Episodes

  • 8. Dr. Kory Evans - Hip Hop Fishes!
    Jun 30 2023

    Thanks for listening to Soundtracks to Science!

    Today’s guest is Dr. Kory Evans! Kory is a biologist studying the ecology and evolution of phenotypic diversity in a wide array of fishes. His work taps into aspects of morphology, development, biomechanics, and ecology to understand how phenotypes like the fish skull have evolved to be so diverse. We really enjoyed getting to learn more about Kory’s work, the techniques he and his lab use, and the exciting destinations they’ve traveled to for field work. We also got to hear about Kory’s varied musical tastes, from rap to hip-hop to R&B to alternative rock, and also the fun song-title inspired research project: ‘Back That Wrasse Up’!

    Check out Kory’s playlist here, where you can find artists, albums, and songs mentioned during our ‘Supplementary Songs’ and ‘Extended Plays’ segments: Apple Music and Spotify.

    You can also check out the paper discussed in our interview here:
    Mosaic Evolution of the Skull in Labrid Fishes Involves Differences in Both Tempo and Mode of Morphological Change

    You can learn more about Kory’s work at:
    https://koryevans.weebly.com/
    Twitter: @Sternarchella


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    Follow us!
    Twitter: @soundtracks2sci
    Instagram: @soundtracks_to_science

    Blair and Drew’s running playlists can be found here:
    Blair - Apple Music and Spotify
    Drew - Apple Music and Spotify


    You can learn more about Blair’s work at:

    https://blairperry.net

    Twitter: @blairperry614


    And Drew’s work at:

    https://drewschield.github.io

    Twitter: @drschield

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 7. Updates!
    May 26 2023

    Thanks for listening to Soundtracks to Science!

    In this mini-episode, we share some personal updates (including BIG news from Drew), highlight some albums we've been enjoying lately, and shout out our growing base of listeners around the world! We've got some exciting guests planned for the future and are working on setting up others, so stay tuned!



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    Follow us!
    Twitter: @soundtracks2sci
    Instagram: @soundtracks_to_science

    Blair and Drew’s running playlists can be found here:
    Blair - Apple Music and Spotify
    Drew - Apple Music and Spotify


    You can learn more about Blair’s work at:

    https://blairperry.net

    Twitter: @blairperry614


    And Drew’s work at:

    https://drewschield.github.io

    Twitter: @drschield

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • 6. Dr. Rob Denton - Unisexual Salamanders and Celebration Rock
    Mar 31 2023

    Thanks for listening to Soundtracks to Science!

    Today’s guest is Dr. Rob Denton! Rob is an evolutionary biologist, genomicist, herpetologist, and educator working as an assistant professor of biology at Marian University. He studies the genomics and molecular ecology of amphibians, including really amazing all-female salamanders in the genus Ambystoma. His lab is also motivated by efforts to conserve wild amphibian populations, and partner with various agencies to inform management efforts. We had a great time learning more about Rob’s research and teaching, and how his eclectic taste in music has evolved!


    Check out Robs’s playlist here, where you can find his recommendations for ‘Supplementary Songs’ and ‘Extended Plays’: Apple Music and Spotify. 

    You can also check out the paper discussed in our interview here: 

    • Genome‐specific histories of divergence and introgression between an allopolyploid unisexual salamander lineage and two ancestral sexual species

    You can learn more about Rob’s work at:

    https://dentonlab.org/

    Twitter: @RD_Denton

    And be sure to check out this cool video featuring Rob's research at Science Friday!

    • The Unisexuals: A Story of Salamanders and Sex


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    Follow us!
    Twitter: @soundtracks2sci
    Instagram: @soundtracks_to_science

    Blair and Drew’s running playlists can be found here:
    Blair - Apple Music and Spotify
    Drew - Apple Music and Spotify


    You can learn more about Blair’s work at:

    https://blairperry.net

    Twitter: @blairperry614


    And Drew’s work at:

    https://drewschield.github.io

    Twitter: @drschield

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 5. Dr. Cara Smith - Venomous Snakes and Groovy Playlists
    Jan 20 2023

    Thanks for listening to Soundtracks to Science!

    Today's guest is Dr. Cara Smith. Cara is an expert in all things snake venom. Her PhD work focused on understanding ecological and evolutionary factors that contribute to venom variation in North American rattlesnakes, and her current research aims to better understand the biological effects of envenomation in order to improve the treatment of snake bites. Cara is also an expert curator of playlists, and we dive into her eclectic musical tastes in the second half of the episode.

    Check out Cara's playlist here, where you can find her recommendations for the 'Supplementary Songs' and 'Extended Plays' segments, as well as other songs and artists discussed during the episode: Apple Music and Spotify.

    Cara has also agreed to share a few of her public Spotify playlists!
    Electro-Goth
    Sad whiskey-drunk middle-aged man (the ultimate one-song playlist)

    The paper we discuss in the 'Supplementary Songs' section will be published later this year, and we will update these show notes with a link once it's available!

