Blue Collar White Coat Podcast
Blue Collar White Coat is a podcast bringing to life the human side of STEM, one unglamorous but essential job at a time. Whether you're science-curious, career-curious, or just love a good story, this is the show for you. So get your safety glasses on and keep your mind open, it's time to meet the people powering science.
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From Lab to Legislation: Training Scientists to Influence Policy
11/16/2025
From Lab to Legislation: Training Scientists to Influence Policy
In Episode 9 of Blue Collar | White Coat, Amy sits down with Robin Garcia, a former federal worker and now a professional science communications trainer with Compass Science Communication. Robin’s career has taken her from marine biology labs to NOAA to Capitol Hill workshops — and in this episode, she breaks down exactly why communicating science effectively to Congress, policymakers, and everyday non-experts is more crucial than ever. We cover everything from shrimp-on-a-treadmill headlines to the realities of federal budgets, policy briefings, fellowships, science education, burnout in research, and why scientists so often struggle to translate their work outside of academia. Robin also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she prepares scientists to speak with members of Congress and what policymakers actually need from experts when making funding decisions. If you’ve ever wondered how science moves from the lab bench to the halls of Congress — or why it sometimes doesn’t — this episode is for you. What We Talk About in This Episode: How Robin went from marine biology to science communication Life as an aquarium intern, REU fellow, and grad student Crabs on treadmills, blue crabs, and climate impacts on marine species Why many scientists struggle with teaching and communication Working at NOAA, federal contracting, and “the power of the purse” How congressional staffers process scientific information Why scientists need simpler messages — not “dumbed down,” just translated How Compass trains researchers to work with policymakers Why people assume science communication equals “media training” The rise of science communication careers in the U.S. Structural barriers to entering science (money, access, equity) Why the loudest anti-science group is not actually the largest What gives Robin hope for the future of science and policy Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 — Intro Amy sets the scene: what Congress funds, why science communication matters, and who actually understands scientific concepts on Capitol Hill. 03:42 — Reconnecting After 10+ Years Robin and Amy share the backstory of how they first met at the National Aquarium. 04:30 — “Shamu Showed Me the Light” Robin explains her early love for the ocean and the path to marine science. 06:30 — College, Chemistry, and Choosing Marine Biology Studying at the University of Miami, double-majoring, and surviving organic chemistry. 07:54 — REUs, Crabs on Treadmills, and Real Field Work A deep dive into research internships, metabolic studies, and why crustaceans need treadmills. 10:47 — Climate, Oxygen, and Estuary Life How environmental change impacts blue crabs, clams, oysters, and coastal ecosystems. 12:12 — The Hardest Job in Science: Teaching Why teaching assistantships are challenging and the difference between “knowing” and “teaching.” 14:56 — From Educator to Environmental Research Robin’s time teaching beach ecology and working in animal husbandry at NIH. 19:13 — Burnout in Research & Rethinking the Path Why the “aha moments” in science are so rare — and why she pivoted away from research. 20:58 — Discovering Science Communication Volunteering, building a portfolio, and learning how to translate research for non-experts. 23:47 — Joining Sea Grant & NOAA Federal contracting, budget stress, agency priorities, and working with coral reef programs. 26:28 — Palau, Coral Reefs & International Science Policy Behind the scenes of NOAA travel, jurisdictional meetings, and multi-agency collaboration. 27:51 — Who Really Works for the Government (And Why They Stay) IT staff, biologists, and federal workers choosing mission over money. 31:10 — What Compass Science Communication Does Training scientists, preparing fellows, and the key differences between experts and non-experts. 33:26 — Communicating With Policymakers How congressional offices operate, what staffers need, and why one-pagers matter. 36:12 — Bringing the Hill to the Classroom Compass’ unique model of bringing in actual policy experts for workshops. 39:23 — How Policy Meetings Really Work Who to email, why contact forms go nowhere, and how to find the right staffer. 