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Wendy Zukerman
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Wendy Zukerman

Real name: Wendy Zukerman

Australian-American science journalist with a combined law and biomedical science degree from Monash University. Hosts the Spotify podcast Science Vs, which examines contested health and science topics. Previously reported for New Scientist and ABC Australia.

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Biography

Wendy Zukerman is an Australian-American science journalist and the creator and host of Science Vs, one of the most widely listened-to science podcasts in the world. Published through Gimlet Media and distributed exclusively on Spotify, Science Vs takes on contested health and science topics — from gun control to the keto diet to climate change — and follows the evidence wherever it leads, presenting peer-reviewed research in an accessible, often humorous format.

Zukerman holds a combined honours degree in Biomedical Science and Law from Monash University in Melbourne, and began her journalism career at New Scientist Magazine before moving to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, where she worked on science documentary programs including Catalyst. She originally created Science Vs in Australia before Gimlet Media acquired it in 2015 and relocated her to the United States, where the podcast has grown into a flagship science communication program.

Science Vs is notable for its rigorous sourcing and willingness to follow data to conclusions that sometimes contradict popular health narratives. Zukerman and her team consult primary research and interview scientists directly, building episodes that acknowledge uncertainty rather than overstate findings. In 2021, Zukerman was among the first nominees for the Podcast Academy's Ambie awards. She won the William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement in Science Writing, recognising her contributions to public science literacy.

Credentials

LLB/BBiomedSci (Hons), Monash University

Combined law and biomedical science degree from Monash University, Australia

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Science Journalist, New Scientist Magazine

Early career reporting for one of the world's leading science publications

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Documentary Presenter, ABC Australia

Science presenter for Catalyst and The Checkout on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Notable Debunks

Is the Keto Diet Actually Worth It?Vaping: Should We Be Worried?