The podcast where advanced research meets everyday curiosity
Who says you need an advanced degree to dive into the latest academic research? On Lab Coat Optional™, host Pete Zrioka interviews ASU researchers at the forefront of their fields — minus the jargon. We explore topics ranging from extreme heat safety, evolution-inspired cancer treatments, generative AI’s impact on the information landscape and how nutrition affects diseases like Alzheimer’s. Each episode takes you deep inside the work, the people behind it and what drives them. So leave your lab coat at the door and tune in to learn about the latest research from ASU. New episodes every other Wednesday!
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Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
“Seeing is believing” doesn’t ring as true as it once did. With the advent of generative artificial intelligence, the line between what’s real and not online has become blurred.
This episode we’re examining generative AI’s impact on the information landscape with researcher Joshua Garland. Joshua leads the Center for Information and Narrative Complexity at the Global Security Initiative at Arizona State University. He’s spent over a decade working with large language models, narrative influence and propaganda campaigns, and researches how to better detect and attribute AI-generated content.
Learn more about:
- Center for Information and Narrative Complexity: https://globalsecurity.asu.edu/the-center-on-information-and-narrative-complexity/
- Global Security Initiative: https://globalsecurity.asu.edu/
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise.
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Learn more about our work: https://research.asu.edu
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Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! As long as you are nice. Be nice.
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka
Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka
Shot by Alexander Chapin
Edited by Christian Van Bebber
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Editorial support from Diane Boudreau and Sandy Leander
Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
Disclosure:
Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.


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Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!