41:08 — Flip the Script: Start With the Result Why scientists must reverse the structure of academic papers when addressing the public. 43:52 — Simple, Not Simplistic Using a different “language” instead of dumbing down science. 47:37 — The Reality of Literacy Levels in America Understanding why plain language is essential — without judgment. 49:18 — Fellowships, Science Policy Careers & Early Training How fellowships bridge academia and policy, what they offer, and why they’re growing. 55:22 — How Science Communication Has Changed From obscure niche to essential skill — and why communication must be baked into research. 59:08 — The Hidden Financial Barriers to Science Why research often requires unpaid labor and how that shapes who gets to become a scientist. 1:03:13 — Why Scientists Can Be Prickly (And How to Work With Them) The tension between communicators and researchers — and how shared goals help. 1:06:35 — Hope for the Future Why the anti-science crowd is smaller than it appears and how solidarity is growing. 1:08:57 — Closing Thoughts Standing up for science, the power of voting and advocacy, and what’s next for the show. Connect With Robin & Compass Science Communication 🌐 Compass SciComm: 🔍 Learn about science-policy fellowships (NOAA, Knauss, National Academies) Connect With the Show Email: Social: TikTok / Instagram / Facebook → @BlueCollarWhiteCoatPod BlueSky → @BCWCpodcast YouTube → Blue Collar White Coat Pod Next Episode Preview We’re taking a short break — but we’ll be back December 6th with Episode 10 featuring Kyle Luker, a machinist at a major California university with an incredible backstory that includes wildland firefighting. Don’t miss it!
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Apprentice Embalmer Michelle Tokarski: The Art and Science of Saying Goodbye(Pt. 2)
11/08/2025
Apprentice Embalmer Michelle Tokarski: The Art and Science of Saying Goodbye(Pt. 2)
What really happens behind the scenes in funeral homes? In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Blue Collar White Coat, mortician and funeral director Michelle Tokarski takes us into the world of death care — from organ and tissue donation to the art and science of embalming. Michelle breaks down the myths, misconceptions, and emotional realities of her work with honesty and heart. She explains what embalming truly is, why it’s not always required, how funeral laws protect families, and how compassion, precision, and respect guide every step. This is a rare look at a profession most of us never think about until we have to — and a reminder that death work, at its core, is deeply human work. Chapters 00:00 Embalming: A Personal Perspective 04:17 Understanding Embalming Techniques 07:06 Debunking Embalming Myths 14:14 The Art of Embalming: Preserving Memories 19:32 Attention to Detail: The Embalming Process 27:09 Restoration and Repatriation: A Labor of Love 35:51 Advice for Aspiring Embalmers: A Call to Service 41:20 Starting a Career in Funeral Services Later in Life 46:50 Overcoming Academic Challenges in Mortuary Science 52:58 Environmental Considerations in Cremation Practices 59:29 Outro Watch episodes on our YouTube Channel at: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @bluecollarwhitecoatpod Follow up on BlueSky: @bcwcpodcast.bsky.social
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Funeral Director Michelle Tokarski on the Art and Science of Saying Goodbye (Pt. 1)
11/01/2025
Funeral Director Michelle Tokarski on the Art and Science of Saying Goodbye (Pt. 1)
What does death care have to do with science? A lot more than you think. In this first part of a special two-part Halloween episode of Blue Collar | White Coat, we talk with Michelle Tokarski, a California-based funeral counselor and apprentice embalmer who proves that compassion, chemistry, and cultural understanding all collide in one of the most misunderstood STEM careers. Michelle shares how she went from art school and customer service to caring for the dead and comforting the living. We dive into the science behind embalming, the chemistry of preservation, and the microbiology and anatomy that morticians must master—all while honoring the deeply human and cultural sides of grief. From the Civil War origins of modern embalming to today’s diverse funeral traditions and the ethics of organ and tissue donation, this conversation reveals how funeral directors blend art, science, and empathy to help families heal. Whether you’re STEM-curious, career-changing, or just fascinated by how science quietly shapes our daily lives, this episode will make you rethink what “science jobs” look like and who does them. Especially when Death doesn't work a 9-5. 