We look at scientists who learned to manipulate common materials such as steel, glass and silicon, and how their inventions shaped the human experience. 

Our guest is scientist, storyteller and science writer, Ainissa Ramirez, author of the new book, "The Alchemy of Us, How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another."

We discuss the wonder of science, especially material science: What it is and why it’s a crucial part of all that is in us and around us.

Ainissa shares her love of science and tells us stories of the woman who sold time, why the brevity of the telegram influenced newspapers and the writing of Ernest Hemingway, and how a woman chemist exposed the use of Polaroid cameras to track black citizens in apartheid South Africa. 

We also discuss the teaching of science and technology. "STEM education right now is in the business of making people who can code, says Ainissa. "I think we should be in the business of making good people."

Recommendation: "The Alchemy of Us", by Ainissa Ramirez is a warm and engaging book about the innovations that have a profound influence on our everyday lives.