Best Homeworld Collective Podcasts (2025)

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129. No Cells? No Problem! eXoZymes' Michael Heltzen on the Future of Microbe-Free Biotech 50:50

5d ago50:50

50:50

Erum sits down with Michael Heltzen, CEO of eXoZymes, to dive into the transformative world of cell-free biomanufacturing. Michael shares the origin story of ExoZymes—from a student bioengineering dream at UCLA to ringing the NASDAQ bell—and unpacks why scalability, sustainability, and design thinking are central to the next generation of biotech. …

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Solving for the P in NPK Fertilization Using Enzymes with Benjamin Scott 40:30

10d ago40:30

40:30

The global food system has a phosphorus problem that few people talk about. Unlike nitrogen, which cycles naturally through our atmosphere, phosphorus is mined from finite deposits and has no natural cycle. A massive 100-kilometer conveyor belt—visible from space—transports phosphate-rich rock from the Sahara Desert to ships waiting to distribute t…

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128. Replay of Synbiobeta 2024 Recap with Fresh Commentary 1:18:34

11d ago1:18:34

1:18:34

Karl and Erum revisit their energetic and unfiltered recap of SynBioBeta 2024. With candid reflections on the conference and the broader synthetic biology ecosystem, they spotlight key trends including the rise of accessible community bio labs, decentralized events like the Biopunk gathering, and the convergence of deep tech and culture. This is no…

1
127. Chain Reaction: Orchestrating BioInnovation Without Missing a Beat – with MessagingLab’s Erum & Karl 22:50

19d ago22:50

22:50

Erum and Karl break down a concept they've lived and breathed—but rarely spelled out: orchestration. If you're building a startup in synthetic biology or advanced materials, this is a must-listen deep dive into how influence is built before your product lands or your funding closes. They pull back the curtain on how to create "value chain syndicate…

1
126. Sizzling Success: Eben Bayer of MyForest Foods on Scaling Mycelium Magic 44:14

26d ago44:14

44:14

Karl and Erum reconnect with Eben Bayer, Board Chair at MyForest Foods, for a compelling follow-up conversation on the evolution of mycelium-based food products. Eben dives deep into the scaling journey of MyBacon, a plant-based bacon alternative created through solid-state fermentation using gourmet mushroom mycelium. From early experiments produc…

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125. The Synbio Symphony: SynBioBeta’s John Cumbers Harmonizes Biology and Industry 1:03:45

1M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Karl and Erum welcome back Dr. John Cumbers—founder of SynBioBeta and Biological Enlightenment Studios—to dive deep into the transformative power of synthetic biology. From designing personalized proteins and sustainable materials to programming life for space exploration, John unpacks why synthetic biology could be the defining technology of our c…

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What if Therapeutic-Grade Biotech Was Used for Environmental Remediation with Pranam Chatterjee 44:44

1M ago44:44

44:44

Imagine proteins engineered to seek out and bind toxic heavy metals, cleaning up contaminated sites and potentially treating metal poisoning in humans. In this episode, Duke University professor and entrepreneur Pranam Chatterjee shares how his has developed two impressive AI tools transforming this field: MetaLATTE, which predicts whether proteins…

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124. Cell-ebrating Success: Ilan Sobel Blends Science and Strategy to Scale-up BioHarvest 1:06:17

1M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

What if you could grow health-boosting compounds—not in fields, but in bioreactors—using the power of plant cells? In this episode, Karl and Erum sit down with Ilan Sobel, CEO of BioHarvest, to explore how the company is reshaping biotech, nutraceuticals, and biomanufacturing. From leveraging botanical synthesis to create highly bioavailable compou…

1
123. From Gas to Glam: Molly Morse Discusses Mango Materials' Biodegradable Innovations 1:00:40

2M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

In this episode of Grow Everything, Karl and Erum dive deep into the transformative world of biomanufacturing with Molly Morse, CEO and Co-founder of Mango Materials. Molly shares how her team is using methane—one of the most potent greenhouse gases—as a feedstock to create PHAs, a class of biodegradable bioplastics. From wastewater treatment partn…

1
New Funding and Innovation Models in Biotech: Combining Blockchain and Decentralized Coordination with Albert Anis 51:13

2M ago51:13

51:13

Cryptocurrency and climate biotechnology might seem like an unusual pairing, but Albert Anis, founding steward of ValleyDAO, is showing this combination has remarkable potential. Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) are creating entirely new funding mechanisms for scientists working on our planet's most critical challenges. At the heart of…

