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Scientista

The Scientista Podcast spotlights women (and allies!) reshaping business, politics, and culture.

Hosted by behavioral scientist Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and former Assistant Secretary of State Monica Medina, this show brings you candid conversations with changemakers and thought leaders from around the world.

Subscribe for behind-the-scenes stories of how some of today’s most inspiring leaders have faced challenges, made tough calls, and turned vision into real-world impact.

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English

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October 2 · 46 min
What Are We Willing to Sacrifice? Aimée Christensen on Data Centers, Water, and the American West
Idaho has sun, wind, geothermal heat, and wide open land. It also has a shrinking aquifer and data center developers who want its power and water. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Monica sits down with Aimée Christensen, founder of the Sun Valley Forum, to talk about the trade-offs that come with that boom. Aimée argues that communities deserve clear information and a real say before projects break ground. She also wants Idaho's water laws to reflect what each use of water is actually worth to the state. Her career started in the Clinton White House and the Department of Energy. As a Stanford law student, she wrote the first university endowment climate investment policy. At Google, she helped shape the company's early climate strategy and its 2007 commitment to carbon neutrality. Then a Christmas Eve blackout in Sun Valley pushed her to start building resilience close to home. She closes with advice for anyone who feels alone in the room: trust your gut, ask the question, and the people working on the same problem will find you. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
September 11 · 29 min
From Prime Video to Net Zero: Sally Fouts on Leading Amazon's Climate Pledge
In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Sweta and Monica sit down with Sally Fouts, who leads The Climate Pledge at Amazon. Sally started out as a journalism major, worked on the Prime Video and Amazon Studios launches, and moved over to the Pledge three days before the world shut down in March 2020. She thought she had ruined her career. Instead, she helped grow the Pledge into a coalition of more than 700 companies committed to 2040. We talk about what actually changes inside a company once it signs, why Christiana Figueres agreed that 2050 was too slow, and how Amazon put 50,000 electric vans on the road while its data center buildout pushed emissions higher. Sally also makes a pointed argument about criticism: a company doing thirty percent beats a company doing nothing, and hammering the ones who try makes them go quiet. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
August 12 · 17 min
Earth Supremacist: Kate Marvel on Feelings, Physics, and the Only Good Planet
Kate Marvel spent years studying the entire universe. Her conclusion: most of it is garbage, and Earth is the only good planet. So the astrophysicist became a climate scientist, and in this live conversation from Aspen Ideas Climate in Chicago, she explains why she makes no apologies for being an Earth supremacist. Sweta and Monica talk with Kate about her new book, Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet, named a best book of the year by Scientific American. Kate makes the case that scientists who claim to have no feelings about a warming world aren't more credible, they're lying. She walks through what her climate models actually project, why the word is projection rather than prediction, and the finding that surprises nearly everyone: if we stopped emitting carbon dioxide tomorrow, our best estimate of the additional warming already locked in is zero. Also covered: why Mars is unbearably boring, what Cassandra got right, and why the problems are getting worse while the solutions keep getting better. Learn more at scientista.world. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
July 29 · 38 min
Dr. Amita Gupta on Science Diplomacy, Setbacks, and the Long Haul
Forty-three percent. That's how much research funding Johns Hopkins has lost in the past year, and Dr. Amita Gupta can tell you exactly what disappears with it: HIV treatment programs, clinical trials mid-stream, 600 jobs, and decades of trust built between nations. Gupta is the Florence Sabin Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and founder of the Gupta Klinski India Institute. She joins Sweta and Monica to explain why infectious diseases know no borders, why walking away from global health puts Americans at risk, and what it actually takes to rebuild after funding vanishes overnight. But this is also a conversation about what comes next. Gupta shares how she's training the next generation through the Women's RISE fellowship, which supports 41 young Indian women scientists across STEM fields, and why she believes the diaspora holds untapped power to fill the gaps. Her advice for young scientists is simple: find your champions, ask boldly, and don't be shy. Visit scientista.world for more stories, updates, and ways to get involved. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
