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Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast

By: Taylor Sparks and Andrew Falkowski
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About this listen

In this podcast, Taylor and Andrew investigate the past, present, and future of materials science and engineering. Topic areas ranging from cutting edge materials technology, the history of different materials, the commercialization of new materials, and exciting advances in processing and characterization are all covered in detail. Our episodes include things like the unlikely discovery of superglue or teflon, the fascinating backstories about modern biomaterials like dialysis filters, and updates on new technologies including wearable electronics, next generation batteries, and nanomaterials. In short, we hope to help listeners understand the critical role that materials have played in society and even glimpse into what the future may hold for new materials.Copyright 2019 Physics Science
Episodes
  • Episode 106: Photoluminescent Materials
    Jun 12 2025

    From glowing plastic stars on bedroom ceilings to quirky novelty items, most of us have encountered the magic of things that shine in the dark but what’s really behind the glow? Andrew and Taylor dive into the science of photoluminescence, breaking down the physics of how it works and the materials that make it possible. Join them as they explore the two main glow-in-the-dark methods—phosphorescence and fluorescence—and reveal what makes each one shine.

    This episode of the Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society. Check out the ACerS learning center with over 20+ On-Demand Courses on topics such as the fundamentals, research, manufacturing, and more. Visit them, at this link [HERE] for $100 off your next On-Demand course registration with the ACerS Learning Center.

    The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more

    Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

    If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

    Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

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    34 mins
  • Episode 105: Cooling Paints
    May 22 2025

    Just because the temperature is rising doesn’t mean your electric bill has to. Introducing cooling paints: Jared and Andrew discuss how painting your house with specialized coatings can noticeably reduce the temperature. We dive into the physics behind these paints and the materials that make them possible. We explore topics ranging from common pigments to health concerns over VOCs and Nanoparticle inclusion.

    The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society. Visit them, at this link [HERE] to unlock full access to the Bulletin with a free ACerS membership.

    This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more. For this episode we read through [this article] in our research.

    Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

    If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

    Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

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    35 mins
  • Episode 104: The Winding Path to Materials Discovery
    May 8 2025

    Few things in materials science are more interesting and rewarding than discovering new materials. In this episode, Taylor and Andrew sit down with Paul Canfield, a physicist from Ames Laboratory to discuss materials discovery—and the creative ways he writes about it. From cooking metaphors to "shaving the dice" to beat nature, they dive into the colorful word choice he uses to bring his work to life..

    This episode of the Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society. Check out the ACerS learning center with over 20+ On-Demand Courses on topics such as the fundamentals, research, manufacturing, and more. Visit them, at this link [HERE] for $100 off your next On-Demand course registration with the ACerS Learning Center.

    The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more

    Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

    If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

    Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
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