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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! 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.
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Episodes

Cosmic Queries – Understanding Infinity with Stephon Alexander

What is infinity? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Negin Farsad explore whether we are in a finite universe, the issues with infinity, string theory, and more with theoretical physicist Stephon Alexander. Originally aired April 11, 2023. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-understanding-infinity-with-stephon-alexander/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a...

Feb 06, 202646 minSeason 17Ep. 102

Return to Venus with David Grinspoon

Is there life in the Venusian Clouds? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are joined by planetary astrobiologist David Grinspoon to discuss NASA’s return to Venus, our space future, and whether we’ll find life in our solar system. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Nick Pullia, Sean Cater, Keith Reiss, Seph Gordon, Charlie Viola, Miguel Rangel, Andrew Ferguson, JeAnnette Elaine Thomas, Hugh Caley, Daniel Weber, Chris, Pet...

Feb 03, 202652 minSeason 17Ep. 7

Cosmic Queries – Black Hole Information Paradox

This StarTalk episode, "Cosmic Queries – Black Hole Information Paradox," features Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice delving into various scientific questions. They explain the resolution of the black hole information paradox concerning Hawking radiation and the preservation of information. Discussions also cover the unlikely scenario of our moon capturing its own moon, the physics of time travel as depicted in "Back to the Future," and the astrophysical meaning of "information." The episode also touches on lighter topics like ideal superhero identities and everyday science mysteries.

Jan 27, 202648 minSeason 17Ep. 6

What Everyone Knows You Know with Steven Pinker

What happens when everyone knows what everyone knows? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice dive into human psychology and how recursive common knowledge is the invisible glue holding civilization together with cognitive scientist and author, Steven Pinker. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Zypherior (Fjottrik), Brett Peterson, Sheila Weinhardt, baltimega, Eric Gouse, Mathias Toft, Mike, Alex Boyer, Joey, Nathan, Mark, log...

Jan 23, 202655 minSeason 17Ep. 5

Cosmic Queries – The Complex Universe with Sean Carroll

Theoretical physicist Sean Carroll joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice to answer audience questions on the universe's biggest mysteries. They discuss the elusive nature of fields, the paradox of Hawking radiation near black holes, and the philosophical implications of the arrow of time and the Many Worlds Interpretation. The conversation also tackles the reality of dark matter, debunks quantum eraser myths, and explores the ongoing quest for a unified theory of everything, blending deep physics with philosophical insights.

Jan 20, 20261 hr 1 minSeason 17Ep. 4

Cosmic Queries – Galactic Grab Bag – Blue Steel

Terraforming mars? How do black holes die? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice answer questions about the moon, periodic table of elements, light photons, black holes and more! Originally Aired August 3, 2021 NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-galactic-grab-bag-blue-steel/ Thanks to our Patrons….for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new epis...

Jan 16, 202646 minSeason 17Ep. 101

Cosmic Queries – Expanding Bubble Universes

Is time dilation just the data loading in a cosmic simulation? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer grab bag questions about saving the Sun, generation spaceships, bubble universes, and more! NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-expanding-bubble-universes/ Thanks to our Patrons Colbi Rohr, Designer Chrome, David Crawford, Faber Gabriel, Don, DJ, Ashur Isho, Steve, Logan Doherty, daveb, Alyssa, Dave Ross...

Jan 13, 202648 minSeason 17Ep. 3

Your Brain is a Time Machine with Dean Buonomano

Is time fundamental to the universe or a human construct? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore our brain’s relationship with time, how we remember the past, and project the future with Dean Buonomano, Professor of Neurobiology and Psychology at UCLA. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/your-brain-is-a-time-machine-with-dean-buonomano/ Thanks to our Patrons Austin koffler, Tommy O’Connor, Igor Vihnane...

Jan 09, 202650 minSeason 17Ep. 2

Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling with John Martinis

Can quantum tunneling occur at macroscopic scales? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice sit down with John Martinis, UCSB physicist and 2025 Nobel Prize winner in Physics, to explore superconductivity, quantum tunnelling, and what this means for the future of quantum computing. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/macroscopic-quantum-tunneling-with-john-martinis/ Thanks to our Patrons Fran Rew, Shawn Martin, Kyland ...

Jan 06, 202658 minSeason 17Ep. 1

Things You Thought You Knew – The Color of the Sun

What’s the true color of the sun? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice discuss things you thought you knew about the color of the Sun, the sound of weather, and why friction is our friend. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/things-you-thought-you-knew-the-color-of-the-sun/ Thanks to our Patrons Jorge Aguirre, C&C Angeli, Len Brandis, Alan Parker, Aaron Ivey, AA-ron or just "AI", MD Bartlett, Nox, Nicholas...

