This episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life' features Melissa and Jam tackling various chemistry questions sourced from the 'Explain Like I'm Five' subreddit. They aim to explain complex chemistry concepts in a manner even a 5-year-old could understand. Questions discussed include why water isn't flammable, how carbonation works, the nature of colors and atoms, cooking processes, caloric changes during cooking, and why drawings on a steamy mirror reappear. The episode emphasizes simplifying complex ideas and making chemistry relatable to everyday life.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:50 Explaining Chemistry Like You're Five
01:31 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life
02:30 Why Isn't Water Flammable?
07:00 How Does Carbonation Work?
09:48 Are Atoms Different Colors?
13:12 What Happens When Cooking Food?
14:14 Understanding the Science of Cooking
15:12 The Chemistry Behind Frying and Toasting
16:35 Exploring the Role of Ingredients in Cooking
17:57 Calories and Cooking: What Changes?
22:49 The Mystery of Steamy Mirror Drawings
27:06 Wrapping Up and Community Thanks

★ 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

• Vince W
• Julie S.
• Heather R
• Autoclave
• Chelsea M
• Dorien VD
• Scott B
• Jessie R
• Ciara L
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette N
• Cullyn R
• Erica B
• Elizabeth P
• Sarah M
• Rachel R
• Letila
• Katrina B
• Suzanne P
• Venus R
• Lyn S
• Jacob T
• Brian K
• Emerson W
• Kristina G
• Timothy P
• Steven B
• Chris and Claire S
• Chelsea B
• Avishai B
• Hunter R

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#212

Melissa and Jam explore the concept of ozone and its impact on air quality in airplanes. Melissa explains the chemical reaction of ozone, why it's significant in organic chemistry, and how it can lead to discomfort in air travel by interacting with the oils on our skin. They also discuss various tips for flying and the potential benefits of noise-canceling headphones and lounge access for frequent flyers. The episode sheds light on why people often feel unwell on planes, highlighting the Pigpen Effect, where leftover oils from previous passengers can react with ozone to create a micro-cloud of pollutants.

00:00 Introduction to Ozone Lysis
00:09 Ozone Lysis in Organic Chemistry
00:25 Personal Anecdotes and Misconceptions
01:10 Ozone and Airplane Discomfort
01:49 Chemistry of Airplane Air
02:41 Ozone Lysis and Human Interaction
06:44 Catalytic Converters in Airplanes
11:58 The Pigpen Effect
16:50 Historical Context and Modern Concerns
18:38 Recap and Further Discussion
20:23 Understanding the Pigpen Effect
20:58 Chemical Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones
22:11 Volatility and Airplane Air Quality
22:42 The Gross Reality of Airplane Seats
23:31 Airplane Hygiene and Mask-Wearing
25:08 Flying Tips and Tricks
29:54 Travel Credit Cards and Lounge Access
34:36 Sleeping on Planes and Noise-Canceling Headphones
37:43 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

References from this episode:

1. https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/Periodic-Graphics-chemistry-airplane-air/102/i26
2. https://www.acs.org/catalyzing-change/when-a-good-relationship-turns-toxic-ozone-on-airplanes.html
3. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/full/10.1021/es3046795
4. https://youtu.be/hM9P1_Xuayk?t=107s
5. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf
6. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683839/

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Vince W
• Julie S.
• Heather R
• Autoclave
• Chelsea M
• Dorien VD
• Scott B
• Jessie R
• Ciara L
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette N
• Cullyn R
• Erica B
• Elizabeth P
• Sarah M
• Rachel R
• Letila
• Katrina B
• Suzanne P
• Venus R
• Lyn S
• Jacob T
• Brian K
• Emerson W
• Kristina G
• Timothy P
• Steven B
• Chris and Claire S
• Chelsea B
• Avishai B
• Hunter R

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#110 Rebroadcast
Originally Published August 26, 2021

We've all heard about it. And most likely you've heard that it's in danger. But what is the ozone layer in the first place? And once we learn that, how about figuring out why it's in danger? Ok let's do it.

References from this episode

1. https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ozone/3005901.article
2. https://youtu.be/XGDU6RvUVuk
3. https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/atmospheric-ozone
4. Solomon’s organic chemistry 11th edition
5. https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2012-2013/ozone-layer-our-global-sunscreen.html

★ 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

• Vince W
• Julie S.
• Heather R
• Autoclave
• Chelsea M
• Dorien VD
• Scott B
• Jessie R
• Ciara L
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette N
• Cullyn R
• Erica B
• Elizabeth P
• Sarah M
• Rachel R
• Letila
• Katrina B
• Suzanne P
• Venus R
• Lyn S
• Jacob T
• Brian K
• Emerson W
• Kristina G
• Timothy P
• Steven B
• Chris and Claire S
• Chelsea B
• Avishai B
• Hunter R

