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.
Bonus episode!
You might’ve heard about a “shutdown” last week on January 30. Organizers urged people in the U.S. not to work, go to school or spend money at all to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But what is a shutdown, really? How is it different from a strike, or a protest — and what effect do these actions have?
In this bonus episode, sociologist and director of ASU’s Center for Work and Democracy Michael McQuarrie explains the significance of the labor action stemming from Minneapolis, and how it fits into the historical context of the American labor movement.
Disclaimer:
Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.
Further reading:
- Strike! by Jeremy Brecher
- Street Rebellion: Resistance Beyond Violence and Nonviolence by Benjamin Case
- Popular Contention in Great Britain by Charles Tilly
- Breaking the Barrier: The Rise of Solidarity in Poland by Lawrence Goodwin
The last two books are out of print and therefore quite expensive — check your local library!
Learn more about the Center for Work and Democracy at Arizona State University.
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.
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Get in touch with us at [email protected].
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 Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Editorial support from Diane Boudreau
Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
![The power — and limits — of labor action with Michael McQuarrie [BONUS]](https://media.rss.com/lab-coat-optional/ep_cover_20260206_110209_d4402b39237f2fe734cff53aea9bc28b.png)
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Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!