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Metaphorigins

Arts & Culture Podcasts

For lovers of reading, writing, science and general communication. This podcast will aim at acknowledging the origins of metaphors/idioms and the importance of effective scientific communication. My ambition is to spread knowledge on how we articulate concepts and the creative aspect of diction. Most episodes will focus on the origins of expressions, words of high regard, and the meaning behind them. This can overall allow us to acknowledge that words have just as much power as actions.​ As another aspect to this podcast, I will also speak about the importance of science communication in modern day, whether to the scientific community or to the public. Science communication is essential to inspire the next generation, guide societal discourse, and solve the problems we face today collaboratively and efficiently.

Location:

Canada

Description:

For lovers of reading, writing, science and general communication. This podcast will aim at acknowledging the origins of metaphors/idioms and the importance of effective scientific communication. My ambition is to spread knowledge on how we articulate concepts and the creative aspect of diction. Most episodes will focus on the origins of expressions, words of high regard, and the meaning behind them. This can overall allow us to acknowledge that words have just as much power as actions.​ As another aspect to this podcast, I will also speak about the importance of science communication in modern day, whether to the scientific community or to the public. Science communication is essential to inspire the next generation, guide societal discourse, and solve the problems we face today collaboratively and efficiently.

Twitter:

@kjbmercurio

Language:

English

Contact:

6132031118


Episodes
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S5E4 - Beginner Brevity & Storyteller Science with Helena Hartmann (PhD)

12/22/2023
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Helena Hartmann via Twitter: @helenahhartmann Follow the Science & Fiction project via their website Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction02:11 Segment 1: The Meteor Rise (Short Story)09:18Segment 2: The Origin of "Once Upon A Time" (Metaphor History)22:30Segment 3: Storytelling Science (Communication Topic)34:00Segment 4: Talk With Helena Hartmann (Guest Interview)Description I read the origin book on “Once Upon A Time”, walking the line between expression and tradition. I also discuss how storytelling can be used to communicate science more effectively. I interview the creative communicator Helena Hartmann (PhD) regarding her academic journey and how she uses fictional stories to discuss complex concepts in her field. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode44. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:27:15

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S5E3 - Formidable Forms & Social Justice with Siddharth Kankaria (MSc)

6/26/2023
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Siddharth Kankaria via Twitter: @SiddhrthKnkaria Follow the SciCommSci Club on their website Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction01:06 Segment 1: Zima Red (Short Story)11:18Segment 2: The Origin of "State of the Art" (Metaphor History)22:30Segment 3: Social Justice (Communication Topic)35:36Segment 4: Talk With Siddarth Kankaria (Guest Interview)Description I set the status for the origins to “State of the Art”, showcasing the beauty at the interface between science and art. I also discuss how science communication and can be used for social justice within academic and societal structures. I interview the communicating maverick Siddharth Kankaria (MSc) regarding his academic journey and how he advocates for social justice through science communication within India. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode43. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:51:28

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S5E2 - Literal Listening & Science Comics with Sophie Elschner (PhD)

6/12/2023
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Sophie Elschner via Twitter: @SophieElschner Find out more about her career path via her website Check out her webcomic "psychoSoph" online via the website Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction01:05 Segment 1: Honour or Manure, Peera? (Short Story)09:24Segment 2: The Origin of "Onomatopoeia" (Metaphor History)22:11Segment 3: Science Comics (Communication Topic)34:37Segment 4: Talk With Sophie Elschner (Guest Interview)Description I sound the alarm on the origins to “Onomatopoeia”, highlighting the best examples that play with the English language. I also discuss the adaptation of the comic form as an educational tool in science. I interview the illustrious communicator Sophie Elschner (PhD) regarding her academic journey and how she created her own science comic to spotlight interesting psychological phenomena. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode42. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:27:27

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S5E1 - Audacious Audio & Public Speaking with Alex Cloherty (PhD Student)

5/29/2023
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Alex Cloherty via Twitter: @alexgoesviral Check out her blog "Microbial Mondays" via her website See her winning FameLab International Heat Video on YouTube Follow the TOPX network initiatives via Twitter @TOPXNetwork Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction02:20 Segment 1: Edison 2.0 (Short Story)12:28Segment 2: The Origin of "Mic Drop" (Metaphor History)23:47Segment 3: Public Speaking (Communication Topic)35:36Segment 4: Talk With Alex Cloherty (Guest Interview)Description I drop some serious hints around the origins to "Mic Drop", along with a toast to the listeners of the Metaphorigins Podcast. I also discuss the evolution of public speaking throughout our history and how crucial it is for scientists in the academic community. I interview the communicating phenom Alex Cloherty (PhD Student) regarding her academic journey and how she has developed a mindset for scientific public speaking to all audiences. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode41. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:29:11

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Update & The Health Science Inquiry Publication

3/27/2023
Providing a quick update on life and Season 5 of Metaphorigins coming in May 2023. I also wanted to share that my short story called "The Climate Solution", part of a series of writing pieces under the Scalene Writing project, was published in the Canadian journal Health Science Inquiry (out of the University of Toronto). In this floating episode, I perform one of my favourite poems I've written that was in this story, “Binary”. Check out the references and transcript to this episode here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode40-1. Resources websitelinktreeepisodepublicationwebsiteSupport the show

Duration:00:10:42

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Season Four: Recap

2/27/2023
Compiled all the best lines from Season Four! Website: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/metaphorigins Timestamps 00:00 S4E109:54 S4E223:00S4E334:30S4E437:57S4E553:41S4E61:05:43S4E71:15:16S4E81:22:29S4E91:32:04S4E10Support the show

Duration:01:39:26

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S4E10 - Mentorship & Talk With Namrata Iyer (PhD)

8/29/2022
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Namrata Iyer via Twitter: @namu_r9 Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction04:14Segment 1: Mentorship (Communication Topic)30:14Segment 2: Talk With Namrata Iyer (Guest Interview)Description I cannonball straight into the nuances of mentorship and how personal experience has shaped irregular perceptions of this particular relationship. From there, I interview the exceptional educator Namrata Iyer (PhD) regarding her academic journey, and her own mentor relationships throughout her time as an early career researcher. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode40. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:51:39

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S4E9 - Longing Luxuries & Research Sustainability With Oisin Joyce (PhD Student)

7/25/2022
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Oisin Joyce via LinkedIn: @oisincjoyce Check out Irish Green Labs via their website Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction01:15Segment 1: Three Bears Wood (Short Story)11:21Segment 2: The Origin of "The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side" (Metaphor History)22:47Segment 3: Research Sustainability (Communication Topic)33:58Segment 4: Talk With Oisin Joyce (Guest Interview)Description I cut around the origins to "The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side", along with some serious talk on contentment and mental health. Additionally, I reflect on our roles as researchers to advocate for research sustainability. I interview the sustainability superhero Oisin Joyce (PhD Student) regarding his academic journey and his adoption of a "greener" lifestyle as a representative for sustainable initiatives in Ireland and around the world. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode39. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:25:22

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S4E8 - Redundant Repetitions & Hit Song Science With Martin Sutton (PhD Student)

7/11/2022
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Martin Sutton via Instagram: @marty_sutton Check out The Papa Zitas via their website and YouTube Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction01:14Segment 1: Climate Inaction (Short Story)10:34Segment 2: The Origin of "Like A Broken Record" (Metaphor History)20:02Segment 3: Hit Song Science (Communication Topic)29:32Segment 4: Talk With Martin Sutton (Guest Interview)Description I loudly project the origins to "Like A Broken Record", along with some cool jams. As well, I investigate the fascinating realm of Hit Song Science and the predictive ability of music analytical software. I interview the spectacularly sound Martin Sutton (PhD Student) regarding his academic journey and his work-life balance gigging as part of a 10-piece Motown band called the Papa Zitas. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode38. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:35:58

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S4E7 - Tidal Targets & Canadian Vs. American Research Institutes With Amanda Bentley-DeSousa (PhD)

12/20/2021
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Amanda Bentley-DeSousa via Twitter: @abentleydesousa Check out Shawn Ferguson's Lab at Yale via their website Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction01:07Segment 1: Slap Shot (Short Story)08:59Segment 2: The Origin of "Shoot For The Moon" (Metaphor History)15:28Segment 3: Canadian Vs. American Research Institutes (Communication Topic)27:39Segment 4: Talk With Amanda Bentley-DeSousa (Guest Interview)Description I orbit close to the origins of “Shoot For The Moon”, along with some poetic verse. In addition, I discuss some of the differences between Canadian Vs. American Institutes within their respective regions. I interview the scientifically methodical Amanda Bentley-DeSousa (PhD) regarding her academic journey and observations within both CAN and US research environments. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode37. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:46:15

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S4E6 - Planetary Privilege & Political Correctness With Tiffany Lee (MIA)

12/6/2021
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Tiffany Lee via LinkedIn: @TiffanyLee Check out her lovely cats on their very own Instagram: @ollie_n_missy Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction01:07Segment 1: Cuttlefish (Short Story)10:21Segment 2: The Origin of "First World" (Metaphor History)20:08Segment 3: Political Correctness (Communication Topic)32:53Segment 4: Talk With Tiffany Lee (Guest Interview)Description I traverse through origins to the term “First World”, including its more appropriate alternatives. Additionally, I discuss the very charged concept of Political Correctness, along with the many nuances it encompasses. I interview the tremendously sharp Tiffany Lee (MIA) to gauge her perspectives on the political climate based on her personal, educational and professional experience as a minority in global policy circles. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode36. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:44:10

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S4E5 - Work-Life Balance & Talk With Elizabeth Walden (PhD Student)

11/8/2021
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Elizabeth Walden via Twitter: @ewaldenscience Check out the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB): @oisb_ibso Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction02:17Segment 1: Work-Life Balance (Communication Topic)24:36Segment 2: Talk With Elizabeth Walden (Guest Interview)Description I take a deep dive into the ideology of work-life balance in the academic world. I talk with the wonderfully collected Elizabeth Walden, a PhD Candidate at the University of Ottawa who reflects on incorporating balance in the many personal, research and extracurricular responsibilities she holds. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode35. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:37:27

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S4E4 - Countering Counters & Citizen Science With Cassidy Swanston (MA)

10/18/2021
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Cassidy Swanston via Twitter: @scicommcassidy Check out the SciComm School Podcast and the Pelling Lab! Check out Pulsar Collective on their website! Check out Water Rangers and join their citizen science projects! Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction00:59Segment 1: The Wheelbarrow (Short Story)09:23Segment 2: The Origin of "Turn The Tables" (Metaphor History)17:59Segment 3: Citizen Science (Communication Topic)28:53Segment 4: Talk With Cassidy Swanston (Guest Interview)Description I roll through origins to the strategic expression “Turn The Tables”, along with some tabletop history. As well, I discuss the benefits and drawbacks to Citizen Science, while diving into creating a more inclusive research community. I interview the terrific scientist and SciComm multi-tasker, Cassidy Swanston (MA), to talk about her experience building museum exhibits on citizen science and reflections based on her involvement in citizen science initiatives. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode34. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:26:26

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S4E3 - Intact Illustrations & SciComm Infographics With Laura Finnegan (PhD Student)

10/11/2021
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Laura Finnegan via Instagram: @laurakfinnegan Check out her website to personally support and ask for quotes! Support Fighting Blindness charity based in Ireland! Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction01:00Segment 1: Literary Currency (Short Story)09:55Segment 2: The Origin of "A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words" (Metaphor History)19:22Segment 3: SciComm Infographics (Communication Topic)27:52Segment 4: Talk With Laura Finnegan (Guest Interview)Description I venture through origins to the renowned expression, “A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words”, along with some faux-philosophy. In addition, I discuss the importance of infographic purpose and design, and how these illustrations have made SciComm more accessible. I interview an outstanding scientist and SciComm visionary, Laura Finnegan (PhD Student), to talk about visual media and translating her artistic skill to her work. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode33. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:24:28

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S4E2 - Vulnerable Vests & Personal Blogs With Patrick Taylor (PhD)

10/4/2021
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Patrick Taylor via Twitter: @paddyktaylor Check out his SciComm blog 27000 Hours! Follow the Saturna Marine Research & Education Society (SIMRES)! Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction01:02Segment 1: The Next Species (Short Story)07:40Segment 2: The Origin of "Wearing Your Heart On Your Sleeve" (Metaphor History)17:22Segment 3: Personal Blogs (Communication Topic)27:38Segment 4: Talk With Patrick Taylor (Guest Interview)Description I journey towards the origin to the elegant expression, "Wearing Your Heart On Your Sleeve", along with some medieval lore. Additionally, I discuss the origins of blogging and how this activity can be used in science communication and research reflections. I interview an amazing scientist and SciComm advocate, Patrick Taylor (PhD), to discuss his blogging past and his reflections on engaging with the online science community. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode32. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:29:52

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S4E1 - Sinister Surprises & The Podcasting Meta With Megan Hanlon (PhD)

9/27/2021
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Megan Hanlon via Twitter: @meganhanlon4 Follow the SciComm Collective on Instagram! Follow Pint of Science Ireland on their website! Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction01:41Segment 1: The Narrator's Paradox (Short Story)06:49Segment 2: The Origin of "Speak Of The Devil" (Metaphor History)15:35Segment 3: The Podcasting Meta (Communication Topic)25:43Segment 4: Talk With Megan Hanlon (Guest Interview)Description I investigate the origins to the frequently used expression, "Speak Of The Devil", along with various versions of the infamous King of Evil. Additionally, I plunge into the origins of podcasting and how this medium can be particularly effective in science communication. I interview an incredible scientist and SciComm star, Megan Hanlon (PhD), to discuss her journey in making her own science communication podcast "Unravelling Science" and the lessons she's learned along the way. Check out the references and transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode31. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:25:41

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Update & The FameLab Ireland Competition

8/30/2021
Providing a quick update on life and Season 4 of Metaphorigins coming in September 2021. I also wanted to share that I participated in the FameLab Ireland Dublin heat, part of the qualifying rounds for the largest science communication competition in the world, and in this floating episode I perform the new communication piece titled, “You are more responsible of your hangover than your drink”. Check out the references and transcript to this episode here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode30-1. Resources paperpaperarticleintervieweventvideoSupport the show

Duration:00:13:24

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Season Three: Recap

7/26/2021
Compiled all the best lines from Season Three! Website: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/metaphorigins Timestamps 00:00 S3E109:01 S3E219:36S3E327:49S3E437:57S3E546:22S3E655:48S3E71:06:19S3E81:15:51S3E91:27:44S3E10Support the show

Duration:01:38:59

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S3E10 - The Thesis & Talk With Amy O'Callaghan (PhD)

6/7/2021
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Amy O'Callaghan via Twitter: @amyaishling Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction03:18Segment 1: The Thesis (Communication Topic)34:14Segment 2: Talk With Amy O'Callaghan (Guest Interview)Description On this special Season 3 Finale, I argue why the academic thesis is one of the greatest pieces of work students will create in their entire lives. I talk with the fantastically bright Amy O’Callaghan (PhD), future professional science communicator and a Research Assistant at Trinity College Dublin who recently went through the dreaded thesis process in its entirety, finishing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out the transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode/030. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:54:47

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S3E9 - Cracking Conversation & Academia Vs. Industry With Eugene Fletcher (PhD)

5/3/2021
Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=891796​ Connect with guest Eugene Fletcher via Twitter: @eufletch Timestamps​ 00:00Introduction00:49Segment 1: Search & Romance (Short Story)09:33Segment 2: The Origin of "Breaking The Ice" (Metaphor History)19:15Segment 3: Academia Vs. Industry (Communication Topic)29:17Segment 4: Talk With Eugene Fletcher (Guest Interview)Description I dive into the not-so-frigid origins to the networking expression “Breaking The Ice”. I discuss the differences in attidudes and communication between Academia vs. Industry. I talk with the multi-talented phenom Eugene Fletcher (PhD), an R&D Lead at Escarpment Labs, about transitioning into the private sector and his experience in the two worlds. Check out the transcript here: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/episode/029. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Duration:01:16:52