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Question and Response #67

Melissa and Jam dive into a series of chemistry-related questions from their audience. From understanding why wintergreen mints spark in the dark to the science of pregnancy tests and heavy water, the episode covers a broad range of fascinating topics. They also discuss the role of moisturizers, dispel myths about chapstick, and explore the curious case of tumor-related hormones. Additionally, the hosts answer questions related to their educational resources and touch on the advantages of lifelong learning. Join them for an engaging discussion that satisfies both everyday curiosity and scientific intrigue.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:33 Chemistry for Your Life Podcast Begins
00:52 Chemistry Support and Wired Videos
02:23 First Question: Fluorescence and Braces
07:26 Second Question: HCG and Tumors
10:57 Third Question: Heavy Water
12:39 Discussion on Heavy Water and Isotopes
18:06 Movie Reference: The Rookie
20:35 Formal Request: Watch Oppenheimer
21:39 Discussing Movies and Activities
21:59 The Vine and Oppenheimer
23:18 Film Photography Plans
24:07 Moisturizers and Dry Skin
25:53 Chapstick Myths
27:59 Teaching at UNT
30:55 Birdwatching and Lifelong Learning
34:08 Updating the Website
37:39 Resources for Educators
39:49 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

★ 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

• Vince W
• Julie S.
• Heather R
• Autoclave
• Chelsea M
• Dorien VD
• Scott B
• Jessie R
• Ciara L
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette N
• Cullyn R
• Erica B
• Elizabeth P
• Sarah M
• Rachel R
• Letila
• Katrina B
• Suzanne P
• Venus R
• Lyn S
• Jacob T
• Brian K
• Emerson W
• Kristina G
• Timothy P
• Steven B
• Chris and Claire S
• Chelsea B
• Avishai B
• Hunter R

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#211

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind increased flatulence on airplanes. They explore how changes in air pressure affect gas expansion in the human body, leading to more frequent gas release during flights. The discussion covers the physiology of high altitude flatus expulsion (HAFE), personal anecdotes, and practical advice for managing this phenomenon. Additionally, they touch on how airplane cabin air is regulated and hint at more topics related to airplane air quality in the next episode.

00:00 The Unpleasant Reality of Airplane Odors
01:02 Introducing the Chemistry Behind Airplane Gas
01:51 Meet the Hosts and Episode Dedication
02:30 Listener's Question: Why So Gassy on Flights?
03:47 Exploring Air Pressure and Gas Expansion
05:59 The Science of Airplane Cabin Pressure
15:02 Personal Stories and Practical Examples
18:15 Balancing Safety and Comfort in Airplane Cabin Pressure
19:33 The Impact of Carbon Filters on Airplane Seats
20:02 Personal Anecdotes: The Struggles of Holding in Gas
22:53 The Science Behind Gas Pain and Altitude Sickness
29:53 Travel Tips and Memorable Plane Stories
34:41 Wrapping Up and Listener 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

References from this episode:

1. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/
2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-airplane-windows-dont/#:~:text=Gravity%20tends%20to%20keep%20air,hypoxia%2C%20or%20lack%20of%20oxygen.
3. https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/Periodic-Graphics-chemistry-airplane-air/102/i26
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207472/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM9P1_Xuayk&t=1s
5. https://www.acs.org/catalyzing-change/when-a-good-relationship-turns-toxic-ozone-on-airplanes.html
6. https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/UEET/StudentSite/dynamicsofflight.html
7. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1272559/
9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987713003204?casa_token=15eE-dbT_SsAAAAA:tapMXnm3_aFXzlYYcuqITcGuq2beGzm8jvGido_IzMZZMdhezweqXyayesk3VBVrg_cq9luDCg

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Vince W
• Julie S.
• Heather R
• Autoclave
• Chelsea M
• Dorien VD
• Scott B
• Jessie R
• Ciara L
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette N
• Cullyn R
• Erica B
• Elizabeth P
• Sarah M
• Rachel R
• Letila
• Katrina B
• Suzanne P
• Venus R
• Lyn S
• Jacob T
• Brian K
• Emerson W
• Kristina G
• Timothy P
• Steven B
• Chris and Claire S
• Chelsea B
• Avishai B
• Hunter R

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Chemistry at Home: Chromatography Rebroadcast
Originally Published June 29, 2020

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens when we combine markers, coffee filters, and water. Let's do chemistry!

Watch the experiment 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 @ChemForYourLife

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Vince W
• Julie S.
• Heather R
• Autoclave
• Chelsea M
• Dorien VD
• Scott B
• Jessie R
• Ciara L
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette N
• Cullyn R
• Erica B
• Elizabeth P
• Sarah M
• Rachel R
• Letila
• Katrina B
• Suzanne P
• Venus R
• Lyn S
• Jacob T
• Brian K
• Emerson W
• Kristina G
• Timothy P
• Steven B
• Chris and Claire S
• Chelsea B
• Avishai B
• Hunter R

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife