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What does it take to make a hit podcast about science?

Gabe Allen — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

What does it take to make a hit podcast about science? Gabe Allen Thu, 03/12/2026 - 06:00

Gabe Allen

Scott Taylor posts a note to an idea board as he and Zach Karl plan the first 12 episodes of “Okay, But… Birds.” (courtesy photo)

Scott Taylor has his hands full at 91��ý. He is an associate professor with research and teaching responsibilities, and the director of the Mountain Research Station. Yet, he recently added another job title to the list: podcast host.

Visit the Okay, But... Birds site

Taylor’s podcast, “Okay, But… Birds,” tackles a wide range of avian topics, ranging from the status of bird flu in 2026 to the rising popularity of birding. He mostly interviews fellow academics, but has a knack for keeping conversations compelling without diving too far into the scientific weeds. And, he isn’t afraid to bring on ornithophiles from other fields. One recent episode featured Pulitzer Prize-Winning popular science author Ed Yong.

Taylor’s goal? To spark scientific curiosity in bird-curious listeners.

“A lot of people are interested in birding, which is great,” Taylor said. “Less people understand the science behind these amazing creatures.”

“Okay, But… Birds” is already making waves. In just a few short months, the podcast has published 14 episodes and amassed thousands of followers on social media. Just before its debut, Taylor was invited onto NPR’s 1A to talk about birds and answer listener questions.

This week, INSTAAR sat down with Taylor to pull back the curtain on “Okay, But… Birds.”

The show is so polished. Your written intros are punchy and immediate, the sound design, set design and video are crisp and attractive. Who is working on this aside from yourself?

My partner, Zach Karl, is the producer and editor. He’s a business consultant, and he’s also an RnB artist — he’s been doing sound design and production for years. It’s been amazing to have him thinking through design and filming and editing. The podcast felt like a really cool way to take my love of talking to the public about science and birds and combine that with my partner's love of production and media.

Take us through the show format. How is it structured?

We start with a sizzle reel — something memorable from the episode. Then there’s a monologue at the beginning, usually a storytelling monologue where I relate the topic back to a personal anecdote. Then the main segment is an interview with someone who is either an expert in the science of birds, or someone for whom birds really matter — we call it “talk birdy to me.” Then we have a segment called “that’s BS,” which stands for “bird stuff,” where we basically debunk a myth — like if you touch a baby bird it won’t be rejected by its parents. We end with a fact, for the listeners that want to come away with a conversation piece. The episodes are typically 30 minutes — not too long.

Who do you have on? Is there a vetting process?

At the beginning we came up with 12 topics that we thought would be really interesting to our audience. We started by just asking, who do we already know, but thinking carefully about career stage and life experience. So we’ve had a lot of people on who I have a direct connection to and some where the connection is less direct. For instance, there’s Linda Macaulay, who is the namesake of the world's largest and oldest scientific archive of wildlife recordings. We were really excited to have her on the show, and the episode turned out great because we could pull from a vast catalogue of her field recordings.

As we progress past the initial list, we’re considering a lot of things like topics our listeners are suggesting, and representation. Recently we filmed with Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist who is widely known as a thought leader in yard naturalization and who founded Homegrown National Park. That episode is great and we’re excited for it to air.

You are such a skilled storyteller. How did you develop that aptitude?

I was a really shy kid. I always really loved nature, and I spent a lot of time walking around in the woods where I grew up in Ontario. But, I haven’t always been comfortable with public speaking. The year after I finished high school, I got a job as a naturalist at McGregor Point Provincial Park. It was everything from leading wildlife walks to dressing up as a turtle and singing campfire songs. That’s when I really started to get into the idea that you can be animated and show people how much you care about these things. I did that job for five years, while I was in school studying science in a serious way for the first time. Finding ways to talk about science that were really inspiring was a part of my job, and it really served me well.

Scott Taylor kneels by a newly-constructed backdrop for “Okay, But… Birds.” (courtesy photo)

The paint dries on the backdrop for “Okay, But… Birds” in Scott Taylor and Zach Kent’s garage. (courtesy photo)

For people new to the show, what is a good episode to start with?

People should start with the question that seems most interesting to them! The podcast is called Okay… But…” because each episode is centered around a big bird question. The first episode, “Okay, but is bird monogamy just PR?” breaks a lot of myths and our recent episode “Okay, but why is a bird’s world more colorful?” is a really fun and approachable topic. I think all of the episodes have something for everyone. Science is a journey, and we take people along and try to keep it really understandable.

