Let's Talk SciComm

Everyone keeps telling you to “tell a story” about your research… but what if you genuinely can’t see one?

In this short episode, Jen and Michael tackle one of the most common (and quietly stressful) challenges in science communication: finding the story in your own work.

Their reassurance? If you’re looking for a story, you’re already on the right track.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why story = a problem–solution dynamic

• How to ide...

This week we spoke with Dr Chloe Lim who is a trained molecular biologist, professional balloon artist, and science communicator with over 20 years of experience in medical research and regulatory science. She is the founder of Twistyfic, where she merges science, storytelling, and balloon art to spark curiosity and inspire young minds through engaging STEAM shows and workshops. Chloe also runs Giggly Wiggly Balloons, delighting au...

Rejection hurts -  whether it’s a journal decision, a grant outcome, or yet another “unsuccessful” email landing in your inbox. In this short Listen to This If episode, Jen and Michael talk honestly about the emotional rollercoaster of academic rejection, why it’s not a reflection of your worth (or your work), and how to keep going when the disappointment hits hard.

They share practical strategies for making the most of the effort y...

This week we have a wonderful conversation with Tina Katsaros who is a PhD student at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, working under Dr Sarah Annesley and funded by ME Research UK. She is a cell biologist investigating abnormalities in mitochondrial function, metabolism and signalling in cells from people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). 

Beyond the lab, Tina also has a strong passion for...

A 100-word lay summary sounds simple, but getting every word to count is harder than it looks. In this episode, Jen and Michael share practical tips for writing summaries that actually make people care. From finding a strong hook to focusing on impact (not methods), they talk through how to make your research clear, engaging, and accessible for non-expert readers. Perfect for anyone tackling grant applications, scholarships, or res...

We’re so excited to welcome you to Season 17 of Let’s Talk SciComm. We have some fabulous episodes in store and can’t wait to share them with you. 

What better way to get the season started than a conversation with the multi-talented Dr James O’Hanlon? James is a scientist, author, artist and communicator with a background in behavioural ecology. He has published over 30 academic papers and his popular science writing has appeared i...

Saying no can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even selfish, especially when you want to be helpful or the opportunity feels exciting. In this episode of Listen to This If, in just 5 minutes Jen and Michael unpack how to decline invitations thoughtfully, professionally, and without burning bridges.

They share a simple, practical formula for saying no with kindness, discuss how to weigh shiny opportunities against your time and energy...

This week we’re thrilled to be joined by long-time friend of the podcast Dr Tullio Rossi - we first chatted with Tullio way back in Season 6 (you can listen to that interview here). Tullio is an award-winning science communicator, marine biologist, and graphic designer. As the founder of Animate Your Science, he has trained over 7,000 researchers across 59 countries to tell their stories to the world. Recently, Tullio has dived dee...

What if the people closest to you just don’t “get” what you do? How do you talk about your work or studies without sounding defensive, boring, or awkward?

In this episode of Listen to This If…., Jen and Michael tackle a common but rarely discussed challenge: when your family doesn’t understand your passion for science, study, or work.

They each share a practical tip for navigating these conversations, from finding better ways to invo...

This week we loved chatting with Bec Colless, who has 30+ years’ experience in science communication, research translation and IP commercialisation, public and stakeholder relations, education and marketing. She has enhanced the reputations, funding and impact of universities and research organisations, innovative businesses – including her own travelling science show – government agencies, non-profits, museums and schools. 

Drawing...

Struggling to grab your audience’s attention? In this week’s episode, Jen and Michael break down exactly what makes a killer headline - one that cuts through the noise, hooks your reader instantly, and sets up your story for impact.

In just five minutes, you’ll learn:

• Why your headline matters more than you think

• The science of what makes people stop scrolling

• Simple, repeatable headline formulas you can use today

• How to avoid the c...

This week we were thrilled to chat with Dr Véronique Paris who is a medical entomologist studying Australian vector mosquitoes in the Pest & Environmental Adaptation Research Group at Melbourne Uni. Originally from Berlin, Véronique completed her BSc and MSc in Biology, specialising in ecological immunology and exploring how insect immune systems respond to infections. Before pursuing a scientific career, she completed an appre...

If you’ve just been hit with negative feedback, you’re probably feeling a bit winded, and that’s completely normal. Whether it came from a colleague, a supervisor, an examiner, or even a friend, criticism can sting.

Take five minutes to hear Jen and Michael share practical, compassionate advice on how to regain your confidence and transform tough feedback into something constructive and empowering.

You can find more great advice here...

Welcome to Season 16 of Let’s Talk SciComm. We are thrilled to be launching our next season and have a great selection of episodes in store for you to enjoy during the rest of 2025.

We can’t think of any better way to launch the season than a conversation with Dr Phil Dooley. Phil is an extremely talented science communicator who wears many hats: he’s a science writer, presenter, comedian, performer, musician, video-maker and traine...

Have you decided a PhD is the right thing for you? Congratulations! Now it’s time to make decisions about what you’re going to spend the next three of four years learning, thinking, reading and writing about.

Take a break for 5 minutes and listen to Jen and Michael’s thoughts about what you need to take into account when deciding what you’re going to do your PhD on. 

You can find more great advice here:

• https://study.uq.edu.au/sto...

This week we have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, a neuroscientist based in Melbourne, Australia, and the author of The Future Loves You: How and Why We Should Abolish Death. 

Ariel is currently a Research Fellow at Monash University - working with the Monash Neuroscience of Consciousness laboratory - where he investigates novel methods for characterising the nature of conscious experiences to aid i...

Feeling like you’ve lost your love of science? Wondering if you should be doing something different? Wishing you felt the same passion you used to feel for your study or work? 

Settle in for 5 minutes and listen to Jen and Michael’s top advice about how to rediscover your curiosity and feel motivated and excited about science again. 

You can find more great advice here:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPdg7hGaDJI

• https://medium.com...

This week we had a fascinating chat with Troy Beer whose diverse experiences have led him from digital content creation to communication lead roles across multiple sectors: from environmental charities and health NGOs to government, universities, research centres and even retail. Each role has required him to work closely with stakeholders and subject-matter experts – interpreting complex information into compelling content for div...

Still thinking about a talk you gave that didn’t go as well as you’d hoped? Maybe you’re dreading your next talk as a result? In this episode we tackle the all-too-familiar challenge of bouncing back after giving a talk that didn’t go to plan. 

Take 5 minutes to hear our advice on being kind to yourself, treating mistakes with curiosity, and turning reflection into a concrete plan for next time. 

You can find more great advice here: