Where would we find you at a party? Working the room, hiding in a corner with your phone, or let's be honest, you didn't go but you were pleased to be invited.

Join us for a live podcast episode of Convos with Chordates, where two unapologetically loud extroverts and two quietly confident introverts go head to head with science facts, personal anecdotes, and delightfully chaotic commentary. Come for the laughs, stay for the unexpected insights, and leave with a fresh take on your place on the extro–intro scale.

Meet your MC

Rachel Rayner is a science comedian and poet who avoids conversation by only speaking in fun science facts. Did you know the parrot fish sleeps in a bubble of its own snot? Or a day on Venus, is a year on Earth? She then returns to the quiet darkness to keep working on her science poems.

Meet your hosts

Dr Anastasia Shavrova is an award-winning university lecturer passionate about making science fun and accessible. At parties, she is likely oversharing spider sex facts or explaining the evolution of weird mating behaviours across the animal kingdom.

Dr Sammy Burke is a science communicator committed to making science visible and inclusive. An accredited ocean nerd, she will happily talk your ear off at a tide pool, but do not be fooled. Afterwards, you will probably find her at home under a duvet with tea and a good book.

Meet the guests

Dr Inna Osmolovsky is a plant ecologist who loves showing that science is rigorous and joyful. It's no surprise she studies plants. They are comfortable with long silences and never ask about the weather. Though she now steps out of her bubble more often, her true safe space contains more books than humans.

Just Dave is a self-proclaimed expert in nothing and everything, driven purely by curiosity. He has built a career exploring the spaces where people struggle to understand each other. Think low-budget peace negotiator, minus the suit, quietly helping others shine.