Scientista: Women (And Allies!) Reshaping Business, Politics, & Culture

 A former co-worker spotted me at my favorite sports bar, P.J. Whelihan's, and came over to say hello. At times, I'll take my laptop to the restaurant and write a few podcast reviews while I'm watching a Phillies, Yankees, WNBA, NWSL, or MLS game. After exchanging pleasantries, he asked me what podcast I was currently reviewing and I replied, "Scientista. The show spotlights women reshaping business, politics, and culture."

That response elicited a scowl from the man, and he then felt compelled to say, "Joe Rogan's right. Women are taking over. They get their own podcasts. You never hear of a men's podcasts."

That's when I decided that our reunion was over. I shot him my best WTF look and said, "Men control over 90 percent of all podcasts. There are twice as many male podcast hosts as there are female, and male podcast network execs outnumber female ones ten to one."

He replied with the quintessential rejoinder after a stupid comment, "Just saying," and he went back to his bar stool on the other side of the restaurant.

Yes, Scientista is a women’s podcast for women, yet men can get a lot out of the show. Men can understand that these successful women being interviewed didn't achieve anything seamlessly. Too often, being a woman was a stumbling block, not an asset to the male-dominated society at large. 

Indeed, The Scientista Podcast spotlights women (and allies!) reshaping business, politics, and culture. 

Here's their mission statement: "Scientista is our term for a woman scientist or woman leader guided by science. Hosted by behavioral scientist Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and former Assistant Secretary of State Monica Medina, this show brings you candid conversations with changemakers and thought leaders from around the world."

The co-hosts are adept at hosting chemistry, connecting with the audience, and interviewing guests. 

 Dr. Sweta Chakraborty is a behavioral scientist, CEO of We Don't Have Time North America, a science policy advisor, TV contributor, author, and impact investor. 

Monica Medina is a former Assistant Secretary of State and served as the first U.S. Special Envoy for Biodiversity, according to Scientista's website

 The show has a straightforward format. The co-hosts interview successful women who are connected to science in some appreciable way. The episodes aren't rambling or discursive like some interview shows, but punctuated by the themes of the show. Episodes can run as long as 45 minutes or as short as 25 minutes. The co-hosts wisely allow the guest and the themes to drive the episode length.

Scientista began in March of this year and is already closing in on 30 episodes, as they maintain an aggressive episode release schedule. 

Their very first show -- Sherri Goodman: The Godmother of Climate and Security -- welcomed Sherri Goodman, the expert who coined the term “threat multiplier,” explains how climate-driven disasters are reshaping global defense strategies.

As a former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, Goodman shared how the military is preparing for climate risks, why global alliances matter more than ever, and what it will take to build a safer, more resilient future.

The March 21st show -- What does a bright-red bird have to do with global conservation? -- introduces Patricia Zurita, Chief Strategy Officer at Conservation International, who shares how that pivotal moment in Ecuador’s cloud forests led her to a career at the intersection of economics, conservation, and global policy. She explains why biodiversity is critical to human survival, how we can create economic incentives for sustainability, and why protecting nature is ultimately about protecting people. 

On the June 8th show -- Her Deepness: Sylvia Earle on a Lifetime Underwater and the Fight to Save the Sea -- legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle recounts leading the first all-female aquanaut team to founding Mission Blue and advocating for marine protected areas. 

The episode was a special World Oceans Day show, and, as such, Earle reflected on how the ocean has changed, why it matters more than ever, and what gives her hope for the future. With warmth, wisdom, and urgency, Earle calls on all of us to protect the blue heart of our planet—before it’s too late.

Perhaps my favorite episode was released on July 24. After four decades at The Washington Post, Ruth Marcus made a decision few journalists ever face: she resigned after her column — critical of Jeff Bezos’s editorial policy — was blocked from publication.

In this episode, Ruth opened up about the events leading to her departure, the editorial shift she saw under Bezos’s ownership, and why she believes dissenting voices are essential to democracy. She also reflected on her accidental entry into journalism, the evolution of the media industry, and the deep connection between writing and critical thinking — even in the age of AI.

This is a conversation about courage, integrity, and the high stakes of telling the truth in an era of corporate-owned newsrooms and fragmented information. The playbook for creeping authoritarianism is to first cripple the freedom of the press, and crush any oppositional messages. 

While The Scientista Podcast is a podcast about successful women related to the field of science who serve as models for women just getting into STEM programs, men can listen and learn something. Could there be a Scientistor?

Check out the show.