KZSM — Discover the stories behind the science
At KZSM.org, our mission is to engage, enlighten, and entertain. “Science Stories,” our newest show (3 p.m. every other Friday), entertains as it enlightens with scientific knowledge. As host Mateo Garcia explains, the broadcast “focuses on trying to discover the untold stories behind a scientific publication. In the search for data and facts, scientists run into many funny, awkward, and even crazy situations that I find fascinating and unfortunately don’t get too much attention.”
In creating the show, Garcia draws on his experiences as a postdoctoral scientist Texas State University. But his passion for radio goes back to his childhood in his native Uruguay. “As long as I can remember I have always loved the radio. I used to fall asleep listening to the radio as a kid.” Later, talking about his research on an Uruguayan radio station, he discovered “that I not only enjoyed listening to the radio, but being part of it too.”
“I would like my listeners to have a good time and hopefully, if the topic is interesting enough, continue to research the subject on their own,” Garcia explains. “Making science accessible creates awareness about the importance of science and scientific thinking. I sometimes feel there’s a shade of mystery around scientists” he adds. “My idea is to show that scientists are human too, in the sense that they have hobbies, anecdotes, opinions, limitations, and problems like everyone else.”
“Science Stories” will feature an eclectic range of guests. Dr. Manfred Schartl, a world-famous German scientist, was a guest on March 18. Garcia’s thoughtful questions brought out Schartl’s expertise in genomics, cancer and sex determination fields, as well as his account of taking tea with the Emperor of Japan. On the April 1 show, Texas State Professor of Music Dr. Cynthia Gonzales and local singer/songwriter D’Foy discussed perfect pitch, ethnic perception of music, and scientific studies about music. The April 15 show will feature a robotics professor from UT.
“Science Stories” host Mateo Garcia discovered KZSM by biking past our studio on his way home. “I heard music/ radio playing outside the studio; I couldn’t help it and walked in. I was surprised to find the same radio which organizes the Kissing Alley concerts and was happy about how welcoming and encouraging the volunteers were.”
If you have an idea for a show or just an interest in radio, we are ready to welcome you at KZSMSanMarcos@gmail.com.
