Hubbry Logo
Cody ReederCody ReederMain
Open search
Cody Reeder
Community hub
Cody Reeder
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Cody Reeder
Cody Reeder
Cody Reeder
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Cody Reeder is an American educator, amateur scientist, mechanic and YouTube personality. He runs the popular YouTube channel Cody'sLab.[2][3][4]

Key Information

Life

[edit]

Reeder was born and raised near Grantsville, Utah,[5] on "an off grid ranch in the west desert".[6][7]

He has worked as a mechanic,[6] and studied geology at Westminster College and Utah State University,[5] but was later academically suspended due to a low GPA.[8][9]

Experiments

[edit]

Having joined YouTube in 2011, Reeder initially began posting videos of his experiments to show to his grandmother: "I would do science experiments all the time anyway ... Then other people started watching them", he explained in a 2017 interview.[10]

His channel Cody'sLab reached 100,000 subscribers in October 2015. Having not received his silver play button six months later, Reeder celebrated reaching 250,000 subscribers by forging a homemade play button out of genuine silver.[11] He reached 1,000,000 subscribers in early 2017.[12]

Reeder first gained considerable media attention in 2016, after posting a video of himself drinking water containing a small, diluted amount of cyanide. The purpose was to prove how the dosage defines toxicity.[13] While emphasizing that the amount he consumed (17 mg) was considerably smaller than any lethal dose, Reeder said he did experience certain symptoms of the toxin such as rapid breathing. This video, among others, has since been removed from his channel. Similar experiments however, such as him drinking heavy water, "hydric acid" (tongue-in-cheek), and breathing in all the noble gases, remain available as of January 2021.

In 2017, his channel was suspended for two weeks, following received strikes. The reason was suspected to be a video on the science behind how small insects (Reeder used fruit flies, of unspecified species) can survive being microwaved, while larger ones cannot.[3] Preceding the suspension, an increase in flagged videos and concern that his account may be deactivated, prompted Reeder to create a back-up channel.[14] An article on TubeFilter blamed "overzealous viewers" for generating the automatic strikes, writing that Reeder's channel is both "wholesome and family-friendly", and commenting on how YouTube's strike system also affects those "who stay well within the bounds of acceptable content".[4]

In a 2019 video explaining a period of channel inactivity, Reeder mentioned how some of his videos, although intended to be used for educational purposes, had been flagged by YouTube, showing a warning he received for a video on making gunpowder from urine. In the same video, Reeder explained how he also had been visited by United States government agents, after publishing several videos on isotope isolation and nuclear radiation. The agents, equipped with geiger counters, did not find anything of concern, and Reeder himself said that they were only trying to help him not get in trouble in the future.[15]

He has also received media attention after becoming one of the 100 finalists of the defunct Mars One Mars colonization program, having been selected from over 200,000 applicants.[5][7]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cody Reeder

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cody Don Reeder is an American amateur scientist, educator, and personality based in , renowned for creating educational content on scientific experiments through his channel Cody'sLab. His videos cover a broad range of topics, including chemistry, physics, , and , often featuring hands-on demonstrations such as handling hazardous materials like diluted or to illustrate scientific principles. Launched in 2011 initially to share experiments with his grandmother, the channel has grown to over 2.22 million subscribers by late 2025, emphasizing practical, DIY approaches to science. Reeder grew up on a remote family ranch in the Stansbury Mountains near , where he developed an interest in off-grid living, , and self-sufficient experimentation. He pursued higher education in the sciences, attending Westminster College before transferring to (USU) as a geology major, focusing on earth sciences. In 2015, at age 22, Reeder gained international attention as one of 100 finalists selected from over 200,000 applicants for the project, a now-defunct initiative aimed at establishing a permanent on Mars; he applied in 2013 after learning about the program from a and expressed enthusiasm for the one-way mission due to his adaptable, pioneering lifestyle. Beyond his online presence, Reeder embodies an "earthbound " ethos, applying his mechanical skills and to real-world challenges like and resource extraction, which he documents in vlogs from his rural home. His work has been featured in local media for blending education with entertainment, highlighting risks in experiments to promote safety awareness, such as when he demonstrated the effects of low-dose toxins or dense gases altering vocal tones. Reeder's contributions underscore a commitment to accessible , inspiring viewers to explore empirical learning while emphasizing ethical and cautious practices.

