Podcast Summary: The Moth Radio Hour – "Sailing On An Alien Sea"

Release Date: April 3, 2018

Introduction

In this special STEM-themed episode of The Moth Radio Hour, host and producer Jay Allison curates a compelling collection of true stories that delve into the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Titled "Sailing On An Alien Sea," the episode features narratives that not only highlight scientific endeavors but also explore the deeply human experiences behind them. The episode showcases stories from esteemed scientists and innovative thinkers, each bringing a unique perspective to the intricate dance between human emotion and scientific discovery.

1. James McClintock: Navigating the Depths of Antarctic Marine Biology

Timestamp: 02:11 – 11:40

Story Overview

James McClintock, an endowed University Professor of Polar and Marine Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, shares his transformative experiences during his first expedition to Antarctica. As a chemical ecologist, McClintock explored how marine organisms utilize chemistry for survival, defense, and communication within one of Earth's most pristine and challenging environments.

Key Highlights & Notable Quotes

• Facing the Giants: McClintock recounts his initial apprehension about joining renowned Antarctic marine biologists. "I knew that I was among the giants of Antarctic marine biology. At the station, there were people like Paul Dayton…" (02:30)

• Overcoming Fear: Describing his first dive under frigid waters, he expresses the overwhelming beauty that dispelled his claustrophobia. "When I came out under that sea ice, any sense of claustrophobia vanished. I could see 1,000 feet under the water…" (04:15)

• The Shrimp and the Sea Butterfly: McClintock narrates a groundbreaking discovery where a species of shrimp carried sea butterflies for chemical defense. "We had, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of one species of animal abducting another species and carrying it around for its own chemical defense." (07:25)

• Confronting Danger: An encounter with a leopard seal underscores the perils of Antarctic research. "She grinned at us with a mouthful of sharp teeth and yellowish eyes…" (09:10)

• Scientific Validation: Celebrating the acceptance of his Nature-published paper, McClintock reflects on the support from his peers. "A few weeks after getting there, there was a knock on the door of my research lab… they had written congratulatory notes." (10:30)

Insights & Conclusions McClintock's story highlights the intersection of personal courage and scientific curiosity. His discoveries not only advanced the field of chemical ecology but also emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of daunting challenges. His ongoing research underscores Antarctica's role as a critical laboratory for understanding climate change and marine biodiversity.

2. Lona Frank: Understanding Depression Through Genetic Insight

Timestamp: 15:29 – 28:55

Story Overview

Lona Frank, an award-winning journalist with a PhD in neurobiology, delves into her personal battle with depression, shaped by a family history steeped in mental illness. Her narrative explores the evolving understanding of depression from a purely psychological ailment to one with significant biological underpinnings, thanks to advancements in genetic research.

Key Highlights & Notable Quotes

• Early Exposure to Mental Illness: Frank shares her childhood experiences growing up with a mother who was a psychiatric nurse. "Some of my earliest memories are of being together with hardcore mental patients…" (16:00)

• Personal Tragedies: Narrating her family's struggles with depression and suicide, she conveys the pervasive impact of mental health issues. "My mother's grandfather had in fact, shot himself over severe depression…" (20:45)

• Genetic Testing and Despair: Frank describes her experience with consumer genomics testing and the initial disheartening results. "She [the psychologist] says, I've just never seen that in a woman before…" (23:10)

• Reframing Depression: Through research, she learns to view depression as a function of brain chemistry rather than a character flaw. "Knowing that there is this much biology to the bad moods and the depression in itself creates a sort of distance." (26:30)

• Empowerment Through Knowledge: Frank emphasizes the power of understanding one’s biology to manage and mitigate depressive episodes. "This is the best non-chemical antidepressant I've tried. It is a very handy way of steering clear of the worst psychological potholes in everyday life." (28:00)

Insights & Conclusions Frank's journey underscores the transformative potential of genetic research in mental health. By viewing depression through a biological lens, she not only redefines her relationship with the illness but also offers a hopeful perspective for others grappling with similar struggles. Her story advocates for a nuanced understanding of mental health, blending scientific insight with personal resilience.

3. Daya Lakshmi Narayanan: Bridging Generational Gaps in Education and Technology

Timestamp: 30:12 – 36:51

Story Overview

Daya Lakshmi Narayanan, a former MIT student and current host of a Mall Story Slam in San Francisco, humorously narrates her experience assisting her mother in overcoming educational barriers. Her story highlights the challenges of adult education, the complexities of intergenerational communication, and the humorous pitfalls of teaching math.

