Large groups of related organisms occasionally behave in ways similar to single multicellular organisms. This phenomenon is especially prevalent in insects, especially in the order Hymenoptera. If this order is ever split it will be unable to wear white at its wedding. The fearsome threesome of Michael, Marschal and Jon tackle this phenomenon as well as some current science news. Link to video podcast: https://youtu.be/V2WzbwvpRDY

Large groups of related organisms occasionally behave in ways similar to single multicellular organisms. This phenomenon is especially prevalent in insects, especially in the order Hymenoptera. If this order is ever split it will be unable to wear white at its wedding. The fearsome threesome of Michael, Marschal and Jon tackle this phenomenon as well as some current science news. Link to video podcast: <a href="https://youtu.be/V2WzbwvpRDY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/V2WzbwvpRDY</a>

Episode 68: Superorganisms

Nothing tastes as good as being fit feels, except for candy, ice cream, butter, steak, onion rings, french fries, beer, bacon, pie, cake, bagels with cream cheese, empanadas, tortas, grilled cheese sandwiches, french toast, pancakes, marmalade, chili, cheesecake, lard, milk, etc.  The Nature Boy crew tackles some popular methods for dropping that quarantine weight and generally has a lovely time together in this thrilling episode! Video podcast can be found here: https://youtu.be/N1UDmKvoX90

Nothing tastes as good as being fit feels, except for candy, ice cream, butter, steak, onion rings, french fries, beer, bacon, pie, cake, bagels with cream cheese, empanadas, tortas, grilled cheese sandwiches, french toast, pancakes, marmalade, chili, cheesecake, lard, milk, etc.  The Nature Boy crew tackles some popular methods for dropping that quarantine weight and generally has a lovely time together in this thrilling episode! Video podcast can be found here: <a href="https://youtu.be/N1UDmKvoX90" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/N1UDmKvoX90</a>

Episode 67: Fad Diets

The Nature Boy crew assembles sans-Marschal for a discussion of genomics. Not to be confused with gnomics, or the study of gnomes. Link to video version of podcast: https://youtu.be/Uc_ywmn40O4

The Nature Boy crew assembles sans-Marschal for a discussion of genomics. Not to be confused with gnomics, or the study of gnomes. Link to video version of podcast: <a href="https://youtu.be/Uc_ywmn40O4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Uc_ywmn40O4</a>

Episode 66: Genomics

Jess misses this one as she completes her PhD program and officially becomes Dr. Toth! Please send all gifts to Jonathan Montgomery, cash is preferred. Michael, Marschal and Jon lead you through a discussion of the phylum Arthropoda in general with a focus on the class Insecta, specifically focusing on the role they play in pollination. Fun is had, things are learned, and haters are consistently dabbed on. Video podcast can be found here: https://youtu.be/fsrUjQwyJoA

Jess misses this one as she completes her PhD program and officially becomes Dr. Toth! Please send all gifts to Jonathan Montgomery, cash is preferred. Michael, Marschal and Jon lead you through a discussion of the phylum Arthropoda in general with a focus on the class Insecta, specifically focusing on the role they play in pollination. Fun is had, things are learned, and haters are consistently dabbed on. Video podcast can be found here: <a href="https://youtu.be/fsrUjQwyJoA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/fsrUjQwyJoA</a>

Episode 65: Insects (Pollinators)

Following a string of episodes relating to current events, the Nature Boy crew snatches at the low-hanging fruit that is 'vaccines' for this episode's topic. In their longest episode to date the dream team diverts down various tangential paths, but as a great poet once said, "What's wrong with taking the back streets?". You never know if you don't go, so go ahead and listen in! Link to video: https://youtu.be/XY2Xve-wDp4

Following a string of episodes relating to current events, the Nature Boy crew snatches at the low-hanging fruit that is 'vaccines' for this episode's topic. In their longest episode to date the dream team diverts down various tangential paths, but as a great poet once said, "What's wrong with taking the back streets?". You never know if you don't go, so go ahead and listen in! Link to video: <a href="https://youtu.be/XY2Xve-wDp4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/XY2Xve-wDp4</a>

Episode 64: Vaccines

The Nature Boy crew keeps it light with a discussion of death. Everyone does it, but what makes it so popular? Tune in and find out! Link to video: https://youtu.be/E14_F82Xz6Y

The Nature Boy crew keeps it light with a discussion of death. Everyone does it, but what makes it so popular? Tune in and find out! Link to video: <a href="https://youtu.be/E14_F82Xz6Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/E14_F82Xz6Y</a>