What is a moment from an interview that stands out to you?

Linda Macaulay told some crazy stories. She was recording bird calls in West Africa with a former British spy who had used bird watching as his cover. One day, they went back to the hotel for lunch and saw all of these people with machine guns in the woods outside. Later, they were having dinner at the hotel and two tables over was Charles Taylor, the Liberian rebel warlord. Then, they saw some American guys in suits drop a metal briefcase with him — probably CIA operatives.

It’s also just fun to see where people’s excitement about their work comes from. Everyone has a different reason for loving birds, and often it comes from personal experiences.

Even though I’ve spent my career studying birds, there’s so much I still don’t know. For instance, I didn’t realize that avian influenza is the biggest outbreak in wildlife ever. I learn something new each episode.

What advice would you give to another academic who wants to start a podcast about their field?

We built a really solid pitch deck — basically a presentation that covers the show’s concept, mission, and target audience. We didn’t actually end up pitching it to any networks, but it was a really useful way to really think carefully about personas, audiences and branding. It’s my partner’s job to do that sort of thing. It's really important, and Zach is really amazing at it.

I’m a good storyteller, but that alone is not enough to do this successfully. We’re really lucky that, within our partnership, we have all of the skills we need to do this well. There’s little things, like we have a tech kit that we send out to interviewees. At the end of the day, it’s really just two guys in a garage, but together we have really complimentary experience that makes the show what it is.

What’s next?

We have 24 episodes already planned out for season one and two. Right now we’re focused on producing those and getting them out there. We also want to engage with our followers more, perhaps by bringing in listener questions or commentary to the show.

One thing we would like to do in the future is have a featured slot on the podcast as an award for a graduate student speaking at a conference. I want to find ways to use the show to encourage scientists to engage with a wider audience and encourage people to engage with science.

If you have questions about this story, or would like to reach out to INSTAAR for further comment, you can contact Senior Communications Specialist Gabe Allen at gabriel.allen@colorado.edu.

At the end of last year, Scott Taylor launched a new podcast called “Okay, But… Birds.” The ornithology-focused podcast has already attracted thousands of followers and the attention of a national radio program.

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A new investigation will evaluate water filtration options in a community plagued by PFAS

Gabe Allen — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

A new investigation will evaluate water filtration options in a community plagued by PFAS Gabe Allen Wed, 03/11/2026 - 06:00

Gabe Allen

If you are a resident of Airway Heights interested in becoming a research participant, you can visit this link for more information.

INSTAAR fellow Riley Mulhern is launching a new study to evaluate the efficacy of home treatment options for PFAS in a contaminated area outside of Spokane, Washington. (courtesy photo)

INSTAAR fellow and 91��ý professor Riley Mulhern first visited Airway Heights, Washington in January of last year. After the trip, he summed up the emotional state of the community in a one-word title to a post on his Substack: “Incensed.”

Mulhern has spent his career fighting for people's access to clean water, through both research and advocacy, and this community was in the midst of a water crisis.

A filtration system guards an Airway Heights home from contaminants. (courtesy photo)

In 2017, the city of Airway Heights found PFAS, a toxic family of industrial compounds also known as forever chemicals, in their municipal water. The contamination stemmed from firefighting foam used in training exercises at a nearby airforce base over decades. A 2022 report by federal agencies subsequently found that many residents of Airway Heights had elevated levels of PFAS in their blood — up to 56 times the national average.

Airway Heights municipal water has since been cleaned up, but many local residents own private wells. They are left to figure out how to test and filter the water that comes into their homes on their own, and many are concerned by a dearth of clear information about how to accomplish these tasks.

“One in seven Americans gets no protection from the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, we’re on our own,” said John Hancock, an Airway Heights local and president of West Plains Water Coalition, a community action group formed around the PFAS issue.

This problem is at the center of a new investigation, funded by the Water Quality Research Foundation and led by Mulhern. The study will evaluate commercially available water filtration systems’ efficacy against PFAS contamination.

“There’s a lot of confusing information online about what’s the best way to filter water, how well do these filters work, how are they certified, and so on,” Mulhern said. “So there’s a lot of value in providing third-party evidence of the real world performance of these products.”

First, Mulhern and his collaborators will test the water coming out of pre-existing home filtration systems in Airway Heights. Then, they will install filtration systems at the homes of a second cohort of participants, and monitor their water over two years.

