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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
  • Are we breathing recycled air on airplanes?
    Jun 5 2025

    #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 ★
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    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
    ★ 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

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • What is the ozone layer?
    May 29 2025

    #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
    ★ 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

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Ask a Chemist: What is heavy water? (and other questions)
    May 22 2025

    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
    ★ 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

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins

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