Beaker Bros
51 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago -Beaker Bros is a witty, candid look into emerging biological, physical, and social science research. It is hosted by Sohnia Sansanwal and Jaanuni Shanjith, two graduate students with a passion for knowledge translation and beakers. New episodes every other week.
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Instagram: @beakerbros
TikTok: @beaker_bros
YouTube: Beaker Bros
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Episodes
Episode 49: Are you smarter than a fifth grader with Beaker Bros - pt. 2
April 01, 2024 00:36 - 14 minutes - 13 MBAre we finally smarter than a fifth grader? Sohnia and Jaanuni re-attempt hard-hitting questions that are supposedly based on the fifth-grade curriculum. Check out our OG attempt at "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?" - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording this episode of Beaker Bros. We invite you to contact Beaker Bros if you identify any discrepancies. No information in this podca...
Episode 48: AI in Academia
March 20, 2024 04:27 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBIn this episode, discover how AI accelerates scientific discoveries, enhances personalized learning experiences, and revolutionizes knowledge dissemination. Explore practical applications of AI in research and education, from summarizing complex papers to fostering collaboration across disciplines. But with great power comes responsibility - Jaanuni and Sohnia also discuss ethical considerations and envision a future where AI makes education more accessible and research more collaborative th...
Episode 47: The Science of ADHD
January 31, 2024 14:45 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBExplore the intricate landscape of ADHD in academic settings in this enlightening episode. Jaanuni and Sohnia define ADHD, debunk misconceptions, and highlight its prevalence and multifactorial origins, shedding light on the challenges individuals face in educational environments. Hear firsthand accounts of triumphs and struggles, from executive functioning difficulties to treatment complexities. We delve into treatment options and highlight the importance of individualized approaches.
Episode 46: Year in Review with Beaker Bros
January 01, 2024 23:17 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBHAPPY 2024, everyone! This week, Sohnia and Jaanuni look back at 2023 and what's to come. Thanks for your support over the last couple of years xoxo DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording this episode of Beaker Bros. We invite you to contact Beaker Bros if you identify any discrepancies. No information in this podcast constitutes legal or health advice. SOCIALS Instagram: @beakerbros TikTok: @beaker_bros YouTube: Beaker Bros Fo...
Life After Undergrad: Physiotherapy & Chiropractic Programs
December 30, 2023 18:10 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBThis week, Jaanuni interviews two students, Alyssa Benitez, and Jacob Nandan, from the University of Toronto Physiotherapy program and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, respectively. Alyssa and Jacob share their insights from navigating from an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology to their respective professional programs and the accomplishments and challenges they have experienced.
Episode 44: Refugee Health with Beaker Bros
November 20, 2023 00:25 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBFor their first episode back after a brief hiatus, Sohnia and Jaanuni dive into global refugee health. DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording this episode of Beaker Bros. We invite you to contact Beaker Bros if you identify any discrepancies. No information in this podcast constitutes legal or health advice. SOCIALS Instagram: @beakerbros TikTok: @beaker_bros YouTube: Beaker Bros For business and other inquiries: beakerbros2020@...
Episode 43: Praveen Nadesan, Student Researcher Spotlight
October 10, 2023 19:31 - 20 minutes - 15.8 MBOn this episode, we have our research coordinators, Grace and Reu, takeover Beaker Bros as this week's co-hosts. We spotlight McMaster University student researcher Praveen Nadesan and his research on barriers and facilitators of inclusive physical education for Ontario elementary students.
Episode 42: Occupational Therapy featuring Megan Neufeld (McMaster OT Student)
May 13, 2023 20:15 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBThis week, Sohnia is joined by guest host, Caitlyn Ivany, and McMaster University Occupational Therapy (OT) student, Megan Neufeld. We dive into how Megan found her passion for OT, life as a student-athlete, working in health care, and who she is outside of OT. DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording this episode of Beaker Bros. We invite you to contact Beaker Bros if you identify any discrepancies. No information in this podcast ...
Episode 41: Pursuing Law School featuring Meena Alnajar
May 04, 2023 19:22 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBThis week, Sohnia is joined by two special guests! Sohnia and guest host, Momina Abbas, interview final year law student, Meena Alnajar. Meena highlights her undergrad experiences, where her passion for law started, her experiences at York University's Osgoode Law School, and who she is outside of law. *For whatever reason, Sohnia's mic sounds terrible. We'll fix this in upcoming episodes! Thanks :))* DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of...
Episode 40: Workaholism with Beaker Bros
February 25, 2023 00:54 - 18 minutes - 17 MBThis week, Sohnia and Jaanuni explore the impact of workaholism on quality of life and work-life balance. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10NM27OGPKHBauCl1WJQPD4jj3Xkqbl7VeN-O0tUEykI/edit?usp=sharing DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording this episode of Beaker Bros. We invite you to contact Beaker Bros if you identify any discrepancies. No information in this podcast constitutes legal or health advice. SOCIALS ...
Episode 39: chatGPT versus Reu
February 11, 2023 16:40 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBWill chatGPT soon be taking over everyday jobs? In this episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia explore what chatGPT is, how it works, and its limitations. In addition, we attempt to compare if Reu's job (research assistant of Beaker Bros) can be replaced by chatGPT. Watch until the end to find out! DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording this episode of Beaker Bros. We invite you to contact Beaker Bros if you identify any discrepancies. No in...
Episode 38 - Storytelling and Knowledge Translation ft. Shania Bhopa
January 13, 2023 23:44 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBThis week, Sohnia chats with scholar, author, non-profit co-founder, and content creator, Shania Bhopa. They chat about the art of storytelling, carving your niche online, and advice on how to communicate your story. SHANIA'S SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbyshania/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbyshania?lang=en Website: https://www.shaniabhopa.ca/ DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording thi...
Episode 37: Seasonal Affective Disorder
January 01, 2023 02:04 - 21 minutes - 20 MBSohnia and Jaanuni dive into seasonal affective disorder for their last episode of 2022. They explore what it is, the history behind seasonal depression and how it relates to your circadian rhythm.
Life After Undergrad: Canadian Medical School ft. Sanjum Hunjan and Riva Patel
November 26, 2022 01:24 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBIn our second installment of the Life After Undergrad series, Sohnia and Jaanuni interview Sanjum Hunjan (MacMed, first year) and Riva Patel (UofT Med, first year). We explore topics surrounding "why med," experiences in undergrad and medical school, empathy, failure, and who they are outside of school. DISCLAIMER: At the time of recording this episode, Sanjum and Riva have not served on any medical school admissions committee. Views expressed in this podcast are their own, and may not repr...
Episode 36: Ethics of Going to Mars with Beaker Bros
November 07, 2022 01:42 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBSpace travel and colonization have been hot topics of discussion in both science and ethics research. In this episode of Beaker Bros, Sohnia and Jaanuni attempt to tackle this topic and explore research surrounding the ethical implications of going Mars. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I... DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording this episode of Beaker Bros. We invite you to contact Beaker Bros if you identify a...
Episode 35: Reading Week & Mental Health
October 19, 2022 03:03 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBTrigger Warning: The following episode includes a conversation about suicide and mental health, which listeners may find uncomfortable. In this week's episode, Sohnia and Jaanuni explore the purpose of reading week (a fall break for most Canadian universities and/or colleges) and how it is tied to mental health.
Episode 34: Are you smarter than a fifth grader (grad student edition) with Beaker Bros
September 09, 2022 19:01 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBCan Sohnia and Jaanuni do basic math under SEVERE pressure? Can they name all seven continents? Watch to see if two highly qualified #womeninstem can solve these and other questions intended for fifth-grade science students. DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording this episode of Beaker Bros. We invite you to contact Beaker Bros if you identify any discrepancies. No information in this podcast constitutes legal or health advice. S...
Life After Undergrad: Master's of Science
August 13, 2022 14:26 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MBBeaker Bros introduces a new miniseries called Life After Undergrad where they explore various traditional and non-traditional paths that individuals have taken since graduating undergrad and interview some exciting guest stars! In this episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia explore the path of a Master's of Science with two special guest stars: themselves! Jaanuni and Sohnia are currently Master's of Science candidates and will share their application process, thoughts and fears about choosing this pa...
Life After Undergrad: Why Pursue a Master's of Science
August 13, 2022 14:26 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBBeaker Bros introduces a new miniseries called Life After Undergrad where they explore various traditional and non-traditional paths that individuals have taken since graduating undergrad and interview some exciting guest stars! In this episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia explore the path of a Master's of Science with two special guest stars: themselves! Jaanuni and Sohnia are currently Master's of Science candidates and will share their application process, thoughts and fears about choosing this pa...
Episode 32: Abortion Rights and Access with Beaker Bros Featuring Izabela Gjorsovska
July 03, 2022 15:49 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBThis week, Sohnia and Jaanuni discuss the ramifications of Roe vs Wade. They are also joined by midwife, Izabela Gjorsovska, to discuss abortion access and resources in Canada. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N... DISCLAIMER: The information presented reflects credible research available at the time of recording this episode of Beaker Bros. We invite you to contact Beaker Bros if you identify any discrepancies. No information in this podcast constitutes legal or health a...
Episode 31: Voluntourism
June 23, 2022 03:28 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBThere has been a rise in voluntourism lately; however, despite how much it has been praised, voluntourism does have its drawbacks. In this week's episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia delve into the reality of voluntourism and its impact on volunteers and the host community. Check here for references.
Episode 30: The Benefits of Solo Travelling with Beaker Bros
May 27, 2022 19:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBHave you ever wondered why some folks are drawn to solo travelling? This week, Sohnia and Jaanuni explore research surrounding what draws people to independently travel the world. Sohnia also shares her first solo travelling experiences. Check here for references.
Episode 29: Sunscreen & Skin Cancer
May 13, 2022 20:00 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBWith summer rolling around the corner and the sun shining brighter than ever, it is that time of the year when everyone reaches for sunscreen, but what exactly is sunscreen? In this episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia explain the importance of sunscreen and SPF and how it can protect against skin cancer. Click here for references!
Episode 28: A conversation with Dr. Ada Tang with Beaker Bros
March 26, 2022 22:15 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBThis week, Sohnia and Jaanuni interview clinician-researcher, Dr. Ada Tang PT PhD. Join us, as we delve into Dr. Tang's experiences as a physical therapist, her research and academic passions, as well as her love for the outdoors.
Episode 27: Birth Control
March 15, 2022 00:11 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBConversations surrounding birth control and contraception can be taboo. In this episode of Beaker Bros, Jaanuni and Sohnia break down different methods of birth control. Click here for references.
Episode 26: Psychology of Habits with Beaker Bros
February 06, 2022 01:08 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBThis week, Jaanuni and Sohnia discuss the psychology of habits. They discuss theories behind habit formation, addiction, as well as personal habits they are trying to form and break. Click here for references.
Episode 25: COVID-19 Testing Devices
January 14, 2022 18:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBIn Ontario, there remains a shortage of rapid antigen tests and PCR tests are only recommended for symptomatic individuals and at cost. However, while these terms of rapid antigen and PCR tests are thrown about, there is confusion about how these tests work and how accurate they are. In this week's episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia breakdown some common misconceptions about COVID-19 tests and the different types! Click here for references.
Episode 24: Water Insecurity in Afghanistan *Special Episode*
November 17, 2021 15:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBIn this special episode of Beaker Bros, Sohnia is joined by fourth-year Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law students, Sammy and Jack. For their PEACJUST 3D03 course project, Sohnia, Sammy, and Jack shed light on the current water crisis in Afghanistan. They contextualize the crisis, provide insights on future implications, and discuss the importance of effective knowledge translation. Check here for references. NOTE: The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect those of all PEACJ...
Episode 23: 2021 Nobel Prize
November 12, 2021 16:12 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBJoin Sohnia and Jaanuni this week as they end off October by discussing the 2021 Nobel Winners and what the Nobel Prize is. In addition, explore the history of the Nobel Prize and how it came to be!
Episode 22: Mental Health in University with Beaker Bros Featuring Fiona He
September 17, 2021 19:04 - 40 minutes - 37.7 MBUniversity is a stressful time for many students. Mental health concerns exacerbated during this time can not only negatively impact one’s well-being, but can also significantly hinder one’s education. In this podcast, Sohnia, Jaanuni, and special guest Fiona He contextualize statistics regarding the mental health of Canadian university students. They also have a candid conversation about academics, cultural expectations, managing stress, and share positive affirmations. Check here for refe...
Episode 21: MCAT and Standardized Tests with Beaker Bros
August 21, 2021 00:20 - 47 minutes - 44.2 MBBeaker Bros is back after taking a break to prepare for the MCAT. In this week's episode, Sohnia and Jaanuni share their experiences with studying for and writing the MCAT and critique the reliability and validity of standardized tests. In addition, feel free to contact us to ask for tips or advice in regards to the MCAT. Click here for references.
Episode 20: Sleep Deprivation with Beaker Bros
July 30, 2021 21:16 - 16 minutes - 15.7 MBRegardless of who you are or where you come from, you likely know someone who has experienced sleep deprivation. In fact, it is often an overlooked health condition that affects 1 in 3 people. In this episode of Beaker Bros, Sohnia and Jaanuni explore the short and long-term effects of sleep deprivation. Check here for references.
Episode 19: The Science of Intoxication with Beaker Bros
July 17, 2021 14:32 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBWhether you're a university student or a 70-year-old enjoying retirement, you probably had some sort of encounter with alcohol. In this week's episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia discuss the physiological effects of alcohol on your body. As well, we delve into alcohol consumption education in schools and whether or not addiction is a choice or an illness. Click here for references.
Episode 18: Preventing HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer with Beaker Bros
July 02, 2021 23:11 - 42 minutes - 39.7 MBIn 1976, Dr. Harald Hausen discovered that patients infected with Human papillomavirus (HPV) are at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Subsequent discoveries paved the way for developing screening tests and vaccines that identify and prevent cervical tumors. Despite significant advancements, local and global health inequity perpetuate incidences of HPV infection and cervical cancer. In acknowledgment of this, Sohnia and Jaanuni will discuss the etiology of HPV infection and cer...
Episode 17: Kids Ask Beaker Bros
June 18, 2021 22:00 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBIn this week's episode, Beaker Bros gathered science questions that kids had and answered them! Questions such as why sunsets have different colours to why do we need to sleep, this episode shares some fun facts about different phenomena and everyday occurrences. Click here for references.
Episode 16: Stroke Awareness Month with Beaker Bros ft. Lee-Ran Goodman
June 04, 2021 18:49 - 24 minutes - 23.1 MBIn Canada, stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and third leading cause of death. Currently, more than 700,000 Canadians aged 20 and older have experienced a stroke. In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, Sohnia and Jaanuni invited undergraduate research student, Lee-Ran Goodman, to share her experiences learning about stroke. Lee-Ran highlights emerging research, important risk factors, prevention and identification strategies, as well as potential challenges in communicatin...
Episode 15: Veganism with Beaker Bros
May 21, 2021 22:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBVeganism is the practice and philosophy of rejecting the commodity status of animals. In this week's episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia dispel some common misconceptions of veganism and share the different perspectives as a non-vegan and vegan individual. Click here for references.
Episode 14: Can fashion be sustainable?
May 07, 2021 13:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBThe fashion industry is notorious for generating greenhouse emissions, polluting Earth's freshwater, and fostering deplorable working conditions. However, in recent years, “sustainable fashion” has emerged as the pinnacle of environmental conservatism within the industry. In this week’s episode of Beaker Bros, Sohnia and Jaanuni discuss if the fashion industry can truly be sustainable. Check here for references.
Episode 13: Addiction with Beaker Bros
May 01, 2021 02:02 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBAddiction is categorized and diagnosed as a medical disease. In this week’s episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia talk about how the various disciplines of science and their advancements play a role in determining what addiction really is, how addiction affects the brain and the novel pharmacological interventions in combatting addiction. Click here for references.
Episode 12: The Printing Press with Beaker Bros
April 23, 2021 14:14 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBThe ability to mass-produce books through Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press is attributed to sparking the beginnings of the Scientific Enlightenment. In honour of UNESCO’s World Book Day, Sohnia and Jaanuni decided to dedicate this episode to the scientific and societal importance of the printing press. They end off by chatting about how science communication and misinformation have changed throughout millennia. Check here for references.
Episode 11: Earth Day with Beaker Bros
April 16, 2021 22:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBOn April 22nd every year, all around the world, people celebrate Earth Day in combatting and raising awareness about climate change and global warming. In this week’s episode, Sohnia and Jaanuni discuss how Earth Day came to be and how human-induced climate change has contributed to biodiversity loss. Join us this week as we celebrate Queen Earth also known as Earth Day! Check here for references.
Episode 10: Milky Talks Meteors, Meteoroids, and Meteorites with Beaker Bros
April 10, 2021 03:13 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBApril 2021 is quite the month for amateur astronomers! On this episode of Beaker Bros, Sohnia and Jaanuni distinguish some basic terminology, while Milky the doggo pops in for a brief visit. They end off by discussing how and when you can observe the upcoming Lyrid meteor shower. Check here for references.
Episode 9: The Eugenics Movement with Beaker Bros
April 03, 2021 01:03 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBScience has historically been misused to justify racism and social inequality. In acknowledgement of this, Sohnia and Jaanuni decided to explore one of the most notorious abuses of scientific knowledge in recent history - the Eugenics Movement. Check here for references.
Episode 8: Burnout with Beaker Bros
March 27, 2021 00:20 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBPsychologist Herbert Freudenberger defined "burnout" as the loss of motivation and a growing sense of emotional depletion. All around the world, individuals experience burnout. In this week's episode, Jaanuni and Sohnia discuss why it is important to acknowledge and recognize when you are feeling burnout and how burnout can be experienced by students. As well, they discuss what individuals can do to help overcome this feeling. Check here for references.
Episode 7: Injustices in the Asian Community with Beaker Bros
March 19, 2021 22:00 - 11 minutes - 11 MBOn Tuesday March 16, 2021, an individual decided to committed murder against 8 innocent people, 6 of which are members of the Asian community. What happened in Atlanta is not an isolated incident, but a horrific example of a large rising tide of anti-Asian racism. In light of this, we wanted to dedicate this episode to our Asian pals and highlight the injustice in their community. Check here for references.
Episode 6: Disparities in Health with Beaker Bros
March 13, 2021 23:20 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBUnder the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has a right to health. However, health disparities brought forth by socioeconomic status and structural racism impedes upon this right. In this podcast, Sohnia and Jaanuni discuss how disparities in health occurring globally and in our own backyards perpetuates health inequity. Check here for references.
Episode 5: Sex and Gender in Science
March 05, 2021 22:00 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MBBiological sex and socially-constructed gender are intrinsic to our identity. Yet, there are instances where science and society inaccurately represent the two. In this week's episode, Sohnia and Jaanuni discuss why inaccurately distinguishing between sex and gender impedes health science research. They also discuss when it is appropriate to report sex versus gender (and vice versa) and their thoughts on "gender reveal parties." Check here for references.
Episode 4: The COVID-19 Vaccine with Beaker Bros
February 20, 2021 01:14 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBThe COVID-19 vaccine is considered one of the biggest scientific achievements of the 21st century. This week, Sohnia and Jaanuni chat about the fascinating history and science of vaccines. They also dive into Jaanuni’s experience receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and how immunological research is changing the way we live our lives. Check here for references.
Episode 3: Communicating Science Outside the Classroom with Beaker Bros
February 12, 2021 20:37 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MBUnless you're pursuing a career in science, odds are you probably don't regularly read scientific literature. As a result, the general public's main source of scientific content is often through the media. This week, Sohnia and Jaanuni explore the role of social media in science education, and whether industries, celebrities, companies, brands, and trends should play in disseminating science. Check here for references.
Episode 2: Mental Health During COVID-19 with Beaker Bros
February 05, 2021 08:38 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how mental and physical health are inextrincably linked. As global case counts pass 100 million, Sohnia and Jaanuni sit down to talk about the toll the pandemic has taken on individuals living in isolation. Check here for references.