Chemistry For Your LifeChemistry

Chemistry For Your Life


Chemistry For Your Life

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

Thu, 04 Dec 2025

#226


Melissa 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 members who support the show. Join Melissa and Jam as they unravel the chemistry behind X-rays and their impact on our daily lives.


00:00 A Trip to the Dentist

01:00 Shoutouts and Inspirations

01:32 Introduction to X-Rays

04:04 Understanding the Electromagnetic Spectrum

05:38 How X-Rays Work

09:40 The Science Behind X-Ray Imaging

14:52 Generating X-Rays

17:23 Energy Waves and Electrons

19:57 Understanding X-rays and Their Risks

20:55 Comparing X-ray Exposure to Sunlight

21:35 Family Concerns About X-rays

22:33 Technological Advances in X-ray Safety

22:49 Summarizing X-ray Risks and Benefits

26:31 Personal Stories of X-rays and Broken Bones

39:26 Supporting the Show and Community


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References from the Episode:


 


Thanks to our monthly supporters



  • Amanda Raymond

  • Emily Morrison

  • Kyle McCray

  • Justine

  • Emily Hardy

  • Ash

  • Vince W

  • Julie S.

  • Heather Ragusa

  • Autoclave

  • Dorien VD

  • Scott Beyer

  • Jessie Reder

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  • Jeannette Napoleon

  • Cullyn R

  • Erica Bee

  • Elizabeth P

  • Rachel Reina

  • Letila

  • Katrina Barnum-Huckins

  • Suzanne Phillips

  • Venus Rebholz

  • Jacob Taber

  • Brian Kimball

  • Kristina Gotfredsen

  • Timothy Parker

  • Steven Boyles

  • Chris Skupien

  • Chelsea B

  • Avishai Barnoy

  • Hunter Reardon



Support this podcast on Patreon
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What's up with aluminum foil?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025

#018 Rebroadcast


This 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.


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References from this episode



  1. http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=703

  2. Dr. Weber PhD in Physical Chemistry, University of North Texas

  3. Chemistry, Edition 1 - Julia Burdge

  4. Melissa's Previous Knowledge


 

Thanks to our monthly supporters



  • Amanda Raymond

  • Emily Morrison

  • Kyle McCray

  • Justine

  • Emily Hardy

  • Ash

  • Vince W

  • Julie S.

  • Heather Ragusa

  • Autoclave

  • Chelsea Morelos

  • Dorien VD

  • Scott Beyer

  • Jessie Reder

  • J0HNTR0Y

  • Jeannette Napoleon

  • Cullyn R

  • Erica Bee

  • Elizabeth P

  • Rachel Reina

  • Letila

  • Katrina Barnum-Huckins

  • Suzanne Phillips

  • Venus Rebholz

  • Jacob Taber

  • Brian Kimball

  • Kristina Gotfredsen

  • Timothy Parker

  • Steven Boyles

  • Chris Skupien

  • Chelsea B

  • 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


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Reddit Chemistry: Mishaps, Mentorship, and More

Thu, 20 Nov 2025

#225


Melissa 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 listeners of the importance of supporting their show.


00:00 Introduction and Holiday Sweater Promotion

01:57 Reddit Stories: Chemists and Academia

04:23 Reddit Story: Sunscreen Mishap

10:14 Reddit Story: Office Hours Tips

14:29 Reddit Story: Organic Chemistry Lab Etiquette

15:58 The Backpack Incident

16:25 Student's Mental Struggles

17:01 Lab Safety and Regulations

17:52 Handling Student Complaints

19:07 Empathy and Support for Students

23:00 Navigating Negative Feedback

23:48 Sharing Notes and Tutoring Ethics

32:37 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement


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


Thanks to our monthly supporters



  • Amanda Raymond

  • Emily Morrison

  • Kyle McCray

  • Justine

  • Emily Hardy

  • Ash

  • Vince W

  • Julie S.

