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Tiny Living Beings

Podcast Tiny Living Beings

Introducing the Fire Amoeba - with Angela Oliverio and Beryl Rappaport

December 22, 2025 | Podcasts

A new amoeba species called Incendiamoeba cascadensis that lives and reproduces at the highest temperature ever described for a eukaryote, earning the title of “fire amoeba”.

Parasites in our pets' poop - with Ben Alverson

May 26, 2025 | Podcasts

A crash course in veterinary parasitology

Is science political? - with Kevin Bird

May 04, 2025 | Podcasts

How science is funded in the United States, why it is being attacked so aggressively, and the ideologies behind these attacks. Also, a history lesson on movements of the past that sought to protect the scientific enterprise.

The Diatom Detective - with Kirstie Scott

April 13, 2025 | Podcasts

How certain environments have certain cells and how these cells can travel on clothes and in bodies.

Diatoms and dinoflagellates and dinotoms, oh my! - with Brittany Sprecher

April 06, 2025 | Podcasts

Dr. Brittany Sprecher, an expert in diatoms, dinoflagellates, and dinotoms.

Sharks of the plankton - with Matt Johnson

March 30, 2025 | Podcasts

Why kleptoplasty and mixotrophy are special processes that aren't as rare as we might think and how they affect the ocean and planet.

Urine for a treat - with Owen Hale

March 23, 2025 | Podcasts

Which bacteria live inside us, what they do, why so many people get UTIs, and what urinary tract bacteria can tell us about evolution more broadly.

Where did plants come from? - with Blair Young

March 17, 2025 | Podcasts

What bryophytes look like, where to find them, and why we study them.

4.5 billion years of Earth history in one hour - with Bolton Howes

March 10, 2025 | Podcasts

A geologist's perspective on the history of the Earth.

About

Hosted by Julia Van Etten, Ph.D., Tiny Living Beings introduces you to a scientist, a weird microorganism they like, and why they think it’s interesting. Our planet is full of billions of different microscopic organisms, most of which are still unknown to science. The ones we do know are diverse and strange. Microbiology knowledge is often gatekept by scientists who discuss this information in exclusive professional circles, but more of these topics need to be shared with the public! Although generally upbeat and fun, conversations often tangentially address frustrations with society or become existential, which, because of the time we are living through, is inherently connected to any discussion of topical scientific information. Content is geared toward all ages and backgrounds, anyone who is scientifically curious.