The Multidisciplinary Career of Reo Eveleth: Science, Storytelling, and the Future
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital media, few creators bridge the gap between rigorous scientific inquiry and compelling narrative storytelling as effectively as Reo Eveleth. An American podcast host, producer, designer, and animator, Eveleth has built a career centered on making complex subjects—ranging from evolutionary biology to speculative futures—accessible and engaging for a global audience.
Through award-winning productions and thought-provoking journalism, Eveleth has become a prominent voice in the podcasting industry, utilizing multimedia platforms to explore how science shapes our world and our imagined tomorrow.
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Key Facts
- Expertise: Podcast production, journalism, design, and animation.
- Notable Works: Producer for ESPN Films' 30 for 30 podcast; host of Flash Forward and Tested.
- Academic Background: BSc in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution (UC San Diego) and a Master's in Journalism Science (NYU).
- Major Awards: Grand Award Gold and Bronze Radio Winner at the 2019 New York Festivals Radio Awards.
- Special Recognition: Recipient of the 2016 MJ Bear Fellowship from the Online News Association.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Eveleth’s ability to navigate scientific topics is rooted in a strong academic foundation. They earned a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution from the University of California San Diego in 2010. To transition these scientific insights into the realm of media, they pursued a Master's in Journalism Science at New York University in 2011, specializing in Health and Environmental Reporting.
Their professional journey began in the niche field of science communication. Eveleth initially worked as a blogger and producer for The Doppler Effect, a weekly science-focused program. They later spent five years serving as the Podcast Editor for Story Collider, a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing true, personal stories about science through audio storytelling.
Innovating Science Media
In 2013, Eveleth co-founded Science Studio alongside Bora Zivkovic and Ben Lillie. This innovative project served as a multimedia repository, collecting the "year's best" reported and written stories about science in a compilation format. This venture helped establish Eveleth as a pioneer in digital science curation.
Major Podcast Projects and Achievements
Flash Forward: Exploring the Horizon
From 2015 to 2022, Eveleth hosted and produced Flash Forward, a podcast that explores the intersection of science and science fiction. The show examines both possible and speculative futures, investigating how we imagine and live in the world to come. The project earned significant acclaim, including an MJ Bear Fellowship in 2016. The selection committee praised Eveleth for their "creativity and flair," noting their ability to combine deep reporting with a visionary perspective on the future.
In 2019, the Swedish startup Acast recognized the quality of the series by including Flash Forward in its premium, ad-free content offerings.
ESPN Films' 30 for 30 Podcast
Eveleth also played a pivotal role in the launch and production of the ESPN Films '30 for 30' podcast series. This high-profile project garnered significant industry recognition, including:
- A Grand Award Gold in the narrative/documentary category at the 2019 New York Festivals Radio Awards.
- A Bronze Radio Winner in the sports category at the same awards.
- Nominations for the 2018 Webby Awards in both the Features and Best Series categories.
Tested: Investigating Sports and Science
In 2024, Eveleth expanded their journalistic scope with the podcast Tested. Produced in partnership with the CBC and NPR’s Embedded, the series investigates the complexities of sex testing in women's sports.
Advocacy and Industry Impact
Beyond production, Eveleth has used their platform to address social issues within the scientific community. In 2014, they were a vocal critic of a controversial incident involving Dr. Matt Taylor during a progress report on the Rosetta comet mission. Dr. Taylor wore a shirt featuring images of scantily clad women with firearms, which Eveleth and others identified as "sexist and ostracizing." The criticism, shared via social media, sparked a widespread debate regarding sexism in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and ultimately led to a public apology from Dr. Taylor.
Summary of Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award/Recognition | Organization/Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | MJ Bear Fellowship | Online News Association |
| 2018 | Webby Award Nominee | 30 for 30 Podcast (Features/Best Series) |
| 2019 | Grand Award Gold | New York Festivals Radio Awards (Narrative/Documentary) |
| 2019 | Bronze Radio Winner | New York Festivals Radio Awards (Sports) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of the Flash Forward podcast?
Flash Forward is a podcast that explores the boundary between science and science fiction, focusing on how humans imagine and inhabit possible future worlds through deep reporting and thoughtful questioning.
What academic background does Reo Eveleth have?
Eveleth holds a BSc in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution from the University of California San Diego and a Master's in Journalism Science with a focus on Health and Environmental Reporting from New York University.
What was Reo Eveleth's role in the 30 for 30 podcast?
Eveleth helped launch the ESPN Films '30 for 30' podcast series and served as a producer for the project.
How did Eveleth contribute to discussions on sexism in STEM?
In 2014, Eveleth criticized the use of inappropriate attire by a scientist during a major comet mission report, arguing that such choices were sexist and could detract from scientific achievements and inclusivity in STEM fields.
What is the podcast 'Tested' about?
Tested is a podcast hosted by Eveleth in partnership with the CBC and NPR's Embedded that examines the issue of sex testing within women's sports.