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Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science
Climate Change
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Fungi
Color Perception
Artificial Intelligence
Space Junk
Women's Health
Total Solar Eclipse
Bird Migration
The Universe
Hypnosis
The Last Of Us
Psychology Of Risk Perception
Paleontology
Biofluorescence
Heat Death
Therapeutic Potential Of Hypnosis
Ancient Egypt
Rebecca Lee Crumpler
Endometriosis

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes671Founded21 years ago
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TechnologyScience

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Artwork for Big Picture Science

Latest Episodes

Before everything could come up roses, there had to be a primordial flower – the mother, and father, of all flowers. Now scientists are on the hunt for it. The eFlower project aims to explain the sudden appearance of flowering plants in the fossil re... more

Thinking small can sometimes achieve big things. A new generation of diminutive robots can enter our bodies and deal with medical problems such as intestinal blockages. But do we really want them swimming inside us, even if they’re promising to help?... more

As protagonist Ryland Grace fights to save Earth - and possibly the universe - in Project Hail Mary, author Andy Weir discusses the science behind his sci-fi story and what it’s like to see it adapted for the big screen. From a diversity of aliens th... more

As NASA’s Artemis program promises to take us back to the moon for the first time in fifty years, we consider what it means that as many as 10% of Americans don’t believe we went there in the first place. Why, despite all the evidence, has the faked ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Regan Dunn
Assistant Curator at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Episode: Flower Power
Eva-Maria Sadowski
Paleobotanist from the Natural History Museum in Berlin
Natural History Museum, Berlin
Episode: Flower Power
Ruby Stephens
PhD candidate, Macquarie University
Macquarie University
Episode: Flower Power
Ira Rutkow
Surgeon, medical historian, author of The Empire of the Scalpel, The History of Surgery
The Empire of the Scalpel / Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (referenced in context)
Episode: Fantastic-er Voyage
Li Zhang
Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, micro and nano robotics
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Episode: Fantastic-er Voyage
Michael LaBarbera
Emeritus Professor of Biology, Anatomy and Geophysical Sciences
University of Chicago
Episode: Fantastic-er Voyage
Dick Vethaak
Ecotoxicologist, expert on microplastics in biology
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Episode: Fantastic-er Voyage
Andy Weir
Science fiction author of Project Hail Mary
Author, Project Hail Mary
Episode: Skeptic Check: Project Hail Mary
Becky Chambers
Science fiction author of To Be Taught If Fortunate
Author
Episode: Skeptic Check: Project Hail Mary

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
  • 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 Kingdom2 months ago
  • Delete

    Delete

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States7 months ago
  • Silly Statement

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States8 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
  • Enjoying the show

    Thanks for looking at social sciences as well as the traditional ‘hard sciences’.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    WDBonett
    Australiaa 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
#166
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#207
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#226
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#194
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#34
Ukraine/Science
Apple Podcasts
#69
China/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Hot to Cold
Q: How important is temperature in terms of creating conditions that are habitable for life?
As long as there's a food source, the temperature doesn't really matter for life.
Hot to Cold
Q: What is the purpose of allowing yourself to be put into a cryonic state?
People are afraid to die, and they're willing to try anything to avoid dying, hence adopting cryogenics.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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. SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

How many episodes of Big Picture Science are there?

Big Picture Science launched 21 years ago and published 671 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. Regan Dunn
2. Eva-Maria Sadowski
3. Ruby Stephens
4. Ira Rutkow
5. Li Zhang
6. Michael LaBarbera
7. Dick Vethaak
8. Andy Weir

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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