  • Heather Ragusa

  • Autoclave

  • Chelsea Morelos

  • Dorien VD

  • Scott Beyer

  • Jessie Reder

  • J0HNTR0Y

  • Jeannette Napoleon

  • Cullyn R

  • Erica Bee

  • Elizabeth P

  • Rachel Reina

  • Letila

  • Katrina Barnum-Huckins

  • Suzanne Phillips

  • Venus Rebholz

  • Jacob Taber

  • Brian Kimball

  • Kristina Gotfredsen

  • Timothy Parker

  • Steven Boyles

  • Chris Skupien

  • Chelsea B

  • 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


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

Thu, 13 Nov 2025

Question and Response 72


Melissa 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 Helium-3 and providing tips on polishing silver jewelry. The episode features a blend of informative discussions and humorous anecdotes, making chemistry accessible and entertaining for everyone.


00:00 Introduction and Questions Overview

01:54 Diving into Semiconductors and Superconductors

04:46 Silica Gel and Safety Concerns

09:54 The Science Behind Minty Cool and Spicy Hot

13:40 Addressing Unfinished Business

13:55 Instagram Questions: Skunks and Their Potent Smell

15:47 Instagram Questions: Microplastics and Forensics

17:39 Instagram Questions: Helium-3 and Its Uses

19:55 Instagram Questions: Polishing Silver Jewelry

21:28 Email Question: Sourdough Bread Making Tips

25:32 Wrapping Up and Community Shoutouts


Support this podcast on Patreon

Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel


Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com


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References from the Episode:





    1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11856799/#B9-jcm-14-01345

    2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/hydrocolloid

    3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5788207/




Thanks to our monthly supporters



  • Amanda Raymond

  • Emily Morrison

  • Kyle McCray

  • Justine

  • Emily Hardy

  • Ash

  • Vince W

  • Julie S.

  • Heather Ragusa

  • Autoclave

  • Chelsea Morelos

  • Dorien VD

  • Scott Beyer

  • Jessie Reder

  • J0HNTR0Y

  • Jeannette Napoleon

  • Cullyn R

  • Erica Bee

  • Elizabeth P

  • Rachel Reina

  • Letila

  • Katrina Barnum-Huckins

  • Suzanne Phillips

  • Venus Rebholz

  • Jacob Taber

  • Brian Kimball

  • Kristina Gotfredsen

  • Timothy Parker

  • Steven Boyles

  • Chris Skupien

  • Chelsea B

  • 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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do pimple patches save our faces?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025

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 dealing with skin issues and Jam reflects on his own experiences with sickness. The episode concludes with a shout-out to their community members and the importance of public support in keeping the show running.


00:00 The Painful Reality of Pimples

00:59 Pimple Patches: The New Trend

04:00 Shingles: A Personal Experience

07:52 The Science Behind Hydrocolloid Bandages

22:33 Analogies and Polymers

24:32 Hydrocolloid Bandages and Wound Care

26:43 Pimple Patches and Active Ingredients

30:01 Personal Stories and Sickness

35:55 Birthdays and Personal Preferences

40:44 Community and Support


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 the Episode:





    1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11856799/#B9-jcm-14-01345

    2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/hydrocolloid

    3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5788207/




Thanks to our monthly supporters



  • Amanda Raymond

  • Emily Morrison

  • Kyle McCray

  • Justine

  • Emily Hardy

  • Ash

  • Vince W

  • Julie S.

  • Heather Ragusa

  • Autoclave

  • Chelsea Morelos

  • Dorien VD

  • Scott Beyer

  • Jessie Reder

  • J0HNTR0Y

  • Jeannette Napoleon

  • Cullyn R

  • Erica Bee

  • Elizabeth P

  • Rachel Reina

  • Letila

  • Katrina Barnum-Huckins

  • Suzanne Phillips

  • Venus Rebholz

  • Jacob Taber

  • Brian Kimball

  • Kristina Gotfredsen

  • Timothy Parker

  • Steven Boyles

  • Chris Skupien

  • Chelsea B

  • 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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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