Scientista

Weather forecasting is more accurate than ever—and at the same time, getting harder.In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist at ABC News, to go inside how forecasting actually works—and why it’s becoming more complex.From storm chasing to live national broadcasts, Ginger explains how meteorologists translate raw data into decisions people rely on every day. We talk about what extreme weather is—and isn’t—telling us, why trust in science has become so complicated, and how gaps in data can quietly undermine even the best forecasts.The conversation also explores the role of communication—what scientists get right, what they get wrong, and why clarity matters more than ever. Along the way, Ginger shares how she navigates public scrutiny, breaks down misinformation, and approaches one of the most visible roles in science.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Karen Pierce, former UK Ambassador to the United States, and Juliet Gerrard, former Chief Science Advisor to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, joins the Scientista Podcast for a live recording from the Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Summit.  From COVID and AI to trust, leadership, and women leading with science, this episode explores how evidence becomes action on the global stage.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

What happens when a song written decades ago suddenly feels like it was written for today?In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Monica Medina and Sweta Chakraborty sit down with singer and interpretive artist Maxine Linehan to talk about music, meaning, and timing. The conversation centers on her stripped-down reinterpretation of Sunday Bloody Sunday—and why its lyrics are resonating in a new way right now.They explore how songs evolve across time, the role artists play in shaping how we process current events, and how Maxine builds performances that combine music, storytelling, and lived experience.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

This week on the Scientista Podcast, Monica and Sweta speak with Isabel Klee, author of Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About and the storyteller behind @simonsits. They talk about foster dogs, rescue storytelling, her unexpected partnership with Oscar de la Renta, and why fostering can change lives, both canine and human.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

What does it mean to defend science in Washington?On this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Monica Medina and Dr. Sweta Chakraborty sit down with Gretchen Goldman, President and CEO of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Goldman has spent her career working at the intersection of science, policy, and public accountability—ensuring that evidence informs the decisions that shape people’s lives.In this conversation, they discuss the role scientists play in protecting democracy, the pressures federal scientists can face when their research intersects with politics, and why scientific integrity matters for everything from public health to climate policy. Goldman also reflects on the mission of the Union of Concerned Scientists, an organization founded more than 50 years ago to ensure science serves the public good.At a moment when evidence is often contested in public debates, Goldman explains why defending science is not just about protecting researchers—it’s about protecting the systems that allow societies to make informed decisions.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

On this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Monica Medina sits down with Lauren Sullivan, co-founder of REVERB, to explore how climate change is already reshaping the live music industry. From extreme weather canceling tour dates to the growing footprint of fan travel, the conversation unpacks what happens when global climate risk meets life on the road. Lauren shares how REVERB works with artists, venues, and festivals to reduce environmental impact through initiatives like the REVERB EcoVillage and the Music Decarbonization Project—including powering stages with solar-powered hybrid battery systems.Drawing on insights from a concert travel study with roughly 35,000 data points, Lauren explains why fan transportation can account for a footprint many times larger than artist and crew travel—and what that means for the future of sustainable touring. As climate-related disruptions become more frequent, this episode looks at how data, music, and community can come together to support real-world action at scale.Fans can also get involved directly by volunteering with REVERB at shows across the country.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina speak with ecologist Marielle Anzelone and urban forester Georgia Silvera Seamans about the overlooked biodiversity of New York City.As leaders of the New York City Biodiversity Task Force and co-authors of Oaks, Our City and Us, they discuss how native plants, wildlife, and neighborhood green spaces support both urban ecosystems and mental health. From monarch butterflies to piping plovers, this conversation reframes New York as more than a concrete jungle — highlighting the essential role of local nature in everyday city life.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Sarah Kapnick is the Head of Global Climate Advisory at J.P. Morgan—and before that, she spent more than a decade as a climate scientist in government, including serving as Chief Scientist at NOAA.In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina talk with Sarah about what it means to translate climate science into real-world decision-making. Drawing on her experience across government and the private sector, Sarah explains how institutions think about climate risk, why uncertainty doesn’t stop action in financial markets, and how signals like insurance costs, infrastructure stress, and food systems are already reflecting climate impacts.The conversation spans climate risk in everyday life, housing and insurance, agriculture and soil health, extreme weather, and how long-term risks begin to shape near-term choices. It’s a grounded look at how climate knowledge moves—or fails to move—into systems that shape our future.A practical, clear-eyed discussion about risk, uncertainty, and why paying attention now matters.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