🎧 Listen to find out: How you become a mortician and what training is required. Why you should care NOW about making plans for eternity. Why cultural diversity and empathy are vital in death care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michelle Tokarski 03:29 Career Transitions and Life Lessons 06:39 Finding Fulfillment in Nonprofit Work 14:30 The Unexpected Path to Funeral Directing 18:36 Navigating Education During a Pandemic 24:15 Understanding the Roles: Mortician vs. Medical Examiner 28:38 The Importance of Pre-Planning Funerals 32:02 Planning for the Inevitable 36:39 Cultural Sensitivity in Funerals 41:45 The Grief of Loss 46:26 Embalming: A Personal Perspective 50:32 NEWCHAPTER
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Why Sharks (and social media) Matter: Dr. David Shiffman
10/17/2025
Why Sharks (and social media) Matter: Dr. David Shiffman
Marine biologist Dr. David Shiffman talks to host Amy Weldon about why scientists need to meet people where they are, whether that's on a fishing boat or online. Summary We're gonna need a bigger boat because marine biologist, shark scientist and social media expert Dr. David Schiffman is taking us out to sea on this episode of Blue Collar White Coat! We get into the importance of shark science, the impact of poor media representations (looking at you, Shark Week) and the need for effective communication in science. In our conversation, David emphasizes the significance of diversity in the field, shares fascinating shark facts, and highlights the role of social media in science communication. We also touch on conservation efforts and the future of shark research, encouraging public engagement and awareness. Hope you're ready for shark facts because there's a ton on this episode of Blue Collar White Coat! Find David on , and @whysharksmatter Buy his book And check out his website for information on his seminars, workshops, and public outreach programs here:
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Why Curiosity Beats Perfection in Science — Lessons from the Deep with Marley Parker
10/04/2025
Why Curiosity Beats Perfection in Science — Lessons from the Deep with Marley Parker
What happens when you’re told you’ll never succeed in science because of an ADHD-type learning disorder? In this episode of Blue Collar | White Coat, Amy talks with , an underwater photographer and freelance science communicator who proves there’s more than one way to belong in STEM. From documenting deep-sea expeditions to navigating freelance life with dyscalculia, Marley’s story is about resilience, creativity, and building a science career on your own terms. Diagnosed early on with a math-related learning disorder, Marley was told she wasn’t cut out for science. Instead, she built a career around it—telling the stories of oceanographers and researchers on the front lines of discovery. She shares how she turned setbacks into strengths, what it’s really like to work at sea, and why adaptability and curiosity matter more than credentials. Links: In this episode, you’ll hear: How Marley turned dyscalculia into a creative strength The realities of underwater photography and expedition storytelling Tips for managing freelance work with ADHD What deep-sea research teaches about teamwork and trust How resilience and curiosity open doors in STEM 🎧 Blue Collar | White Coat reveals the human stories behind science—showing that discovery depends on the hands and hearts of real people. Keywords: ADHD, dyscalculia, neurodiversity in STEM, women in science, science communication, underwater photographer, marine biology, freelance science communicator, Nautilus Live, ocean exploration, STEM careers, storytelling in science, creative careers in STEM
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Meet host and creator Amy Weldon
09/21/2025
Meet host and creator Amy Weldon
In this special episode of Blue Collar White Coat, host Amy turns the mic on herself. She shares the winding path from small-town Maryland to city living and the National Aquarium, from dolphin training to science communication at a national lab, and the blue-collar roots that shaped her perspective along the way. Amy reflects on growing up in a working-class family, navigating ADHD and college setbacks, and finding her place in STEM storytelling. Through tales of early jobs, graduate school abroad on a budget, and the realities of animal care jobs, she reveals why this show exists: to highlight the skilled tradespeople and scientists who keep discovery moving forward. And to remind us that at the end of the day, we all have stories worth listening to.