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122. Ecohacking the Planet: Daniel Goodwin of Homeworld Collective Brews Up Planetary-Scale Solutions 1:00:27

2M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Karl and Erum sit down with Daniel Goodwin, co-founding Director of Homeworld Collective alongside his friend and collaborator Paul Reginato. Together, they explore how to build resilient, values-aligned infrastructure for a flourishing bioeconomy—beyond the venture model. From climate biotech to systems thinking, Daniel shares how Homeworld Collec…

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121. Skin Deep: 'Peeling' Back the Layers of Skin Microbiome Diversity with Fjor's Natalie Enslow 55:22

2M ago55:22

55:22

Erum and Karl dive into the fascinating world of the skin microbiome with Natalie Enslow, CEO and co-founder of Fjor. Natalie shares her journey from marketing to biotech, explaining how her brand is revolutionizing skincare by embracing the power of beneficial bacteria. She discusses the importance of microbial diversity, the challenges of launchi…

1
Unlocking Enzymes' Potential by Locking Them in Place with James Weltz 48:36

2M ago48:36

48:36

What if we could harness nature's most precise chemical tools and make them work in industrial settings? James Weltz, co-founder and CSO of Cascade Bio, reveals how enzyme immobilization technology is transforming chemical manufacturing by stabilizing delicate biological catalysts. From his childhood exploring chemical plants with his industrial hy…

1
120. Busting Biotech's Bottlenecks: Veronica Breckenridge on the Path to Industrial Scale 1:02:33

2M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Karl and Erum sit down with Veronica Breckenridge, founder of First Bight Ventures, to discuss how the convergence of biology and technology is driving the biggest innovations of the 21st century. Drawing from her deep tech background, including her time at Apple, Veronica explores rapid advancements in genome sequencing, AI-driven biotech, and the…

1
How to Grow Your Own Story with Erum Azeez Khan and Karl Schmieder 45:38

2M ago45:38

45:38

What happens when brilliant scientific innovation meets masterful storytelling? Marketing rarely tops the priority list for scientists and biotech founders who are deep in the technical challenges of making their innovations work. Yet without effective communication, even groundbreaking discoveries risk languishing in obscurity, unable to attract t…

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119: Bio-Reactor or Bio-Rocket? Scaling Up with Arsenale Bio's Massimo Portincaso 1:01:42

2M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Karl and Erum sit down with Massimo Portincaso, founder of Arsenale BioYards, to discuss the urgent need to rethink how we scale biomanufacturing. Massimo shares why today’s approach to industrial biotech—modeled after biopharma—is fundamentally flawed and how Arsenale is flipping the script. From nature co-design to AI-driven strain selection, he …

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Techno-economic Modeling and Why it Matters for Invention with Jesse Lou 46:12

3M ago46:12

46:12

In our latest episode of the Climate Biotech Podcast, we explore where science meets business with Jesse Lou, the CEO of Conductor Labs. Jesse shares his unique insights into the indispensable role of Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) in guiding the commercialization of climate technologies. We then explore a particular use case — biomining — with Jay…

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118. Smells Like Biotech Spirit: Bob Weinstein on the Flavors & Fragrances Industry’s Bio-Revolution 59:40

3M ago59:40

59:40

Flavors, fragrances, and the science behind what makes things smell and taste amazing—Karl and Erum explore this world with Bob Weinstein, a legend in the industry who has spent decades at Firmenich, Robertet, and now Bedoukian Research. Bob takes them on a journey from the early days of animal-derived scents (yes, civet was a thing) to the rise of…

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Converting Waste into Wealth with Moji Karimi of Cemvita (from the Grow Everything Biotech Podcast) 1:00:45

3M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

How can biotechnology revolutionize heavy industries and convert carbon waste into a valuable resource? In this special cross-posted episode—from our friends Erum and Karl at the Grow Everything Biotech Podcast and Messaginglab—we feature Moji Karimi, co-founder of Cemvita, a company leading the way in carbon conversion technology. Moji shares Cemv…

1
117. From Lab Coats to CEO Notes: BioLabs' Glennis Mehra on Biotech Business in NYC 56:33

3M ago56:33

56:33

In this episode of Grow Everything, Karl and Erum sit down with Dr. Glennis Mehra, the absolute powerhouse behind BioLabs at NYU Langone, to talk about what it really takes to build a biotech startup in New York City. From how to deal with imposter syndrome to finding funding in a capital-constrained world, Glennis shares hard-earned insights on ho…