July 9 · 35 min
Not a Belief System: Maxine Dexter on Defending Science in Congress
What happens when a lung and critical care physician trades the exam room for the House floor? For Congresswoman Maxine Dexter of Oregon, the answer is a kind of governing most politicians never learn to do: form a hypothesis, act on the evidence, then go back and check whether it actually worked. In this episode, hosts Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina talk with Dexter about the throughline connecting her most urgent fights — and why she believes science is "a universal equalizer," not a belief system to be argued with. Dexter traces her path from an economically disadvantaged childhood to Congress, then makes the case that a healthy environment and a strong economy are not opposing choices. She sounds the alarm on a 75% cut to the Forest Service and the wildfire seasons it leaves us unprepared for, the assault on vaccines and reproductive care under RFK Jr., and the children she witnessed held in immigration detention. Her prescription for a party in crisis: say what you'll do, do it, and prove it. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
June 17 · 17 min
Scientista Currents: Debunking the Ebola Myths — Inside the Congo's Most Dangerous Outbreak
A deadly Ebola outbreak is tearing through the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo — and alongside the virus, something almost as dangerous is spreading: disinformation. False claims that the outbreak was engineered by NGOs chasing funding, that Ebola is a hoax, that doctors are the ones doing harm. In this Scientista Currents episode, Monica Medina sits down with infectious disease expert Dr. Nikki Romanik to separate fact from fiction, and to explain why the rumors aren't just noise — they're a matter of life and death. Nikki breaks down why this strain is different, why there's no proven vaccine, and why the most dangerous moment in Ebola transmission is an act of love: burying someone you've lost. Monica, who has worked on the ground in this region, reflects on what America's retreat from global health leadership is costing — in lives, in trust, and in the kind of country we choose to be. A sobering, clarifying conversation about science, compassion, and the stakes of looking away. Listen and learn more at scientista.world. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
June 8 · 45 min
It's Not About the Fish, It's About the People — Inside WWF's Ocean Work
Most people think saving the ocean is about counting fish. Sarah Glaser and Gabby Ahmadia spent years learning it's about something harder: people. On World Ocean Day, the two WWF vice presidents join Sweta and Monica to unpack what's really threatening the ocean — industrial fishing, marine heat waves, and a warming climate that's pushing fish toward the poles and conflict in their wake. Sarah, who runs WWF's blue foods and Ocean Futures work, explains why fisheries are now a question of peace and security, and how the same fish that spark disputes off Somalia and in the South China Sea can also bring rival communities to the table. Gabby, who oversees ocean conservation across the Arctic, the Pacific, and the Western Indian Ocean, makes the case against "parachute science" and for putting local experts — especially women — at the center of every solution. They also get candid about academia's power dynamics, the careers that nearly didn't happen, and why hope is a strategy. A conversation about what the ocean gives us, and what it asks in return. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
May 20 · 31 min
We Had a Plan for Viruses Like This. Then We Dismantled It. Dr. Nikki Romanik on Hantavirus
Nikki Romanik helped build America's pandemic preparedness infrastructure from inside the White House. She's watching it come apart from the outside. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Sweta and Monica sit down with Dr. Nikki Romanik, Former White House Pandemic Preparedness Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, as hantavirus makes global headlines and the systems designed to respond to exactly this kind of outbreak are operating at a fraction of their capacity. Nikki explains what hantavirus is, what the Andes strain means for transmission, and what the public actually needs to know—versus what's driving fear. Then the harder conversation: 20,000 HHS employees gone, 3,000 CDC staff departed, laboratory testing paused for thirty infectious diseases. Nikki names what's been lost, who is stepping in, and what it would take to stabilize what remains. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
May 15 · 54 min
Science Communication in a Polarized World (Recorded at EarthX 2026)
Trust in institutions is eroding. Climate action is more polarized than ever. And somewhere along the way, the environmental movement may have lost the plot on how to tell its own story. In this special live recording of the Scientista Podcast from EarthX 2026, host and behavioral scientist Dr. Sweta Chakraborty is joined by Whitney Strauss, Executive Director of the AdvoCare Foundation, and Dr. Elizabeth Gray, CEO of the National Audubon Society, for a candid conversation about what's broken in science communication — and what's worth rebuilding. Together, they dig into how polarization is reshaping public understanding of climate and environmental issues, and why the path forward isn't more data — it's better connection. That means meeting people where they actually live: in their children's health, in their local green spaces, in hobbies like birdwatching that quietly build a relationship with the natural world. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
