As host and executive producer of Gimlet Media’s Science Vs, Wendy Zukerman has become the go-to voice for evidence-based science journalism. With over 200 episodes dissecting topics from vaccine efficacy to transgender healthcare, her work reaches 5M+ monthly listeners across 82 countries.
"Bring me the data that changes how we see everyday issues – that’s where real impact happens."
"Science isn’t about opinions – it’s about evidence. When 95% of experts agree, that’s the story."
Zukerman’s 2011 investigation into ancient fishing hooks discovered in Timor-Leste revolutionized our understanding of cognitive development. Through interviews with lead archaeologists and marine biologists, she revealed how 42,000-year-old tuna bones suggested advanced seafaring capabilities predating previous estimates by millennia. Her narrative wove together isotope analysis data with vivid descriptions of prehistoric marine ecosystems, making specialized research accessible without oversimplification.
This 2021 episode demonstrated Zukerman’s commitment to tackling socially charged topics. By interviewing endocrinologists, psychologists, and transgender advocates, she debunked myths about youth transitioning while maintaining compassionate storytelling. The episode’s impact was evidenced by its widespread use in educational settings and mentions in LGBTQ+ advocacy reports.
A masterclass in making taboo subjects approachable, this episode combined urological research with cultural analysis. Zukerman’s team surveyed 1,200 participants while consulting with vascular specialists, creating one of the first evidence-based examinations of this folk diagnosis. The episode’s viral success (2.8M downloads) demonstrated her ability to identify under-researched public health questions.
Zukerman prioritizes research with strong academic backing. A successful pitch about mask efficacy during COVID-19 referenced 12 RCT studies from The Lancet while explaining methodological limitations. Avoid preliminary findings without replication.
Her coverage of GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic) connected pharmaceutical data to workplace discrimination cases. Effective pitches frame scientific developments within their social implications.
The "Transgender Science" episode featured three early-career researchers from minority backgrounds. Pitches should identify experts beyond Ivy League institutions.
Zukerman’s team created interactive vaccine efficacy charts for their COVID-19 coverage. Accompany pitches with visualizable datasets or audio demonstration ideas.
While covering breaking news like the Nord Stream pipeline rupture, her team waited 72 hours to verify methane measurements. Avoid "hot takes" without confirmed metrics.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science honored Zukerman’s pandemic coverage for its accuracy during the "infodemic." Jurors noted her team’s unique approach to updating episodes as new data emerged.
This nomination by the Podcast Academy recognized her skill in making complex statistics relatable. Competing against industry veterans, Zukerman stood out for her interview techniques that clarified researcher motivations.
Awarded for "exceptional science communication," this honor places Zukerman alongside Nobel laureates and NASA researchers. The society specifically cited her work on climate change denialism episodes.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Science, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
