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cover of episode The Moth Radio Hour: Outside the Box

The Moth Radio Hour: Outside the Box

2024/11/19
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The Moth

Key Insights

Why did Iain Kerr develop Snotbot?

To collect whale exhalations for health assessments without disturbing the whales, addressing the observer effect in data collection.

How did Carolyn Meyer respond to being called 'young lady'?

She requested not to be called that, feeling it was condescending and denying her wholeness as an individual.

What was the turning point for Rosalyn Orwa after her dowry refund ceremony?

Meeting other women with infertility issues who shared their stories, leading her to form a support group and start a school for children.

What was the main challenge Iain Kerr faced with Snotbot on live TV?

Terrible weather conditions and a reduced search area made it difficult to locate a whale for the live demonstration.

How did Carolyn Meyer's experience with online dating change her perspective?

Despite a scam involving a man named Michael, she continued to take risks, eventually finding a genuine connection with Robert.

What did Rosalyn Orwa's mother advise her to do after the dowry refund ceremony?

Her mother encouraged her to use the 'committee in her head' to come up with a new story and take control of her narrative.

What was the significance of the Snotbot demonstration on live TV for Iain Kerr?

It was a representation of risk-taking and thinking outside the box, crucial for addressing environmental problems innovatively.

How did Carolyn Meyer eventually find fulfillment after her online dating experiences?

She continued to challenge herself, taking an improv comedy class and eventually marrying Robert, a photographer she met online.

What impact did Rosalyn Orwa's new narrative have on her community?

It led to the formation of a support group for women with infertility and the establishment of a school supporting vulnerable children.

Why did Iain Kerr name his invention Snotbot?

To create a memorable and engaging name that would appeal to kids and encourage their interest in environmental issues.

Chapters

Dr. Ian Kerr shares his journey from a whale biologist to the inventor of Snotbot, a drone designed to collect whale exhalations for health assessments, culminating in a live demonstration on National Geographic Earth Live.
  • Snotbot collects whale exhalations for health assessments.
  • The invention faced skepticism but was successfully demonstrated on live TV.
  • Snotbot has been used in six countries, collecting data from nine whale species.

Shownotes Transcript

In this hour, stories from risk-takers, innovators, and trail-blazers. Scientific feats, pushing the boundaries of age, and a different kind of motherhood. This episode is hosted by Moth Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Whale biologist Iain Kerr demonstrates his new invention on live-television.

Carolyn Meyer tries online dating at the age of 80. 

Roseline Orwa reclaims her power and starts a new chapter. 

Podcast # 894