Early life and education

Upbringing

Cody Reeder was born on May 13, 1992, near , where he grew up on his family's off-grid ranch in the Stansbury Mountains. The ranch's remote location in the west desert, lacking modern utilities, fostered a self-reliant lifestyle from an early age, with Reeder and his family generating their own , sourcing independently, and cultivating much of their . His family background emphasized hands-on practicality, exposing Reeder to , farming, and basic scientific principles through daily operations. Raised by his parents on the just outside Grantsville, he contributed to running the . This environment, combined with access to his grandfather's nearby mine in Tooele , introduced him to and , igniting his curiosity about natural resources. Reeder's interests in chemistry, , and experimentation developed amid this isolated rural setting, where limited access to conventional materials encouraged resourceful learning. Childhood tinkering often involved exploring the 's natural surroundings and tools; for instance, he spent hours digging into the old mine entrance with a , a task that later expanded with his father's assistance using an earth mover to clear over 50 hours of debris. These early activities, blending mechanical repair—such as fixing equipment—and simple experiments with local minerals and soils, laid the groundwork for his lifelong passion for scientific inquiry. This foundation of self-sufficiency and hands-on exploration transitioned into formal academic pursuits in geology.

Academic pursuits

Reeder began his collegiate studies around 2011 at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he pursued a degree in physics. He later transferred to Utah State University in Logan, Utah, switching his major to geology, and by 2015 was an undergraduate in that program. Through his coursework at both institutions, Reeder gained foundational knowledge in physics, chemistry, and earth sciences, including practical applications in and chemical analysis. Despite not completing a formal degree, this structured academic training equipped him with core scientific concepts that informed his hands-on approach to experimentation. The blend of classroom learning and self-directed exploration during his studies reinforced Reeder's development as an amateur scientist, emphasizing empirical testing and interdisciplinary problem-solving rooted in geological and physical principles. This academic foundation, building on his early interest in science, shaped his methodical inquiry into natural phenomena.

YouTube career

Channel launch

Cody Reeder launched his YouTube channel, Cody'sLab, in February 2011 while studying geology at Utah State University. Initially conceived as a hobby, Reeder began posting videos of his DIY science experiments primarily to share them with his grandmother, who lived far away and enjoyed watching his demonstrations. The channel's first video, uploaded that same month, featured Reeder juggling fireballs, setting the tone for hands-on, accessible science content. Early videos centered on basic chemistry demonstrations, such as explosive reactions, alongside geology-focused field trips to local sites, including at his grandfather's mine in Tooele Valley. Personal vlogs from various locations, including his family's ranch, provided glimpses into his daily life and experiments conducted in natural settings. These uploads drew from Reeder's academic pursuits in and chemistry, blending educational demos with exploratory adventures in the region's canyons and mountains. As Reeder transitioned from sporadic student projects to more consistent , he invested in equipment and setups on his off-grid property, enabling more ambitious outdoor experiments like ore assaying and rock blasting. This shift marked the channel's evolution into a dedicated platform for , with regular uploads fostering a growing community. Initial audience expansion occurred organically through niche and DIY enthusiast circles online, culminating in the channel reaching its first 10,000 subscribers by 2014.

Growth and milestones

Cody Reeder's YouTube channel, Cody'sLab, experienced steady growth following its launch, reaching 100,000 subscribers in October 2015. This milestone marked a significant step in his rising popularity as an amateur scientist sharing hands-on experiments. By May 2016, the channel had grown to 250,000 subscribers, prompting Reeder to create his own silver play button award in a video where he cast and engraved a replica using silver he refined himself, as YouTube had not yet sent the official one. The channel continued its ascent, hitting 1,000,000 subscribers in early 2017, which solidified Reeder's position in the science education niche. As of November 2025, Cody'sLab boasts 2.22 million subscribers and over 374 million total views across 801 videos. This sustained expansion reflects Reeder's commitment to regular content production and audience interaction. Several factors contributed to the channel's growth, including viral videos featuring high-risk experiments such as flushing large quantities of mercury down a toilet, which drew millions of views and widespread media attention for their dramatic demonstrations of chemical reactions. Consistent uploads, with over 800 videos by late 2025, helped maintain viewer engagement on topics in chemistry and physics. Additionally, collaborations like the 2016 experiment with The King of Random on flushing sodium metal down a toilet exposed the channel to new audiences and boosted algorithmic recommendations for educational science content.

