Facts Machine is a science comedy show and podcast by and for people who are curious about everything—but especially the things that make them laugh.
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Scientists by day, Em Costa, Noah Guiberson, and Rob Frawley met moonlighting as pub trivia hosts at their grad school's campus bar. Now, they channel their scientific curiosity and delight in obscure minutiae into Facts Machine, a monthly live show and podcast. On Facts Machine, we explore life’s silliest, most unexpected, and outright awe-inspiring stories, as told by the scientists and experts who know them best. By centering stories (both factual and personal) from amazing folks who are close to the research and gathering in a space where everyone's learning and laughing along, we hope to share the joys and wonder of science in a way that's welcoming, accessible, and engaging.
(And to be frank, we needed an outlet for all our puns. We make so many puns.)
In every show, we're joined by two or more expert guests who share fascinating science facts and the larger stories behind them, interspersing themed mini-games, and concluding with a pub-style trivia quiz loosely inspired by the theme. Our shows happen the third Thursday of every month at Caveat in New York City (and anywhere by livestream). Keep an eye on our socials for updates about upcoming shows, and we hope to see you there!
And if you missed a show or want to relive one (we get it), check out the Facts Machine podcast! Audio recordings of our live shows are released monthly to various podcast players.
As always, thank you for laughing, learning, and scratching your heads with us! If you've enjoyed our show, please share us with a friend. Facts Machine is a labor of love and nerdiness, both of which we think are worth spreading.
With trivia-filled but non-trivial gratitude,
- Noah, Rob, & Em
From left to right: Noah, Em, and Rob. Photo credit: Tessa Hirschfëld-Stölėr
One of our rowdier (and more Welsh) mid-show mini-games.
We even get musical! (Periodically)
Meet the Machinists:
Rob Frawley, PhD
Rob Frawley, PhD
Rob (he/him) is a long-time trivia host who did research in orthopedics and cell biology on the side (i.e. for a living). Rob now works with BioBus Inc. delivering science to schools all over NYC with a bus full of microscopes, amazing samples, and funny games. Rob spends the rest of his time swimming and waiting for it to be Pi Day.
Noah Guiberson, PhD
Noah Guiberson, PhD
Noah (he/him) got his start writing and hosting trivia nights on the rugged pub quiz circuits of Baltimore and New York. A Weill Cornell neuroscientist by day, he seeks to answer the greatest trivia question of them all: How does the brain work?
Emily Costa, PhD
Emily Costa, PhD
Em (she/her) is a cell biologist who, until recently, spent a lot of time researching how changes in gene expression alter the course of lung cancer. Nowadays, she thinks less about molecular science and more about civic science—building programming and scholarship about science communication and public engagement at RockEDU Science Outreach and working towards a future where all people can shape and benefit from science. You can otherwise find her exploring NYC’s green spaces, finagling nature magic in DnD, or littering her habitats with vases of bodega flowers.
What our fans are saying:
"Great scientists, great humans."
— SUE the T. rex, Field Museum Specimen FMNH PR 2081
"I was laughing for half of the episode and thinking for the other half."
"These aren’t just simple facts. These are mind-blowing trivia bombs that transport you to another world. Strap in..."
"Super intelligent, fun, and everything you are looking for in a podcast. Follow now!"
"It’s like listening to the 'Random' Wikipedia article while I’m on the subway."
"I love Facts Machine, but please don’t open any more cellophane packages on-air." (Noted!)
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