Key Highlights & Notable Quotes

• Academic Struggles: Daya recounts the moment her mother, facing unemployment and health insurance loss, decides to return to school. "She wants to study computer science… she’s failed math in high school and never took it in college." (31:45)

• Teaching Challenges: The comedic yet poignant attempts to teach her mother basic math principles lead to cultural and linguistic misunderstandings. "I tried in Tamil… adeda e po so na y ponjo tamer solisone. It doesn't mean anything, but I was like, 'Yes, I did do that.'" (34:20)

• Emotional Dynamics: Daya explores the emotional turmoil of feeling inadequate when her mother struggles with the basics. "When your mom says something like that to you, you feel like an asshole." (35:00)

• Persistence Pays Off: Despite the setbacks, Daya’s perseverance helps her mother pass the math exam and pursue a career in software engineering. "She took that test, she passed. She got into grad school, and now she's a software engineer." (36:00)

• Humorous Wrap-Up: Daya concludes with a lighthearted mathematical joke, blending her academic background with familial ties. "How old is my mom now? However old she says she is, because there are some solutions that don't have to be rational." (36:40)

Insights & Conclusions Narayanan’s story is a testament to the enduring bonds between parent and child, especially when navigating the challenging terrain of education and career transitions. Her experience sheds light on the broader issues of adult education accessibility and the importance of patience and humor in overcoming obstacles.

4. Ellen Stofan: Charting the Unknowns of Titan and Beyond

Timestamp: 38:14 – 50:57

Story Overview

Dr. Ellen Stofan, former Chief Scientist of NASA and a renowned planetary geologist, shares her lifelong fascination with space exploration. Her narrative weaves personal anecdotes with professional milestones, culminating in her ambitious proposal to send a boat to Saturn’s moon, Titan.

Key Highlights & Notable Quotes

• Childhood Inspirations: Stofan reflects on her first rocket launch experience and its impact on her career path. "I went to my first rocket launch. My father actually is a rocket scientist and he worked for NASA… the rocket exploded in this amazing explosion." (38:30)

• Academic Pursuits: Motivated by early experiences, she pursued geology and planetary science, blending her love for Earth's history with extraterrestrial exploration. "I became a planetary geologist. I study volcanoes across the solar system…" (40:15)

• Cassini Mission to Titan: Stofan details her involvement in the Cassini mission, particularly the discovery of liquid methane and ethane lakes on Titan. "Those lakes are not filled with water. They're filled with liquid methane and ethane, basically gasoline." (45:00)

• Proposing the Titan Boat: Driven by her passion, she spearheaded a proposal for a floating probe to study Titan’s seas, emphasizing the project's scientific significance and romantic allure. "Designing a boat to sail on an alien sea… 'We were the first to ever burst into that silent sea.'" (48:20)

• Facing Rejection and Moving Forward: Despite the initial setback in the proposal competition, Stofan remains optimistic, drawing parallels between her failed mission and NASA's broader goals. "Sometimes we fail, but when we fail, we learn, we try again, and we never stop exploring." (50:10)

• Vision for the Future: As Chief Scientist, Stofan expresses her hopes for human missions to Mars and the continuous quest for knowledge beyond Earth. "I hope I'll see the first humans arrive at Mars in the early 2000-30s…" (50:50)

Insights & Conclusions Stofan’s journey epitomizes the relentless pursuit of exploration and discovery. Her work on Titan not only expands our understanding of extraterrestrial environments but also inspires future generations to dream beyond the known. Her resilience in the face of professional challenges underscores the intrinsic link between passion and scientific advancement.

Conclusion

"Sailing On An Alien Sea" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with scientific exploration, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who push the boundaries of human knowledge. Through stories of courage, resilience, and humor, the episode illuminates the profound connections between human experiences and the relentless quest to understand the world and beyond. The Moth Radio Hour delivers not just tales of scientific triumphs but also celebrates the human spirit that drives these remarkable journeys.

Notable Credits

• Producer: Jay Allison
• Director: Meg Bowles
• Production Support: Timothy Lou Lee, Anna Martin
• Special Thanks: World Science Festival organizers, including Tracy Day, Brian Greene, and Kate Roth
• Music: The Drift, Ludovico Einaudi, Duke Levine, Bill Frizzell

For more stories and information on The Moth Radio Hour, visit themoth.org.