What happens when 1.6 million moms decide clean air is non-negotiable?In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we speak with Dominique Browning, founder of Moms Clean Air Force, about building one of the most powerful parent-led environmental movements in the country. From fighting methane pollution and plastic burning to defending the Clean Air Act, Dominique explains why protecting children’s health should be Mompartisan — beyond politics.We talk about how moms have become some of the most effective climate and public health advocates, why local action matters, what recent wins in states like New Mexico reveal about what’s possible, and how parents can get involved right now.This conversation is about clean air, kids’ health, and the growing power of parents who refuse to stay silent.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we’re joined by former Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and her senior advisor Karen Skelton for a wide-ranging conversation on energy, national security, and how policy actually gets made.We spend time on a lesser-known detail shaping the Greenland conversation: a 2021 law that restricts mining of ore linked to uranium, effectively limiting access to many critical minerals. Granholm shares insight into how this legal context may help explain recent political interest in Greenland—an angle largely missing from mainstream coverage.The conversation also explores clean energy affordability, utility regulation, global supply chains, and the importance of strong teams behind major policy decisions. Granholm and Skelton offer a candid look at what’s lost when complex energy and security debates get reduced to headlines—and why paying attention to the details matters.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Fear has dominated the way we talk about climate change for decades. But fear doesn’t motivate most people to act—it overwhelms them.In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina are joined by Anne-Therese Gennari, known as the Climate Optimist, for a conversation about why fear-based climate messaging fails—and what works instead. Drawing on behavioral science and lived experience, we talk about how motherhood reshapes the way people think about risk, responsibility, and the future, and why mothers can be powerful drivers of climate action in their own communities.The episode explores climate communication through a human lens: how people make decisions under uncertainty, why proximity matters more than abstraction, and what changes when climate action starts close to home.This conversation is about communicating climate in ways that reflect how people actually think—and act.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Scientista: Highlights from 2025 brings together moments from conversations across the year with leaders, decision-makers, and cultural figures shaping what happens next.Hosted by Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina, the Scientista Podcast explores how people navigate power, responsibility, and judgment in complex systems — from policy and climate to culture and economics.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, hosts Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina reflect on their journey with Scientista, discussing their vision for empowering women in science and the importance of community support. They share personal stories, insights from their favorite guests, and outline future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and leadership among women in STEM fields. The conversation emphasizes the need for allies and the significance of building a supportive network for women facing challenges in their careers.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Do we actually need billionaires?On this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty speaks with Abigail Disney about extreme wealth, hoarding, and the cultural narratives that allow inequality to persist. Abigail has been outspoken for years about the harm caused by concentrated wealth, and in this conversation she explains why accumulation at the highest levels stops serving human needs and starts distorting systems meant to support society.They discuss how extreme wealth is often shielded from scrutiny, why philanthropy doesn’t resolve the underlying problem, and how stories about success and merit have been used to normalize levels of inequality that would once have been unthinkable.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Abby Hopper spent nearly a decade leading the solar industry’s most influential advocacy organization — and now, she’s stepping into a new chapter.In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty sit down with Abby to reflect on her path from big-law attorney to clean-energy leader, and the turning points that reshaped her career along the way. She shares how becoming a mother of three young kids forced a major pivot, what she learned about navigating demanding industries as a woman, and why leaving at the top isn’t a retreat — it’s a choice to grow.Abby also talks about the culture shift she’s helped drive in clean energy, the work still ahead, and how she’s approaching a future that’s wide open.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Ann Drake and MarySue Barrett are creating the Women’s Leadership Center at Williams Bay, a new hub where women leading in technology, infrastructure, business, and space can come together to tackle real-world challenges. They join Sweta and Monica to talk about the power of convening women, the importance of building networks early, and why evidence-driven solutions must lead the way.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

