John works with the radio team to create our weekly show, and is helping to build our State of Science Reporting Network. He’s also been a long-time guest host on Science Friday.
He and his wife have three cats, thousands of bees, and a yoga studio in the sleepy Northwest hills of Connecticut.
John likes building radio collaborations. He helped bring together 18 stations across the Northeast to cover environmental issues, which eventually led to the New England News Collaborative, worked with NPR on their Collaborative Coverage Project, and with the national talk program America Amplified.
For 25 years, John oversaw news programming at WNPR, where he started the daily talk show, Where We Live. He’s also produced award-winning long-form documentaries on mental health and care for the elderly, and hundreds of short stories for NPR and public radio stations, including one about virtual reality in dentistry that’s actually pretty embarrassing to listen to now.
You can also see him doing live events for The Connecticut Mirror, The Connecticut Forum, and The International Festival of Arts & Ideas.
John grew up in Pittsburgh, and is as big a Mr. Rogers fan as you’ll find anywhere.
24:46
The Clean Air Act Has Saved Millions Of Lives—But Gaps Remain
The legislation gave the U.S. some of the world’s cleanest air. But with industrial zones and climate change, it’s not protecting everyone.
How Aging Water Systems Are Pushing Sewage Into U.S. Homes
Outdated and poorly maintained sewage and stormwater systems have led to chronic sewage backups in communities across the country.
12:08
Pandas Return To Washington, D.C., Zoo
In a new chapter of “panda diplomacy,” two giant pandas on loan from China have arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
17:09
NASA’s Europa Clipper Heads To Jupiter’s Icy Moon Europa
Scientists suspect that beneath Europa’s icy crust is a giant ocean of liquid water. They launched a spacecraft to investigate.
11:56
How Metaphor Has Shaped Science, For Better Or Worse
Metaphors can help us understand complicated scientific concepts. But they can also have a downside.
17:22
Why Does COVID-19 Spike In Summer?
This is the fourth summer the U.S. has seen a COVID-19 surge. And no, it’s not a coincidence.
17:14
Why Cancer Death Rates Have Decreased Over The Last 30 Years
Cancer treatment and prevention has come a long way in the past few decades. Here’s what’s new, and where challenges persist.
12:12
A Science Hero, Lost and Found
In our August book club pick, “The Invention of Nature,” Andrea Wulf restores Alexander von Humboldt to his rightful place in science history.
17:25
From Farm To Fridge: The Science And History Of Refrigeration
In her book ‘Frostbite,’ Nicola Twilley examines how refrigeration changed the world and spoiled us—and our food.
17:08
How Congestion Pricing Can Impact Human Health
Congestion pricing increases commuting costs in cities, but it can also mean better air quality and a healthier population.