Content themes

Scientific experiments

Reeder's scientific experiments often focus on chemistry and physics demonstrations conducted in a controlled setting, highlighting fundamental principles while underscoring the inherent dangers involved. These videos emphasize protocols, such as proper dilution, protective , and immediate medical monitoring, to educate viewers on the boundaries between and . By showcasing real-time reactions and physiological effects, Reeder aims to demystify complex concepts like and reactivity, always stressing that his approaches are not recommendations for replication. One notable demonstration from 2016 involved ingesting a diluted dose of 17 mg of dissolved in water to illustrate toxicity thresholds and the body's response to sub-lethal exposure. Reeder reported experiencing rapid breathing and mild symptoms shortly after consumption, attributing these to cyanide's interference with , while emphasizing that the amount was far below lethal levels—typically around 1.5 mg/kg body weight—to avoid severe . This experiment drew widespread attention for its educational intent but also highlighted risks, as even small quantities can cause acute effects if mishandled. Reeder has explored isotopes through a series on producing (deuterium oxide, D₂O), where he electrolyzed regular water to concentrate , achieving up to 1% purity in one setup. He tasted the resulting to note its slightly sweeter flavor compared to ordinary water, explaining how the heavier isotope alters molecular bonds without posing significant health risks in small amounts, though prolonged exposure could affect biological processes. This work underscores techniques and their applications in nuclear research, with Reeder detailing the energy-intensive process and safety measures like ventilation to prevent gas buildup. In demonstrations involving , Reeder inhaled samples of , , , , and to observe voice modulation effects due to differences altering vocal tract . , being lighter than air, raised his pitch dramatically, while denser gases like lowered it, providing a tangible illustration of gas properties and sound wave propagation; he cautioned against prolonged due to asphyxiation risks from oxygen displacement. These experiments extend to broader handling, where Reeder discussed stable versus radioactive variants, always prioritizing safety through limited exposure. Handling mercury featured prominently in Reeder's physics explorations, including an attempt to flush 240 pounds (about 109 kg) of the through a to test its flow dynamics compared to . Due to mercury's high (13.6 g/cm³), small volumes flushed easily, but larger amounts formed a viscous plug over the drain, requiring manual intervention; Reeder explained the principles of and while wearing protective gear to avoid vapor inhalation, a key risk. In another setup, he poured 640 pounds (290 kg) into a reinforced tub and successfully stood on the surface, demonstrating where his body was less than mercury's, allowing flotation for objects less dense than mercury, like an ; this highlighted and the metal's toxicity, with cleanup involving specialized containment. Reactive metals experiments included reacting cesium with water to celebrate reaching one million YouTube subscribers, molding the highly reactive into a play button shape for visual impact. Cesium's vigorous —producing hydrogen gas and heat up to 100°C—illustrated periodic table trends in reactivity, with Reeder conducting it in a controlled environment to mitigate explosion risks from the metal's low ignition temperature. Safety was paramount, as he used minimal quantities and fire suppression nearby. Reeder demonstrated by embedding magnets into his , creating a "magnetic finger" to interact with metallic objects and visualize field lines. This allowed hands-on exploration of magnetic force gradients, such as attracting or repelling other magnets, while he explained Lorentz forces and the need for surgical precision to avoid nerve damage; two years later, he updated viewers on the implants' stability, noting minor discomfort but no major health issues. In biology-physics crossovers, Reeder microwaved of varying sizes to show effects, where smaller specimens survived brief exposure due to lower absorbed energy, while larger ones perished from rapid temperature rise. He linked this to electromagnetic wave penetration and in tissues, advising against home replication due to leakage risks in unmodified appliances. Broader chemistry series covered gunpowder synthesis, extracting components like from via and , then mixing with and to produce black powder. Reeder tested rates, achieving controlled burns that propelled small projectiles, to explain pyrotechnic chemistry and oxidation-reduction reactions; he stressed legal and safety constraints, including spark-free handling to prevent unintended detonations. Hydrogen generation experiments involved reacting metals like sodium with in a hybrid setup, producing H₂ gas for and demonstrating —yielding twice the volume of from sodium's —while venting to avoid buildup. These efforts collectively promote through risky yet informative demos, always with caveats on professional oversight.

