Welcome to Spectacular Science, a science podcast for curious people! Join your host Akshay Jayaraman as he embarks on fascinating explorations into the world of science. From the mysteries of the universe to the wonders of the microscopic world, he uncovers the science all around us. Get ready for an exciting journey filled with engaging interviews with expert scientists, and mind-blowing topics that will leave you in awe. Whether it’s discovering the science behind amazing natural phenomena, discovering the forces that shape our planet, or exploring the inner workings of the human body, Spectacular Science has it all.
The 480-Million-Year Story of the Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains – over 480 million years in the making with core rocks over a billion years old. It is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world! How did this breathtaking and ancient natural phenomena form? Join me on my hike up Bearwallow Mountain (4,232 feet) as I take you into the science of the Appalachians, their formation, unique ecosystems, and more. Join me on the adventure into the mountains that are older than trees!
Here’s an article! It is called “How are Mountains Formed?” (https://spectacularsci.com/2021/11/how-are-mountains-formed/ (https://spectacularsci.com/2021/11/how-are-mountains-formed/))
Here’s an activity! It is called “Tectonic Mountain Formation!” (https://spectacularsci.com/2026/02/tectonic-mountain-formation-activity/ (https://spectacularsci.com/2026/02/tectonic-mountain-formation-activity/))
Do you have science questions that you want answered on an episode? Head over to https://spectacularsci.com/contact (https://spectacularsci.com/contact)!
Head over to https://shop.spectacularsci.com (https://shop.spectacularsci.com) now to get your Spectacular Science merch!
15 Jul 2025
The Science of the “Aura Farming” Boat Kid – Science of Human Balance
If you’ve been online lately, there’s no escaping the “aura farming” boat kid on many social media platforms! This Indonesian boat racing (Pacu Jalur) tradition has gone viral lately due to this young boy dancing on the front of a narrow boat. He is the “ultimate aura farmer”, captivating people with his smooth moves and impressive balance. How is he able to balance like that on a moving boat? What is the science behind human balance? In this episode, I will take you behind the science of human balance and all of the parts of your body that go into it.
Read more about this Indonesian tradition in this news article from BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxe7ey59r0o
Video clip source Instagram/@pacujalur.street: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLogRwZyqFG/
Here’s an activity! It is called “Label the Balance System!” (https://spectacularsci.com/2025/07/label-the-balance-system-activity/)
Do you have science questions that you want answered on an episode? Head over to https://spectacularsci.com/contact!
Head over to https://shop.spectacularsci.com now to get your Spectacular Science merch!
1 Jul 2025
Why Saturn’s Losing Its Rings
The host explores the science behind Saturn's iconic rings, detailing their composition, formation, and the reasons astronomers predict their eventual disappearance.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
42,657
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
26 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
17 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 72 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
82
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
77
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