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It’s beyond time to think about how we live in what we wear, according to Camila Chiriboga, an emerging clothing designer from Ecuador. We talk to her about designing for people with disabilities, including people who are blind or visually impaired. Then, special guest Briana Venskus (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Sorry For Your Loss) helps share the story of a midwife who brought healthcare to an entire community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are coral reefs so mesmerizing? And what do they have to do with hyperbolic geometry? With delicate precision, science artist Margaret Wertheim helps crochet incredible reefs, explaining their connection to mathematics and conservation. Then later, we share a story about an early experiment to capture images of marine plants! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who gets to shape extended reality? We talk to Arwa Michelle Mboya, a young innovator from Kenya, about designing more inclusive virtual experiences and headsets. Plus, we share a story about the origins of computer science. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can we reintroduce ourselves? Hello. This is Periodic Talks! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re taking a little break to work on new stuff. We'll be back next week with a new episode and an exciting announcement. Talk soon! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We shape inventions, and our inventions shape us. Everyday items, like clocks and lightbulbs, fundamentally transformed how we live, according to Dr. Ainissa Ramirez. We talk to her about working in material science and her book “The Alchemy of Us.” Plus, special guest Lilan Bowden (Andi Mack, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Parks and Rec) helps share the story of a Mexican-American botanist who explored the Americas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're making this show during the pandemic. It got us thinking: Who would choose to make infectious disease their life's work? And why? So, we called Dr. Céline Gounder who advised President Biden's transition team about COVID-19. Then later, we learn about a Black doctor who revolutionized how we use blood plasma today.   You can hear more from Dr. Gounder on her podcasts, EPIDEMIC and AMERICAN DIAGNOSIS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if someone offered you a chance to go to outer space? When NASA called, Jessica Meir's response was "... really?" Gillian and Diona talk to her about her incredible adventures! From excursions in Antarctica, taking part in the first all woman space walk AND RETURNING TO EARTH DURING THE PANDEMIC. She's also training for another mission, and it might just make her the first woman to step foot on the moon. Then, special guest Keiko Agena (Prodigal Son, Gilmore Girls) reads the story of the first African American and Native American woman aviator, Bessie Coleman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you land a job at NASA? How can you learn from failure? How do you pronounce Louisville? These are some of the questions we asked NASA engineer Tracy Drain. And later, we get into a story about a group of women who helped map the universe. Update: Since this interview was recorded, Tracy has been promoted to Lead Flight Systems Engineer for the Europa Clipper mission! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.