Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Est. Listeners
Based on iTunes & Spotify (publisher stats).
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
1 - 1,000 - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
1 - 5,000 - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
1 - 500
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
Recent episodes
Bending Light at the Nanoscale with Matt Jones
May 4, 2026
Unknown duration
Soft Robotics Inspired by Nature | Building Artificial Muscles that Move and Sense with Ryan Truby
Apr 14, 2026
Unknown duration
Can Nanoscience Build Better Clothes? with Cécile Chazot
Mar 16, 2026
Unknown duration
The RNA Multiverse with Julius Lucks
Feb 9, 2026
Unknown duration
From Molecules to Metaphors: When Science Inspires Fiction with Julia Kalow
Jan 12, 2026
Unknown duration
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/4/26 | Bending Light at the Nanoscale with Matt Jones | In honor of Star Wars Day, this episode explores futuristic light technologies seen in science fiction—like invisibility cloaks or powerful directed energy— and how far away we are from such innovations. In this episode, Matt Jones, a chemist at Rice University and Northwestern alum, explains how scientists are learning to control light by engineering materials at the nanoscale and why when materials are reduced to billionths of a meter, they begin to exhibit entirely new optical properties—from color-changing nanoparticles to structures that interact with light in unexpected ways. The conversation explores the emerging field of metamaterials and how curiosity-driven, fundamental science lays the groundwork for innovations that may shape the future. | — | ||||||
| 4/14/26 | Soft Robotics Inspired by Nature | Building Artificial Muscles that Move and Sense with Ryan Truby | The future of robotics isn't just smarter software, but smarter materials. In this episode, Northwestern University's Ryan Truby explains how his lab is designing soft, bio-inspired robots powered by artificial muscles and nanoscale engineering. From safer human-robot interaction to real-world applications like disaster response and health care, he shares how rethinking a robot's body could transform what machines can do. Guest: Ryan Truby, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, June and Donald Brewer Junior Professor, Northwestern University Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator | — | ||||||
| 3/16/26 | Can Nanoscience Build Better Clothes? with Cécile Chazot | Understanding polymers at the nanoscale is helping scientists design stronger, more sustainable materials. In this episode, Cécile Chazot, the Julia Weertman Professor in Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University, describes her lab's mission which includes designing next-generation textiles from naturally derived polymers that maintain high performance while improving recyclability and environmental impact. She also explains how lessons from nature and advances in nanoscience could reshape how we design, manufacture, and dispose of the materials that make up everyday products. Guest: Cécile Chazot, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Julia Weertman Professor in Materials Science and Engineering Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator | — | ||||||
| 2/9/26 | The RNA Multiverse with Julius Lucks | In this episode, Julius Lucks, takes us into the nanoscale multiverse of RNA and explains how tiny, dynamic molecules are being engineered into tools to tackle global challenges in human health, water quality, and the environment. He also explains how he keeps real-world needs at the center of his breakthrough research. | — | ||||||
| 1/12/26 | From Molecules to Metaphors: When Science Inspires Fiction with Julia Kalow | Sometimes nanotechnology sounds like science-fiction before it becomes science-fact. In this episode, Julia Kalow, a Northwestern University chemist, who is also trained in creative writing, helps us explore the overlap between fiction and fact in nanotechnology and the importance of creativity in scientific problem-solving. Guest: Julia Kalow, Dow Chemical Company Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator | — | ||||||
| 12/15/25 | Building the Future, Atom-by-Atom, in the Nano Workshop with Robert Macfarlane | What if the next industrial revolution is happening molecule-by-molecule? In this episode we explore this idea with Robert Macfarlane, PhD, a Northwestern alumni and MIT materials scientist who is pioneering programmable materials that self-assemble and respond to their environment. Macfarlane explains how his work moves beyond DNA-based assembly to create scalable nanomaterials with real-world potential—from flexible electronics and biomedical devices to photonic materials that manipulate light. Guest: Robert J. Macfarlane, Richard P. Simmons (1953) Professor in Metallurgy, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator | — | ||||||
| 11/3/25 | Can Bacteria Eat Our Plastic Problem? A Chat with Dr. Ludmilla Aristilde | Dr. Ludmilla Aristilde is an expert in environmental chemistry, environmental biochemistry, and bioengineering, but at the heart of it all is nanoscience. In this episode of Nanoscape Atistilde talks about her research, which includes discoveries in microplastics and nanoplastics and why nanoscience plays a key role in her research group's activities which aims to gain a fundamental understanding of the "why" and "how" of the environmental behavior of organics, with implications for nutrient cycling, ecosystem health, agricultural productivity, and environmental biotechnology. Guest: Ludmilla Aristilde, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicat | — | ||||||
| 10/6/25 | The Scientist Who Thinks Like a Musician: Nicholas Peppas | Professor Nicholas Peppas has spent five decades defining the field of medical nanotechnology and shaping the very foundations of modern drug delivery. He has been awarded the 2025 Kabiller Prize in nanoscience and nanomedicine by The International Institute for Nanotechnology. The $250,000 award — the world's largest monetary award in the field — recognizes his pioneering research, which has transformed how some of the world's most difficult diseases are treated. In this episode, Peppas talks about his influential career spanning over five decades and his journey from early polymer research to groundbreaking innovations like oral insulin delivery and his predictions for the future of nanomedicine. | — | ||||||
| 8/4/25 | Bankable Science: Turning Discovery into Durable Energy Tech with Ted Sargent | Ted Sargent is a global leader in nanoscience and materials engineering, and his research at Northwestern University is advancing the field of solar energy harvesting by lowering its cost and increasing its efficiency by using nanoscale materials. His work also includes decarbonization in the chemical and fuel sectors alongside creating next-generation materials for consumer electronics. Sargent is the Lynn Hopton Davis and Greg Davis Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Executive Director, Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy Guest: Ted Sargent Lynn Hopton Davis and Greg Davis Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Executive Director, Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator | — | ||||||
| 7/9/25 | The Intersection of Nanoscience and Chemistry with Omar Farha, PhD | At the intersection of nanoscience and chemistry, Omar Farha, PhD, Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University, is opening up new frontiers in climate resilience, water harvesting, catalysis and more through metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—versatile structures he describes as smart programmable sponges. In this episode he talks about taking on the role of chair, the legacy of those who came before him at Northwestern and discusses how the IIN is uniquely positioned to continue leading the field of nanotechnology. | — | ||||||
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 6/2/25 | Nanoscale Solutions to Gigaton Problem: Exploring Sustainability with Vinayak Dravid | Everyday items like tea bags and sponges are being reimagined in the lab of Northwestern University's Vinayak Dravid, who is using nanotechnology to tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. In this episode he explains how his team is using nanotechnology to remove toxic metals in water with brewed tea leaves and soaking up oil spills using a special sponge he invented, and many more ways he is leveraging nature's chemistry and nanotechnology to help solve global problems. | — | ||||||
| 5/5/25 | The Future of Organ Preservation: Nanoscience at Work with Jarad Mason | Once a postdoctoral fellow with Chad Mirkin here at Northwestern University, Jarad Mason now leads his own research group within the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University where his research includes investigating the potential of nanoparticle-loaded water to extend organ viability for transplantation. In this episode he discusses the balance between academia and industry in pushing scientific boundaries, as well as the future directions of his research in energy, sustainability, and biomedical applications. | — | ||||||
| 4/7/25 | Unraveling the Mysteries of Quantum Mechanics with Roel Tempelaar, PhD | In this episode, Northwestern University chemist Roel Templaar, PhD, gives a glimpse into the intricacies of quantum mechanics and its applications in nanotechnology. He explains how his work challenges classical theories, particularly in the field of chiral light-matter interactions. | — | ||||||
| 3/3/25 | Breaking Barriers in Nanomedicine with Priya Kumthekar, MD | In this episode, Northwestern Medicine neuro-oncologist, Priya Kumthekar, MD, discusses her pioneering work in nanomedicine on an early clinical trial in individuals with the deadly brain cancer glioblastoma. The study showed an experimental spherical nucleic acid drug, developed by Northwestern University scientists, was able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and trigger the death of tumor cells. This was the first time a nanotherapeutic has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier. The study set a precedent at Northwestern University and has opened the door for similar studies and innovations to take place here. | — | ||||||
