The Battle to Teach Science

Episode 300 is guest-hosted by Ally Kennedy. She interviews Dr. Kevin Folta about the obstacles to communicating science over the last decade. From a libelous piece in the New York Times, to coordinated smear campaigns, and a university’s rejection of academic freedom, they discuss the details of these events and their impact on Folta’s ag/science communication efforts. It is an eye-opening discussion of the battles faced for stepping into a public discussion, along with the personal and professional consequences of being effective and showing leadership. The take home message is a positive one, and affirms why we all need to be participating in teaching and correcting poor information, particularly in social media space.