May 3 · 59 min
ABC News Chief Meteorologist on Why Forecasting Is Harder Than Ever
Weather forecasting is more accurate than ever—and at the same time, getting harder. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist at ABC News, to go inside how forecasting actually works—and why it’s becoming more complex. From storm chasing to live national broadcasts, Ginger explains how meteorologists translate raw data into decisions people rely on every day. We talk about what extreme weather is—and isn’t—telling us, why trust in science has become so complicated, and how gaps in data can quietly undermine even the best forecasts. The conversation also explores the role of communication—what scientists get right, what they get wrong, and why clarity matters more than ever. Along the way, Ginger shares how she navigates public scrutiny, breaks down misinformation, and approaches one of the most visible roles in science. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
April 20 · 1 hr 5 min
What Science Diplomacy Looks Like in Practice (recorded at the Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Summit)
Karen Pierce, former UK Ambassador to the United States, and Juliet Gerrard, former Chief Science Advisor to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, joins the Scientista Podcast for a live recording from the Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Summit. From COVID and AI to trust, leadership, and women leading with science, this episode explores how evidence becomes action on the global stage. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
March 23 · 34 min
When Old Songs Start to Sound Like Breaking News
What happens when a song written decades ago suddenly feels like it was written for today? In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Monica Medina and Sweta Chakraborty sit down with singer and interpretive artist Maxine Linehan to talk about music, meaning, and timing. The conversation centers on her stripped-down reinterpretation of Sunday Bloody Sunday—and why its lyrics are resonating in a new way right now. They explore how songs evolve across time, the role artists play in shaping how we process current events, and how Maxine builds performances that combine music, storytelling, and lived experience. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
March 16 · 39 min
Isabel Klee on Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About
This week on the Scientista Podcast, Monica and Sweta speak with Isabel Klee, author of Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About and the storyteller behind @simonsits. They talk about foster dogs, rescue storytelling, her unexpected partnership with Oscar de la Renta, and why fostering can change lives, both canine and human. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
March 6 · 32 min
The CEO of the Union of Concerned Scientists on Fighting for Science in Washington
What does it mean to defend science in Washington? On this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Monica Medina and Dr. Sweta Chakraborty sit down with Gretchen Goldman, President and CEO of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Goldman has spent her career working at the intersection of science, policy, and public accountability—ensuring that evidence informs the decisions that shape people’s lives. In this conversation, they discuss the role scientists play in protecting democracy, the pressures federal scientists can face when their research intersects with politics, and why scientific integrity matters for everything from public health to climate policy. Goldman also reflects on the mission of the Union of Concerned Scientists, an organization founded more than 50 years ago to ensure science serves the public good. At a moment when evidence is often contested in public debates, Goldman explains why defending science is not just about protecting researchers—it’s about protecting the systems that allow societies to make informed decisions. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
February 23 · 39 min
How Artists Are Making Touring More Sustainable with REVERB
On this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Monica Medina sits down with Lauren Sullivan, co-founder of REVERB, to explore how climate change is already reshaping the live music industry. From extreme weather canceling tour dates to the growing footprint of fan travel, the conversation unpacks what happens when global climate risk meets life on the road. Lauren shares how REVERB works with artists, venues, and festivals to reduce environmental impact through initiatives like the REVERB EcoVillage and the Music Decarbonization Project—including powering stages with solar-powered hybrid battery systems. Drawing on insights from a concert travel study with roughly 35,000 data points, Lauren explains why fan transportation can account for a footprint many times larger than artist and crew travel—and what that means for the future of sustainable touring. As climate-related disruptions become more frequent, this episode looks at how data, music, and community can come together to support real-world action at scale. Fans can also get involved directly by volunteering with REVERB at shows across the country. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