In this episode, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina sit down with Dr. M. Sanjayan—ecologist, award-winning storyteller, and former CEO of Conservation International—for a conversation about what it takes to lead in one of the toughest, most important sectors on earth.Sanjayan reflects on a childhood spent exploring the forests of Sierra Leone, the scientific rigor that shaped his career, and the mentors who opened doors when traditional pathways were limited. He also gives straight talk on today’s biggest conservation challenges—from the destabilizing impact of foreign-aid cuts to the urgent need for financial models that value nature as infrastructure, not afterthought.For emerging scientists and conservationists, his advice is both practical and energizing: build real scientific depth, find mentors who advocate for you, and keep the joy and curiosity that brought you into this work in the first place.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

This episode is part of our Best Of the Scientista Podcast series, where we revisit some of our most impactful conversations.Jennifer Klein, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia SIPA and former Director of the White House Gender Policy Council, joins the Scientista Podcast to reflect on the fight for the 28th Amendment, the global backlash against gender equality, and what it meant to be the first person to say “menopause” in the Oval Office. Drawing on her experience shaping gender policy at the highest levels of government, Klein speaks candidly about what progress really looks like, the persistence required to advance equity, and why showing up still matters. A powerful conversation at the intersection of policy, leadership, and gender justice.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

“AI will tell you to walk across the English Channel… it’s not intelligent. It is pattern recognition.”NRDC Chief Science Officer Dr. Ticora Jones joins the Scientista Podcast for one of our most candid conversations yet.Dr. Jones talks about what AI really is (and isn’t), the collapse of USAID under Trump’s second term, why global development work depends on genuine collaboration—not American saviorism—and how she helps her own organization slow down and learn together instead of getting swept up in hype.She also shares why she wants her seven-year-old daughter to grow up grounded in a sense of “I can,” how community sustains women and women of color in science, and why finding your people is essential when the world feels chaotic.If you care about science, public trust, or how we rebuild institutions that matter, this conversation is for you.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

How do you explain science when people stop believing in facts? Amber Sullins, chief meteorologist at ABC15 Phoenix and a five-time Emmy Award winner, joins Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina to talk about the changing climate of communication itself. From confronting misinformation to covering record-breaking heat, Sullins shares how empathy, persistence, and plain language can rebuild trust in science—one forecast at a time.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

National security isn’t just about borders and threats—it’s about how we prepare, respond, and rebuild. CNN analyst and Harvard professor Juliette Kayyem joins Monica Medina and Dr. Sweta Chakraborty to talk about women in crisis leadership, why “less bad” is a winning strategy, and what every family should know about the “72 on you” rule for disaster preparedness. From political violence to parenting in the age of disinformation, Kayyem brings clarity—and calm—to a world that feels anything but secure.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

What do Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Mary Robinson have in common? According to Jean Oelwang, the founding CEO of Virgin Unite, it’s not charisma or power—it’s humility. In this episode, Jean shares stories from decades spent alongside the world’s most influential changemakers, from helping Mandela and Graca Machel launch The Elders to working with Mary Robinson and Paul Polman on Planetary Guardians. She explains why great leaders make others shine, how to practice what she calls “urgent patience,” and what it really takes to lead with empathy in a divided world.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Clean energy is winning on technology—but losing the story. Jigar Shah tells Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina why solar, wind, and EVs need the swagger (and budget) of a “Got Milk?” campaign. From plug-in hybrids to nuclear power, he explains how better narratives—and a billion-dollar confidence boost—can keep the transition moving forward.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, joins the Scientista Podcast to share her journey from women’s development projects in Namibia to leading thousands of employees across 80 countries. She discusses how TNC is reimagining conservation through innovative finance, science, and technology—from “nature bonds” that unlock billions for biodiversity to AI tools that monitor forests and oceans in real time.Listen in as Morris explains why people and communities are at the heart of lasting environmental solutions—and what it takes to guide the world’s largest environmental nonprofit in a time of climate crisis.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