Dec 30, 202548 minSeason 16Ep. 78

Our Burning Questions – Free Will Emergence

What’s the deal with the strong nuclear force? Neil deGrasse Tyson answers the burning questions Chuck Nice, Gary O’Reilly, and the StarTalk Team have been saving all year about gravity as a force, cosmic rays, free will, emergence, and how physicists decide which equations to apply. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/our-burning-questions-free-will-emergence/ Thanks to our Patrons Hubert Górecki, Michele and David, Anto...

Dec 26, 202557 minSeason 16Ep. 77

Cosmic Queries – Space Volcanoes: Fire and Ice with Natalie Starkey

What’s a supervolcano? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen discover all types of volcanoes in the solar system with cosmochemist and author of Fire and Ice: The Volcanoes of the Solar System, Natalie Starkey. Is there such a thing as an ice volcano? Originally Aired October 5, 2021. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-space-volcanoes-fire-and-ice-with-natalie-starkey/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Po...

Dec 23, 202556 minSeason 16Ep. 114

Cosmic Queries – Living in a Simulation with Nick Bostrom

This episode dives deep into Nick Bostrom's simulation argument, examining the three propositions that suggest we might be living in a computer simulation. The discussion covers the computational resources needed for such simulations, how perceived reality might be rendered, and the potential motivations of advanced simulators, from entertainment to research. Neil and Chuck also probe the philosophical implications of free will and consciousness within a simulated existence, and how the concept of God might relate to powerful simulators.

Dec 19, 202554 minSeason 16Ep. 113

Origins of Dark Energy with Adam Riess

How did scientists discover evidence for dark energy? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Paul Mecurio explore dark energy, Hubble tension, and the beginning and end of the universe with astrophysicist and Nobel laureate, Adam Riess. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/origins-of-dark-energy-with-adam-riess/ Thanks to our Patrons micpoc, Nathan, Matthew, Aislynn Schaffer, Mark Domino, Lou Wheeland, Matrograde, Elliott Natale...

Dec 16, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 16Ep. 76

Replaceable You with Mary Roach

Are our parts replaceable? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, & Gary O’Reilly sit down with bestselling author Mary Roach, who discusses her newest book, Replaceable You , and the quest to grow organs, build parts, and engineer the human body. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/replaceable-you-with-mary-roach/ Thanks to our Patrons Hubert Górecki, Michele and David, Antonio, Luigi, Normie, Ronald Stephens, Jessica Shaw...

Dec 12, 202551 minSeason 16Ep. 75

Cosmic Queries – Multiverse Nesting Dolls

What if our universe is the inside of a black hole… inside another black hole? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Paul Mecurio answer a grab bag of fan questions about black hole mergers, the misconception about gravity assists, and if there’s such a thing as laws of physics. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Beth, Rebecca Yoswein, Leigh, Desiree Doporto, Bao Le, Thomas Alvarez, Eric Venus, Max And Gaz, Angel, Rebecca Schatz, Micheal Booth, Bru...

Dec 09, 202555 minSeason 16Ep. 74

Are We The Universe’s Way of Knowing Itself? With Brian Cox

What is truly foundational to the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice welcome particle physicist Brian Cox for a discussion about emergence, particles, consciousness, and the very fabric of spacetime. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/are-we-the-universes-way-of-knowing-itself-with-brian-cox/ Thanks to our Patrons Kyrie Diantonio, Brandon Zimmerman, Blane Sibille, Eva Dis, Micheal Bejarano, Z A N, Bart, Aaron G...

Dec 02, 20251 hr 44 minSeason 16Ep. 73

AGI, Immortality, & Visions of the Future with Adam Becker

Are we making science fiction a reality? Is that a good thing? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, & Gary O’Reilly and guest Adam Becker, science communicator and author of More Everything Forever, discuss sci-fi dreams, tech-bro promises, and the real science shaping our tomorrow. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Jeremiah Washington, Lawrence Burr, PAscal, Melissa Lange, Noah Naccarato, christian lopez, Matthew Thomas Dunn, thalia...

Nov 28, 202554 minSeason 16Ep. 72

Sounds of the Cosmos with Kim Arcand

Can you listen to a picture of the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice welcome back Chandra X-ray Observatory data-sonification expert Kim Arcand of the to explore how translating cosmic data into sound lets us sense the universe in entirely new ways. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/sounds-of-the-cosmos-with-kim-arcand/ Thanks to our Patrons William Ash, Jonathan Bond, Frank Clowes, Aureus Griffith, Steven Tu...

Nov 25, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 16Ep. 71

Cosmic Queries – Proving Einstein Right

Albert Einstein was, well, Albert Einstein. But was he right? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice investigate what it took to prove Einstein right, with theoretical physicist Dr. Jim Gates. Originally Aired October 19, 2020. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-proving-einstein-right/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial...