| 1/13/25 | Innovating Energy Solutions through Nanotechnology with Dayne Swearer | Moving the chemical and energy industries away from fossil fuel consumption is going to require effective and sustainable energy solutions. Northwestern University's Dayne Swearer says nanotechnology is positioned to help make such solutions a reality. An assistant professor of Chemistry and a member of the IIN, Swearer's lab is actively engaged in pioneering efforts in plasmonic nanoparticles and groundbreaking applications in renewable energy. In this episode, he talks about projects underway in his lab and how climate change issues help motivate him to make a contribution to science that will help make the world a better place for tomorrow. | — | ||||||
| 12/9/24 | Revolutionary Healthcare Solutions through Nanomedicine with Nathan Gianneschi | Northwestern University nanoscientist Nathan Gianneschi, PhD, has been fascinated by the interaction of the organic and the synthetic since the start of his career. His lab's discoveries have led to the development of synthetic melanin and polymers that can mimic cells. In this episode, he shares more about the potential biomedical applications of his research, the interdisciplinary partnerships that make his work possible and where to look for the future of nanotechnology. | — | ||||||
| 11/11/24 | Improving the World through Nanomaterials with Omar Farha | Omar Farha is a top chemist whose pioneering work in metal-organic frameworks, known as MOFs, is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in nanotechnology in critical industrial sectors such energy, environmental sustainability and national defense. In this episode, Farha, the new chair of the Northwestern University Department of Chemistry, talks about MOFs vast applications in nanotechnology and how he has been able to successfully transition research on MOFs to commercial markets. He also discusses how members of the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University are leading "what science can do for humanity." Guest: Omar Farha, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor in Chemistry, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Courtesy Appointment) Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator | — | ||||||
| 10/7/24 | The Power of Nano: Milan Mrksich on the Transformative Properties of Nanomaterials | In a short amount of time, nanotechnology has become one of the most important scientific fields of the 21st century, promising to solve some of our world's most pressing challenges. Northwestern's International Institute for Nanotechnology continues to produce many leading edge discoveries in the field and has become home to some of the most productive nanotechnology researchers in the world. In this episode, Milan Mrksich, one of the world's leading engineers working at the interface between materials and biology and a member of the IIN Steering Committee, explains Northwestern's commitment to this multi-billion dollar field and shares some power discoveries taking place in this space at Northwestern. Guest: Milan Mrksich, Henry Wade Rogers Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator | — | ||||||
| 9/9/24 | Nano-Solutions to Black Box Problems with Shana Kelley | Northwestern University has been a trailblazer of the relatively new field of nanoscience. Northwestern's International Institute for Nanotechnology has brought together some of the greatest minds in chemistry, biology, medicine and engineering for nearly 25 years. Inspired by Northwestern's work, in particular the biomedical application of materials, Shana Kelley, PhD, pursued a career in nanotechnology. A few years ago, she joined the institution that led her to the field. Now, as president of the new Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, Kelley leads innovators from across Chicago in their mission to understand and control inflammation, a primary driver of disease. Kelley's research has led to the creation of groundbreaking technology, including nanosensors that can detect patient biomarkers at home. In this episode, she discusses the importance of collaboration, the process of product development and the evolving landscape of the field of nanotechnology. Guest: Shana Kelley, PhD, President of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, Neena B. Schwartz Professor of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at Feinberg School of Medicine Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator | — | ||||||
| 8/29/24 | Chad Mirkin Welcomes You to Nanoscape | In this bonus episode of "Nanoscape: Exploring the Frontiers Ahead," you'll get a preview of the first season of this new podcast from the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN) at Northwestern University with insight from Chad Mirkin, PhD, Director of IIN. Find out more about IIN and what to expect from our first slate of guests, including Milan Mrksich,PhD, Shana Kelley, PhD, Omar Farha, PhD, and Nathan Gianneschi, PhD. | — | ||||||
| 8/13/24 | Welcome to Nanoscape: Exploring the Frontiers Ahead | In the field of nanotechnology, the future is small, and the possibilities are endless. From combating climate change to improving human health, "Nanoscape: Exploring the Frontiers Ahead," introduces you to leading experts in the field who are uncovering nano-sized solutions to some of the most pressing issues impacting our world today. This podcast is produced by the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University. | 0m 48s | ||||||
Showing 21 of 21
Sponsor Intelligence
Sign in to see which brands sponsor this podcast, their ad offers, and promo codes.
Chart Positions
7 placements across 7 markets.
Chart Positions
7 placements across 7 markets.