Episode 63: Death

The Nature Boy crew assembles once again to discuss a real bummer of a year. Science news is reviewed, hearts are broken, and as always, hair and teeth look flawless. Sit back with your old chums and enjoy the review of the latest year of Nature Boy's podcast dominance! Link to YouTube video of episode: https://youtu.be/72yqBmxxFe4

The Nature Boy crew assembles once again to discuss a real bummer of a year. Science news is reviewed, hearts are broken, and as always, hair and teeth look flawless. Sit back with your old chums and enjoy the review of the latest year of Nature Boy's podcast dominance! Link to YouTube video of episode: <a href="https://youtu.be/72yqBmxxFe4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/72yqBmxxFe4</a>

Episode 62: 2020 Wrap-up

The Nature Boy crew goes head to head to head in this one! Who will win the ultimate showdown of current science news and peer-reviewed articles? Whoever wins, so do you as a listener! Link to video: https://youtu.be/PugFldzRO1c

The Nature Boy crew goes head to head to head in this one! Who will win the ultimate showdown of current science news and peer-reviewed articles? Whoever wins, so do you as a listener! Link to video: <a href="https://youtu.be/PugFldzRO1c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/PugFldzRO1c</a>

Episode 61: Competition

What's up you epic gamers out there! This week the Nature Boy crew discusses video games, their impact on cognition, and has a wonderful time in general! That along with a roundup of science news makes this an episode you don't want to miss. So snag a mushroom, stomp a goomba and join us! A video recording of this episode is available here: https://youtu.be/VlCPc3sKhI8

What's up you epic gamers out there! This week the Nature Boy crew discusses video games, their impact on cognition, and has a wonderful time in general! That along with a roundup of science news makes this an episode you don't want to miss. So snag a mushroom, stomp a goomba and join us! A video recording of this episode is available here: <a href="https://youtu.be/VlCPc3sKhI8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/VlCPc3sKhI8</a>

Episode 60: Video Games

Three plant biologists finally speak about plant biology! Video of this podcast can be found at this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/D5e5yujYp_I

Three plant biologists finally speak about plant biology! Video of this podcast can be found at this YouTube link: <a href="https://youtu.be/D5e5yujYp_I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/D5e5yujYp_I</a>

Episode 59: New Plant Science

Nature Boy is a general science show hosted by four PhD graduate students studying plant biology at UC Riverside. Join Michael, Marschal, Jon, and Jess the first Sunday of each month as research from varied fields is discussed, made digestible, and often criticized. An irreverent look at the often over revered field of scientific research.

Quality sound recording and editing would be a good first step.

Much room to improve

This podcast is hosted by 3 PhD students from UC Riverside, but does not have the condescending tone of most scientist-hosted podcasts. I love science podcasts, but those which are too dry, under-researched, or trying too hard to be funny bore me. The hosts&#39; chemistry is very obvious, and the result is a podcast which is informative, supported by high quality research, and above all entertaining.

Digestible science from informed people!

Nature Boy: The Podcast

Hey all! Jon here, your occasional co-host and creator of podcast descriptions, to let you know that I was not present for this week's episode. From what I understand, the mighty 3 discussed bioremediation. The resilience of natural systems to disruption by human action is well established, but what do we do when the system is pushed too far and becomes disrupted? Often the same mechanisms by which the natural state is maintained can be exploited to address environmental concerns. What do these efforts look like in the real world? Are they a viable solution to pollution? Or does bioremediation sound to go to be true because it is? Personally, I haven't listened to the episode, so your guess is as good as mine!

Hey all! Jon here, your occasional co-host and creator of podcast descriptions, to let you know that I was not present for this week's episode. From what I understand, the mighty 3 discussed bioremediation. The resilience of natural systems to disruption by human action is well established, but what do we do when the system is pushed too far and becomes disrupted? Often the same mechanisms by which the natural state is maintained can be exploited to address environmental concerns. What do these efforts look like in the real world? Are they a viable solution to pollution? Or does bioremediation sound to go to be true because it is? Personally, I haven't listened to the episode, so your guess is as good as mine!

Episode 33: Bioremediation

Michael and Marschal start out alone on this one, lamenting the loss of their good friend Jon. Somehow they manage to carry on as a dynamic duo, delivering a heaping helping of heterogeneous h-words. Sit down with a pile of leftover candy and lament your widening waist with the greatest podcasting trio this side of any and all rivers!

Michael and Marschal start out alone on this one, lamenting the loss of their good friend Jon. Somehow they manage to carry on as a dynamic duo, delivering a heaping helping of heterogeneous h-words. Sit down with a pile of leftover candy and lament your widening waist with the greatest podcasting trio this side of any and all rivers!

Episode 52: Obesity and Diabetes

This episode was originally recorded in March, as individuals began taking the Coronavirus seriously. As such, a large portion of the show is dedicated to no longer topical subjects. But stick around for this time capsule of a simpler age and enjoy some spooky subjects as well!

This episode was originally recorded in March, as individuals began taking the Coronavirus seriously. As such, a large portion of the show is dedicated to no longer topical subjects. But stick around for this time capsule of a simpler age and enjoy some spooky subjects as well!

Episode 56: Paranormal Phenomena

Originally recorded January 7, 2018. Veteran fans may be aware that all hosts of the Nature Boy podcast are PhD students at UC Riverside, specifically in the department of plant biology. Often when explaining our work, the question of marijuana is brought up; mostly relating to either breeding, mechanisms of action in the body, or our future career aspirations as producers of the plant. While none of the crew plans on working in the field, it is such an interesting economic crop that we all have some familiarity with it. With recent legislation allowing for the commercial production and sale of marijuana in California, Nature Boy has taken it upon itself to explain some of the misunderstandings surrounding the plant and the current state of marijuana research, as well as providing an introduction to the new regulations surrounding use. So turn on, tune in, and drop out with us as we get groovy in this episode of Gnarly Boy!

Originally recorded January 7, 2018. Veteran fans may be aware that all hosts of the Nature Boy podcast are PhD students at UC Riverside, specifically in the department of plant biology. Often when explaining our work, the question of marijuana is brought up; mostly relating to either breeding, mechanisms of action in the body, or our future career aspirations as producers of the plant. While none of the crew plans on working in the field, it is such an interesting economic crop that we all have some familiarity with it. With recent legislation allowing for the commercial production and sale of marijuana in California, Nature Boy has taken it upon itself to explain some of the misunderstandings surrounding the plant and the current state of marijuana research, as well as providing an introduction to the new regulations surrounding use. So turn on, tune in, and drop out with us as we get groovy in this episode of Gnarly Boy!

Episode 36: Marijuana

With the recent increase in products promising probiotic benefits and awareness of the importance of human microbial interactions it is only fitting that Nature Boy tackles the topic. On this month's episode you can discover the meaning and importance of the microbiome, some important nuances of microbial organisms' impact on our everyday life, and catch up on your science news. The Nature Boy crew continues to provide essential services to the community and all we ask is that you sit back, pop open a kombucha and enjoy!

With the recent increase in products promising probiotic benefits and awareness of the importance of human microbial interactions it is only fitting that Nature Boy tackles the topic. On this month's episode you can discover the meaning and importance of the microbiome, some important nuances of microbial organisms' impact on our everyday life, and catch up on your science news. The Nature Boy crew continues to provide essential services to the community and all we ask is that you sit back, pop open a kombucha and enjoy!

Episode 50: The Microbiome

It has been said that the most important difference between a beast and human is the comprehension of one's own mortality. An awareness of death and its inevitability, along with the fear it engenders, has resulted in the creation of religions and empires. God takes the place of the parent, and death represents the first betrayal by that trusted provider. People seek some form of immortality either by denying the reality of death, or through the creation of some legacy. In spite of its influence, modern society often treats death as a taboo subject. Luckily you, fair listener, are with the Nature Boy crew, where nothing is off limits until we get sponsors, after which those sponsors' products will be very much off limits.

It has been said that the most important difference between a beast and human is the comprehension of one's own mortality. An awareness of death and its inevitability, along with the fear it engenders, has resulted in the creation of religions and empires. God takes the place of the parent, and death represents the first betrayal by that trusted provider. People seek some form of immortality either by denying the reality of death, or through the creation of some legacy. In spite of its influence, modern society often treats death as a taboo subject. Luckily you, fair listener, are with the Nature Boy crew, where nothing is off limits until we get sponsors, after which those sponsors' products will be very much off limits.

Episode 28: Death

This episode represents one of the rare topics falling in line with your hosts' field of study. Flowers, they're pretty, listen to us talk about them.

This episode represents one of the rare topics falling in line with your hosts' field of study. Flowers, they're pretty, listen to us talk about them.

Episode 39: Flowers

This episode was originally recorded December 3, 2017. The Nature Boy podcast has been scientifically demonstrated to improve mood, reduce anxious behavior, and increase attention from potential romantic partners. These statements have not been approved by the FDA and may, in fact, be lies. Anxiety and depression affect many people at some point in their life. Coping strategies often focus on psychological approaches, but what do scientists know about the causes and potential treatments of these disorders? Find out in this surprisingly uplifting episode! 

