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 narrative influence campaigns, evolution-inspired cancer treatments, generative AI and its many impacts and even the hidden aspects of national security. 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.
What does sound feel like? Music theorist Lindsey Reymore explores timbre — the “color” of sound — and why the way we describe music might be more shared than subjective.
Further reading and listening:
- Learn more about the ACTOR project at McGill University and the Timbre and Orchestration Resource
- Listen to Peter and the Wolf!
Learn more about:
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University.
The Institute for Social Science Research at ASU, which is funding Lindsey’s upcoming timbre study in different languages.
Special thanks to the Ocotillo Winds from ASU’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre.
Bass clarinet: Assistant Professor Jeff Anderle
Flute: Professor Elizabeth Buck
Alto saxophone: Professor Christopher Creviston
Oboe: Assistant Professor Jonathan Davis
Clarinet: Associate Professor Josh Gardner
Bassoon: Professor Albie Micklich
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, LinkedIn and Bluesky 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 and Christian Van Bebber
Edited by Alexander Chapin and Patrick Cheung
Music composed by Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena
Editorial support from Diane Boudreau
Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
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Discover cutting-edge ASU research — no jargon, just insight.
Watch Lab Coat Optional episodes on YouTube.
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Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!