Short Wave Goes To The Circus

Podcast Summary

• Experience the power of wonder and discovery in the circus: The circus inspires awe and challenges our understanding of human capabilities, leaving us in disbelief and reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the world.

  The circus, whether it's being performed by a professional peacock interpreter or a physicist turned performer, has the power to dazzle and inspire awe. The sense of flying and defying gravity, even if just for a moment, can evoke feelings of freedom and possibility. This was evident in the speaker's experience as a circus performer, where she spent hours perfecting her aerial silks routine dressed as a peacock. Similarly, Julia Ruth, a physicist turned circus performer, finds this sensation all the time while using her favorite apparatus, the sear wheel. The circus challenges our understanding of what the human body is capable of and leaves us in disbelief. This sense of wonder and discovery, whether it's through the arts or science, is a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

• Trusting the laws of physics: Understanding and trusting the fundamental principles of physics can help overcome fear and achieve seemingly impossible feats in various domains

  Trusting the fundamental principles of physics can help overcome fear and achieve seemingly impossible feats. This was the case for Julia Ruth, who initially struggled with gymnastics due to her lack of experience and fear of potential mishaps. However, when her coach explained the physics behind a particular move, she was able to trust both the physics and her body, leading to her successful execution of the move. This concept of trusting the laws of physics also applied to Julia's unexpected journey into the circus. Despite her initial plans of becoming a research scientist, she found herself drawn to the circus and ultimately pursued it, trusting that the principles of physics would guide her success in this new domain. This story highlights the power of understanding and trusting the fundamental principles of the world around us, whether it's in gymnastics or in pursuing our dreams.

• A woman's love for science and circus arts leads her to make a difficult decision: Following passions can lead to a fulfilling and successful life, even if it means making difficult decisions

  Passion and dedication can lead individuals to make difficult decisions. Julia's love for both science and circus arts was so strong that she chose to leave her PhD program to pursue her dream of becoming a circus artist. This decision was met with resistance from her supportive but traditional parents, who wanted her to continue her academic path. However, Julia's determination and belief in following her passions led her to leave her program and fully commit to her circus career. She didn't completely abandon her academic pursuits, as she still teaches online physics classes to middle school students and plans to return to science when her circus days are over. The takeaway here is that following one's passions, even if it means making difficult decisions, can lead to a fulfilling and successful life.

• The Magic of Torque and Momentum in Physical Activities and Circus Performances: Torque is a force that causes rotation, generated by body movements. By transferring weight and using limbs, we increase momentum and maintain angular momentum, preventing falls. Spanish web act demonstrates this principle with mesmerizing shapes created by performers.

  Our bodies apply the principle of torque and momentum in various physical activities, just like in the art of steer wheel spinning and Spanish web performance. Torque is the measure of a force that causes an object to rotate around an axis, and it's generated by our body movements. By transferring our weight and using our arms and legs, we increase the momentum and maintain the angular momentum, preventing a fall. In the Spanish web act, performers use this principle to create mesmerizing shapes while one climbs the rope and the other spins it at the bottom. It's a fascinating demonstration of the power of our bodies and the fundamental physics principles at play. So next time you're watching a circus performance, remember the magic of torque and momentum at work!

• Understanding and trusting the forces at play: Trusting ourselves and the world around us is essential for personal growth. Making difficult decisions gets easier with time.

  Trusting both the physics of the world around us and our own physical abilities is crucial for growth and achieving our goals. The speaker's experience of mastering the Spanish web in the circus serves as a powerful metaphor for this concept. By understanding the centrifugal force at play and relying on her strength to maintain a horizontal position, she was able to overcome her fears and make a bold decision to leave her program and join the circus. This decision, while initially scary, has led her to find happiness and fulfillment in her life. The circus experience teaches us that making difficult decisions gets easier with time and that trusting ourselves and the world around us is essential for personal growth.

• NPR's Shortwave Daily Science Podcast Production Team: NPR's Shortwave daily science podcast is produced by a team of professionals including Margaret Cirino, Rebecca Ramirez, Giselle Grayson, Rachel Carlson, Robert Rodriguez, Anya Grundmann, Beth Donovan, and Giselle Grasjon. NPR partners with BlackRock for 'The Bid' podcast to provide investment insights.

  The production of the "Shortwave, the daily science podcast from NPR" involves a team of dedicated professionals, including Margaret Cirino as the producer, Rebecca Ramirez and Giselle Grayson as editors, Rachel Carlson as fact checker, and Robert Rodriguez as audio engineer. The podcast is overseen by senior team members Anya Grundmann, Beth Donovan, and Giselle Grasjon. NPR's partnership with BlackRock's podcast, "The Bid," provides listeners with valuable insights from BlackRock's thought leaders on investment challenges such as retirement. Larry Fink, BlackRock's chairman and CEO, discusses these issues in detail on the latest episode of The Bid. Overall, this collaboration between NPR and BlackRock showcases the power of multidisciplinary teams and the importance of insightful discussions on critical issues.