{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Rust Belt Science","home_page_url":"https://rustbeltscience.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://rustbeltscience.fireside.fm/json","description":"Rust Belt Science: down-to-earth conversations about cutting-edge research, Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk sit down with passionate scientists to dive into their work, making complex ideas easy to grasp for everyone—no lab coat required! But it’s more than just science talk. We pull back the curtain to show that researchers are everyday people, living and working in our communities. Our conversations dive into how science connects to art, culture, mythology, and all other aspects of our daily lives. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious about how the world works, even if you find science to be intimidating, Rust Belt Science connects you to groundbreaking ideas and the inspiring stories of the people behind them.","_fireside":{"pubdate":"2026-10-06T05:00:00.000-04:00","explicit":false,"owner":"Dr. Maggie Fink and Dr. Shahir Rizk","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/9/9a6b000b-95db-46c3-ae0d-eed1958a7be6/cover.jpg?v=1"},"items":[{"id":"e0654532-01e1-4cf1-b589-9d10ecbd8c23","title":"Why Basic Research and Bacteria Matter and: An Interview with Dr. Dan Kearns","url":"https://rustbeltscience.fireside.fm/34","content_text":"On Rust Belt Science, hosts Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk talk with Dr. Daniel Kearns, a biology professor at Indiana University Bloomington, about his research on Bacillus subtilis, bacterial movement, and how life in the lab can change the organisms scientists study. This conversation also explores the value of basic science, the realities of academic research funding, and the pressures on universities and educators. Dan makes the case for following curiosity, giving students room to explore, and recognizing that discoveries often begin without an immediate practical application. T","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOn Rust Belt Science, hosts Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk talk with Dr. Daniel Kearns, a biology professor at Indiana University Bloomington, about his research on \u003cem\u003eBacillus subtilis\u003c/em\u003e, bacterial movement, and how life in the lab can change the organisms scientists study. This conversation also explores the value of basic science, the realities of academic research funding, and the pressures on universities and educators. Dan makes the case for following curiosity, giving students room to explore, and recognizing that discoveries often begin without an immediate practical application. T\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2026-10-06T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/9a6b000b-95db-46c3-ae0d-eed1958a7be6/e0654532-01e1-4cf1-b589-9d10ecbd8c23.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":130797026,"duration_in_seconds":5449}]},{"id":"3b92ba24-15ff-4f6b-8748-b343e810f662","title":"Episode 32: Exploring Space, Storytelling and Asteroids with Dr. Amy Mainzer","url":"https://rustbeltscience.fireside.fm/32","content_text":"In this episode of Rust Belt Science, Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk welcome Dr. Amy Mainzer, a professor at UCLA and principal investigator at NASA, to discuss her fascinating work on near-Earth objects and her unique perspectives on science and science fiction.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of Rust Belt Science, Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk welcome Dr. Amy Mainzer, a professor at UCLA and principal investigator at NASA, to discuss her fascinating work on near-Earth objects and her unique perspectives on science and science fiction.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2026-09-03T06:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/9a6b000b-95db-46c3-ae0d-eed1958a7be6/f0111a31-ae12-4ba8-8a54-c0d754c4ff68.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":81408461,"duration_in_seconds":5088}]}]}