Dr. Kiki is on the Loose

I’ve been waiting to write this. I don’t know why exactly, but it felt like the right thing to do.

Last week, I posted on twis.org that our show will no longer be netcast by the TWiT.tv network. Since that announcement people have asked me about my other TWiT.tv program, Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour, but I kept quiet.

I am very sorry to say that Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour (DKSH) will no longer be a part of the TWiT.tv lineup. Although the show has many loyal fans, it just isn’t enough to contend against the belt-strap tightening currently underway at TWiT. I’ve additionally been informed that the network is trying to focus its content to give the audience more of what they want.

DKSH isn’t alone in this. There will no longer be any science shows on the TWiT network. This saddens me, but business is business. I hope that the many changes at TWiT will allow them to move forward to become even stronger, and that one day they will bring science back into their lineup.

Regardless of these actions by TWiT, I will continue to endeavor to communicate science. TWIS will continue; exactly how is uncertain, but I will not let it disappear. And, now that DKSH is done, I find myself with a bunch of extra time on my hands.

If you have ideas about how I should spend that time, please let me know. I have over a decade of experience in science communications and media, and would love to work with content creators and science educators to make science even more appealing to the world at large.

I guess it’s time to go clean up my resume…

Does Your Brain Have Self-Control?

Yesterday I interviewed Dr. Kelly McGonigal, author of “The Willpower Instinct”, on Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour.

We discussed how willpower and self-control work, how the brain functions with regard to willpower, and tips and techniques to short circuit your habits in order to build self-control. The interview was an hour well-spent with many lessons learned. You can view it below.

Additionally, I recommend The Willpower Instinct as a great read and tool for anyone searching for insight into the way their brains work.

The Science Hour Provides Newsy Minutes

For several months now I’ve been putting together a brief summary of the week’s science news stories at the top of Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour. I feel like it is a great way to get the science juices flowing before jumping into the main interview, and a little variety seems to spice things up for everyone.

During some of my precious free-time between tapings of the Science Hour, I had a thought that the science news portion of the show could stand on its own. So, starting this week, we will be releasing a new program called ‘Science News Weekly with Dr. Kiki’ via YouTube and the regular RSS channels for you to enjoy!

Science News Weekly will always be a brief review of the science headline news, so you will be able to enjoy it in minutes rather than having to put aside an entire hour. And, for those of you who are wondering if this means anything different for the Science Hour, rest assured that DKSH will be business as usual.

Look for Science News Weekly with Dr. Kiki!

DKSH: Jeri and Joanne Talk Science

I feel so honored to have had Jeri Ellsworth host the Science Hour with her guest, the Science Goddess, Joanne Manaster, while I was on maternity leave. They put together a fabulous discussion of science and education that is entirely worth your time. Thank you, ladies, for a great episode.

Check it out:

DKSH: Phil Plait Interviews Zach Weiner

Many thanks to the Bad Astronomer, Phil Plait, for filling in on the Science Hour while I was on maternity leave. He interviewed cartoonist, Zach Weiner, about cartoons, science, and life.

Check it out:

The Science Comedian and Weird Science Facts

During my March maternity leave, the Science Comedian, Brian Malow, guest hosted Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour and interviewed Greg Gbur about strange physics.

Check it out:

The Science Comedian and Carl Zimmer

In a recent episode of Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour, the Science Comedian, Brian Malow, interviewed science writer, Carl Zimmer, on the topic of pathogens… and science tattoos.

Check it out:

The Science Comedian and First Contact

Last week The Science Comedian, Brian Malow, guest hosted Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour once again. He spoke with Marc Kaufman about what our first contact with alien life would be like.

Check it out:

Science Thursday on TWIT – April 22, 2010

Announcements!

Today (and most Thursdays) on TWiT I host Science Thursday…

It starts at 2pm PT with Maxwell’s House starring Ray Maxwell. Ray delves into the world of aviation, and today’s show will focus on Ash Clouds, Aero Cars, and being a Test Pilot.

From 3:30 – 4:30pm PT, you can catch Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour. Today I interview Rebecca Skloot, author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, about her book, the science of cells, and finding such an amazing story.

Then from 5-5:30pm PT, Roz Rows the Pacific will find Roz Savage wherever she is in the Southern Pacific Ocean to discuss her journey and the concept of sustainability. Our guest will be Marcus Eriksen of the 5Gyres project.

Happy Earth Day, everyone. May you live the life you love, and may that love give back to the planet.

I hope you can join in the fun on TWiT.tv.

Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour – How to Build A Better Vaccine

If you have ever had questions about how vaccines are made, tested, and then deployed to the public at large, you should listen to this episode of Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour.

Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic joined me on the show to talk the basics of vaccines. We covered the topic generally, but also focused on the flu and H1N1. Seriously, he was as straightforward as you can get, and I truly appreciated the answers he was able to give to my many questions.

You can listen here. Or, watch it here…

Vaccines have become a touchy subject of late, and having accurate information on which you can base your decisions is vital. I hope this episode is spread far and wide just like the diseases vaccines are meant to protect us from.