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Meet the Founders, Part 2: Homeworld Collective's Executive Director, Daniel Goodwin 42:17

3M ago42:17

42:17

(Recorded July 2024) In this episode, Paul Reginato—co-founder of Homeworld Collective—turns the mic on Dan Goodwin, Homeworld’s co-founder and Executive Director, to explore his journey from near-failures in Boise, Idaho, to becoming a trailblazer in climate biotechnology. Dan reflects on how his formative years at Harvey Mudd College and his time…

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116. Cell Yeah for Space!: Pioneer Labs' Erika DeBenedictis on Engineering Life for Mars 1:00:24

3M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Erum and Karl get into the nitty-gritty of evolution, automation, and space microbes with Erika DeBenedictis—CEO of Pioneer Labs, a computational physicist, molecular biologist, and all-around biotech explorer. They chat about her wild career path from JPL and Sandia National Laboratories to engineering microbes for Mars and running an academic lab…

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Proteins in Organic Solvents: Engineering Enzymes for Sustainable Chemicals Manufacturing with Samuel Thompson 47:49

3M ago47:49

47:49

Join us as we explore the innovative world of protein engineering with Samuel Thompson. Samuel's work focuses on engineering proteins to function in organic solvents, environments that would be hostile to traditional cell-based life. This approach has significant implications for bridging the gap between the enzymes market and the trillion-dollar s…

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115. Gene-ius at Work: George Church on Climate Hacks & CRISPR Stacks – A Homeworld Collective Interview 50:32

3M ago50:32

50:32

In this special Grow Everything episode swap with The Climate Biotech Podcast, Erum and Karl introduce a mind-blowing conversation with the one and only George Church. If you’re into synthetic biology, you already know he’s a legend—co-founding 50+ biotech companies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with DNA. In this episode, George tal…

1
The Biological Key to Atmospheric Methane Removal with Sam Abernethy and Paul Reginato 44:28

3M ago44:28

44:28

Join us as Sam Abernethy, Methane Removal Scientist from Spark Climate Solutions, and Paul Reginato of Homeworld Collective explore why tackling methane could be even more impactful than focusing on carbon dioxide in the near-term. Methane's potent warming potential and short-lived nature make it a high-leverage target for climate mitigation. We de…

1
114. BioMADE in America: Crafting the Future of Biomanufacturing with CEO Doug Friedman 58:18

4M ago58:18

58:18

Doug Friedman joins the podcast to talk about one of the toughest challenges in biotech—how to survive long enough to actually make an impact. As the head of BioMADE, he's on a mission to build a bioindustrial manufacturing ecosystem that doesn’t just rely on wishful thinking and a single grant check. He explains why most biotech startups get only …

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Yeast Feast: Transforming Taste through Protein Design with Anum Glasgow 37:23

4M ago37:23

37:23

How can protein science shape the future of food and climate solutions? Meet Anum Glasgow, a leading researcher at Columbia University, whose journey—rooted in her Pakistani heritage and a childhood of curiosity on the Jersey Shore—led her to the cutting edge of protein engineering. Anum shares how her fascination with protein folding evolved into …

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113. Microbe Mission Possible: Noah Helman Discusses iMicrobes' Quest to Turn Waste into Wealth 54:23

4M ago54:23

54:23

Noah Helman, co-founder of Industrial Microbes, unpacks how his team is giving ethanol a glow-up as a renewable feedstock for creating advanced polymers and sustainable carbon fibers. With a decade of experience in the trenches of biomanufacturing, Noah discusses how they’re engineering microbes to work smarter, not harder, tackling the challenges …

1
Engineering Life's CO2 Engine with Ahmed Badran 41:40

4M ago41:40

41:40

What role does biotechnology play in solving the climate crisis? Join us as we spotlight Ahmed Badran, assistant professor at the Scripps Research Institute and a leader in climate biotech innovation. Ahmed is a recipient of Homeworld Collective's Garden Grants for Protein Engineering. Ahmed shares his journey, from growing up in Egypt in a family …

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112. The Baked-In Future of Science: Nick Edwards on Potato AI’s Quest to Become Your AI Scientist 50:08

