Metaphorigins
For lovers of reading, writing, science and general communication. This podcast will aim at acknowledging the origins of metaphors/idioms and the importance of effective scientific communication. My ambition is to spread knowledge on how we articulate concepts and the creative aspect of diction. Most episodes will focus on the origins of expressions, words of high regard, and the meaning behind them. This can overall allow us to acknowledge that words have just as much power as actions. As another aspect to this podcast, I will also speak about the importance of science communication in modern day, whether to the scientific community or to the public. Science communication is essential to inspire the next generation, guide societal discourse, and solve the problems we face today collaboratively and efficiently.
- Update frequency
- every 15 days
- Average duration
- 57 minutes
- Episodes
- 52
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2023
Season One: Recap
Compiled all the best lines from Season One!
Website: https://www.kjbmercurio.com/metaphorigins
Timestamps
- 00:00 - Promo for Season 3
- 01:50 - S1E1 - Deadly Devotion & Strategic SciComm
- 02:48 - S1E2 - Pet …
S1E10 - Scientific Literature & Invisible Influencers
I provide an overview of what scientific literature really is, and go over specific aspects that support all of us in becoming more scientifically literate. I use this to setup another attempt to "wa…
S1E9 - Quiet Quandaries & Units of Measurement
I investigate various origins to the idiom "the elephant in the room", discussing different types of elephants in rooms. I also highlight a specific unit of measurement that was recently changed duri…
S1E8 - Fractured Fortunes & Dynamic Publications
I walk through the enormous number of original meanings to the metaphor "break a leg", ending a cliffhanging pursuit. I also discuss the failures of scientific publications to communicate their motiv…
S1E7 - Illiterate Impressions & Speech Disfluencies
I sift through different origins to the metaphor "don't judge a book by it's cover", challenging most of the online consensus. I also ruminate about the science on disfluencies, or the usage of fille…
S1E6 - Avian Assassination & Teaching Science
I traverse the various origin stories for the expression "kill two birds with one stone", an adaptation to an unknown aphorism. I also discuss my experience with teachers in science and how important…
S1E5 - Scientific Presentations & Wonderbread
In this special episode, I provide some commentary about public speaking to solve the infuriating dullness of scientific presentations. If you stick to the end, I attempt to "walk the walk" and you c…
S1E4 - Slavery Sweets & The Nobel Prize
I spiral through suggested origin stories to the expression "piece of cake" and other cake related idioms, and find an ugly beginning to a seemingly innocent saying. I also speak about the origin to …
S1E3 - Traversing Thresholds & Expert Opinions
I dive deep into the expression "the last straw" to correct its misuse and determine its connection to straws, feathers, camels and horses. I also join the mainstream media and talk about COVID-19, j…
S1E2 - Pet Precipitation & Scientific Metaphors
I navigate through various origin stories to the expression "it's raining cats and dogs" to find the absurd truth of its beginning. I also discuss the advantages and disadvantages over the use of met…
S1E1 - Deadly Devotion & Strategic SciComm
I explore the origin of the expression "drinking the Kool-Aid", why it is insensitive and actually factually incorrect. I also comment on a recent Slate article that builds on being aware of language…
Welcome to Metaphorigins
My hobby, I’ve come to realize, is understanding. Understanding whatever it is I don’t understand. That’s why I, Kevin Mercurio, currently a MSc. student in Biochemistry at the University of Ottawa, …