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Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science
Climate Change
Arctic
Mars
SETI Institute
Permafrost
NASA
Mental Health
Artificial Intelligence
String Theory
Evolutionary Benefits Of Play
Lightning
Exoplanets
Child Development
Hurricane Katrina
Social Media
Chernobyl
Risky Play
James Webb Space Telescope
Klamath River
Forever Chemicals

The surprising connections in science and technology that give you the Big Picture. Astronomer Seth Shostak and science journalist Molly Bentley are joined each week by leading researchers, techies, and journalists to provide a smart and humorous take on science. Our regular "Skeptic Check" episodes cast a critical eye on pseudoscience.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes676Founded21 years ago
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Artwork for Big Picture Science

Latest Episodes

We may not want to think about another pandemic, but, as epidemiologists say, it is once again a “when,” not “if,” scenario. For his latest book, journalist Jon Cohen, who has written extensively about infectious disease for the magazine Science, int... more

Forty years later, the exclusion zone surrounding the infamous Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant remains uninhabited by humans. But among the radioactive remnants, wildlife is flourishing, including endangered species. In the second of our two-part serie... more

On April 26th, 1986, an explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union blasted a plume of radioactive debris a half mile into the sky, blanketing Europe. Witnesses described a laser of blue light eerily shooting up from the reacto... more

It’s not just facts that inform our decisions. They’re also guided by how those facts feel. From deciding whether to buckle our seat belts to addressing climate change, how we regard risk is subjective. In this extended conversation with an expert on... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Jon Cohen
Senior correspondent for Science magazine, author of Planning Miracles, How to Prevent Future Pandemics
Science Magazine
Episode: Preventing Future Pandemics
Tom Scott
Professor of Nuclear Materials and Devices, University of Bristol
University of Bristol
Episode: Shadow of Chernobyl
Steve Biegalski
Chair of the Nuclear Engineering Program, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech
Episode: Shadow of Chernobyl
Jacopo Buongiorno
MIT nuclear scientist and engineer
MIT
Episode: Shadow of Chernobyl
Adam Higginbotham
Author of Midnight in Chernobyl
Author
Episode: 40 Years After Chernobyl
David Ropeik
Psychologist specializing in risk perception; author
Harvard (emeritus); author of Curing Cancer Phobia
Episode: Skeptic Check: Feeling Risky
Huw Groucutt
Archaeologist at the University of Malta
University of Malta
Episode: Old School
Ed Brook
Paleoclimatologist, professor at Oregon State University
Oregon State University
Episode: Old School
Simon Lamb
Earth scientist, professor at Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington
Episode: Old School

Hosts

Molly Bentley
Host and science journalist known for engaging explanations of complex scientific concepts. Currently serves as an Executive Producer and Co-host, contributing to thoughtful discussions with guests.
Seth Shostak
Astronomer and co-host, recognized for his ability to bridge scientific concepts with public interest, making complex topics accessible to the audience.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Always learn something interesting.

    I’ve enjoyed this podcast for years and there’s always something new and amazing I learn. I love Molly as an interviewer and throughly woot Seth’s commentary and humor. All the gusts are incredibly compelling and in my feed filled with politics, this podcast is an inspiring, fresh and always bright listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bizcochito73
    United Statesa month ago
  • Disappointing podcast

    I’ve tried several episodes now as the subjects are interesting and I’d love to know more. Unfortunately the hosts are rambling and don’t really end up exploring the topics in depth, and I can’t say I come away either better informed or entertained.

    Unsubscribed

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Ladybird166
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Delete

    Delete

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States8 months ago
  • Silly Statement

    Why state that the Rubin Observatory is the first one named after a woman?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States9 months ago
  • Best podcast

    I listen to about a dozen podcasts. Big picture Science is by far the most informative and entertaining

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    R be l.
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The podcast is praised for its thoughtful interview style, allowing guests to share their expertise clearly.
Critiques exist regarding political framing in some content, suggesting a perceived bias in certain episodes.
Listeners appreciate the engaging discussions and the depth of topics covered, with a strong emphasis on science communication.
Some listeners have noted a growing discontent with the increasing number of ads and rebroadcasts.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#169
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#142
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#200
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#213
Germany/Science
Apple Podcasts
#89
Singapore/Science
Apple Podcasts
#104
Ireland/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Skeptic Check: Feeling Risky
Q: How does media coverage influence our perception of risk, according to the guest?
Media coverage can amplify fear and create a distorted sense of danger; responsible reporting should weigh the potential harm of alarmism and provide context about actual risks.
Skeptic Check: Feeling Risky
Q: What can individuals do to better navigate the risk perception gap in daily life?
Pause before reacting to a risk, invite slower, more effortful thinking, and seek reliable facts to balance emotion against data for healthier decisions.
Skeptic Check: Moon Conspiracy
Q: How do experts debunk claims such as the waving flag or fake footage?
Experts explain these phenomena with physical explanations (e.g., residual motion of the flag due to no atmosphere) and production details, while noting the overwhelming amount of corroborating evidence from multiple sources.
Celestial Shake-Up
Q: What are the risks of solar storms to Earth?
They can disrupt GPS signals, damage satellites, and pose radiation risks to astronauts, especially beyond Earth's magnetic protection.
Celestial Shake-Up
Q: Why is NASA focusing on the Artemis missions?
To return humanity to the moon and establish a sustainable presence there as a stepping stone for future Mars missions.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Picture Science

What is Big Picture Science about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the intriguing intersections of science and technology, the content frequently features discussions on topics ranging from space exploration to environmental science. The engaging format includes interviews with a variety of guests, including researchers and experts, who share insights on their fields, emphasizing both significant advancements and existing challenges. Frequently highlighting contemporary issues, episodes cover themes such as climate change, health fads, and the most recent scientific discoveries, aiming to bring complex concepts to the general public in an accessible and enjoyable manner. Noteworthy elements include a blend of humor and critical inquiry, particularly in segments that scrutinize pseudoscience, maki... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Big Picture Science?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Big Picture Science:

1. Science Magazine Podcast
2. Science Friday
3. Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
4. Astronomy Cast
5. Nature Podcast

How many episodes of Big Picture Science are there?

Big Picture Science launched 21 years ago and published 676 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Big Picture Science?

Recent guests on Big Picture Science include:

1. Jon Cohen
2. Tom Scott
3. Steve Biegalski
4. Jacopo Buongiorno
5. Adam Higginbotham
6. David Ropeik
7. Huw Groucutt
8. Ed Brook

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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