Distillations Episode 139: The Brain on Sports
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
Series: Distillations - The Chemistry Podcast
Length: 11:37
Whether it's football season, baseball season, or basketball season, one thing is constant: a good chunk of the population has sports on the brain. On today's episode of Distillations we explore why this is the case. First producer Lindsay Patterson follows a high school basketball team to learn about the role chemistry plays in winning a big game. Then we check in with the fans at home, learning what happens in your brain when you're cheering on your favorite team.
Also in the Distillations - The Chemistry Podcast series
Distillations Episode 173: Power Up
(17:06)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
In this episode we look at the modern power grid, which is on the brink of important changes. First, why the smart grid matters. Then, the critical mission of Caltech's Solar Army.
Distillations Episode 172: On Beauty
(15:25)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
In this episode we look at questionable appearance enhancers. First the Beauty Historian shares some shocking beauty rituals of yore. Then a look at how Brazilian Blowouts ...
Distillations Episode 171: Underground Worlds
(16:35)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
In this episode we investigate the science beneath our streets. First how a team of amateur speleologists are keeping Howe Caverns safe. Then a look at Philadelphia's ...
Distillations Episode 170: Urban Agriculture
(18:33)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
In this episode we learn how advances in urban agriculture are providing new access to fresh food. First, how hundreds of tons of fishbones are cleaning up Oakland soil. Then ...
Distillations Episode 169: Neighborhood Preservation
(17:11)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
In this episode we see old bones made new again. First the ongoing restoration of Philadelphia's 19th Street Baptist Church. Then a discussion about what makes some old ...
Distillations Episode 168: So Argon Walks Into a Bar...
(21:38)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
In this episode, chemistry takes center stage. First, why science and comedy make gut-busting bedfellows. Then the history of science as popular entertainment.
Distillations Episode 167: Cold War Chemistry
(15:04)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
During decades of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union over the course of the Cold War, both sides wielded science as a weapon. Find out how in this episode.
Distillations Episode 166: Alchemy After Dark
(13:59)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
Just in time for Valentine's Day we explore the sexier side of alchemy. Historian Joel Klein explains how alchemists used passionate prose to disguise the details of their ...
Distillations Episode 165: In Good Taste
(16:09)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
Today your taste buds take center stage. First, how super-tasters' genetic gift might afford them better health. Then the art of imitation flavors.
Distillations Episode 164: Bones
(16:24)
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
In this episode we peel back our skin. First, an innovative technology that could provide early detection of osteoporosis. Then, a look at stone man syndrome – a rare disease ...
Piece Description
Whether it's football season, baseball season, or basketball season, one thing is constant: a good chunk of the population has sports on the brain. On today's episode of Distillations we explore why this is the case. First producer Lindsay Patterson follows a high school basketball team to learn about the role chemistry plays in winning a big game. Then we check in with the fans at home, learning what happens in your brain when you're cheering on your favorite team.
Broadcast History
Podcast on Jan. 20, 2012.
Timing and Cues
0:00 Opening Credits
0:30 Introduction
1:00 Feature: An Athlete's Chemistry
7:31 The Science of Watching Sports
10:57 Closing Credits
Additional Credits
Special thanks to Ryan Carty for researching this show, and Mauricio Delgado for his thorough information about the brain on sports.
Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Music from the Free Music Archive includes "Kopeika," by et_, and "Shangri-La (instrumental)," by YACHT. This episode also features "Dopamine!," by Ric Seaberg.