Many filters are already certified by third-party assessors for efficacy against specific PFAS chemicals, such as PFOS and PFOA, which are currently regulated by the EPA. Yet, many more PFAS compounds are unregulated by federal drinking water standards or have not yet been included in third-party certification testing and have unknown health consequences. With this in mind, the new study will test for a broad range of PFAS and other fluorinated organic compounds which make up the larger “class” of chemicals to which PFAS belong.

“We are essentially trying to future-proof the public health recommendations we can make around household filter use,” Mulhern told the Water Quality Research Foundation. “Measuring the broader category of organic fluorine through household filters will provide increased confidence in these products for handling PFAS as a class, rather than just for specific types.”

When Mulhern first visited Airway Heights, he came as a volunteer. He spoke about water filtration options at a meeting organized by West Plains Water Coalition, drawing on his experiences working in North Carolina communities affected by PFAS. Now, he is happy to return with the necessary funding to offer more substantive support.

“We won the award because we have a strong foundation with the community already,” Mulhern said. “Even more important than that is that there is a community group that is so well organized and ready and willing to participate in research like this.”

A map illustrates data on water quality around Airway Heights, Washington. X's mark PFAS source sites, while orange dots mark private wells at risk. (courtesy photo)

If you have questions about this story, or would like to reach out to INSTAAR for further comment, you can contact Senior Communications Specialist Gabe Allen at gabriel.allen@colorado.edu.

INSTAAR fellow Riley Mulhern is launching a new study to evaluate the efficacy of home treatment options for PFAS in a contaminated area outside of Spokane, Washington.

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Tahoe avalanche: What causes snow slopes to collapse? A physicist and skier explains, with tips for surviving (The Conversation)

David J Lubinski — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:13:09 +0000

Tahoe avalanche: What causes snow slopes to collapse? A physicist and skier explains, with tips for surviving (The Conversation) David J Lubinski Wed, 02/18/2026 - 21:13

Nathalie Vriend updated an article for The Conversation that explains what happens in an avalanche, techniques for surviving one, and how they are impacted by climate change.

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What Olympic athletes see that viewers don't (The Conversation)

David J Lubinski — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:48:18 +0000

What Olympic athletes see that viewers don't (The Conversation) David J Lubinski Fri, 02/13/2026 - 16:48

Machine-made snow makes ski racing faster and riskier—and it's widespread at the 2026 Games. Hear from Keith Musselman, Agnes Macy, and U.S. Olympic skiers on The Conversation.

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Faculty Affairs welcomes Warren Sconiers as Faculty Fellow for Teaching & Clinical Faculty Development (Faculty Affairs)

David J Lubinski — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:04:13 +0000

Faculty Affairs welcomes Warren Sconiers as Faculty Fellow for Teaching & Clinical Faculty Development (Faculty Affairs) David J Lubinski Fri, 09/26/2025 - 05:04

Warren Sconiers (EBIO & INSTAAR) has started a three-year term of service as a 91��ý faculty fellow creating programming to support teaching and clinical professors through the unique challenges that characterize their careers.

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Embracing excellence: 91��ý honors postdocs and mentors during National Postdoc Appreciation Week (Postdoctoral Affairs)

David J Lubinski — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 17:55:06 +0000

Embracing excellence: 91��ý honors postdocs and mentors during National Postdoc Appreciation Week (Postdoctoral Affairs) David J Lubinski Mon, 09/22/2025 - 11:55

Among a select group to receive awards were two INSTAARs: Nathalie Vriend was selected as a 91��ý Outstanding Postdoc Mentor of the Year and Edgart Flores won an honorable mention as an Outstanding Postdoc. Congratulations to both of them!

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The shape-shifting science of sand dunes (Science Friday)

David J Lubinski — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:54:54 +0000

The shape-shifting science of sand dunes (Science Friday) David J Lubinski Thu, 09/04/2025 - 15:54

A sand dune is much more than just a big pile of sand. But how do they work? And what else do scientists want to know about sand? Listen to Nathalie Vriend discuss dunes with a host of Science Friday.

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476 acres of possibility near Boulder for science, sustainability and the arts (Boulder Reporting Lab)

Gabe Allen — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:00:13 +0000

476 acres of possibility near Boulder for science, sustainability and the arts (Boulder Reporting Lab) Gabe Allen Tue, 08/12/2025 - 11:00

Katherine Suding explores the future of the Spruce Gulch Wildlife and Research Reserve in an op-ed for the Boulder reporting lab. The new reserve will host research, outreach and education programs.

