The podcast where we geek out over tiny things that do huge work! I’m Snezana, a proud nerd obsessed with lungs, drugs (the medicinal kind!), and connecting the dots in science and life. Join me as I explore the wild world of academia, from the challenges facing early career researchers to the not-so-glamorous side of being a woman in science (and a mom!).
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snezana-radivojev/ or patreon.com/PuzzleScience
Rare but Real: Navigating Porfiria, Advocacy, and Breaking the Stigma with Nadežda
In this episode, I sit down with Nadežda Pejović, a patient advocate and global representative, to explore the multifaceted challenges of living with rare diseases like porphyria.
🧩 Topics we dive into:
The stigma of saying, “I have an X disease”
How lifestyle, support, and surroundings impact coping
Empathy vs. pity: the delicate balance
Therapy accessibility and systemic issues in rare disease care
What it’s like to navigate healthcare systems in Serbia
Nadežda brings invaluable insights as someone who lives with porphyria and works tirelessly to advocate for patients worldwide. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about rare diseases, systemic
change, and the power of understanding, this episode is for you.
💡 Don’t forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking episodes on science, academia, and personal journeys in healthcare!
31 Dec 2024
Finale Sezone: Sve o Odgovornosti
Dok privodimo kraju prvu sezonu Puzzle Science podcasta, želela bih da se osvrnem na naše zajedničko putovanje kroz osam snažnih epizoda, od kojih je svaka obradila teme koje su mi izuzetno važne.
Počeli smo sa Senkom, razgovarajući o identitetu, jedinstvu i vernosti svojim vrednostima u nauci i društvu. Darko je podelio zašto je važno biti povezan sa svojim korenima, a Branka je naglasila značaj sistemske podrške. Tim nas je podsetio na važnost glasnog zagovaranja i prihvatanja društvenih odgovornosti, dok je Karolina osvetlila uticaj rasta desničarske politike na imigrante i poverenje u nauku. Na kraju, Elizabeta mi se pridružila u tri epizode kako bismo istražile empatiju, odgajanje ljudi i zašto je ključno boriti se za prava.
Neočekivano, svaka epizoda povezala se sa temom koja duboko odjekuje u meni: zajednicom i preuzimanjem odgovornosti prema njoj.
To me dovodi do Srbije, gde su studentski protesti doveli do široko rasprostranjenih blokada fakulteta, zahtevajući pravdu i odgovornost. Njihova hrabrost inspiriše me da podignem njihov glas i podignem svest o njihovoj borbi za bolje društvo—borbu koju sam ostavila iza sebe, ali za čiju podršku sada preuzimam odgovornost.
Setimo se reči profesorke Marije: „Gospodar nenormalnog rizika treba da snosi posledice njegove realizacije.“
Hvala vam što ste bili deo ove sezone. Vidimo se u drugoj sezoni, koja počinje 31. januara razgovorom o retkim bolestima sa divnom Nadjom.
Ostanite jaki, budite svesni i borite se za ono što je ispravno.
31 Dec 2024
Season finale: All About Responsibility
As we wrap up the first season of Puzzle Science, I wanted to reflect on the journey we’ve shared through eight impactful episodes, each covering topics that matter deeply to me.
We began with Senka, discussing identity, unity, and staying true to your values in science and society. Darko shared why connecting to our roots is essential, and Branka emphasized the importance of system support. Tim reminded us to speak up and embrace our societal responsibilities, while Carolina shed light on the effects of right-wing political growth on immigrants and trust in science. Finally, Elisabeth joined me for three episodes to explore empathy, raising humans, and why standing up for rights is critical.
Unexpectedly, every episode connected to a theme that resonates profoundly with me: community and owning our responsibilities to it.
This brings me to Serbia, where student protests have led to widespread faculty blockades, demanding justice and accountability. Their courage inspires me to amplify their voices and raise awareness about their fight for a better society—a fight I left behind but now take responsibility for supporting.
Let’s remember the words of Professor Marija: "The master of an abnormal risk should bear the consequences of its realization."
Thank you for joining me this season. I’ll see you in season two, starting January 31st, with a conversation about rare diseases with the lovely Nadja.
Stay strong, stay aware, and stand for what’s right.
20 Dec 2024
The final chapter with Elisabeth: Female Startups, Leadership, and Lessons Learned
Elisabeth Pavez-Lorie shares her leadership insights on humility, diversity, and rethinking approaches in startups, highlighting the importance of standing up for people's rights in today's challenging business climate.
6 Dec 2024
Parenthood Unfiltered: Raising Humans with Dr. Elisabeth Pavez-Lorie (Part II)
Dr. Elisabeth Pavez-Lorie shares practical insights and vulnerable wisdom on raising children with a contributing mindset, tackling tough topics, and achieving work-life balance.
