63: Science journalism (with Brian Resnick)

Episode 63 · June 18th, 2018 · 1 hr 34 secs

About this Episode

Dan and James chat about science journalism with Brian Resnick (@b_resnick), who is a science reporter at Vox.com.

Here’s what they cover:

Should scientists be worried that their work will be misrepresented when talking to the media? [0:58]
How Brian approaches science journalism [8:53]
It’s ok to challenge the assumptions of science journalists [16:57]
How do you write a great headline? [19:13]
How does Brian appraise the quality of research? [29:50]
Should psychiatrists (or journalists) diagnose the US President? [32:50]
Stories in science that no one knows the answer to [36:58]
How to promote your research without going via your institution’s media department [40:24]
The best way to pitch your research to a science journalist [44:25]
How pre-preprints are great for research addressing current events [48:45]
How scientists can improve their science communication writing [53:15]
Dick jokes in science writing — yes or no? [54:30]
What has Brian changed his mind about? [56:37]
Brian’s book recommendation [58:05]

Links:
Brian’s pieces at Vox - https://www.vox.com/authors/brian-resnick
The twitter poll that Dan was referring to - https://twitter.com/kylejasmin/status/960065733551181824?lang=en
The Weeds podcast episode on the Goldwater rule - https://art19.com/shows/the-weeds/episodes/72d4c65f-2d2a-4925-8bb6-7d6ca93cb561
Brian’s email - Brian@vox.com
Brian on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/b_resnick

Books mentioned:
We have no idea - https://www.amazon.com/We-Have-No-Idea-Universe/dp/0735211515
Does it fart? - https://www.amazon.com/Does-Fart-Definitive-Animal-Flatulence/dp/0316484156/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Find us on Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/hertzpodcast
https://www.twitter.com/dsquintana
https://www.twitter.com/jamesheathers

Music credits: Lee Rosevere freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/

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