Why make a science podcast?

<p><em>“I was always interested in the storytelling element. I was really interested in how people create a place where people can just be themselves and talk.” – Crystal Ngo</em></p><p><br></p><p>Welcome to the final episode of our Winter Shorts series 2026! In this special wrap-up, Camila and Heather chat with UWA Master of Science Communication alumnus Crystal Ngo, whose journey has taken her from nutrition, public health, and being a model to science communication in the disability sector. She reflects on navigating career uncertainty, discovering science communication as a creative home for art and science, and conducting research on the motivations of Australian science podcasters as part of her Masters degree. She shares what she learned about the identity of science podcasters, the persisting deficit-model thinking, and the importance (and absence!) of strategic audience engagement.</p><p><br></p><p>Crystal also shares how her current role at Kiind supporting families raising children with disabilities has deepened her passion for community, equity, and inclusion. Joined by Camila and Heather, together they break down what inclusive science communication looks like in practice and explore how individual positionality shapes the way we communicate. </p><p><br></p><p><em>“I just really appreciate community and the strength and power of community, and how that makes such a big difference in people’s lives.” – Crystal Ngo</em></p><p> </p><p><strong>Episode Links</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/Courses/Master-of-Science-Communication" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">UWA Master of Science Communication</a></p><p>Read Crystal’s article (Open Access) here: <a href="https://jcom.sissa.it/article/pubid/JCOM_2404_2025_A07/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">“It&#39;s having conversations that I like with people I like&quot;: Exploring the motivations of Australian science podcasters</a></p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.kiind.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Kiind</a> and their podcast, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1lejFHeM0gdexdwWbUamJw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Kiind Conversations</a></p><p>Find out <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3qTiy2hNlVbnaQL6pRdWs1?si=m75_SUq4TI6fuq7ft0b5GQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">what motivates The SciComm Collective </a></p><p>Catch our previous episode about <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kDy5H0DF9Uv7RUHsbzyeU?si=Mk4f2j_9RneKTyGMYQfSLQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">how we approach podcasting</a></p><p>Listen to our <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wyD3omlxt6FNp6Zl6X2BK?si=IWAPefUGS7ikvqjhBCQYyw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">student roundtable discussion about the deficit model</a></p><p>Revisit Camila’s reflection about <a href="https://thescicommcollective.com/blog/positionality-decoloniality-and-transdisciplinary-work-reflections-from-a-conversation-with-alana-dooley/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">positionality and community</a></p><p>Read Dr Ann Grand’s reflection about <a href="https://thescicommcollective.com/blog/towards-more-inclusive-science-communication-a-collective-reflection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">inclusive science communication</a></p><p>Further Reading:</p><p><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0963662518786654?journalCode=pusa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Amarasekara &amp; Grant, (2019). Exploring the YouTube science communication gender gap: A sentiment analysis</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/5/4657" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Marjadi et al., (2023). Twelve Tips for Inclusive Practice in Healthcare Settings.</a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Episode Credits</strong></p><p><em>Episode Hosts</em>: Camila Pardo Uribe, Dr Heather Bray</p><p><em>Special Guest:</em> Crystal Ngo</p><p><em>Producers: </em>Camila Pardo Uribe, Dr Heather Bray</p>