John leads the audio team that creates our weekly radio show and daily podcast.
John loves working on journalism collaborations. He helped build our State of Science Reporting Network; brought together 18 stations across the Northeast to cover environmental issues; a project which eventually led to the New England News Collaborative; worked with NPR on their Collaborative Coverage Project; and hosted the national collaborative talk program America Amplified.
For 25 years, John oversaw news programming at WNPR, where he started the daily talk show, Where We Live. He’s also produced award-winning long-form documentaries on mental health and elder care, and reported hundreds of short stories for NPR and public radio stations. These covered everything from politics to PFAS to basketball shoes, including one story about virtual reality in dentistry that’s actually pretty embarrassing to listen to now.
You might know his voice as a long-time guest host on Science Friday, and you can still see him periodically hosting live events for The Connecticut Mirror.
He and his wife and their three cats live in the sleepy Northwest hills of Connecticut, where they run LAM Yoga, a small studio that leads international yoga retreats. But John grew up in Pittsburgh, and is as big a Mr. Rogers fan as you’ll find anywhere.
Einstein’s real breakthrough? Quantum theory
In honor of Einstein’s birthday, we’re revisiting a 2013 conversation with physicist and author A. Douglas Stone about quantum theory.
Earth’s Ancient Hydrogen, And Fossilized Vomit
A new simulation shows large amounts of hydrogen in our planet’s core. And, what scientists found in 290-million-year-old vomit.
How Did Vaccine Policies Actually Change In 2025?
After a year of near-daily headlines about changes to vaccine policy, what has actually changed? And what do we need to know?
29:57
What Lichen Tell Us About Ecology, Air Quality, And More
Ira is joined on stage by experts in Portland, Oregon, to talk about the amazing world of lichen and their role in a changing climate.
46:49
Health, Astronomy, And Climate Experts On 2024’s Coolest Science
Ira is joined on stage by researchers from three different fields to reflect on all that 2024 brought us in the world of science.
17:11
The Science That Captivated SciFri’s Reporters In 2024
Two SciFri producers discuss the year’s most intriguing stories, from new weight-loss drugs to PFAS chemicals to the ManhattAnt.
24:46
The Clean Air Act Has Saved Millions Of Lives—But Gaps Remain
The legislation gave the U.S. some of the world’s cleanest air. But with industrial zones and climate change, it’s not protecting everyone.
17:18
How Aging Water Systems Are Pushing Sewage Into U.S. Homes
Outdated and poorly maintained sewage and stormwater systems have led to chronic sewage backups in communities across the country.
12:08
Pandas Return To Washington, D.C., Zoo
In a new chapter of “panda diplomacy,” two giant pandas on loan from China have arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
17:09
NASA’s Europa Clipper Heads To Jupiter’s Icy Moon Europa
Scientists suspect that beneath Europa’s icy crust is a giant ocean of liquid water. They launched a spacecraft to investigate.