Description (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):
➤ History of physics • Personal stories of physicists • Scientific discoveries and controversies • Underrepresented groups in physics • Climate science history • Intersection of science and culture"Initial Conditions: A Physics History Podcast" explores the rich background and unexpected stories behind significant physical discoveries, drawing from the extensive collections of the Niels Bohr Library & Archives at the American Institute of Physics. This podcast aims to challenge conventional perceptions of what it means to be a physicist by providing historical context and unveiling lesser-known facets of both prominent and obscure figures in the world of physics.
The content spans a diverse range of topics within the history of physics. It delves into pivotal moments and controversies, such as the history of Hawai’i and the Thirty Meter Telescope, and reflects on the development and implications of key physical theories. The podcast also highlights the contributions and challenges faced by marginalized groups in physics, including episodes dedicated to the history and presence of African American physicists and the contributions of women in the field.
Listeners can expect to hear discussions on scientific counterculture, illustrating the unconventional methods that have sometimes driven scientific progress. The podcast also provides detailed examinations of historical texts and discoveries, such as Ptolemy’s "Almagest" and the studies on climate science initiated as early as the 19th century. It presents personal narratives and interviews with contemporary scientists and historians, providing varied perspectives on the evolution of scientific knowledge.
By focusing on the personal stories and collaborative efforts within the scientific community, the podcast emphasizes not just the scientific achievements but also the human element behind these discoveries. From the early study of climate change to the intricacies of pseudoscience, "Initial Conditions: A Physics History Podcast" offers a comprehensive look at the multifaceted journey through the history of physics.
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 |