How Kalpana Pot’s Authentic Science Content Engages Millions on TikTok and Instagram
Kalpana Pot is a multifaceted talent known for her work as an actor, writer, host, and science communicator. With a diverse portfolio, she has graced national commercials and popular TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Hot in Cleveland, and Days of Our Lives. Beyond her on-screen presence, Pot runs influential social media pages focused on space, where she merges her passion for science with her skills in communication and storytelling.
Pot’s dedication to science education shines through her active presence on TikTok and Instagram, where she has amassed over 200,000 and 199,000 followers respectively. Her engaging content, which blends entertainment with education, has garnered over 5 million likes in total according to Hootsuite.
Pot’s role as a science communicator comes at a time when misinformation can spread rapidly. She uses her platform to deliver accurate and engaging content that inspires her followers to learn. As a result, science and space are not only de-mystified but a more informed society is also encouraged.
We caught up with Pot to discuss her social media content strategy, exploring how she crafts her educational narratives and maintains a balance between her various professional roles. Her insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring science communicators and content creators alike.
This interview has been slightly edited.
How did your background in acting and writing influence your approach to creating content about space science on social media?
Acting is all about finding the truth in your character and the circumstances. It only becomes real to you if it’s truthful to you. The best actors are the best because they believe they are the character. I approach social media the same way. My passion for science comes through because it’s the truth, and I make it a point to speak in my voice – curse words and all. I think people connect to my videos because they feel the authenticity. Storytelling has a purpose, and I use it to influence and inspire people to get interested in science.
What inspired you to transition from traditional media roles in shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Days of Our Lives to becoming a science communicator on platforms like Instagram and TikTok?
I love acting and I’ll always consider myself an actor first. I hopped on social media years ago because it became important to my industry. Hollywood is a business in the end, and if you can build your clout, they’re more inclined to offer you roles. Anyway, I didn’t know what I wanted to do on social media, so I started with fashion content like many others. During the pandemic, it hit me that I should just talk about something I love instead of what I thought others wanted to see. So I decided to switch gears and speak about astronomy and science to help mitigate the unfortunate and absurd rise in anti-science. Along the way, I discovered my voice and realized that I’d love to tell stories that humanize people in science.
With over 199K followers on Instagram and 4 million likes on TikTok, what strategies do you find most effective for engaging your audience in complex topics like space science?
To many people’s chagrin, I speak very bluntly with colorful language. However, many people respond positively to my approach! I simplify complex space topics and talk about them the way I would with friends. I believe science shouldn’t be stuffy. It should be fun and accessible to everyone; therefore, I have a casual approach to my videos. It rubs some people with sticks up their asses the wrong way, but many others love it.
I don’t do it for show. I’m speaking from the heart and I think people see that. My advice would be to speak sincerely and not just for likes. Don’t do what you think others want to see, do what you want to see. Most importantly, have morals and standards. Many people intentionally make conspiracy videos because our stupid algorithms boost what’s controversial. I could easily have more followers if I claimed that “everything was aliens.” But I have integrity and want to make people smarter, not dumber. Science has gotten humanity to where it is today, and I want to encourage more people to take an interest in it so they can be productive members of society.
As an actress, writer, and host, how do you balance your various roles while maintaining a strong presence in the social media and creator economy?
I’m single and have no kids. I’m not even joking. I can’t imagine juggling everything I do if I had those things. But as of now, I don’t feel like anything is missing! I love the direction my life is going and what I’m working towards. I’m thrilled that I found my voice and my purpose on this planet. Everything I do fits into my brand. When I pitch my science-based pilot to producers, I can tell them that I have a built-in audience.
With that being said, I work my ass off and am lucky that I’m able to make a good income through entertainment: TV roles, commercials (which pay really well), hosting gigs (which involve travel), and social media sponsorships. I delegate my time well and understand what needs priority. I have no problem holding off on creating a reel if an audition comes up. People these days try to spread themselves too thin by doing too much. Although I do a lot, it’s all under the same umbrella of work.
Outside of your work in media and social media, what are some of your interests and hobbies that you enjoy in your free time?
Like Betty White, whom I’ve had the honor of meeting and working with, my greatest cause is animal welfare and rights. I want to build a platform to advocate for the furry voiceless. One day, I’d love to build a center for senior animals. Beyond that, my work is also fun. I love setting goals and working towards them. The more challenging something is (like getting my pilot developed), the more interested I am in working towards it. Yet, I know that once milestones are achieved I’ll get bored and look for the next mountain to climb. That’s why I know to enjoy the journey. On a lighter note, I enjoy exploring new bars and restaurants with my friends in LA and traveling.
In your travels, what have been the best and worst places you have visited, and how have these experiences influenced your perspective as a science communicator and content creator?
Traveling is always better when someone else pays for it, and by that, I mean getting to travel for work which I’ve been lucky to do a lot! I’ve traveled all across the US and much of Canada when I co-hosted a game show. I was born in Botswana so I’ve explored Southern Africa. I’m ethnically Indian so I’ve been there many times and have seen some of South East Asia. (Singapore is amazing!) I worked with USSOCOM at an event in London. I shot an astronomy series for Franklin Institute in Philly. I’ve worked on a History Channel show in NorCal.
I could go on. If I had to choose, my top three places are Scotland, Italy, and Botswana. However, there’s not a single bad place on my list as there’s good and bad to all. Some places might be safer and cleaner, but maybe their food sucks, or vice versa. Either way, I’m drawn to locations that have a rich history. Earth has been around for 4.5 billion years, yet humans have only been around for a few hundred thousand.
And even still, civilizations have only been around for 10,000 years. It’s a short blip in the grand scheme of things, but think about how many stories there are! I’m fascinated by that. It helps me understand that there are numerous perspectives, and unless it is math or science, there’s no right or wrong. It increases my empathy, and I think the world could use more of that. Although I can be a total bitch to flat-earthers or conspiracy nuts who come at me on my videos, I try to be open-minded to different opinions offered in my comments. As I always say, it’s [all about the approach]. I give back what I get.
