Winner of the 2026 Science Podcast of the Year (American Writing Awards), Whimsical Wavelengths is a science podcast hosted by volcanologist Dr. Jeffrey Zurek dedicated to the "how" and "why" of discovery. > Eschewing the trend of bite-sized science, the show offers a deep, honest look at how science actually works—messy data, imperfect models, and the human personalities behind the research. From geophysics and planetary discovery to the history of scientific paradoxes, the focus is always on the process: how evidence is gathered, how ideas evolve over centuries, and why uncertainty is a fundamental feature of science rather than a flaw.
Because science is conducted by people, Whimsical Wavelengths doesn't ignore the human element. We weave together mathematical rigor and historical context with reflections on the realities of building a scientific career and what it truly means to belong in STEM. Whether it's a solo narrative exploration or a conversation with a working researcher, the goal is clarity without oversimplification.
The tone is thoughtful and curious, anchored by real-world field experience and the occasional groan-worthy dad joke—because while the science is serious, the pursuit of it is a human adventure. This is for listeners who want to understand the machinery of the natural world and the people who spend their lives trying to take it apart.
New episodes are released every two weeks.
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