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Spruce Gulch land gift enhances future ecological and academic studies at 91��ý (91��ý Today)

Gabe Allen — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Spruce Gulch land gift enhances future ecological and academic studies at 91��ý (91��ý Today) Gabe Allen Tue, 08/12/2025 - 07:00

Linda Holubar Sanabria has donated a 476-acre wildlife and research reserve to 91��ý. INSTAAR will manage research and education programs at the site, with Timothy Seastedt stepping up as director.

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Vice chancellor for sustainability visits the Mountain Research Station and Niwot Ridge

Gabe Allen — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Vice chancellor for sustainability visits the Mountain Research Station and Niwot Ridge Gabe Allen Tue, 07/15/2025 - 10:30

Gabe Allen

Recently, 91��ý vice chancellor for sustainability Andrew Mayock joined INSTAAR faculty for an excursion to the Mountain Research Station and the Tundra Lab, essential field sites for environmental research at CU.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz appointed Mayock to his role earlier this year, citing his long track record implementing sustainable infrastructure and business practices. Mayock led the Biden administration's efforts to green up the federal government — just one of many senior positions he has held over the past three decades.

INSTAAR members pose with the vice chancellor. Left to right: Andrew Mayock, INSTAAR director Nicole Lovenduski, Nancy Emery, Austin Willbern and INSTAAR associate director Albert Kettner. Photo courtesy of Nicole Lovenduski.

Despite all of his experience, Mayock sees his role at CU as the chance to dive into something new. While his career has mostly focused on sustainability as an operational goal, he is new to supporting the scientific research that underpins these efforts. Fortunately, his visit to the Mountain Research Station provided an up-close look at some of the longest-running climate and ecological monitoring efforts in the country.

“Thank you all for an extraordinary day. It provided a real opportunity to appreciate the great work you do.” Mayock told INSTAAR leadership after his visit. “I look forward to supporting and amplifying your efforts, and all we can do together.”

After touring the station, Mayock and the rest of the group hopped into vehicles and drove up past the C1 climate station. Located at nearly 10,000 feet, the station has gathered climate data continuously since 1953. Its counterpart, dubbed D1, is located at more than 12,000 feet, making it the highest continuously operating weather station in North America.

At 10,500 feet above sea level, the group parked at the “cable gate” and continued on foot. The next stop was “T-van” , a climate station located just below the saddle of Niwot Ridge. Here, Niwot Ridge field technician Austin Willbern helped Mayock take an air sample for later analysis. INSTAAR scientists in the stable isotope lab plan to present the vice chancellor with a readout of the sample’s contents the next time he comes to visit the institute.

The afternoon thunderstorms hadn't materialized yet, and the group decided to brave a jaunt up to the saddle. After reaching the ridge, Niwot Ridge program director and professor of ecology and evolutionary biology Nancy Emery talked about the diversity of research projects underway at the site this summer. Mayock was also curious about the long-term ecological monitoring project on Niwot Ridge, which has gone uninterrupted for more than 40 years.

As the clouds darkened, the group began to hike back toward the cars. They made it just in time — thunder boomed in the distance.

On their way back to the station, the group discussed further collaborative efforts between INSTAAR and the chancellor’s office. Both the vice chancellor and faculty were eager to explore ways that INSTAAR’s environmental research can complement campus efforts toward sustainability.

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If you have questions about this story, or would like to reach out to INSTAAR for further comment, you can contact Senior Communications Specialist Gabe Allen at gabriel.allen@colorado.edu.

91��ý’s Andrew Mayock recently toured the Mountain Research Station, a high-altitude climate station and the Tundra Lab at Niwot Ridge. INSTAAR faculty were eager to meet the vice chancellor and discuss future collaborations.

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Nancy Emery (closest) and Andrew Mayock (next closest) hike toward the tundra lab on Niwot Ridge.

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Community

What does it take to make a hit podcast about science?

The show is so polished. Your written intros are punchy and immediate, the sound design, set design and video are crisp and attractive. Who is working on this aside from yourself?

Take us through the show format. How is it structured?

Who do you have on? Is there a vetting process?

You are such a skilled storyteller. How did you develop that aptitude?

For people new to the show, what is a good episode to start with?

What is a moment from an interview that stands out to you?

What advice would you give to another academic who wants to start a podcast about their field?

What’s next?

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Vice chancellor for sustainability visits the Mountain Research Station and Niwot Ridge

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