Flora has produced science media for 20 years across many formats. She got her start right here at Science Friday, working her way up from intern to fill-in host, and resident videographer. From there, she worked as a video producer for The New York Times, co-creating an Emmy-nominated film series that dramatized scientific discoveries using… paper puppets. She also was nominated for an Emmy for her writing on Bill Nye’s Netflix show “Bill Nye Saves the World.” She has created and launched a number of podcasts in various roles, including hosting Gimlet’s beloved “Every Little Thing,” which connected listeners to experts who could answer their burning questions. The show ran for five years and published over 200 episodes. In her previous role as Hypothesis Fund Managing Editor, she told the stories of world-class scientists pursuing bold new ideas in a new storytelling initiative, The Leap.
Making science accessible, relatable, and human has been a focus of Flora’s career. Some of her inspiration comes from her own experience in science: Long, long ago, she worked at a NATO oceanographic lab in Italy. For the lab’s research expeditions, she lived on a ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.
You can find her @flichtman on social media platforms.
17:32
Breast Milk Is Understudied. What Are Scientists Learning Now?
There are a lot of claims about breast milk, but we know little about this sophisticated substance. Two researchers update us on the latest.
12:07
Are Cold Plunges Actually Good For You?
A researcher who studies the effects of extreme cold on the body throws a few drops of icy water on the social media trend.
16:36
Why Is Working Out Good For Your Mental Health?
A workout can be a mental health boost—or a psychological strain. Two exercise researchers discuss what physical activity does to your mind.
17:26
A Reptile’s Baffling Backfin And The Math Of Dashing Dinos
Paleontologists identified a new ancient reptile appendage. And, how fast did dinosaurs run? A longstanding equation for dino speed may be wrong.
12:18
NASA Employees Protest Cuts In Formal Dissent Letter
Retired astronaut Cady Coleman explains why she felt compelled to sign “The Voyager Declaration.”
17:24
Where Are We On The Science Of Menopause?
Menopause research began in earnest about 30 years ago. Two experts want you to know that we’ve actually learned a lot—and it’s not all bad.
12:03
EPA To Shut Down Scientific Research Arm
The EPA’s Office of Research and Development studies things like PFAS, air pollution, and chemical safety to develop environmental standards.
16:41
Parker Solar Probe Captures Closest-Ever Images Of The Sun
The newly released images from a December flyby are so detailed that scientists can see explosions and the flow of solar winds.
What The Sigma Is Algospeak?
You might think sticking out your gyatt for the rizzler is chopped, but “Algospeak” author Adam Aleksic says we should let Gen Alpha cook.
17:30
How Agatha Christie Used Chemistry To Kill (In Books)
A new book explores the poisonous concoctions in Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries and the science behind how they kill.