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Fired Fed: A Dream Job Lost, and What the Public Lost Too
09/05/2025
Fired Fed: A Dream Job Lost, and What the Public Lost Too
When the pandemic hit, Chanapa Tantibanchachai was on the front lines of public health communication at the FDA. Now, months after being laid off, you'll hear how Chanapa has grieved losing her dream job and what she's tackling next. In this episode, Chanapa recounts how being the child of Thai imigrants while growing up with her own rare health condition shaped her commitment to bridging the gap between scientists, journalists, and the public. From explaining complex research to countering misinformation, her work reminds us that trust in science comes down to the people doing the communicating. 🎙️ You’ll learn: Why clear communication can literally save lives. How stereotypes of scientists and journalists can complicate messaging. What it takes to serve the public when scrutiny and stakes are at their highest. If you’ve ever wondered how science touches everyday life and who makes sure that information reaches us this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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Roll for Initiative: Elaina Mayer on Cybersecurity & Cosplay
08/22/2025
Roll for Initiative: Elaina Mayer on Cybersecurity & Cosplay
What do cybersecurity and Dungeons & Dragons have in common? Elaina Mayer—CISSP, professor, and award-winning cosplayer—reveals how creativity fuels data defense. From AI risks to rolling dice in the classroom, this episode dives into the unpredictable world of cyber threats and the epic quest to protect your data.
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Former teacher helping farmers grow smarter... from space?
08/09/2025
Former teacher helping farmers grow smarter... from space?
Back in the early 2000s, the biggest news in my sleeply little hometown was that our super-tall science teacher, Brian Campbell, was leaving the high school (one of only two in the whole county)… for a job at NASA. To us, it felt like he was blasting off to some screen-filled control room out of a summer blockbuster to push the launch button himself. Fast-forward 25 years — Brian’s now a Senior Earth Science Specialist at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, working on big-deal missions like ICESat-2 (measuring ice sheets, sea ice, and sea level rise) and SMAP (mapping soil moisture for farmers, scientists, and disaster response teams worldwide). In this episode of Blue Collar White Coat, we swap small-town stories, dig into how satellite data can and does help farmers in those small towns, and talk about why science communication needs fewer gatekeepers and more real talk. We cover: How a blue collar-to-NASA career path actually happens Why STEM careers aren’t just for people with PhDs How satellites measure everything from melting ice to the water in your soil Real-world climate change impacts on farming and working coastal communities Why building trust in science starts with meeting people where they are Whether you’re a farmer, field tech, student, or just science curious, this one’s packed with hands-on STEM stories, NASA missions, and the kind of working class science that keeps our world running.
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Dolphins, Degrees and Dedicated Crab Shoes: Rysheem McGirt
07/24/2025
Dolphins, Degrees and Dedicated Crab Shoes: Rysheem McGirt
What do mice, Old Bay Seasoning, and cancer research have in common? Rysheem McGirt. In the very first episode of Blue Collar White Coat Podcast, host Amy Weldon reconnects with her friend and former dolphin training volunteer, now full-time animal welfare project manager. Rysheem's full-time job supports biomedical research outside of their hometown of Baltimore, Maryland and on the side he's doing everything from Door Dash to stand-up comedy. From working two jobs in grade school to earning his MBA before he turned 30, Rysheem's STEM career has been anything but traditional, but that's what makes him the perfect guest for our first episode! Hear how his team helps scientists fight cancer and why that means so much to him then stick around for some laughs, side hustle stories, and a little bit of Baltimore accent flair.
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Blue Collar White Coat: Meet the People Powering Science
07/24/2025
Blue Collar White Coat: Meet the People Powering Science
Welcome to Blue Collar White Coat, a podcast about the people who actually make science happen. Host Amy Weldon—a science communicator with 15 years of experience—introduces the show and the folks you’ll meet along the way: welders, wildlife biologists, coders, divers, NASA educators, and all kinds of behind-the-scenes heroes powering science, one essential job at a time. Some episodes feature guest interviews. On others, Amy digs into the state of STEM, how it’s changing, and where it’s headed next. No lectures—just real talk, jobs you maybe never thought could be related to science, and great stories. Whether you’re science-curious, wear a white coat to work or a hardhat, or just love hearing from people who do the work, this show’s for you. Episodes drop weekly starting in August. Follow @bluecollarwhitecoatpod on Instagram, TikTok, and @bcwcpodcast on BlueSky to stay in the loop and join the crew.
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