4M ago50:08

50:08

Erum and Karl have an incredible chat with Nick Edwards, the innovative mind behind Potato AI. Nick goes into the inspiration behind the platform's unique name, rooted in childhood curiosity and scientific wonder, and shares his journey from neuroscience research to building a groundbreaking tool aimed at accelerating scientific discovery. He expla…

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111. Space Genes and Subway Scenes: Chris Mason on Planning Life’s Next Big Leap 1:01:57

4M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Karl and Erum welcome Dr. Chris Mason. He’s a professor of genomics, physiology, and biophysics, as well as co-founder / COI of BiotiaNYC, Ursa Bio, and Onegevity. Chris will take you on a journey from the mysteries of space genomics to the hidden worlds of Earth's microbiomes. He discusses the intersection of advanced biology and space exploration…

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110. Culture Shock: What's Brewing for the Bioeconomy in 2025 20:37

5M ago20:37

20:37

Karl and Erum give us a peek into their outlook for 2025, discussing biotech trends, the rise of decentralized science, and the convergence of AI with biology. They talk about the thawing of the "biotech winter," the potential risks of a new bird flu pandemic, and exciting innovations in quantum biology and drug discovery. Their conversation also t…

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109. Long Live Vitalia: The City Where Aging Slows and Innovation Accelerates With Niklas Anzinger 59:13

5M ago59:13

59:13

Karl and Erum welcome Niklas Anzinger, the visionary founder of Vitalia, a decentralized city aimed at revolutionizing biotech and longevity. Niklas discusses the need for a more efficient drug development process, proposing a shift toward safety trials and medical reciprocity that could drastically shorten the time it takes to bring life-saving th…

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108. Sequence and Desist: Aclid's Kevin Flyangolts On Safeguarding the Bioeconomy 51:16

5M ago51:16

51:16

Kevin Flyangolts joins Erum and Karl to talk about the evolving landscape of biosecurity. They discuss the rapid advancements in biotechnology, the growing accessibility of synthetic DNA, and the need for robust screening systems to ensure safety in the bioeconomy. Kevin shares knowledge from his software background, explaining how tools like those…

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Democratizing Science with Jas Neal and Elliot Roth 51:21

5M ago51:21

51:21

What if you could break free from traditional educational constraints and ignite your passion for science in a community biolab? Join us as Jas Neal and Elliot Roth share their remarkable journeys that challenge the norms of scientific exploration. Jas takes us from her entrepreneurial roots in Florida to her pioneering efforts in biochemistry, whi…

1
107. Glow Big or Go Home: Andy Bass's Journey with Glowing Oceans 1:00:55

5M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

Andy Bass brings the ocean's glow to your hands, turning natural wonders like bioluminescent plankton into personal and immersive experiences. From creating the Dino Pet to designing ocean-bathing exhibits, Andy shares how biology can light up creativity, spark curiosity, and inspire the next generation of conservationists. It's a conversation abou…

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106. Ferment Your Worldview: Jason Kakoyiannis' Recipe for a Bioeconomy Boom 1:03:43

6M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Karl and Erum are taking us deep into the intersection of biology, industry, and innovation with their guest, Jason Kakoyiannis. Jason is the founder of Bioscentric, advisor at Allonnia, and managing partner of Ferment! From starting his journey in the art world to leading the charge at Ferment, Jason shares how curiosity and the drive to solve com…

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105. Revisiting Animal Microbiome Health with BiomEdit’s Aaron Schacht – Fresh Commentary 1:25:25

6M ago1:25:25

1:25:25

Join Karl and Erum in this special Thanksgiving replay of Aaron Schacht’s episode as they revisit this fascinating conversation. Aaron is the CEO & Board Director of BiomEdit and he has a visionary approach to leveraging microbiome science and synthetic biology to tackle some of the biggest challenges in animal health. Whether it’s creating healthi…

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104. Unseen Worlds: Exploring Environmental Microbiomes and Their Secrets of Human and Climate Impact with Dr. Elizabeth Henaff 1:10:54

6M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Karl and Erum welcome computational biologist and artist Elizabeth Henaff to talk about the invisible yet vital world of microbiomes in urban settings. Elizabeth discusses the fascinating interplay between microbes and city life, explaining how DNA sequencing brings out hidden microbial stories in spaces like subway stations, waterways, and even be…

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103. DNA of Defense: Alexander Titus on How NSCEB is Advancing Biotech for National Security Challenges 59:04