    In the meantime, you can learn more about Cara's work at:
    Twitter: @Buzzzworm1
    Instagram: @buzzzzworm
    Asclepius Snakebite Foundation: https://www.snakebitefoundation.org/


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    Follow us!
    Twitter: @soundtracks2sci
    Instagram: @soundtracks_to_science

    Blair and Drew’s running playlists can be found here:
    Blair - Apple Music and Spotify
    Drew - Apple Music and Spotify


    You can learn more about Blair’s work at:

    https://blairperry.net

    Twitter: @blairperry614


    And Drew’s work at:

    https://drewschield.github.io

    Twitter: @drschield

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • 4. Blair and Drew's Favorites Albums of 2022
    Dec 30 2022

    For the last episode of 2022, Blair and Drew highlight their favorite albums of the year, plus a few honorable mentions!

    Thanks to everyone that has listened so far - we're excited to bring you more discussions of science and music in the new year!

    Check out a playlist of our favorite albums at Apple Music and Spotify!


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    Follow us!
    Twitter: @soundtracks2sci
    Instagram: @soundtracks_to_science

    Blair and Drew’s running playlists can be found here:
    Blair - Apple Music and Spotify
    Drew - Apple Music and Spotify


    You can learn more about Blair’s work at:

    https://blairperry.net

    Twitter: @blairperry614


    And Drew’s work at:

    https://drewschield.github.io

    Twitter: @drschield

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • 3. Dr. Elsie Shogren - Dancing, Birds, and Dancing Birds
    Dec 9 2022

    Thanks for listening to Soundtracks to Science!
     

    Today’s guest is Dr. Elsie Shogren! Elsie is an evolutionary biologist who studies how sexual and natural selection interact to shape the evolution of behaviors and traits, including intricate dancing repertoires in birds. We also got to chat about Elsie’s musical interests, including fiddle playing, family jam sessions, contra dancing, and a deep love of melody. 
     

    Check out Elsie’s playlist here, where you can find her recommendations for ‘Supplementary Songs’ and ‘Extended Plays’: Apple Music and Spotify


    You can also check out the papers discussed in our interview here: 

    • Dancing in the Rain: How Do Abiotic Conditions Influence Sexually Selected Behaviors in the White-Ruffed Manakin? Shogren et al. 2021. Integrative and Comparative Biology.
    • Dancing drives evolution of sexual size dimorphism in manakins. Shogren et al. 2022. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 

    You can learn more about Elsie’s work at:

    https://ehshogren.wordpress.com/

    Twitter: @e_shogren


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    Follow us!
    Twitter: @soundtracks2sci
    Instagram: @soundtracks_to_science

    Blair and Drew’s running playlists can be found here:
    Blair - Apple Music and Spotify
    Drew - Apple Music and Spotify


    You can learn more about Blair’s work at:

    https://blairperry.net

    Twitter: @blairperry614


    And Drew’s work at:

    https://drewschield.github.io

    Twitter: @drschield

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 2. Dr. Aaron Griffing - Gecko Evolution and Heavy Metal
    Dec 9 2022

    Thanks for listening to Soundtracks to Science! 

    Today’s guest is Dr. Aaron Griffing! Aaron is an evolutionary biologist studying the morphology, development, and evolution of remarkable traits in geckos and other organisms. He is also a fan of heavy music - we had a great time chatting about our mutual fandoms and learning about new artists from Aaron. 

    Check out Aaron’s playlist here, where you can find music discussed during the episode:  Apple Music and Spotify 

    You can also check out the papers discussed in our interview here: 

    • Convergent developmental patterns underlie the repeated evolution of adhesive toe pads among lizards. Griffing et al. 2022. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 
    • And thereby hangs a tail: morphology, developmental patterns and biomechanics of the adhesive tails of crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus). Griffing et al. 2021. Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

    You can learn more about Aaron’s work at:

    https://aarongriffing.weebly.com/

    Twitter: @AaronHGriffing

    And check out Drew and Blair's recent radio interviews!
    Drew on Utah Public Radio
    Blair on Oregon Public Radio
    Blair on Science Friday


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    Follow us!
    Twitter: @soundtracks2sci
    Instagram: @soundtracks_to_science

    Blair and Drew’s running playlists can be found here:
    Blair - Apple Music and Spotify
    Drew - Apple Music and Spotify


    You can learn more about Blair’s work at:

    https://blairperry.net

    Twitter: @blairperry614


    And Drew’s work at:

    https://drewschield.github.io

    Twitter: @drschield

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • 1. Introduction
    Dec 8 2022

    Thanks for listening to Soundtracks to Science!

    For the inaugural episode, Blair and Drew discuss their paths through science and the music they enjoy. Here’s the playlist for the episode:

    Apple Music
    Spotify


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    Follow us!
    Twitter: @soundtracks2sci
    Instagram: @soundtracks_to_science

    Blair and Drew’s running playlists can be found here:
    Blair - Apple Music and Spotify
    Drew - Apple Music and Spotify


    You can learn more about Blair’s work at:

    https://blairperry.net

    Twitter: @blairperry614


    And Drew’s work at:

    https://drewschield.github.io

    Twitter: @drschield

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins