Science & Wisdom

Cotton Candy Clouds and Popcorn Lung — The Truth About Vaping Flavors

Why Cotton Candy, Mango, and Crème Brûlée: The Flavor Science Behind Vaping's Newest Regulatory Battle A few months ago, on May 5, 2026, the FDA authorized the first-eve

When the Air Sticks to You: The History of Pollen, Allergies, and What Our Bodies Are Noticing

A spring run in the woods of North Carolina, where pollen clung visibly to hair and lungs, prompts a deeper question: when did the air start behaving this way? In this ep

Don't Breathe That: The Science of Foolish Things to Inhale

From Ancient Oracles to "Galaxy Gas": The history and biology of what humans inhale to feel something throughout history. Join Ella and her mom, toxicologist Dr. J, as th

The Hidden Dangers of Tear Gas

In this episode of Science & Wisdom, Ella and Dr. J unpack the science behind tear gas and pepper spray — chemicals most people assume are harmless, temporary irritants b

Kratom Craze

This conversation explores the origins, risks, and regulatory challenges surrounding Kratom, noting its long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia and its growing

Legally High: How a Farm Bill Accidentally Created the Wild West of THC Vaping

When the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp by defining it as cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, specifically vaping products, it unintentionally opened the door

From Smoking to Vaping - A Century in the Making

This is a historical recap of electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, from an idea in 1927 to products that can deliver over 5000 puffs, the equivalent delivery of nicotine as