Dee Peterschmidt is a producer, host of the podcast Universe of Art, and composes music for Science Friday’s podcasts. They’re drawn to stories about art, technology, and the environment.
Before joining the team at Science Friday, Dee was a product intern for NPR, where they helped out with podcast content management, social media strategy, and designed promo art.
Dee grew up in San Diego, where they learned hip slang like “swoll,” “clean,” and “off the flame” to describe muscle definition.
When they’re not working, you might find them playing Super Smash Bros. with their family, making 8-bit covers of TV show theme songs, or playing D&D as a clumsy bard named Chip Chap Chopman.
The Best Of Science Friday, 2021
These are the science stories that moved and inspired us this year, made and selected by Science Friday’s staff.
18:00
As Wildfire Intensity Rises, So Does The Human Toll Of Blazes
Wildfire season in the West is now year-long, thanks to climate change. Listen to residents and rescuers as they grapple with the new normal.
The Voices That Shaped 30 Years Of Science Friday
For three decades, Science Friday has connected scientists with the public. Listen to the voices that have shaped our show.
26:05
SciFri Reflects On Three Decades Of Covering Science News
A lot has changed since the first broadcast in 1991. The show’s commitment to science hasn’t.
19:35
Stories From Those On The Frontlines Of Sea Level Rise
As seas rise, what do frontline communities want and need? Trust, agency—and money.
Science Diction: Knock On Wood And Tsunami
The origin of a superstitious phrase, and a Japanese word that’s staked its place in English.
17:26
The Healing Power Of Nostalgia
The complex emotion that you feel when digging up photos from the past could also be the key to coping with our present—and navigating our future.
17:21
Biden’s New Assistant Secretary Of Health On Protecting Trans Youth
Dr. Rachel Levine talks about the importance of health equity and protecting healthcare for trans youth.
36:19
Why Gender-Affirming Healthcare Is ‘Lifesaving Care’
Two medical providers discuss how gender-affirming healthcare helps transgender kids—and adults—figure out who they are. Plus, what opponents get wrong about what this care does.
12:12
Learning From World Of Warcraft’s Virtual Pandemic
In 2005, a software bug triggered a pandemic in the video game World Of Warcraft. It ended up foreshadowing many aspects of today’s COVID-19 pandemic.