StarTalk Radio

In high school I had an amazing Biology teacher, Mr. Jaworski, who was excited about science and loved teaching it to others. My friends and I would get to school early and write a bunch of questions for our beloved teacher (for example, What is PABA? And why don’t we want it in our sunscreen? – Google did not yet exist). He would then take the time to entertain our curiosity and provide us with some knowledge. I credit Mr. Jaworski and Bill Nye the Science Guy (more on him later) for my interest in science and my eventual college studies in Biology.

You know who else is good at teaching science? Neil deGrasse Tyson (or, as I shall refer to him, NDT). In addition to blowing up the Internet and directing the Hayden Planetarium in New York City’s American Museum of Natural History, his Star Talk podcast series brings science to the masses.  It’s a little tough to keep current on a twice a week podcast but oh do I try. The podcast focuses mostly on astronomy, as that is NDT’s expertise, and I have learned so much about the Rosetta Mission, NASA, the moons of Saturn, the Kuiper Belt, you name it.

There are a few different formats for the podcast but each type generally consists of NDT or another scientist and a celebrity, usually a comedian, talking about science. One format is Star Talk Live, where NDT chats with a scientist on stage in the company of some comedians. There’s Cosmic Queries, in which NDT or scientist answer questions from social media, with the help of a comedian. Then there are one-on-one interviews, where NDT speaks directly with celebrities about something science related. Some of his best have been with Whoopi Goldberg, talking about representation of people of color in science fiction, and Mayim Bialik, discussing women in science. StarTalk is also now a television show on the National Geographic channel.

There are times when NDT is missing from the podcast. Hey, he’s a busy guy and has important things to do. Fortunately he has a brilliant team to back him up and keep his fandom entertained and informed. They are some really amazing people whom I have started stalking on Twitter. These are the “Star Talk All-Stars”.

Here’s a run down on my favorites from the podcast.

“Droppin’ science like Galileo dropped the Orange”

Neil deGrasse Tyson

NDT is probably the most well-known and popular modern day scientist. He has hosted NOVA ScienceNow on PBS and rebooted Carl Sagan’s Cosmos television series. He can get really intense but seems to recognize this and address it by the presence of comedians in all formats of the podcast. Also, I love his space-themed ties and larger than life personality.

Natalie Starkey 

Dr. Starkey is probably my favorite of the ST All-Stars (and that is high praise because they are all so brilliant). She studies dust from comets and asteroids and has lots to say about the Rosetta mission. Plus, I love her accent and could listen to her talk about stardust all day.

Carolyn Porco 

When you look at Dr. Porco’s experience in astronomy and planetary science, you can see she’s the real deal. She’s been involved with the Cassini, Voyager, and New Horizons missions and she has lots of interesting things to say about Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons. I had the privilege of seeing her at a StarTalk Live event and learning more about Enceladus than I thought I would want to know (note: I was wrong).

Bill Nye

Bill! Bill! Bill! 

As I mentioned, Bill Nye the Science Guy was very influential on my teenage self and helped inspire my scientific studies.  And I have been so excited to see him back in the public spotlight recently.  He is sassy and wears fun bow ties! How can you not adore him? (I guess if you are a science denier that would probably help)

And then there is this, which makes me so dang happy.

Bill, with expertise in engineering, often hosts the Maker’s Edition of Cosmic Queries with Chuck Nice. Which pretty much just means they answer questions about 3D printing (and often 3D printing in space).

David Grinspoon aka Dr. Funkyspoon
Dr. Funkyspoon reminds me a bit of my dear Mr. Jaworski in his mannerisms and sense of humor. He talks a lot about the conditions on Mars and contemplates human inhabitation, as well as the course of the earth as a planet in relation to Mars.

Also, he likes to sing. Er, maybe don't quit your day job....

Chuck Nice

Chuck Nice is a comedian and talk show host. For Star Talk he brings in a little levity and sometimes drops some science knowledge or insight that leave you thinking, “well alright, Chuck Nice.”

Here’s Chuck with NDT discussing decomposition (or the lack thereof) of garbage on Mars. Chuck: “Or you could just dump your stuff on Pluto. It’s not even a planet anymore, right?”

Eugene Mirman

Eugene Mirman is an accomplished comedian whom you may know from Bob’s Burgers or Flight of the Conchords. He often co-hosts the StarTalk Live shows and has me cracking up throughout much of it. Eugene often acts as a representative for us audience members that are not scientists and may need some help keeping up. He may step in and (comically) demonstrate his need for more information.

Science, comedy, celebrities, more science. There you have it, a recipe for wonderfulness. Here are some more samplings from the show. NDT ensures they are readily available. You will not have trouble finding clips online.