Site • RSS • Apple PodcastsDescription (podcaster-provided):
Initial conditions provide the context in which physics happens. Likewise, in Initial Conditions: a Physics History Podcast, we provide the context in which physical discoveries happened. We dive into the collections of the Niels Bohr Library & Archives at the American Institute of Physics to uncover the unexpected stories behind the physics we know. Through these stories, we hope to challenge the conventional history of what it means to be a physicist.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Physics history • Science discoveries • Interviews and discussions • Archival stories • African American physicists • Climate science • Astronomy • Pseudoscience exploration • Scientific challenges and controversiesThis podcast, "Initial Conditions: A Physics History Podcast," delves deeply into the historical context of various significant developments in the field of physics. Through its episodes, the podcast offers listeners unique insights into the stories behind scientific discoveries, often challenging conventional narratives of what it means to be a physicist. Themes of collaboration, context, and the human stories behind scientific advancement frequently surface.
A wide array of topics is covered, drawing from the collections of the Niels Bohr Library & Archives and the Center for History of Physics. The podcast explores diverse subjects, from the early work of prominent physicists and historical scientific figures, such as Newton and Ptolemy, to the contributions of lesser-known but pivotal individuals like John Brashear and Eunice Foote. It addresses both historical and contemporary issues within the physics community, including the experiences and contributions of African American physicists and the ongoing dialogue about scientific inclusivity and representation.
The podcast also tackles the complex interplay between scientific theories and broader cultural movements. It examines how unconventional approaches have sometimes led to breakthroughs in understanding, as seen in episodes discussing the impact of countercultural movements on quantum physics. Additionally, listeners will hear discussions on how early environmental science intersected with policymaking during energy crises in the 20th century.
In summary, this podcast offers an engaging exploration of the intersection between scientific ideas and the historical, cultural, and social forces shaping them. By spotlighting both celebrated and overlooked figures and events in physics, it fosters an appreciation for the rich, multifaceted history of the field.
| Episodes: |
|
Bonus: Initial Conditions Off Mic 2022-Dec-29 77 minutes |
|
Bonus: Live from PhysCon! 2022-Dec-22 65 minutes |
|
Hawai'i and the Thirty Meter Telescope 2022-Oct-06 70 minutes |
|
The Legacy of Ptolemy’s Almagest 2022-Sep-29 49 minutes |
|
The Newton You Didn't Know 2022-Sep-22 40 minutes |
|
The Unexpected Hero of Light 2022-Sep-15 45 minutes |
|
An Interview with Dr. Ronald Mickens 2022-Sep-08 36 minutes |
|
The African American Presence in Physics 2022-Sep-01 29 minutes |
|
Historical Romance and LGBTQ+ Representation 2022-Aug-25 48 minutes |
|
Was Einstein Wrong?? 2022-Aug-18 49 minutes |
|
Quantum Counterculture 2022-Aug-11 49 minutes |
|
Energy Crises and Climate Change in the 1970s 2022-Aug-04 45 minutes |
|
Enter the Anthropocene: Climate Science in the Early 20th Century 2022-Jul-28 40 minutes |
|
Eunice Foote: A Once Forgotten Climate Science Pioneer 2022-Jul-21 49 minutes |
|
Trailer 2022-Jun-15 2 minutes |