6M ago59:04

59:04

Karl and Erum bring on Dr. Alexander Titus, a commissioner on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, to explore the exciting and challenging intersections of biotechnology and policy. Alexander shares his experiences from his unique journey across academia, government, and industry, diving into the role of biosecurity, the pote…

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How Microscopic Innovations Can Scale Global Solutions with George Church 42:32

6M ago42:32

42:32

On this episode of The Climate Biotech Podcast, we're sitting down with the legendary George Church. A pioneer in genomics and synthetic biology, George is known for his innovative visions for future tech — and for developing the foundational tools to get us there. This conversation spans a gamut of creative ideas including observing planetary meta…

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102. Waste into WOW! Cemvita's Moji Karimi on Turning Carbon Problems into Golden Opportunities 1:12:03

6M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

Karl and Erum sit down with Moji Karimi, co-founder of Cemvita, a company innovating in carbon conversion technology. Moji shares details of Cemvita’s journey from an ambitious vision of industrial biotechnology to solutions that turn carbon emissions into valuable products. Moji talks about the science and impact of reshaping industries like energ…

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101. Biotech's Glow Up: How Estée Lauder is Leveling Up Skincare with Rocky Graziose 1:00:16

7M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Rocky Graziose from The Estée Lauder Companies is here to discuss the innovative intersection of biotechnology and beauty. With a background in plant natural products chemistry, Rocky brings an insider perspective on how Estée Lauder is pushing boundaries in skincare and cosmetics. He talks about the evolution of the beauty industry and how The Est…

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100. The Genspace Genesis: How Bio Design Connects People and the Planet with Dan Grushkin 58:05

7M ago58:05

58:05

In this milestone 100th episode, Karl and Erum look back on collaborations like the biosecurity event with Andrew Hessel and the U.S.-India Next Gen Materials event, while also acknowledging the establishment of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Erum and Karl are also joined by special guest Dan Grushkin to explore the evolving world …

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99. Petri Dish to Podcast: How 100 Episodes Helped Us Grow (and Evolve) 25:54

7M ago25:54

25:54

Erum and Karl reflect on their journey of producing nearly 100 episodes over two years. They discuss the challenges of consistency, the behind-the-scenes work required, and the evolution of their podcast from a simple idea to a platform that amplifies voices in the biotech space. Highlights include their gratitude to guests and collaborators, feedb…

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Meet the founders, Part 1: Homeworld Collective's Founding Scientist, Paul Reginato 43:09

7M ago43:09

43:09

How does a love for life and a deep passion for science fuel groundbreaking climate solutions? Join us as we spotlight Homeworld Founding Scientist Paul Reginato, who launched Homeworld Collective alongside Dan Goodwin to empower the climate biotech community. Paul shares his journey, from starting as an aspiring young artist, to falling in love wi…

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98. Gotta Get Them All: bitBiome's Quest to Decode All Microbes with Yuji Suzuki 1:03:19

7M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Yuji Suzuki shares his journey from economics to leading a biotech company at the forefront of microbial research. He explains how bitBiome is unlocking the potential of trillions of microbes using advanced sequencing technology, and how their work could reshape industries from pharmaceuticals to sustainability. Yuji also dives into the future of b…

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97. Biohacking 101: Hacking Your Way to Superhuman Performance and Living Longer 47:33

8M ago47:33

47:33

Karl and Erum are taking us into the world of biohacking, discussing its various definitions and practices, from simple lifestyle changes to more extreme measures like genetic modification. They dig into the growing movement toward improving health, longevity, and human performance, touching on biohacking pioneers like Brian Johnson. Their conversa…

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96. Brewing Medicines with Synthetic Biology: Antheia's Christina Smolke on Ending Drug Shortages 55:19

8M ago55:19

55:19

Karl and Erum welcome Christina Smolke, CEO of Antheia and Professor at Stanford University, to discuss the rapid changes happening in biotech, particularly focusing on the biohacking community and decentralized science (DCI). Christina is developing revolutionary ways to manufacture critical pharmaceuticals using biotechnology. They explore the in…

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95. Fear, Facts and Frustration: Christina Agapakis on Why Scientists Need to Speak Up 1:11:02

8M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

Christina Agapakis from Ginkgo Bioworks joins the conversation to explore the power of storytelling in science. She goes into the challenges scientists face when communicating their work to the public and the role effective messaging plays in shaping perceptions, especially around complex topics like GMOs and synthetic biology. Christina shares her…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Homeworld Collective Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen