About Gray Matter Chatter: A Science Communication Podcast
Gray Matter Chatter is a science communication podcast hosted by Gracie, a neuroscience PhD student at the University of Utah. Each episode breaks down fascinating brain research and shares the human stories behind the science — because your cortex deserves some company.
This show brings you into the heart of the research world, one interview at a time. Whether you’re a fellow scientist, a student, or just science-curious, you’ll hear real stories from researchers at the U who are unraveling the mysteries of the brain — and beyond.
Contact us at: graymatterchatter@gmail.com
Gray Matter Chatter (A Science Communication Podcast) Episode 5: Regeneration, Research, and Real Life
In this episode of Gray Matter Chatter, host Gracie talks with Sam Alper, a graduate student researcher in the Dorsky Lab at the University of Utah, about the realities of doing science, from how projects take shape to what keeps curiosity alive.
Sam shares their path into research, what excites themabout their work, and their fascination with zebrafish and their remarkable ability to regenerate parts of their nervous system. Together, they unpack common myths about scientists, discuss balancing life inside and outside the lab, and reflect on the importance of embracing failure as part of the process.
Whether you’re thinking about a career in science or justcurious about how research really happens, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look behind the scenes.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Contact: graymatterchatter@gmail.com
Visit: utahsciencecommunicators.com (http://utahsciencecommunicators.com)
This podcast is independently produced and distributed by the host Gracie. Promotion is supported through Utah Science Communicators, a student-led group supported by the University of Utah. The opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Utah Science Communicators or the University of Utah.
20 Oct 2025
Gray Matter Chatter: A Science Communication Podcast — Episode 4: The Importance of Basic Science
In this episode of Gray Matter Chatter, host Gracie, now officially a PhD candidate, dives into the importance of basic science and how curiosity-driven research shapes our understanding of the world. From the discovery of CRISPR in bacteria to studying how neurons communicate in microscopic worms, Gracie explores how simple model organisms like C. elegans can unlock big insights about the brain. Tune in to learn how tiny creatures are helping us unravel the fundamental language of neurons, and why that matters for all of us.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Contact: graymatterchatter@gmail.com
Visit: utahsciencecommunicators.com (http://utahsciencecommunicators.com)
This podcast is independently produced and distributed by the host Gracie. Promotion is supported through Utah Science Communicators, a student-led group supported by the University of Utah. The opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Utah Science Communicators or the University of Utah.
29 Jul 2025
Gray Matter Chatter — Episode 3: Brains Are Weird: The Strangest Things I’ve Learned in Neuroscience
Welcome back to Gray Matter Chatter!
In this episode, Gracie dives headfirst into the weirdest,wildest, and most fascinating facts she’s learned as a neuroscience student.From memory-erasing surgeries and brain GPS systems to walking proteins and theeerie Capgras Delusion, this solo episode is packed with strange stories thatreveal just how bizarre — and brilliant — the brain really is.
You’ll learn about:
The unforgettable story of Patient H.M.
Corkin, S. (2002). What'snew with the amnesic patient H.M.? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 3(2),153–160.
How your brain maps space with place and grid cells
https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2021.678725
A mouse with a false memory (implanted with light!)
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/meet-two-scientists-who-implanted-false-memory-mouse-180953045/
Mirror therapy and phantom limb pain
https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/health-library/all/2025/02/how-mirror-therapy-can-reduce-phantom-limb-pain
The unsettling world of Capgras Delusion
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/capgras-syndrome
Kinesin: the motor protein that literally walks
https://www.artofthecell.com/well-you-can-tell-by-the-way-i-use-my-walk/
Why general anesthesia still stumps scientists
https://www.sciencealert.com/for-over-150-years-how-general-anaesthesia-works-has-eluded-scientists-we-re-finally-getting-close
Whether you’re a fellow student, a science nerd, or justhere for the brainy curiosities, this episode is for you.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Visit: utahsciencecommunicators.com (http://utahsciencecommunicators.com)
Contact: utahsciencecommunicators@gmail.com andgraymatterchatter@gmail.com
13 Jun 2025
Gray Matter Chatter: A Science Communication Podcast — Episode 2 - Behind the Bench: Life as a Working Scientist
Welcome back to Gray Matter Chatter — a science communication podcast! In this episode, Gracie sits down with Allie White: researcher, fellow student, and the founder and president of Utah Science Communicators.
Together, they pull back the curtain on what being a scientist really looks like — from the exciting discoveries to the day-to-day realities of lab life. Allie shares insights into her research, what drives her, and how she’s using science communication to make research more accessible to everyone.
Whether you're a scientist, a student, or just curious about how science gets done, this episode is for you.
6 Jun 2025
Gray Matter Chatter: A Science Communication Podcast: Episode 1 – Welcome
Welcome to the very first episode of Gray Matter Chatter: A Science Communication Podcast! I’m Gracie, a neuroscience PhD student at the University of Utah. I started this podcast because I believe science should be accessible, exciting, and for everyone. Join me as we dive into the research happening here at the U—one interview at a time.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Visit: utahsciencecommunicators.com (http://utahsciencecommunicators.com)
Contact: utahsciencecommunicators@gmail.com and graymatterchatter@gmail.com
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