Nov 21, 202553 minSeason 16Ep. 112

Things You Thought You Knew – Force, Heat, & Speed

Do you feel the need… the need for speed?! Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice break down things you thought you knew about force vs. pressure, heat vs. temperature, and speed vs. acceleration. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/things-you-thought-you-knew-force-heat-speed/ Thanks to our Patrons Maria Almeida, Mitchel M, Christopher Nelson, Bob Swanson, Addison DeJesus-Lessing, Bradley D, Matt Chase, Patches, Jarrett Elli...

Nov 18, 202541 minSeason 16Ep. 70

Superhero Science: StarTalk Live! With Charles Liu

Why can’t we run through walls if atoms are mostly empty space? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, Gary O’Reilly, and astrophysicist Charles Liu explore force fields, warp drive, invisibility, and quantum physics behind superhero powers. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/superhero-science-startalk-live-with-charles-liu/ Thanks to our Patrons Dave, Downtime Coffee, David, Colby Bechtold, Carlo Gomez, Mark Hanley, zach, Dav...

Nov 14, 20251 hr 18 minSeason 16Ep. 69

Cosmic Queries – Quantumly Stupid

In this "Cosmic Queries" episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice delve into fan questions covering diverse scientific topics. They discuss the implications of 4D beings, the diminishing practicality of space elevators, and profound questions about humanity's capacity to understand the universe. The conversation also explores the physics of light propulsion via solar sails, the dynamics of galaxy collisions, and the imaginative concept of spacetime functioning as a giant crystal lattice.

Nov 11, 202545 minSeason 16Ep. 68

The Limits of Knowing with Elise Crull

How do you know what you know? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore issues with quantum mechanics and objectivity, the history of physics, and how scientists ask questions on the edge of our understanding with philosopher of physics Elise Crull. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-limits-of-knowing-with-elise-crull/ Thanks to our Patrons Erik Nunez, Jim Zehr, Paulo Santos, Ken Cho, Dean Starbuck, Dan, S...

Nov 04, 202559 minSeason 16Ep. 67

What Loneliness Does To Your Brain with Ben Rein

What does loneliness do to our brains? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore how the loneliness epidemic impacts our minds, bodies, and even our lifespan with neuroscientist Ben Rein, author of Why Brains Need Friends: The Science of Social Connection. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/what-loneliness-does-to-your-brain-with-ben-rein/ Thanks to our Patrons kendrick bell, edthri, Patrick Canada, Robe...

Oct 31, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 16Ep. 66

Bill Nye Takeover

How can we build a new Moon program while slashing science funding? Bill Nye takes the host’s chair alongside Chuck Nice to tackle one of the most urgent issues facing our future in space with Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, who’s been tracking and analyzing NASA’s funding for years. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/bill-nye-takeover/ Thanks to our Patrons anthonee rolfson, David Moncsko, ...

Oct 28, 20251 hrSeason 16Ep. 65

Cosmic Queries – ALIENS! with Jake Roper

Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Vsauce3's Jake Roper delve into cosmic queries about aliens in cinema, exploring topics from the easiest alien movie to survive and the science behind movie weaponry, to the plausibility of "Men in Black" and the most believable alien depictions. They also discuss hypothetical first contact protocols and the potential forms of advanced alien life, intertwining scientific principles with pop culture.

Oct 24, 202550 minSeason 16Ep. 111

The Science of Godzilla, Zombies & Other Monsters, with Charles Liu

Would Godzilla be structurally sound or too big for its own weight? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Matt Kirshen, and astrophysicist Charles Liu, takes a look at monsters that have terrified us, like zombies in The Last of Us or Godzilla, and the scary speculative science behind them. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-science-of-godzilla-zombies-other-monsters-with-charles-liu/ Thanks to our Patrons Brandon, Ikumi Nakajima, Va...

Oct 21, 202553 minSeason 16Ep. 64

Deepfakes and the War on Truth with Bogdan Botezatu

Is there anything real left on the internet? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore deepfakes, scams, and cybercrime with the Director of Threat Research at Bitdefender, Bogdan Botezatu. ​​ Scams are a trillion-dollar industry; keep your loved ones safe with Bitdefender: https://bitdefend.me/90-StarTalk NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/deepfakes-and-the-war-on-truth-with-bogdan-botezatu/ ...

Oct 17, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 16Ep. 63

Cosmic Queries – Death of a Black Hole

This "Cosmic Queries Grab Bag" episode with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice delves into diverse astronomical and philosophical questions. Topics include why lunar eclipses aren't monthly, the explosive end of black holes, and the implications for the Big Bang. They also explore the concept of space-time, the nature of causality with time travel, and Jupiter's protective role in our solar system. The discussion extends to the Second Law of Thermodynamics and how life seemingly defies it, the true meaning of a "vacuum," and the profound value of scientific literacy.

Oct 14, 202557 minSeason 16Ep. 62
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