StarTalk Radio

Astrophysicist Charles Liu joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Paul Mecurio to tackle cosmic mysteries. They dive into whether slowing time can increase mass and discuss the nature of particles during the Big Bang. Liu humorously explores how cosmic inflation parallels economic inflation, and they highlight the significance of stellar generations in understanding our universe. The trio also debates scientific truths, combining serious science with relatable anecdotes, making the cosmos both enlightening and entertaining.

Brian Cox, a renowned physicist and science communicator, dives into the universe's mysteries alongside Neil deGrasse Tyson. They dissect the groundbreaking discoveries at CERN, particularly focusing on the Higgs boson and the fundamental forces that shape our reality. The conversation weaves through the synergy of science and music, exploring Cox's global tours aimed at fostering public engagement. They also contemplate life's potential beyond Earth, emphasizing recent advancements in space exploration, particularly regarding Jupiter's moon, Europa.

Join neuroscientist Anil Seth, a professor at the University of Sussex and author of 'Being You', as he delves into the intriguing mysteries of consciousness. The conversation takes a twist on panpsychism, pondering if consciousness exists in all entities. Seth and the hosts dissect the distinctions between human intelligence and AI, questioning if machines could ever achieve true awareness. They also explore the implications of advancing technology on our perception of self, memory, and even the potential for consciousness beyond Earth.

Join CERN particle physicist Harry Cliff, author of 'How to Make an Apple Pie from Scratch,' as he dives into the quantum mysteries of the universe. The conversation reveals the enigma of why there's more matter than antimatter, exploring fascinating concepts like CP violation and the significance of quarks. Cliff also discusses the Large Hadron Collider's role in unraveling dark matter and the mysteries of antimatter, sparking a whimsical view on how particle physics connects to our everyday lives.

Director Ron Howard, known for his critically acclaimed works on genius, joins the discussion on Albert Einstein’s remarkable life and theories. He reflects on the creative process behind adapting Einstein's story and highlights the collaborative spirit in scientific discovery. The conversation touches on Einstein's political activism, showcasing his fight against racism alongside his scientific work. They also explore the relationship between science and art, illustrating how both realms influence each other and enrich our understanding of genius.

Dava Sobel, a renowned science writer and author of "Longitude," joins the discussion to delve into the remarkable legacy of Marie Curie. They explore Curie’s groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity that transformed scientific understanding. Sobel discusses the historical gender biases Curie navigated and her role as a trailblazer for women in science. The conversation highlights Curie's significant advancements, the ethical challenges in early cancer treatments, and her lasting impact on future generations, including her daughters.

David Spiegel, a clinical psychiatrist from Stanford, joins the discussion to demystify hypnosis. He explores whether it's about losing or gaining control and its therapeutic potential beyond the stage. Spiegel highlights the brain's salience network's role in hypnosis and how self-hypnosis can aid stress relief, addiction recovery, and even pain management. The conversation also covers the delicate balance of hypnosis in memory recall, its challenges in medicine, and success stories of self-hypnosis aiding smoking cessation, showcasing its transformative power.

Join Laurence Fishburne, an award-winning actor known for his roles in 'The Matrix' and 'Apocalypse Now', as he dives into the intriguing world of simulation theory. He and Neil deGrasse Tyson reflect on the balance of storytelling in 'The Matrix', the philosophical implications of simulated realities, and how personal beliefs intertwine with identity. With humor and nostalgia, they discuss the impact of digital identities and the artistry behind cinematic storytelling, making for a captivating conversation about faith, creativity, and our potential existence in a matrix.

Dive into the fascinating concept of time! Explore how timekeeping has evolved from sundials to atomic clocks, and indulge in playful discussions about whether time even exists. Delve into the philosophy behind Einstein's theories, unravel cosmic mysteries, and laugh at the absurdity of Superman's time-altering antics. Discover how our perception of time shapes cultural norms and whether the universe itself acts as a time machine. It's a delightful mix of humor, science, and audience curiosity!

Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles fascinating questions about immortality and the nature of the universe. The discussion delves into the implications of altering physical constants like gravity and how such changes could reshape existence. They explore the merging of humanity with technology and the role of conflict in driving innovation. The idea of advanced alien civilizations existing as digital entities sparks a playful examination of communication through mathematics. It’s a blend of cosmic inquiry and human curiosity that keeps you pondering!