Science and the City
A mathematician and an astronomer break down the week's science news, from space exploration to AI ethics, with a dose of Hollywood reality.
This is a classic 'two friends talking' podcast with a STEM focus. Each week, mathematician Ashley Christine and astronomer Kalpana Pot unpack complex science news—like the physics of algae blooms or advancements in robotics—and ground it with personal anecdotes and pop culture references. The conversation moves fluidly from critiquing billionaire space projects to analyzing job displacement by AI, all through the lens of two women navigating careers in science and entertainment.
“Unlike many science shows that focus purely on explanation, this one centers the hosts' friendship and personal perspectives. The blend of professional expertise (astronomy, math) with relatable life experiences (dating apps, career anxieties) makes complex topics feel more accessible and grounded.”
Who hosts this show
Science and the City is a weekly podcast hosted by mathematician and science communicator Ashley Christine and astronomer and actor Kalpana Pot. The two friends discuss current events in science and technology, ranging from SpaceX's latest launch to the ethics of artificial intelligence, often connecting complex topics to their own lives and experiences in a conversational format. Based in Los Angeles, they also touch on their journeys through Hollywood as women in STEM.
Credentials & credits
- Ashley Christine: B.A. in Applied Mathematics, University of New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire University.
- Ashley Christine: STEM Communicator, Author, and Consultant.
- Kalpana Pot: Astronomer and Science Communicator at Griffith Observatory.
- Kalpana Pot: Actor and Writer.
- Kalpana Pot: Published Author ('Spaced Out: A Casual Approach to the Cosmos').
Other ventures
- Ashley Christine: Author of a sci-fi novel.
- Ashley Christine: Teaches online courses on science for platforms like Atlas Obscura and Clarion West.
- Kalpana Pot: Social media science communicator.
- Kalpana Pot: Co-hosted a digital astronomy series with The Franklin Institute.
- Kalpana Pot: Co-hosted the Wheel of Fortune live tour.
What kind of podcast
When new episodes drop
- 01Episode 34! Reflection Pool Algae, SpaceX Going Public, Tech is Going Too FarJun 24, 2026 · 32 min
- 02Episode 33! Future of Robotics, Pigeons' Built-In Compass, ConsciousnessJun 17, 2026 · 44 min
- 03Episode 32! Future Astronauts, Choice Paralysis and Dating, OC Chemical LeakJun 10, 2026 · 40 min
- 04Episode 31! NASA's Moon Base, The Odyssey, Ancient ArchitectureJun 3, 2026 · 34 min
- 05Episode 30! Asteroid Impact Theory, Green Energy, Western Music AnalysisMay 27, 2026 · 33 min
- 06Episode 29! Special Guest, Astrophysicist Dr. ClaryMay 20, 2026 · 1h 00m
- 07Episode 28! Largest 3D Universe Map, Dark Energy, AI and HumanityMay 13, 2026 · 47 min
- 08Episode 27! Hunting Exoplanets, NASA Budget Cuts, Science is a LuxuryMay 6, 2026 · 38 min
Notable episodes
- 01Episode 33! Future of Robotics, Pigeons' Built-In Compass, Consciousness
A prime example of the show's range, connecting a study on 20-legged robots to a personal story about a family member's job being replaced by AI.
- 02Episode 29! Special Guest, Astrophysicist Dr. Clary
Features a rare guest interview, showcasing how they interact with fellow women in STEM about their career journeys and research in astrophysics.
- 03Episode 34! Reflection Pool Algae, SpaceX Going Public, Tech is Going Too Far
This episode blends a quirky science story (algae blooms), tech business news (SpaceX's IPO), and social commentary on the disconnect of billionaires.
What you'll be asked on this show
This is a co-host chat show, not an interview-based format, though occasional expert guests appear. Ashley and Kalpana have a conversational, back-and-forth dynamic, often using personal stories to illustrate scientific concepts. As a video podcast, they frequently reference on-screen images and clips to explain topics.
Topics covered repeatedly
Who gets booked here
The show primarily features the two hosts, but occasionally brings on expert guests. The profile is fellow women in STEM, such as a guest astrophysicist discussing her specific field of research and career path.
- Dr. Clarissa (Clary)on Episode 29! Special Guest, Astrophysicist Dr. Clary
Where to find this show
Audience & reach
The reviewed episodes did not contain sponsorships. Based on the 'women in STEM' branding and topics like AI, robotics, and space, estimated potential sponsors could include tech companies, educational platforms, or science-focused media.
Subscriber and view counts are pulled live from YouTube and re-verified on a 30-day cycle. Listener estimates for the RSS feed aren't published here unless they're host-verified.
Pitch this show
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People also ask
- What are the hosts' real names?
- The hosts are Ashley Christine, a mathematician, and Kalpana Pot, an astronomer and actor.
- What are the hosts' credentials?
- Ashley Christine has a B.A. in Applied Mathematics and works as a science communicator and author. Kalpana Pot is an actor, science communicator associated with Griffith Observatory, and a published author on astronomy.
- What is the podcast's format?
- It is a conversational co-host chat show where the two hosts discuss science news and related topics, connecting them to their own lives. It is not an interview show, but does occasionally feature expert guests.
- Is the podcast still running?
- Yes, it releases new episodes on a weekly basis.
- Where can I watch or listen to the podcast?
- The podcast is available as a video on YouTube and in audio formats on platforms like Apple Podcasts.
Built from the show's public RSS feed, YouTube, the host's own websites, and the cited sources below. Computed and AI-extracted fields are labelled. Facts only — no private info, no fabrication, no transcripts republished.
Sources & how this page was built
This page is AI-assisted, grounded in the public sources cited below, and host-verifiable. We publish facts only; we do not republish transcripts. If anything here is wrong, the host can claim and correct the page above.Model: gemini-2.5-pro · high confidence
- [01]Science and the City - YouTubeyoutube.com
- [02]Science and the City - Apple Podcastspodcasts.apple.com
- [03]Ashley Christine's Official Websitemoderndayeratosthenes.com
- [04]Meet Kalpana Pot | Actor, Host, Astronomer - SHOUTOUT LAshoutoutla.com
- [05]Meet Kalpana Pot – CanvasRebel Magazinecanvasrebel.com
- [06]Get Real: Defining Reality With Ashley Christine - Atlas Obscuraatlasobscura.com
- [07]Episode 29! Special Guest, Astrophysicist Dr. Clary - YouTubeyoutube.com
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