This episode was originally recorded December 3, 2017. The Nature Boy podcast has been scientifically demonstrated to improve mood, reduce anxious behavior, and increase attention from potential romantic partners. These statements have not been approved by the FDA and may, in fact, be lies. Anxiety and depression affect many people at some point in their life. Coping strategies often focus on psychological approaches, but what do scientists know about the causes and potential treatments of these disorders? Find out in this surprisingly uplifting episode!

Episode 35: Depression and Anxiety

As of this episode's posting, we have apparently lost last month's recording. If the episode (on pain) is found, it will be published in the near future. With that out of the way, enjoy this month's episode on taste. It is widely known that listeners of this podcast have some of the best taste on the planet, so it only makes sense to provide some information relating to the perception of taste. So don't be bitter and don't get salty, sit back and enjoy this sweet episode, you bunch of sour-pusses! Ooh-mommy, it's good!

As of this episode's posting, we have apparently lost last month's recording. If the episode (on pain) is found, it will be published in the near future. With that out of the way, enjoy this month's episode on taste. It is widely known that listeners of this podcast have some of the best taste on the planet, so it only makes sense to provide some information relating to the perception of taste. So don't be bitter and don't get salty, sit back and enjoy this sweet episode, you bunch of sour-pusses! Ooh-mommy, it's good!

Episode 49: Taste

Take your eyes off your phone or computer and listen to this podcast on your phone or computer! The Nature Boy crew is back to tell you why the things you enjoy should be eschewed, unlike the gum you enjoy which should just be chewed. Hear insights and excerpts from recent research along with that classic chemistry between hosts which you know and love!

Take your eyes off your phone or computer and listen to this podcast on your phone or computer! The Nature Boy crew is back to tell you why the things you enjoy should be eschewed, unlike the gum you enjoy which should just be chewed. Hear insights and excerpts from recent research along with that classic chemistry between hosts which you know and love!

Episode 47: Technology Addiction

I did not have time to listen to this phat episode, but I can assure all you faithful readers of my captions that this one is a winner! In the very first two-parter in Nature Boy history, I assume those sweet M&amp;M's (Michael and Marschal) continue their informed discussion of obesity, its spread, and it's negative impacts on health along with a similar discussion of diabetes. This one starts off with two, and I can not be sure if everyone's favorite gal pal Jess shows up, but regardless all listeners should make the time to consume this content!

I did not have time to listen to this phat episode, but I can assure all you faithful readers of my captions that this one is a winner! In the very first two-parter in Nature Boy history, I assume those sweet M&amp;M's (Michael and Marschal) continue their informed discussion of obesity, its spread, and it's negative impacts on health along with a similar discussion of diabetes. This one starts off with two, and I can not be sure if everyone's favorite gal pal Jess shows up, but regardless all listeners should make the time to consume this content!

Episode 53: Diabetes and Obesity (Part 2)

Jon is very busy with his fancy new teaching job, and unfortunately he is writing this with very little information. However, rest assured that if you do not listen to this episode you are an even bigger fool than he is! Previous episodes were sadly lost from the archive and can not be recovered, but the Nature Boy crew still persists and has been releasing broadcasts. Though Jon is gone, the team lives on and we will keep him in our hearts and prayers!

Jon is very busy with his fancy new teaching job, and unfortunately he is writing this with very little information. However, rest assured that if you do not listen to this episode you are an even bigger fool than he is! Previous episodes were sadly lost from the archive and can not be recovered, but the Nature Boy crew still persists and has been releasing broadcasts. Though Jon is gone, the team lives on and we will keep him in our hearts and prayers!

Episode 51: Therapy

Fermentation touches our lives in more ways than most acknowledge. Beer, bread and booze are the most familiar examples, but why does this process occur? Which organisms can carry it out? What makes a house a home? The two former questions and more will be addressed in this blockbuster episode of Nature Boy!

Fermentation touches our lives in more ways than most acknowledge. Beer, bread and booze are the most familiar examples, but why does this process occur? Which organisms can carry it out? What makes a house a home? The two former questions and more will be addressed in this blockbuster episode of Nature Boy!

Episode 48: Fermentation

With the current popularity of direct to consumer genetic testing, it was only a matter of time until the Nature Boy crew came along to spoil the fun. Learn along with the gang as they discuss the technologies and ethical dilemmas involved in this industry!

With the current popularity of direct to consumer genetic testing, it was only a matter of time until the Nature Boy crew came along to spoil the fun. Learn along with the gang as they discuss the technologies and ethical dilemmas involved in this industry!

