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Chemistry For Your Life

Chemistry For Your Life

By: Melissa and Jam Bleav
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About this listen

A podcast that helps you understand the fascinating chemistry hidden in your everyday life. Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? Or how soap gets your hands clean? What really is margarine, or why do trees change colors in the fall? Melissa is a chemist, and to answer these questions she started a podcast, called Chemistry for your life! In each episode Melissa explains the chemistry behind one of life’s mysteries to Jam, who is definitely not a chemist, but she explains it in a way that is easy to understand, and totally fascinating. If you’re someone who loves learning new things, or who wonders about the way the world works, then give us a listen.© For Your Life 2023, All rights reserved. Science
Episodes
  • Ask a Chemist: Why is glass clear? (and other questions)
    Sep 18 2025

    Melissa and Jam tackle a range of fascinating chemistry questions from their audience in this episode of 'Chemistry For Your Life'. They discuss why glass is transparent, how some foods make our mouth feel hot or cold, and the science behind decaffeinating coffee. Along the way, they share insights about their popular 'ghost holding an Erlenmeyer Flask' merch and highlight the importance of ad placements and community support for the podcast. Tune in to learn all about the chemistry behind these everyday phenomena!

    00:00 Introduction and Overview
    00:11 Chemistry Questions and Topics
    01:27 Merchandise and Halloween Special
    03:05 Community Questions and Answers
    03:42 Glass Transparency Explained
    04:50 Chemistry in Everyday Life
    06:56 Spicy and Cool Sensations
    09:38 Moisturizers and Healing Ointments
    16:19 Understanding Poisons
    17:29 Understanding Defense Systems and Poison Dosage
    18:32 The Fascinating Effects of Poisons
    20:19 Decaffeination Methods Explained
    22:43 Exploring Hot Tub Chemicals and pH Indicators
    27:33 Addressing Ad Placement Feedback
    32:59 Supporting the Podcast and Community

    ★ 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://courses.ems.psu.edu/matse81/node/2154

    Thanks to our monthly supporters

    • Emily Morrison
    • Kyle McCray
    • Emily Hardy
    • Ash
    • Vince W
    • Julie S.
    • Heather Ragusa
    • Autoclave
    • Chelsea Morelos
    • Dorien VD
    • Scott Beyer
    • Jessie Reder
    • Ciara Linville
    • J0HNTR0Y
    • Jeannette Napoleon
    • Cullyn R
    • Erica Bee
    • Elizabeth P
    • Rachel Reina
    • Letila
    • Katrina Barnum-Huckins
    • Suzanne Phillips
    • Venus Rebholz
    • Lyn Stubblefield
    • 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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    38 mins
  • Does lotion really hydrate dry skin?
    Sep 11 2025

    Melissa and Jam discuss the science behind moisturizers and how they help with dry skin. The conversation covers the role of occlusives like petroleum jelly, humectants such as glycerin, and emollients in skincare. They also explore the importance of staying hydrated and the effect of environmental factors on skin moisture. Listeners can learn about the distinct mechanisms that moisturizers use to keep skin hydrated and healthy.

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Dry Skin
    01:23 Understanding Moisturizers: What Do They Really Do?
    01:56 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life
    02:07 Shoutout to Our Newest Community Member
    03:37 Transitioning from Summer to Winter: The Importance of Moisturizers
    04:27 The Science Behind Moisturizers: Intermolecular Forces
    08:20 How Moisturizers Work: Trapping Moisture and Skin Oils
    11:23 The Role of Water and Oils in Skin Hydration
    21:22 Understanding Humectants
    23:06 The Role of Occlusives in Skincare
    24:03 Exploring Emollients
    26:34 The Importance of Moisturizing
    27:14 Chemistry Behind Moisturizers
    28:50 Personal Experiences and Tips
    44:41 Final Thoughts and Community Shoutouts

    ★ 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.compoundchem.com/2015/07/21/moisturisers/
    2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29319217/
    3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.12490#accessDenialLayout
    4. https://illumin.usc.edu/the-chemistry-behind-moisturizers/
    5. https://research-ebsco-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/c/id67n2/viewer/pdf/2oe2i2o6qn?route=details
    6. https://www.acs.org/pressroom/reactions/library/moisturizer.html

    Thanks to our monthly supporters

    • Kyle McCray
    • Justine
    • Emily Hardy
    • Ash
    • Vince W
    • Julie S.
    • Heather Ragusa
    • Autoclave
    • Chelsea Morelos
    • Dorien VD
    • Scott Beyer
    • Jessie Reder
    • Ciara Linville
    • J0HNTR0Y
    • Jeannette Napoleon
    • Cullyn R
    • Erica Bee
    • Elizabeth P
    • Rachel Reina
    • Letila
    • Katrina Barnum-Huckins
    • Suzanne Phillips
    • Venus Rebholz
    • Lyn Stubblefield
    • 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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    48 mins
  • What are shooting stars?
    Sep 4 2025

    Melissa and Jam explore the science behind shooting stars, unraveling the chemistry that turns space rocks into brilliant streaks of light in our night sky. They discuss how meteors heat up and glow as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, the difference between meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites, and share fun facts about colorful meteors and the surprising role of amino acids from space. The episode is filled with personal stories, space trivia, and thoughtful tangents about the ethics of asteroid mining and the wonder of the universe.

    00:00 Stargazing and Summer Memories
    03:20 Meet the Hosts
    05:00 Chemistry for Your Life Merch
    07:00 Camping Stories & Inspiration
    10:00 Chemistry of Gases and Atmosphere
    13:00 What Are Shooting Stars?
    18:00 The Science of Meteor Glow
    23:00 Fun Facts: Colors, Metals, and Amino Acids
    30:00 Asteroid Mining & Space Ethics
    36:00 Favorite Space Stories
    43:00 Listener Shoutouts & Support
    47:00 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

    ★ 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:

    Thanks to our monthly supporters

    • Kyle McCray
    • Justine
    • Emily Hardy
    • Ash
    • Vince W
    • Julie S.
    • Heather Ragusa
    • Autoclave
    • Chelsea Morelos
    • Dorien VD
    • Scott Beyer
    • Jessie Reder
    • Ciara Linville
    • J0HNTR0Y
    • Jeannette Napoleon
    • Cullyn R
    • Erica Bee
    • Elizabeth P
    • Rachel Reina
    • Letila
    • Katrina Barnum-Huckins
    • Suzanne Phillips
    • Venus Rebholz
    • Lyn Stubblefield
    • 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.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
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