Chapter 1: The Intersection of Music and Science

In the culinary world, combining different foods can lead to delightful flavors and aromas. Consider the classic pairings like macaroni and cheese, chips with salsa, or biscuits served with gravy. This concept of fusion extends beautifully into the realm of music and science, exemplified by the "Sing For Science" podcast.

In the latest episode of "Sing For Science" on the Talkhouse Podcast Network, the show boldly tackles the most curious and macabre topics. Titled “Dead Bodies Everywhere: Postmortem Biology and The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers,” host Matt Whyte, a musician and creator, engages in a conversation with Jonathan Davis, the iconic frontman of Korn, and Mary Roach, a renowned author known for her book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers." Together, they explore mortuary science, aiming to demystify the eerie aspects of death.

The discussion revolves around Korn’s track “Dead Bodies Everywhere” from their 1998 album "Follow the Leader," which achieved over 14 million sales and was inspired by Davis’s own experiences working in a morgue before his music career took off. As a high school junior, he began conducting post-mortem examinations in the coroner’s office in Bakersfield, CA, later attending the College of Mortuary Science in San Francisco—a school that Roach also attended. Fueled by a desire to illuminate the grim realities of life, both Davis and Roach share a profound interest in America’s culture of death denial. They utilize "Sing For Science" as a platform to delve into these topics with candor, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging death and using music as a tool to confront life’s complex questions.

"Sing For Science" is a podcast that merges science with music, produced by Talkhouse, where artists engage with scientists to discuss how science informs their most popular songs. The show, hosted by New York musician Matt Whyte, aims to enhance public understanding of science by connecting with diverse musical audiences. Fans tune in for their passion for music but leave with newfound insights into scientific concepts. In today’s world, promoting scientific literacy and respect for expertise is crucial. The podcast advocates that a society well-versed in science will support equitable, evidence-based policies.

At the episode's outset, Jonathan Davis recounts his experience living in an apartment adjoining the mortuary where he worked, revealing that the inspiration for “Dead Bodies Everywhere” stemmed from a lack of workspace, resulting in body parts spilling into his kitchen.

Similarly, Mary Roach shares anecdotes from her research for her bestselling book "Stiff," recounting experiences from morgue visits to crash tests involving cadavers and even body farms. As "Sing For Science" confronts the subject of death, it aims to shed light on the lived experiences and expertise of those engaged in the often-overlooked field of mortuary practices. This episode, like others in the podcast series, serves as a thought-provoking exploration of our relationship with death, prompting listeners to better understand the essence of being alive.

As "Sing For Science" approaches the conclusion of its third season, the upcoming episode will feature Rhiannon Giddens alongside ethnomusicologist Portia Maultsby, who will navigate the African Diaspora and investigate sound as a form of social science and historical humanity. With the aspiration that enhanced scientific understanding can lead to better policy decisions, "Sing For Science" is committed to “podcasting for a better planet” (UPROXX). Recent episodes have included discussions with actor Nick Kroll and endocrinologist Emily Breidbart on puberty, singer-songwriter Margo Price with reproductive health expert Monica McLemore, and Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock with mycology specialist Paul Stamets to explore the connection between mushrooms and humanity.

The show has also initiated a new partnership with The MIT Museum for a series of live recordings, bringing the podcast experience directly to audiences. Earlier this month, the inaugural event featured Grammy-winning artist Ani DiFranco in dialogue with Harvard physicist Melissa Franklin.

This engaging video, titled "Dead Bodies Everywhere: Jonathan Davis of Korn and Mary Roach on Funerary Science," dives deep into the intersection of music and mortuary science, showcasing the fascinating discussions from the podcast.

Another insightful video, "Jonathan Davis (KORN) & Michael Beinhorn - Pete Pidgeon question," presents a compelling look at the musical influences and insights of Jonathan Davis, further enriching the conversation around the themes explored in the podcast.