Off-grid projects

Reeder established "Chicken Hole Base," an off-grid homestead on his property, where he implemented systems for , rainwater collection and storage in large plastic tanks for , and experimental farming including chickens for production and potential self-sufficiency. The project, documented in a multi-episode video series starting in 2019, involves clearing land, building foundations for tanks elevated on stilts, and creating pressurized to grow plants in a controlled environment. As of 2025, the Chicken Hole Base project continues with episodes documenting further developments, such as a hermetically sealed pressurized that recycles water for crop production. These efforts emphasize sustainable in the arid Tooele Valley region. Reeder maintains three active mining claims near , targeting gold, silver, and associated minerals on his ranch, which includes a 75-foot-deep silver mine inherited through . He techniques such as panning samples and builds custom equipment like rock crushers and furnaces to process raw materials on-site, often extracting small yields of precious metals for practical applications. These activities draw from his studies at , where he applies knowledge of mineral assaying and roasting to evaluate deposits. In pursuit of sustainable practices, Reeder practices by relocating hives to Chicken Hole Base and maintaining them for and production. He cultivates edible mushrooms through of and substrates in an incubator setup, aiming to produce food in controlled conditions. Composting efforts include processing yard waste like leaves into nutrient-rich amendments for his homestead. Additionally, he produces via barrel torts and cone pits from , using it for applications such as water filtration and enhancement. These projects integrate Reeder's geological expertise in to map resources and optimize on his property.

Recognition and challenges

Public attention

Reeder gained significant public attention in 2015 when he was selected as one of 100 finalists for the project, a proposed one-way mission to colonize Mars, out of more than 200,000 global applicants. In his application video, Reeder demonstrated his adaptability and enthusiasm for by hanging upside down in a to simulate low-gravity conditions, while expressing his aspiration to contribute as an in establishing a human presence on the planet. This selection highlighted his background in and hands-on scientific experimentation, drawing media coverage from outlets like Fox 13 News and . His off-grid lifestyle and educational contributions were featured in a 2016 Utah Stories profile, which portrayed Reeder as a backyard scientist living in Tooele Valley, , where he conducted experiments on his ranch, including mining his grandfather's claims and assaying ores with homemade tools. The article emphasized the inspirational impact of his content, noting how his enthusiastic demonstrations of chemistry and geology—such as extracting metals from unconventional sources—engaged hundreds of thousands of viewers and promoted STEM education. Viral experiments, like silver for his own YouTube award, further amplified his visibility in science enthusiast communities. Reeder has been recognized as an educator and entrepreneur, self-describing on his profile as an "Earthbound Astronaut" while highlighting his role in creating science-focused content since 2015. In 2019, he received a nomination for a Shorty Award in the Education category for his YouTube channel Cody'sLab, which celebrates innovative, accessible . He has appeared in interviews that showcase his diverse interests, including a 2021 episode of the "Tell Me A Story" hosted by Lance Conrad, where he discussed , operations, and the process of producing educational videos.