What does it take to manage a presidential campaign? In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Julie Chávez Rodriguez, who served as campaign manager for Vice President Kamala Harris.Julie takes us inside one of the most intense races in U.S. history—sharing how she prepared Harris for a defining debate stage moment, built a staff of thousands across battleground states, and navigated the unique challenges women face in leadership. She also reflects on her family legacy as the granddaughter of César Chávez, the role of Latino voters, and why organizing remains the backbone of democracy.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

You may know her as Billie Eilish’s mom, but Maggie Baird is also an activist, storyteller, and founder of Support + Feed, a nonprofit tackling hunger, equity, and climate change with plant-based meals. What began as a living room idea during COVID has grown into a movement spanning 11 cities—delivering nutritious meals to communities cut off from healthy food, hosting free farmers markets, and inspiring fans worldwide to take the Support + Feed pledge.Maggie is also reshaping the music industry from the inside, working with Billie, Finneas, and partners like REVERB to push arenas toward plant-based menus, cut down on waste, and prove that sustainability can be the easier, better option. Her philosophy? Progress over perfection. Whether it’s one plant-based meal a day or one arena ditching single-use plastic, small shifts add up to big change.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Lindsay Levin, Co-Founder of TED Countdown, joins Monica Medina to reflect on how the initiative has grown into a global platform reaching millions. Levin shares how TED Countdown is flipping the climate script — spotlighting solutions, building radical collaborations, and spreading hope through powerful storytelling.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

“Are we still talking about gender?” Yes—because it’s not solved. Climate leader Helen Mountford sits down with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina to reveal how women are driving bold climate solutions around the world, why organizations perform better when women lead, and how philanthropy can unlock their potential.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Climate shocks are coming — faster, harder, and more often. American University’s Dana R. Fisher explains why the climate movement can’t afford to ignore local organizing, and how community power can drive national change. From disruptive protests to neighborhood resilience projects, Fisher shares a data-driven, hopeful vision for turning local action into systemic climate solutions.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, meteorologist and Climate Central’s VP for Engagement Bernadette Woods Placky explains why local weather forecasters may be the most trusted—and underutilized—climate communicators we have.We talk about her path from aspiring gymnast to award-winning meteorologist, how attribution science is changing the climate conversation, and why communication is as critical as policy and technology in building climate resilience.🎧 In this episode:Why weathercasters are often the only scientists people knowHow climate change is transforming everyday weatherThe rise of attribution science and real-time climate trackingWhat trust and curiosity have to do with climate actionThank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

We’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes with Gina McCarthy—former EPA Administrator and the first-ever White House National Climate Advisor.From her early days in local public health to shaping national climate policy at the highest levels of government, Gina shares what it takes to lead with purpose, protect communities, and push for bold action in the face of political headwinds. She reflects on her role in crafting the Inflation Reduction Act, defends environmental safeguards, and makes a compelling case for why public service is ultimately about protecting people, not just policy.If you missed it the first time, this is your chance to hear from one of the most trusted voices in climate and health. And if you’ve heard it before, it’s well worth a replay.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

What if we could prevent disease before it starts? Dr. Raj Panjabi—former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security—explains how biotech, AI, and early intervention can revolutionize healthcare. But with science under attack and public health funding at risk, the stakes couldn’t be higher. He also reflects on how his mother’s career as a scientist shaped his own mission to serve. This episode dives into the personal, the political, and the possible.Note to listeners: On issues not directly related to Flagship Pioneering or its companies, Raj’s views are based on his general experience and background and should not be attributed to Flagship PioneeringThank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

