From the fear of failure to the pressure of feeling like you don’t belong — what really gets in the way of success, and what can help students push through it?

In this episode, Dr. Biology talks with Katelyn Cooper from Arizona State University School of Life Sciences about the powerful connection between mental health and learning science.

You’ll hear why making mistakes might actually be one of the best ways to learn, how labels like “I’m not a science person” can hold us back, and why even professional scientists struggle more than you might think.

If you’ve ever felt nervous in a science class or wondered if you belong there, this episode is for you.

Dig Deeper

Fail-safe Science - hear how other scientists overcame challenges

Lab Coat Optional - a podcast to feed more of your science curiosity

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Tune in and get turned on to the world of tiger beetles! Dr. Biology chats with biologist David Pearson about these colorful sprinters that are not only fun to watch but also important “bioindicators” that help scientists understand the health of habitats. You’ll discover how tiger beetles inspire new designs through biomimicry, and why these tiny speedsters now have their very own celebration—World Tiger Beetle Day, November 11.

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Why do peanuts, pollen, or pet dander make some of us sneeze or swell up—but not others? In this episode, Dr. Biology talks with immunologist Esther Borges Florsheim from Arizona State University to explore how allergies start, why they’re becoming more common, and what’s really going on when your immune system sounds the alarm.

From sniffles to “no peanuts, please,” get ready to learn how your body protects you—and sometimes overreacts—in surprising ways!

Read more: Toxic Response
Immune system comic book: Viral Attack
Read more: PLOSable science stories

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Coral reefs may look like colorful rocks, but they’re actually animals living in partnership with tiny plant cells. This remarkable symbiosis powers entire ocean ecosystems. In this episode, Dr. Biology chats with Professor Liza Roger, whose Arizona State University lab is home to corals, sea anemones, and even upside-down jellyfish. Together, they uncover the secrets of coral “superpowers,” the causes of bleaching, and how nanoscale medicines might help reefs fight stress. From the desert to the ocean, Roger’s research reveals creative ways to give corals a checkup—and maybe even a healthier future.

Learn more: Coral bleaching video

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On this podcast, we like to explore how science meets the public. In this episode, we examine the art of communication, with biologist, author, and filmmaker Randy Olson. Dr. Biology learns how Olson uses humor and creativity as powerful tools. Inspired by platforms like The Daily Show, Randy's film "Sizzle" tackles global warming with a comedic flair. Listen as he shares invaluable advice for aspiring biologists and filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of passion and motivation. Whether you’re curious about effective science communication or seeking inspiration for your career, Randy’s insights offer a compelling glimpse into the future of storytelling in science.

This episode was pulled from our special collections stored in our secret vault.

Learn more:

Watch:
Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus
Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy

Read:
Don't Be Such a Scientist
Narrative Gym

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Can storytelling transform biology research? Join us for an engaging conversation with Kayla Burgher and Risa Schnebly, two visionary PhD students at Arizona State University. Kayla shares her research in the fishing community to protect endangered marine megafauna like sea turtles and sharks. Meanwhile, Risa delves into the emotional side of conservation and the impact of extinction. Through an interdisciplinary approach, she combines history, personal narratives, and interviews to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of conservation. We also talk about their exciting new podcast, SciChronicles, which showcases the stories of scientists at various points in their careers.

Check out SciChronicles

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Can a transformed 4-acre former citrus orchard become a vibrant urban wildlife sanctuary? Dr. Biology is out of the studio to explore Julie Stromberg's remarkable riparian garden. Julie, a plant ecologist and emeritus professor at Arizona State University, shares her motivations and the vital ecological benefits of creating such green spaces in urban areas. Hear the story behind her efforts in sustainable agriculture that are preserving biodiversity right in the heart of the city.

Read more: Bringing Home the Wild: A Riparian Garden in a Southwest City

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What happens when our brain fails us? As Dr. Biology, my work has never been involved with diseases that affect the mind, but I do have a personal experience with the shadowy realm of Alzheimer's and other dementias. My mother battled against this relentless adversary and I am not alone. Many people are dealing with loved ones facing one of these diseases. For this episode, I've invited bioinformatics scientist, Kimberly Olney from the Mayo Clinic, to peek into the complexities of the brain and these diseases. This episode is a brief voyage into the brain's amazing and complex pathways and a glimpse of the work being done by dedicated scientists charting a course for a future free from dementia.

Learn more about the brain: A Nervous Journey
Class and home activity: Nerve Experiment
Dementia resources for adults:
The 36-hour Day
Parent's Guide: Helping Children and Teens Understand
Helping Children Understand Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia resources for children:
Books that help younger children understand dementia

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