Not Marc or Darren.
Join Darren Osborne and Marc West for a quiet beer and a chat about the science around us.
In each episode, the lads express their opinions on the scientific topic of the day, and then chat to the locals to see what they think. Both Marc and Darren spent far too long at university studying science and science communication, and now work in scientific fields.
Contact us at beerdrinkingscientists@gmail.com.
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Jun 13, 2010 at 3:31 am
The girl, the beer, and me in the I.S.S. - in that little domed area they just installed with all the windows. After that experience is over, you might as well kill me. My life’s peak will have already been reached. Yeah, I know, the beer will have to be in a bag. But I won’t complain.
Just found your podcast. Good work. Now I’ve heard them all and wondering when there’ll be more.
At first, I thought it was just a gimmick - mention “beer” in a podcast and stand back. But you guys actually have one of the best science podcasts out there - I’ve got about 30 sites in my ITunes - mostly astronomy. And I keep searching for more to try out (searching for more like yours). Most are extremely informative and some are just people enjoying the sound of their own brilliance. Hey, I already know they are more brilliant than me, that’s why I listen. But almost all are pushing one particular viewpoint, and usually very political. And, strange for scientists, get somewhat testy when another view is expressed. I already do politics pods and don’t need a sometimes not-so-well-meaning scientist pushing opinions on me when I’m only interested in the science. Do science or do political science - not both at once. Similar to teaching the Pig to Sing; it annoys the listener and wastes the podcast.
But you guys have really got something fresh here. And the irony is that you deliver science in the most ’sober’ way. Sure, everyone has an opinion, and philosophy (personal, political, scientific and sometimes spiritual) is entwined in everything we talk about. We can’t avoid that; but that’s just what makes your show shine.
You go into what is perhaps the best environment possible for conducive conversation, and add nature’s best truth serum and de-inhibitor to deliver a program that has a wide spread of viewpoints. You both fully express your thoughts on a topic - which many times aren’t matching - without screeching or beating each other over the head. You get people, similar to those of us amateurs listening out here, to put their own two cents in. All unrehearsed and spontaneous. And all the while you instruct and inform in a pleasantly discernible and digestible way. Always talking level - not down.
It’s almost the most fun I can have for free.
And I want more episodes. I’m sure I’m not the only one. Hope there will be in the near future.
Cheers.
Curt