Episode 44: Genetic Testing

Bank on this episode being the brightest part of your week! The Nature Boy crew discusses those defenders of diversity, those sanctums of seeds, those guardians of genetics, seed banks. Additional alliteration includes: Bastions of bulbs, caretakers of creation, shepherds of stems, friends of flowers, arbiters of achenes, saviors of samaras, root revolutionaries, stockpilers of stolons, fighters for fronds, etc. Make learning time fun time by coming up with your own!

Bank on this episode being the brightest part of your week! The Nature Boy crew discusses those defenders of diversity, those sanctums of seeds, those guardians of genetics, seed banks. Additional alliteration includes: Bastions of bulbs, caretakers of creation, shepherds of stems, friends of flowers, arbiters of achenes, saviors of samaras, root revolutionaries, stockpilers of stolons, fighters for fronds, etc. Make learning time fun time by coming up with your own!

Episode 42: Seed Banks

Whoosh! Boom! Blam-Oh! The Nature Boy crew becomes death, the destroyer of worlds, to discuss military technology and the wonderful things it brings and takes! In a surprise appearance Jon, number one bad-boy and author of episode descriptions, calls in to discuss lasers and domes! Truly, if you are going to miss one episode of a podcast this summer, do not make it this one!

Whoosh! Boom! Blam-Oh! The Nature Boy crew becomes death, the destroyer of worlds, to discuss military technology and the wonderful things it brings and takes! In a surprise appearance Jon, number one bad-boy and author of episode descriptions, calls in to discuss lasers and domes! Truly, if you are going to miss one episode of a podcast this summer, do not make it this one!

Episode 27: Military Technology

What does the new year hold for you? Some turn to the stars for answers, so listen to the 4 biggest stars in podcasting on Nature Boy! Jon returns to the studio to join in a discussion of astrology including its critics, history, and validity. 

What does the new year hold for you? Some turn to the stars for answers, so listen to the 4 biggest stars in podcasting on Nature Boy! Jon returns to the studio to join in a discussion of astrology including its critics, history, and validity.

Episode 46: Astrology (And the Return of Jon)

We are sincerely honored to have this week''s episode featured in the KCHUNG radio residency at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Information regarding the residency as well as links to this and other featured KCHUNG programs can be found at http://www.getty.edu/museum/programs/performances/kchung_radio.html. This week, we address questions and concerns regarding recently inaugurated President Trump and his attitude towards scientific research. What views on this topic did Mr. Trump express during his candidacy? Is basic government research and international collaboration to solve worldwide problems in peril? And how does this president differ in the ways he communicates and achieves his goals? The indefatigable crew of your favorite podcast will explore these questions and more on this week's fabulous, glamorous, and topical Nature Boy!

We are sincerely honored to have this week''s episode featured in the KCHUNG radio residency at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Information regarding the residency as well as links to this and other featured KCHUNG programs can be found at <a href="http://www.getty.edu/museum/programs/performances/kchung_radio.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.getty.edu/museum/programs/performances/kchung_radio.html</a>. This week, we address questions and concerns regarding recently inaugurated President Trump and his attitude towards scientific research. What views on this topic did Mr. Trump express during his candidacy? Is basic government research and international collaboration to solve worldwide problems in peril? And how does this president differ in the ways he communicates and achieves his goals? The indefatigable crew of your favorite podcast will explore these questions and more on this week's fabulous, glamorous, and topical Nature Boy!

Episode 26: Trump, Government Research, and Science

When the human race ends, will it be with a whimper or a bang? This question as well as many others will not be discussed in this episode of Nature Boy. Rather, the group gets excited for the holidays, delves into politics, and avoids the topic of extinction for the vast majority of the episode. However, Jon does make his triumphant return via Skype and that classic Nature Boy chemistry is as charming as ever! So come in here boy, have a cigar, you're gonna go fart.

When the human race ends, will it be with a whimper or a bang? This question as well as many others will not be discussed in this episode of Nature Boy. Rather, the group gets excited for the holidays, delves into politics, and avoids the topic of extinction for the vast majority of the episode. However, Jon does make his triumphant return via Skype and that classic Nature Boy chemistry is as charming as ever! So come in here boy, have a cigar, you're gonna go fart.

Episode 43: Extinction

This episode, Nature Boy gets hot and heavy! Drawing our listeners like a moth to the flame, we really can not be matched! Let us inspire in you a spark of inspiration! Get off Tinder and listen to our podcast! Fire puns!

This episode, Nature Boy gets hot and heavy! Drawing our listeners like a moth to the flame, we really can not be matched! Let us inspire in you a spark of inspiration! Get off Tinder and listen to our podcast! Fire puns!

Episode 45: Fire Ecology

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Global Issues

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!