After four decades at The Washington Post, Ruth Marcus made a decision few journalists ever face: she resigned after her column — critical of Jeff Bezos’s editorial policy — was blocked from publication.In this episode, Ruth opens up about the events leading to her departure, the editorial shift she saw under Bezos’s ownership, and why she believes dissenting voices are essential to democracy. She also reflects on her accidental entry into journalism, the evolution of the media industry, and the deep connection between writing and critical thinking — even in the age of AI.This is a conversation about courage, integrity, and the high stakes of telling the truth in an era of corporate-owned newsrooms and fragmented information.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

As we welcome new listeners to the Scientista Podcast, we’re highlighting some of our most popular conversations from the archive.In this timely episode, climate scientist and bestselling author Katharine Hayhoe shares what it really takes to talk about climate change — especially with people who might not want to hear it.She discusses why facts alone aren’t enough, how to reach people where they are — including through shared values like faith — and why empathy is a critical tool for climate action.If you’re new to the show, this is the perfect place to start.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

The deep sea is one of Earth’s last frontiers—and the battle over who gets to mine it is heating up. This week on the Scientista Podcast, host Monica Medina sits down with Leticia Carvalho, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, to talk about her mission to regulate deep sea mining before it’s too late.From overseeing negotiations in Jamaica to fending off pressure from billion-dollar mining interests, Carvalho is holding the line on behalf of the planet. She shares her journey from oceanographer to global regulator, the risks of unregulated exploitation, and what it’s like to be a woman leading in a male-dominated space.This is a rare inside look at the science, diplomacy, and power struggles shaping the future of our ocean.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Bill Nye the Science Guy joins the Scientista Podcast for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about making science accessible, the role of humor in advocacy, and what it takes to keep going when the world feels upside down. Co-hosts Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina talk with Bill about everything from vaccine misinformation and climate denial to his early days in stand-up comedy and how a Steve Martin lookalike contest helped launch his TV career. They also dive into the fight for women in science, how to lead with authenticity, and why voting is one of the most important actions we can take for the future of science.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown School of Public Health and former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about what happens when women are left out of health research and policymaking—and why fixing that gap is critical for everyone’s well-being. From pandemic lessons to the future of public health, Dr. Jha shares candid insights on science, leadership, and how to build a system that works for all.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Kathi Vidal has spent her career at the heart of American innovation — first as an engineer, then as Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. But as she explains in this episode, the system that fuels invention and economic growth is far from equitable. Just 12-13% of patents are granted to women, and the numbers are even lower for other underrepresented groups.In this wide-ranging conversation, Vidal shares why intellectual property matters, how the U.S.-China rivalry over innovation is evolving, and why inclusive inventing isn’t just good for equity — it’s essential for solving global challenges. From climate solutions to AI to pocket therapists for kids, this episode reveals how expanding who gets to invent can shape the future for all of us.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Former NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about her lifelong love of the ocean, what’s threatening its future—and why she still has hope. From marine protected areas to blue carbon, she shares how the ocean can be a powerful climate solution and why science-based policy is more essential than ever. Plus, hear what it was like to attend the premiere of David Attenborough’s new documentary Ocean, and what gives her the strength to keep pushing for change.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Her Deepness: Sylvia Earle on a Lifetime Underwater and the Fight to Save the SeaIn this special World Oceans Day episode of the Scientista Podcast, we dive deep with legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle. From leading the first all-female aquanaut team to founding Mission Blue and advocating for marine protected areas, Earle shares stories from her lifetime of exploration and activism. She reflects on how the ocean has changed, why it matters more than ever, and what gives her hope for the future. With warmth, wisdom, and urgency, Earle calls on all of us to protect the blue heart of our planet—before it’s too late.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

