Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast

By: Taylor Sparks and Andrew Falkowski
  • Summary

  • In this podcast, Taylor and Andrew investigate the past, present, and future of materials science and engineering. Topic areas ranging from cutting edge materials technology, the history of different materials, the commercialization of new materials, and exciting advances in processing and characterization are all covered in detail. Our episodes include things like the unlikely discovery of superglue or teflon, the fascinating backstories about modern biomaterials like dialysis filters, and updates on new technologies including wearable electronics, next generation batteries, and nanomaterials. In short, we hope to help listeners understand the critical role that materials have played in society and even glimpse into what the future may hold for new materials.
    Copyright 2019
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Episodes
  • Episode 104: The Winding Path to Materials Discovery
    May 8 2025

    Few things in materials science are more interesting and rewarding than discovering new materials. In this episode, Taylor and Andrew sit down with Paul Canfield, a physicist from Ames Laboratory to discuss materials discovery—and the creative ways he writes about it. From cooking metaphors to "shaving the dice" to beat nature, they dive into the colorful word choice he uses to bring his work to life..

    This episode of the Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society. Check out the ACerS learning center with over 20+ On-Demand Courses on topics such as the fundamentals, research, manufacturing, and more. Visit them, at this link [HERE] for $100 off your next On-Demand course registration with the ACerS Learning Center.

    The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more

    Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

    If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

    Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 103: Mattergen
    Apr 24 2025

    What if you could find materials with tailored properties without ever entering the lab? We sit down with Tian Xie from Microsoft to discuss their new AI tool MatterGen. We learn all about what the tool does and the tests they put it through to validate the output. We also discuss the new Azure AI Foundry where they plan to have MatterSim and MatterGen interact and support each other.

    This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more

    The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society. Visit them, at this link [HERE] for $100 off your next On-Demand course registration with the ACerS Learning Center.

    MatterSim page on Azure AI Foundry

    Azure AI Foundry Labs

    Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

    If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

    Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

    Keywords: Microsoft MatterSim MatterGen

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    47 mins
  • Episode 102: Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation
    Mar 21 2025

    Have you ever read a published paper and wished you had access to the raw data? The journal Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation (IMMI) seeks to solve that issue. Taylor, the current Editor-in-Chief, sits down with Chuck Ward( Previously Chief of Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies at AFRL and outgoing Editor-in-Chief at IMMI) to discuss how IMMI is different from other journals. They cover the history of IMMI, the use cases of the journal, and also some exciting news about Taylor and his position with the journal.

    This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more

    You can find out more about IMMI by clicking here.

    Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

    If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

    Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

    Keywords: Manufacturing Publishing Scientific Journals

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    37 mins
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Fun bantering format makes complex concepts accessible. Extremely well researched episodes, which are all as useful as they are enjoyable. Valueble for anyone interested in Materials, of any background.

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The latest insights into materials science.

I have no formal education in this field; yet I love learning about materials, their qualities, and how they impact our lives. This podcast is intriguing, entertaining and educational! I wish I had known about this field of study before I had entered college!

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