22 Nov 2024
Navigating Immigration, Empathy, and Big Life Decisions with Elizabeth Pavez Lorie – Part 1
Elizabeth Pavez Lorie shares her powerful journey as a war immigrant, unpacking the importance of empathy and humility in the face of adversity, and making pivotal decisions that shape her life and family.
8 Nov 2024
Choosing Paths: Immigration, Resilience, and Right-Wing Realities with Dr. Carolina Corzo
November is a special month—it's my birthday month and the release of the fifth episode of Puzzle Science, a personal milestone! This episode, recorded actually first in the series, was a deep learning journey for me. I’m thrilled to share it with my ‘sister from another mother,’ Dr. Carolina Corzo.
In this conversation, we explore Dr. Corzo’s inspiring journey from Guatemala to Austria. Her story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and focus, marked by the need to choose sometimes paths based on job availability, not necessarily her passion—a reality for many. We also discuss the impact of right-wing political growth on immigrants, an especially relevant topic in light of recent U.S. elections.
Tune in, listen with an open heart, and enjoy the insight-packed episode!
25 Oct 2024
Skeleton of an Invertebrate TiMollusc: No Bones but Still Strong
In the fourth episode of Puzzle Science, titled Skeleton of an Invertebrate TiMollusc: No Bones but Still Strong, I sit down with Tim Wollesen, a Professor of Zoology at the University of Vienna, specializing in EvoDevo. We dive into Tim's childhood fascination with collecting dead animals (trust us, there's a funny story behind it!) and explore the nuances of the German school system and the impact of parental support. Our conversation touches on the value of basic research, effective science communication, and the art of slowing down—in both research and life. We also discuss the dynamics of intercultural marriage, the balance between support and critique in mentorship, and the power of language. We delve into how words can heal or harm, the importance of speaking up, and embracing our societal responsibilities. It’s a conversation rich with diverse insights—tune in with an open heart and share your thoughts!
11 Oct 2024
Science with Heart: Dr. Branka Sarikas on Learning, Leading, and Listening
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Branka Sarikas, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Children’s Cancer Research Institute, for a heartfelt and insightful conversation. We cover a range of topics, including:
The roots of imposter syndrome and hustle culture in academia
Navigating the mental and emotional challenges of working in pediatric cancer research
Why PhD students deserve our appreciation and how to support them
Feminism in science and the disparities in research quality between the EU and third-world countries
The importance of system support and learning from the mistakes of past mentors
Dr. Sarikas shares valuable advice for her younger self and offers insights for both new and experienced PhD students. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, authenticity, and practical guidance for anyone in the world of science.
Remember: listen with your hearts.
27 Sept 2024
Beyond the Stars: Exploring Science, Bias, and Balance
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Darko Donevski, a PhD in Astrophysics and Cosmology from the University of Marseille. We dive into his fascinating research and explore why astronomy is not just about distant stars but has deep relevance to each of us. Beyond the science, we discuss the importance of cultivating interests outside the academic world, the value of connecting with one's roots, and how luck often intertwines with research success. Dr. Donevski also offers a refreshing perspective on gender bias and the ways forward, even as a white male scientist. We wrap up with an in-depth look at the growing field of scientific communication and why it deserves recognition as its own discipline. Tune in, take notes, and engage with this thought-provoking conversation.
13 Sept 2024
Balancing Identity, Unity, and Values in Science and Society
In this episode, we explore the importance of unity in an achievement-oriented world, and how you can align your personal values within a team setting. Join Dr. Senka Holzer and me while we dive into the significance of embracing your true identity, especially when balancing roles like motherhood and professional ambitions. You'll hear insights on how to confidently express your scientific identity and tips on starting the journey of writing a big grant. We'll also tackle how to keep your ego in check while navigating the challenges of being a scientific immigrant in today's world. This episode is packed with reflections and actionable advice for living authentically in both your personal and professional life.
Tune in to discover how to thrive by being unapologetically yourself while excelling in collaborative and competitive environments!
6 Sept 2024
🎙️ "Lung Chats & Puzzle Pieces" with Snezana 🎙️
Welcome to the podcast where we geek out over tiny things that do huge work—yes, I’m talking about alveoli! I’m Snezana, a proud nerd obsessed with lungs, drugs (the medicinal kind!), and connecting the dots in science and life. Join me as I explore the wild world of academia, from the challenges facing early career researchers to the not-so-glamorous side of being a woman in science (and a mom!). Whether you're a fellow science lover or just here for the weird lung facts, expect deep dives into the way science is communicated, how academia shapes our future, and why every puzzle piece matters—just like in research. Spoiler: we’ll tackle big topics with humor, curiosity, and maybe a little bit of scientific rebellion! 🧠🫁🔬
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