What do pigeons, volcanoes, and climate change have in common? For Dr. Elizabeth Gray, they’ve all been part of her unlikely journey from bird nerd to CEO of the National Audubon Society.In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Gray shares how birds led her to science, conservation, and climate advocacy, and why she believes birds can unite us across politics, geography, and generations. From spark birds to career curveballs, this conversation is full of wisdom, heart, and hope.Dr. Gray also opens up about the staggering threats facing birds today, and how Audubon is working to build inclusive, community-driven conservation across the country. As she says, “Birds are magic. They’re also messengers. When birds disappear, it’s a sign that something’s gone wrong.”Don’t miss this one, it just might change the way you see the world outside your window.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reverses his stance on COVID-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, the stakes of vaccine misinformation have never felt higher. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Nikki Romanik — former Chief of Staff & Deputy Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy — to unpack the consequences of politicized public health messaging.Dr. Romanik shares what it was like working at the highest levels of government during the pandemic, addresses the enduring myth of a link between vaccines and autism, and explains what it will take to rebuild public trust in science. If you’ve been wondering how we got here, and what comes next, this conversation is essential listening.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Conservation leader Sally Ann Ranney joins the Scientista Podcast to share the surprising story that started it all—napping inside a tree as a child—and how that deep connection to nature led her to spearhead a bold international campaign: a 10-year moratorium on Arctic development.She talks with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina about what makes the Arctic the epicenter of climate change, why women are leading the movement to protect it, and how trust, science, and courage are reshaping global conservation.🌍 Listen in for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and the fight to safeguard our shared future.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Dr. Whitney Strauss, Executive Director, AdvoCare Foundation; Philanthropist, Food Systems Expert, and Author, joins us to talk about food systems, health equity, and what it takes to drive real change. From the fight for healthier food access to battling misinformation and building trust at the community level, Whitney shares lessons from her career—and why she believes success always comes with failure. Plus, her personal journey of resilience, from earning her PhD to navigating unexpected curveballs along the way.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Musician, activist, and climate advocate Adam Met joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about using the power of music—and the influence of artists like Taylor Swift—to mobilize fans for climate action. From street performances in Central Park to sold-out arenas and a PhD in climate policy, Adam shares his unique journey blending entertainment and advocacy. He explains why concerts are the perfect place for collective action, what other artists can learn, and why building a climate movement starts with meeting people where they are. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about music, activism, and the role we all can play.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Jennifer Klein, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia SIPA and former Director of the White House Gender Policy Council, joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about fighting for the 28th Amendment, confronting the global backlash against gender equality, and why it mattered to be the first person to say “menopause” in the Oval Office. A conversation about persistence, progress, and the power of showing up.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

From enlisting in the Army at 19 to becoming one of the nation’s most powerful voices for LGBTQ rights, Charlotte Clymer has never taken the easy path. In this episode, she joins the Scientista Podcast to reflect on her journey, what service taught her, and how her identity as a trans woman, a veteran, and a person of faith shapes her advocacy today. We talk about the dangers of erasing trans voices, the backlash against inclusion in the military and sports, and why building community—and showing up—matters now more than ever.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

On this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Gina McCarthy—former EPA Administrator and the first-ever White House National Climate Advisor—for a candid, urgent conversation about what’s at stake for science, health, and the planet. From her early days in local government to leading historic climate action under President Biden, Gina reflects on the power of persistence, the role of public service, and what it will take to keep progress alive in the face of political pushback. It’s straight talk from one of the most trusted voices in environmental leadership.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots at X (Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory), joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about bold ideas, big failures, and why Pippi Longstocking is still his role model. From AI to innovation culture, Astro shares what it takes to lead with humility, audacity, and purpose—and how embracing failure might be the key to building a better future.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

Climate scientist and communicator Dr. Katharine Hayhoe joins the Scientista Podcast to break down the most powerful climate solution we have: our voice. In this episode, she shares how to make climate conversations more effective—and more human—by starting with what people already care about. From disinformation to hope, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to talk about climate in a way that actually inspires change.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world