February 13 · 22 min
New York Is More Than a Concrete Jungle
In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina speak with ecologist Marielle Anzelone and urban forester Georgia Silvera Seamans about the overlooked biodiversity of New York City. As leaders of the New York City Biodiversity Task Force and co-authors of Oaks, Our City and Us, they discuss how native plants, wildlife, and neighborhood green spaces support both urban ecosystems and mental health. From monarch butterflies to piping plovers, this conversation reframes New York as more than a concrete jungle — highlighting the essential role of local nature in everyday city life. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
February 5 · 41 min
Thinking Like a Climate Scientist in a Risky World — with Sarah Kapnick
Sarah Kapnick is the Head of Global Climate Advisory at J.P. Morgan—and before that, she spent more than a decade as a climate scientist in government, including serving as Chief Scientist at NOAA. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina talk with Sarah about what it means to translate climate science into real-world decision-making. Drawing on her experience across government and the private sector, Sarah explains how institutions think about climate risk, why uncertainty doesn’t stop action in financial markets, and how signals like insurance costs, infrastructure stress, and food systems are already reflecting climate impacts. The conversation spans climate risk in everyday life, housing and insurance, agriculture and soil health, extreme weather, and how long-term risks begin to shape near-term choices. It’s a grounded look at how climate knowledge moves—or fails to move—into systems that shape our future. A practical, clear-eyed discussion about risk, uncertainty, and why paying attention now matters. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
January 27 · 43 min
1.6 Million Moms vs. Pollution
What happens when 1.6 million moms decide clean air is non-negotiable? In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we speak with Dominique Browning, founder of Moms Clean Air Force, about building one of the most powerful parent-led environmental movements in the country. From fighting methane pollution and plastic burning to defending the Clean Air Act, Dominique explains why protecting children’s health should be Mompartisan — beyond politics. We talk about how moms have become some of the most effective climate and public health advocates, why local action matters, what recent wins in states like New Mexico reveal about what’s possible, and how parents can get involved right now. This conversation is about clean air, kids’ health, and the growing power of parents who refuse to stay silent. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
January 21 · 45 min
A Greenland Law Few Are Talking About — with Jennifer Granholm & Karen Skelton
In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we’re joined by former Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and her senior advisor Karen Skelton for a wide-ranging conversation on energy, national security, and how policy actually gets made. We spend time on a lesser-known detail shaping the Greenland conversation: a 2021 law that restricts mining of ore linked to uranium, effectively limiting access to many critical minerals. Granholm shares insight into how this legal context may help explain recent political interest in Greenland—an angle largely missing from mainstream coverage. The conversation also explores clean energy affordability, utility regulation, global supply chains, and the importance of strong teams behind major policy decisions. Granholm and Skelton offer a candid look at what’s lost when complex energy and security debates get reduced to headlines—and why paying attention to the details matters. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world
January 14 · 34 min
Why Fear Doesn’t Move People on Climate
Fear has dominated the way we talk about climate change for decades. But fear doesn’t motivate most people to act—it overwhelms them. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina are joined by Anne-Therese Gennari, known as the Climate Optimist, for a conversation about why fear-based climate messaging fails—and what works instead. Drawing on behavioral science and lived experience, we talk about how motherhood reshapes the way people think about risk, responsibility, and the future, and why mothers can be powerful drivers of climate action in their own communities. The episode explores climate communication through a human lens: how people make decisions under uncertainty, why proximity matters more than abstraction, and what changes when climate action starts close to home. This conversation is about communicating climate in ways that reflect how people actually think—and act. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

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