Journalist, author, and space reporter Becky Ferreira joins Ryan and Suzanne to discuss her new book, First Contact: The Story of Our Obsession with Aliens. In this fascinating conversation, they explore humanity’s centuries-long fascination with extraterrestrial life and how that obsession shapes our science, culture, and imagination. Ferreira shares her insights on how the search for alien intelligence has evolved. from early science fiction dreams to real-world efforts in astrobiology and space exploration. The discussion also dives into what first contact could actually look like: Will it be a slow realization through data or a sudden encounter that changes everything?

From SETI to NASA’s latest missions and the psychology behind our cosmic curiosity, this episode is a journey through science, philosophy, and the unknown—guided by one of today’s sharpest space reporters.