Site • RSS • Apple PodcastsDescription (podcaster-provided):
Initial conditions provide the context in which physics happens. Likewise, in Initial Conditions: a Physics History Podcast, we provide the context in which physical discoveries happened. We dive into the collections of the Niels Bohr Library & Archives at the American Institute of Physics to uncover the unexpected stories behind the physics we know. Through these stories, we hope to challenge the conventional history of what it means to be a physicist.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Physics history • Science discovery stories • Archival research • Influential scientists • Cultural impacts on science • Climate science • African American physicists • History of astronomy • Pseudoscience explorationThis podcast, "Initial Conditions: A Physics History Podcast," delves into the historical contexts of significant physical discoveries and contributions. Drawing from the collections of the Niels Bohr Library & Archives at the American Institute of Physics, it provides insights into the history of physics while challenging conventional narratives about physicists. Episodes frequently highlight underrepresented voices and stories, such as the contributions of African American physicists and women in science. Themes of inclusion and the diverse backgrounds of scientists are emphasized, showcasing historical figures and their often overlooked impacts on the field of physics.
The episodes explore a wide range of topics, from historical debates and controversies in science to personal narratives of prominent physicists. Subjects include the monolithic legacy of figures like Isaac Newton and the forgotten contributions of pioneers like Eunice Foote. The podcast also touches on intersections between physics and cultural currents, such as the counterculture movements that influenced quantum mechanics during the 1960s and 70s. Additionally, episodes cover significant scientific advancements and discoveries, historical instruments and methodologies, and the broader societal implications of scientific work, including topics like climate change and sustainable energy solutions.
Throughout, the podcast intertwines historical anecdotes with modern scientific discourse, aiming to redefine the understanding of what it means to be a physicist. By exploring the unexpected stories from the annals of physics history, it provides a nuanced view of the field that is both educational and reflective of the evolving nature of scientific inquiry.
| Episodes: |
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Bonus: Initial Conditions Off Mic 2022-Dec-29 77 minutes |
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Bonus: Live from PhysCon! 2022-Dec-22 65 minutes |
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Hawai'i and the Thirty Meter Telescope 2022-Oct-06 70 minutes |
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The Legacy of Ptolemy’s Almagest 2022-Sep-29 49 minutes |
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The Newton You Didn't Know 2022-Sep-22 40 minutes |
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The Unexpected Hero of Light 2022-Sep-15 45 minutes |
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An Interview with Dr. Ronald Mickens 2022-Sep-08 36 minutes |
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The African American Presence in Physics 2022-Sep-01 29 minutes |
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Historical Romance and LGBTQ+ Representation 2022-Aug-25 48 minutes |
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Was Einstein Wrong?? 2022-Aug-18 49 minutes |
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Quantum Counterculture 2022-Aug-11 49 minutes |
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Energy Crises and Climate Change in the 1970s 2022-Aug-04 45 minutes |
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Enter the Anthropocene: Climate Science in the Early 20th Century 2022-Jul-28 40 minutes |
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Eunice Foote: A Once Forgotten Climate Science Pioneer 2022-Jul-21 49 minutes |
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Trailer 2022-Jun-15 2 minutes |