Rachel Feltman

Rachel Feltman is a science journalist and author known for her work exploring unusual scientific topics and making complex concepts accessible to general audiences. She serves as Executive Editor of Popular Science magazine and previously worked as a science reporter for The Washington Post. Her book "Been There, Done That: A Rousing History of Sex" (2022) examines the evolution of human sexuality through a scientific and historical lens. The work combines academic research with engaging storytelling to explore topics ranging from ancient contraception to modern dating practices. Feltman's writing regularly appears in major publications including The Atlantic, Quartz, and Scientific American. Her areas of focus include biology, physics, space exploration, and the intersection of science with popular culture. Beyond her written work, Feltman frequently appears as a guest expert on radio and podcast programs to discuss scientific topics. She holds a degree in Environmental Science from Bard College and has received recognition for her contributions to science communication and journalism.

Rachel Feltman's readers describe her writing as approachable and humorous while tackling complex scientific topics. Her book "Been There, Done That: A Rousing History of Sex" (2022) maintains a 4.3/5 rating on Goodreads and 4.4/5 on Amazon across 200+ total reviews. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of scientific concepts - Inclusive approach to gender and sexuality - Balance of academic content with casual tone - Effective use of footnotes for additional context Common criticisms: - Attempts at humor sometimes feel forced - Some sections read like extended blog posts - Occasional repetitive content Reader quotes: "Makes complex topics digestible without dumbing them down" - Goodreads reviewer "Perfect mix of science and snark" - Amazon reviewer "Could have been more concise" - Goodreads reviewer Beyond her book, readers follow Feltman's science journalism in Popular Science and The Washington Post for similar qualities of accessibility and insight.

Been There, Done That: A Rousing History of Sex (2022) A historical examination of human sexuality covering topics from ancient fertility rituals to modern dating apps, incorporating scientific research and cultural analysis.

Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life (2020) A scientific and personal narrative exploring taxonomist David Starr Jordan's work, the nature of chaos, and the human drive to create order.