/11/06

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind popular hydrocolloid bandages and pimple patches. They discuss the composition and functionality of these bandages, exploring how polymers and polar groups work to keep wounds moist and free from external contaminants. The episode also highlights the trend of using pimple patches, especially among teens, and addresses the additional features some patches include, such as microneedles with active ingredients. Melissa shares personal anecdotes about

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00:29:29

How does Benzoyl Peroxide fight acne?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/10/30

#127 RebroadcastIf 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 helpful for fighting acne? What is happening at the molecular level when we apply some benzoyl peroxide to our acne? Let's find out! References from this episode https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3791156/ https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(81)70004-5/pdf https://youtu.be/_Mlv2Q_HiM0

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00:35:14

What sparks the mystery of static electricity?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/10/23

Melissa and Jam delve into the intricate phenomenon of static electricity. They discuss their own experiences with static shocks and static cling, particularly in the winter months. They explain the concept of contact electrification and the tribal electric effect, providing basic explanations along with why these do not fully account for everything we observe. They highlight recent scientific research, revealing that much about static electricity remains a mystery, including why it occurs more in

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00:16:01

What to Use and Avoid in the Kitchen: 3 Tips From a...

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/10/16

Melissa and Jam discuss the top three kitchen products and habits Melissa avoids and loves based on her expertise in chemistry. She advises against using Teflon or non-stick cookware, vintage plastics, and recycling dirty materials. Instead, she encourages using cast iron pans, glass storage containers, and proper recycling practices. Melissa also shares her fondness for composting and its benefits. The episode wraps up with a hint at future editions focused on other household products and

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00:35:50

How does Poo-Pourri prevent unpleasant smells?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/10/09

Melissa and Jam discuss the chemistry behind Poopourri Toilet Spray. Melissa explains how the spray works by forming a non-polar oil layer on top of water, preventing smelly polar molecules like skatole and sulfur compounds from escaping into the air. They also touch upon the practical applications and personal experiences of using the product, making everyday bathroom visits more pleasant. Throughout the episode, the hosts delve into the chemistry of solubility and intermolecular forces, providing

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00:34:26

How do odor absorbers work?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/10/02

#072 RebroadcastYou 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 eliminate bad smells? Can chemistry do it? How? Let's find out! ★ 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 References from this episode

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00:48:37

Are your lips being tricked by chapstick?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/09/25

Melissa and Jam delve into the science behind lip balm, investigating whether products like Chapstick and Burt's Bees are beneficial or if they could be causing more harm. They explore the ingredients commonly found in these products, discuss what to avoid for chapped lips, and share dermatologist-recommended alternatives for effective lip care.00:00 Introduction to the Lip Balm Scam 00:44 Meet the Hosts and Podcast Introduction 01:37 Community Shoutout and Announcements 04:07 The Chapstick Scam

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00:38:10

Ask a Chemist: Why is glass clear? (and other questions)

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/09/18

Melissa and Jam tackle a range of fascinating chemistry questions from their audience in this episode of 'Chemistry For Your Life'. They discuss why glass is transparent, how some foods make our mouth feel hot or cold, and the science behind decaffeinating coffee. Along the way, they share insights about their popular 'ghost holding an Erlenmeyer Flask' merch and highlight the importance of ad placements and community support for the podcast. Tune in to learn all about the chemistry behind these

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00:47:50

Does lotion really hydrate dry skin?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/09/11

Melissa and Jam discuss the science behind moisturizers and how they help with dry skin. The conversation covers the role of occlusives like petroleum jelly, humectants such as glycerin, and emollients in skincare. They also explore the importance of staying hydrated and the effect of environmental factors on skin moisture. Listeners can learn about the distinct mechanisms that moisturizers use to keep skin hydrated and healthy.00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Dry Skin 01:23

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00:47:42

What are shooting stars?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/09/04

Melissa and Jam explore the science behind shooting stars, unraveling the chemistry that turns space rocks into brilliant streaks of light in our night sky. They discuss how meteors heat up and glow as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, the difference between meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites, and share fun facts about colorful meteors and the surprising role of amino acids from space. The episode is filled with personal stories, space trivia, and thoughtful tangents about the ethics of asteroid

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00:33:57

How do glowsticks glow?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/08/28

#067 Rebroadcast (Originally Aired October 2020)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 how do glowsticks glow? How does bending the glowsticks start that process? What's mixing with what, and seriously how the heck does it glow? Let's find out. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our

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00:56:31

What makes fireflies glow?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/08/21

Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating chemistry behind fireflies' bioluminescence. They explore how fireflies produce light through a complex series of chemical reactions involving specific molecules like luciferin and enzymes like luciferase. The discussion extends to how these mechanisms find applications in scientific research, such as identifying tumors in mice. The episode is interspersed with nostalgic summer stories, making it a blend of chemistry education and personal anecdotes.00:00

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00:48:53

Ask a Chemist: What would be worse, drinking bleach...

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/08/14

Melissa and Jam dive into a variety of listener-submitted questions. They discuss the science behind fluffy shave ice versus mainland shaved ice, the effectiveness and safety of ozone treatments for smoke smells, and the potential impact of glyphosate on human health. They also explore the chemistry of everyday items like rinse aid in dishwashers, different types of soap, and even hypothetical scenarios involving bleach and gasoline. Melissa provides insights based on her knowledge as a chemist,

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00:37:11

Why is sweat salty?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/08/07

Melissa and Jam explore the science behind why sweat is salty. They discuss personal experiences with sweating, the types of sweat glands, and the chemical processes involved in sweat production. The episode explains how osmosis, ion channels, and salt concentrations contribute to the movement of sweat through sweat glands to the skin's surface. They also touch on evolutionary aspects and the role of sweat in cooling the body. For anyone curious about the chemistry of everyday life, this episode

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00:26:02

How does sweat cool us down?

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/07/31

#050This 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 there more to sweat than meets the eye? Can you drink it? Grab your sweat bands and let's hit the track Paulie Bleeker. References from this episode Flexible and Superwettable Bands as a Platform toward Sweat Sampling and Sensing - Analytical Chemistry - Xuecheng He, Tailin Xu, Zhen Gu, Wei Gao, Li-Ping Xu, Tingrui Pan, and Xueji

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00:49:40

How does *color* film photography work??

Chemistry For Your Life ·

2025/07/24

In this continuation of our two-part series, Melissa and Jam dive into the intriguing chemistry behind color film and Polaroid photography. The episode picks up from the previous discussion on black and white film, focusing on color theory and how it applies to both traditional and instant photography. Listeners will learn about the science of additive and subtractive colors, how multiple layers of dye-sensitized silver halide work together to capture images, and the unique processes involved in

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393 results

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