

StarTalk Radio
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Science, pop culture, and comedy collide on StarTalk Radio! Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and Director of New York's Hayden Planetarium, and his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities, and scientific experts explore astronomy, physics, and everything else there is to know about life in the universe. New episodes premiere Tuesdays. Keep Looking Up!
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Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
Mentioned books

24 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 32min
Things You Thought You Knew - The Ancient Planets
Dive into intriguing revelations about the sun, as it's revealed to be far larger than we ever imagined. Explore the curious origins of leap years and how ancient Romans devised their calendars. Discover the fascinating link between the seven ancient planets and our week’s structure. Engage with the untold stories of celestial measurements and the whimsical notion of 'Planet George.' This lively discussion blends humor, science, and mythology, shedding light on our cosmic heritage.

26 snips
Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 34min
A Cosmic Conversation with J. Richard Gott III
In this chat, astrophysicist J. Richard Gott III delves into mind-bending topics like the Fermi Paradox and why we haven’t found alien civilizations. He shares insights on tachyons and time travel, revealing the complexities of physics in a fun way. The conversation also touches on humanity's cosmic context and our responsibilities in space exploration. Additionally, Gott discusses the portrayal of genius in films, critiquing misconceptions about intelligence, all while reflecting on personal anecdotes and the joy of collaboration in science.

44 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 47min
The Hard Problem of Consciousness with David Chalmers
David Chalmers, a renowned philosopher and cognitive scientist at NYU, dives into the perplexing nature of consciousness. He discusses why consciousness is deemed a 'hard problem' and explores its implications in understanding reality. The conversation touches on theories of animal consciousness, the relationship between subjective experiences and AI, and philosophical ideas like 'philosophical zombies.' They also examine how consciousness ties into color perception and even the evolution of our understanding of physics, raising questions about the nature of existence itself.

Oct 29, 2024 • 37min
Europa Clipper’s Search for Life with Kevin Hand
Kevin Hand, an astrobiologist and planetary scientist, discusses the tantalizing search for extraterrestrial life in our solar system. He highlights the Europa Clipper mission, which aims to explore Jupiter's moon Europa, a potential habitat beneath its icy surface. Hand delves into extreme environments where life could exist, comparing them with Martian subsurface activities. They also explore how past missions, like Voyager, laid the groundwork for today's quest, igniting curiosity about the adaptability of life beyond Earth.

13 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 48min
Deadliest Cosmic Queries
Dive into a cosmic conversation about humanity's survival beyond Earth. Explore the humorous yet serious themes of mortality and what it means for the future. Discover survival strategies for post-apocalyptic scenarios, peppered with pop culture references. Delve into the universe's fate, pondering whether it will end with a bang or a whimper. Enjoy whimsical discussions on death and AI, with playful notions like 'spaghettification.' Plus, intriguing insights about black holes and their potential as portals to alternate realms!

Oct 22, 2024 • 51min
Cosmic Queries – The Big Stretch
Harrison Greenbaum, a comedian known for his clever humor, joins Neil deGrasse Tyson to tackle cosmic conundrums. They dive into the mysteries of supernovae, black holes, and the curious behavior of photons. The duo breaks down the significance of gravitational waves and Einstein's theories, mixing scientific insight with laughter. They also discuss the fascinating distinctions between dark matter and black holes, and even shade light on energy sources like solar and tidal power, all while keeping the conversation lively and engaging.

30 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 58min
The Simulation Within with Karl Friston
Join theoretical neuroscientist Karl Friston from University College London as he dives into mind-bending topics with Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts. They explore whether our perceptions are just a simulation within our brains and unpack the Free Energy Principle. Friston decodes the interplay between human intelligence and AI, revealing how our understanding of perception impacts machine learning. The conversation also touches on the artistic creation process and the ethical dimensions of AI's evolution, making for a thought-provoking discussion on cognition.

23 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 54min
The Origins of Life with Sara Imari Walker
In this fascinating discussion, astrobiologist Sara Imari Walker, the Deputy Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, teams up with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice. They dive into the philosophical and scientific aspects of life, including the potential for non-carbon-based organisms and AI as a form of life. From assembly theory to the revolutionary insights of the Miller-Urey experiment, they unravel how complexity arises in nature. The conversation balances humor and profound inquiry into life’s mysterious origins.

13 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 11min
Listening to the Universe with Kimberly Arcand
Kimberly Arcand, an astrophysicist and data sonification expert at the Chandra X-ray Observatory, shares her insights into the cosmos. She explains what black holes sound like, revealing the exciting intersection of sound and astronomy. The discussion includes how advanced instruments like the James Webb and Chandra telescopes unlock the mysteries of our universe. Kimberly also delves into how data sonification enhances our understanding of celestial phenomena and its accessibility benefits, especially for visually impaired individuals.

64 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 52min
Is Music the Language of the Universe? with Daniel Levitin
In this conversation with Daniel Levitin, a renowned neuroscientist and musician, he explores the origins of music as a form of early communication. They discuss how music enhances memory and mood, even serving as a healing tool in medical contexts. Levitin reveals fascinating insights into the evolutionary significance of music and its therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions like depression and Tourette's syndrome. The duo also highlights music's unique ability to connect us across cultures, making it a universal language.