Molecular biologist turned full-time science communicator Zakiya Whatley joins Kacie from Atlanta to discuss how effective science communication begins with understanding your audience. As the host of multiple podcasts including Dope Labs and Breakthrough, Atlanta's Zakiya shares her ”audience first” approach to making complex scientific concepts accessible without sacrificing accuracy. She discusses how delivery is often more important than the information itself, the challenges of our current information ecosystem where facts become group identity signals, and her expanding work in written media and film. Zakiya offers practical advice for scientists looking to better communicate their work, emphasizing the importance of leading with your core message and limiting supporting points to what audiences can realistically absorb.