SUBSTANCE  
Stories about the stuff that shapes our world.

You find the podcast on these channels:

Latest Episode: Sulfur

Sulfur might evoke matches, volcanic gases, or that yellow rock from chemistry class – but it’s far more powerful than you think. In this episode of SUBSTANCE, host Joe Hanson explores the surprising story of an element that has shaped human history for centuries and plays a crucial role in modern life.

Marco Kennema, PhD, the Global Business Director for Oxidation Catalysts at BASF in Shanghai, tells about how BASF has revolutionized the production of sulfuric acid with a 3D-printed catalyst. A formerly crazy idea that turned out to become a next level game changer helping customers to increase profit and reduce CO₂ emissions.  

Joe also hears from Andrew Szydlo, PhD, a legendary performance chemist and educator, who takes us on a wild ride through sulfur’s colorful past: from the alchemists who tried to turn it into gold to Chinese gunpowder and 19th century acid batteries – and what it has to do with our modern vehicles.

Listen now!

Our guest: Marco Kennema, PhD

Marco Kennema is Global Business Director for Oxidation and Dehydrogenation Catalysts at BASF in Shanghai, China. Before he was Head of Digitalization Process Catalysts in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Earlier in his career Marco worked in R&D as a chemist in Ludwigshafen. There he developed the Quattro catalyst for the conversion of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to sulfur trioxide (SO₃) and took the X3D catalyst technology from concept to commercialization, generating more than 20 patents.

Kennema completed his PhD at the Max‑Planck‑Institut für Kohlenforschung in Mühlheim, Germany, and earlier earned a Master of Science in Analytical, Surface and Catalytic Chemistry from the University of Guelph, Canada.

Our guest: Dr. Andrew Szydlo

Andrew Szydlo is a British-Polish chemist, educator, and science communicator. He built a reputation as an engaging lecturer who brings chemistry to life through theatrical, carefully choreographed demonstrations.

For many years Szydlo served as a chemistry teacher and lecturer, most notably at the University of Oxford, where his chemistry shows attracted students, colleagues, and members of the public alike. Beyond, he has contributed to science education through writing books and participating in radio and TV programs. 

Szydlo holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London and a PhD in the History and Philosophy of Science from University College London. He is Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. In 2020, Szydlo was awarded a Pearson National Teaching award for Lifetime Achievement.

Our host: Joe Hanson, PhD 

Joe Hanson is an internationally recognized science communicator. Before working in science media and education, he researched genetic engineering and cancer biology, obtaining a PhD in biology from the University of Texas.

He is the creator, host, and head writer of Be Smart, a YouTube science education show with more than 5 million subscribers on YouTube.
Hanson has won Webby and Telly Awards and the Kavli Science Journalism Award for his work. 

Get to know our guests & experts