Episode 601 - Amber Preston
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In this celebratory 601st episode of Probably Science, hosts Matt and Jesse welcome back beloved guest Amber Preston, reflecting on the podcast's longevity and the surreal journey of their 600+ episodes. The conversation begins with lighthearted banter about the podcast's 'feral' survival, the absurdity of celebrity podcasting (noting Obama and Bruce Springsteen’s podcasting), and the irony of hitting milestones without proper fanfare. Amber shares her personal journey—moving from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, falling in love, marrying, and weathering the pandemic—while humorously recounting her early days in Echo Park and current life in Los Feliz. The episode pivots to the Artemis II moon mission, dissecting public fascination with the astronauts’ toilet issues, the science behind microgravity’s impact on human biology (including sperm navigation and gut microbiome effects on muscle strength), and the cultural absurdity of comparing modern spaceflight to the Challenger disaster. The hosts explore the humor and humanity in space life—from astronaut turds as 'usual suspects' to the irony of a $30 million toilet failing in zero-G—while also discussing real science like the gut-muscle axis and the challenges of simulating microgravity on Earth. The episode closes with a whimsical fantasy of three men raising a baby and Amber’s advice to listeners: follow her on Preston Party across social media and keep exploring science with curiosity and laughter.
The Artemis II mission has reignited public fascination with space, but much of the discourse is focused on mundane astronaut struggles like toilet malfunctions, not the scientific milestones.
A new study suggests gut bacteria (Roseburia inulinivorans) may boost human muscle strength by up to 30%, hinting at a potential gut-muscle axis, though causation remains unproven.
Microgravity impairs sperm navigation in simulated uterine environments, raising concerns about human reproduction in space—though progesterone shows promise as a navigational aid.
Simulating microgravity on Earth is extremely challenging; researchers use rotating devices (3D klinostats) or brief free-fall experiments (like NASA’s 5-second drop), not sustained zero-G.
The podcast celebrates its 601st episode with humor, nostalgia, and a reminder that science—and comedy—can thrive even when you’re not sure what you’re doing.
Celebrating 601 Episodes and the Podcast's Feral Survival
“You're locked in. Yep. You're locked in.”
Amber's Journey: From Minneapolis to Los Angeles and Love
Amber shares her personal story of moving from Minneapolis to Los Angeles for stand-up comedy, meeting her husband, and settling in Echo Park before relocating to Los Feliz. She reflects on how time passed quickly—especially during the pandemic—and how life changes can happen in silence.
The Artemis II Mission and Public Fascination with Astronaut Toilets
“I know we're in a good state, but I would really like to be in the best state it can be.”
The Science of Space: From Microgravity to Sperm Navigation
“The progesterone only helped the sperm at concentrations considerably higher than that found in nature.”
The Gut-Muscle Axis and the 30% Strength Boost
“30% is very significant. That is significant. It's just shocking to me.”
“30% is very significant. That is significant. It's just shocking to me.”
“You're locked in. Yep. You're locked in.”
“The progesterone only helped the sperm at concentrations considerably higher than that found in nature.”
Hosts
Guest
Amber Preston
person
Matt
person
Jesse
person
Andy
person
Artemis II
other
NASA
organization
Mount Wilson Observatory
organization
Roseburia inulinivorans
other
Isaac Newton
person
Progestrone
other
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