Controversies

In 2017, Reeder's YouTube channel, Cody'sLab, faced a two-week suspension after a private video demonstrating the effects of microwaving insects—specifically fruit flies—was flagged for violating YouTube's community guidelines on animal cruelty. The incident resulted in the channel receiving multiple strikes, with Reeder expressing concern on social media that further flags could lead to permanent deactivation, despite the educational intent of his experiments. This event highlighted tensions between YouTube's automated moderation systems and science content creators, as overly sensitive flagging by viewers triggered penalties for what Reeder described as non-graphic demonstrations. In 2019, Reeder reported being visited at his home by agents armed with Geiger counters, prompted by his series of videos exploring isolation and nuclear radiation experiments. The agents conducted checks to ensure no illegal activities or safety violations were occurring, ultimately confirming compliance but advising caution with such topics. Reeder later detailed the encounter in a video update, noting it stemmed from public visibility of his amateur work, which involved handling radioactive materials in a home lab setting. The visit served as a stark reminder of the regulatory scrutiny that can arise from disseminating knowledge on potentially sensitive scientific areas. Public reactions to Reeder's more hazardous experiments have included significant backlash over safety risks and the possibility of viewer emulation. For instance, a 2016 video in which Reeder ingested a diluted solution—protected by an —to demonstrate its physiological effects drew widespread concern from viewers and media outlets for promoting dangerous behavior under the guise of . Critics argued that such content could inspire unsafe replication, particularly among younger audiences lacking proper safeguards. These incidents have fueled broader conversations in the field about ethical responsibilities, platform moderation, and the challenges of making complex experiments accessible without endorsing recklessness. Advocates emphasize the need for disclaimers, safety protocols, and collaboration with experts to mitigate risks, while creators like Reeder continue to navigate the balance between innovation and accountability in online education.

References

  1. https://www.news18.com/viral/meet-youtuber-cody-don-the-man-who-drinks-deadly-chemicals-on-camera-8873223.html
  2. https://socialblade.com/youtube/handle/thecodyreeder
  3. https://www.ksl.com/article/33505351/utah-man-among-finalists-to-colonize-mars
  4. https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-mars-star-undergrad-among-100-finalists-for-red-planet-mission
  5. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/cody-reeder.html
  6. https://kutv.com/news/local/utah-man-one-of-only-100-applicants-remaining-for-mars-trip
  7. https://utahstories.com/2016/07/codys-lab/
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tny2J2uzdt4
  9. https://www.deseret.com/2014/1/13/20532948/8-utahns-among-candidates-for-incredible-adventure-to-mars/
  10. https://www.ksl.com/article/28283548/8-utahns-among-finalists-to-live-on-mars-mdash-forever
  11. https://www.hjnews.com/allaccess/out-of-this-world-usu-student-talks-desire-to-live-on-mars/article_5a83d3c1-91ce-577b-ad75-d2280a45f5a5.html
  12. https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=2198044&itype=CMSID
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15332268/
  14. https://www.networthspot.com/cody-slab/net-worth/
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkOzaTtdweM
  16. https://www.cnet.com/science/sodium-metal-toilet-flush-experiment-codys-lab/
  17. https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a23416/mad-scientist-drinks-cyanide-on-camera/
  18. https://laughingsquid.com/a-toilet-flushed-using-240-lbs-of-mercury/
  19. https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a23136/flush-toilet-mercury/
  20. https://www.asianage.com/science/111117/can-you-stand-on-liquid-mercury-watch-a-scientist-try.html
  21. https://www.iflscience.com/watch-how-a-youtuber-made-an-oldtimey-iron-anvil-float-58928
  22. https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a30932165/anvil-liquid-mercury-video/
  23. https://www.newsweek.com/what-was-inappropiate-content-got-cody-reeder-kicked-youtube-703289
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI3gGEDi3jo
  25. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu6mSoMNzHQiBIOCkHUa2Aw/videos
  26. https://thediggings.com/owners/2124470
  27. https://hackaday.com/2015/12/09/cody-takes-us-from-rock-to-ring/
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bywLwc-eYY
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufZ4_b422Bk
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n4SYFTUvY0
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_qe_ITKf_0
  32. https://www.fox13now.com/2015/02/17/mars-one-announces-100-candidates-for-mars-colony
  33. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/feb/17/mars-one-shortlist-the-top-10-hopefuls
  34. https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=2189260&itype=CMSID
  35. https://www.linkedin.com/in/codydonreeder
  36. https://shortyawards.com/11th/thecodyreeder
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23CTet8FUbc
  38. https://www.tubefilter.com/2017/11/06/codys-lab-content-strike/
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B4WgeZ4oJo
  40. https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a23416/mad-scientist-drinks-cyanide-on-camera
  41. https://www.tubefilter.com/2017/11/06/codys-lab-content-strike
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.