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Artwork for Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Humpback Whale
Artificial Intelligence
Climate Change
Color Perception
Space Junk
Lithium
The Universe
Ocean Microbiome
Hypnosis
Paleontology
Biofluorescence
Heat Death
Therapeutic Potential Of Hypnosis
Waste Management
Consumerism
Complex Communication
Salton Sea
Social Media
Disinformation

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes642Founded20 years ago
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Artwork for Big Picture Science

Latest Episodes

Strapped-on brass noses, frog skin grafts, human organs grown in pigs: The world of replaceable body parts is both amazing and a bit unsettling. But who better give us a tour of the past and present of what medical engineering considers Plan B, than ... more

As their name suggests, “forever chemicals” have extraordinary staying power. When these nearly indestructible compounds find their way into our soil and water, they don’t break down for hundreds or thousands of years. PFAS – the name for these synth... more

“The Mississippi River will always have its own way; no engineering skill can persuade it to do otherwise,” said Mark Twain. In this, our final episode marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we consider how efforts to control the Mighty M... more

Telescopes are like light buckets. The bigger the telescope, the more light collected for astronomers to observe. With recent advances in technology, amateur astronomers can join professionals for a chance to observe stellar nurseries and exoplanets ... 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

Mary Roach
Science writer known for her humorous and insightful takes on various scientific topics, including anatomy and body replacement technology.
Author of Replaceable You, Adventures in Human Anatomy
Episode: Spare (Body) Parts
Nathaniel Rich
Contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine and author
New York Times Magazine
Episode: Some Chemicals are Forever
Rachel Frazin
Energy and environment policy reporter for The Hill
The Hill
Episode: Some Chemicals are Forever
Andrew Horowitz
Historian at the University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut
Episode: Katrina and the River
Harriet Swift
Resident of New Orleans, Louisiana
Episode: Katrina and the River
Rashida Ferdinand
Founder and CEO of Sankofa Community Development Corporation
Sankofa Community Development Corporation
Episode: Katrina and the River
Jason Day
Biologist with Comite Resources
Comite Resources
Episode: Katrina and the River
Clare Higgs
Astronomer at the Vera Rubin Observatory
Vera Rubin Observatory
Episode: Scoping Out the Universe
Franck Marchis
Astronomer and Director of Citizen Science at the SETI Institute
SETI Institute, Unistellar, SkyMapper
Episode: Scoping Out the Universe

Hosts

Molly Bentley
Executive producer and co-host, known for her expertise in science journalism and engaging storytelling.
Seth Shostak
Senior astronomer and co-host, recognized for his insights into astronomy and science communication.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Delete

    Delete

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States23 days ago
  • Silly Statement

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States2 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 States9 months ago
  • Enjoying the show

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    WDBonett
    Australia10 months ago
  • Intriguing & Educational

    Very balanced interviews with experts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ZosiaSar
    United States10 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some feedback reflects dissatisfaction with perceived political biases or advertising content, suggesting that the podcast has occasionally strayed from its core focus on science.
Many reviews highlight the variety of scientific topics covered, pointing out the podcast's strength in interdisciplinary connections and insights from experts.
Listeners praise the podcast for its informative and entertaining discussions, appreciating the hosts' ability to present complex topics in an engaging and understandable way.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#94
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#186
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#207
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#158
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#245
France/Science
Apple Podcasts
#76
Finland/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Spare (Body) Parts
Q: If you have a whole new body that belonged entirely, the entire body belonged to someone else and it's just your brain or your head, yes, is that you?
I think you could replace any number of parts as long as you leave the brain. I think the person is the person, really.
Spare (Body) Parts
Q: Mary, now we want to talk about the emerging science around regenerative medicine, but as I read further into Replaceable You, my mind kept coming back to the first chapter, which puts our technological and medical advancements in context. I wonder if we could go all Victorian for a moment and talk dentures?
Mary's book begins by describing an elegant 18th or 19th-century dining room table, where, placed on the white linen tablecloth, were multiple plates, utensils, glasses, and a tool resembling garden pruners known as a masticator.
Some Chemicals are Forever
Q: What are PFAS and why are they referred to as forever chemicals?
PFAS are a class of synthetic chemicals used in various applications that do not break down easily in nature, leading to their persistence in the environment.
Some Chemicals are Forever
Q: What did Dupont do with the alarming health studies results?
They typically would bury the results and not share them with the EPA or the public, continuing to increase production despite knowledge of the dangers.
Night Flight
Q: Does Alfie realize she's an owl?
Alfie gracefully summoned her owl-ness and responded appropriately to her surroundings, signaling an awareness of her identity.

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?

This podcast presents a thoughtful exploration of diverse scientific topics, featuring engaging discussions with experts across various fields such as astronomy, environmental science, biology, and public health. Listeners can expect to hear about pivotal scientific issues, ranging from the intricacies of human movement and the significance of ecosystems to the implications of political decisions on scientific research. Each episode emphasizes a blend of humor and depth, hosted by a pair of knowledgeable figures who guide listeners through complex subjects in an accessible manner. Notably, the podcast addresses contemporary challenges and offers insights into pressing matters like climate change, disaster management, and the evolution of te... 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. Nature Podcast
5. Science In Action

How many episodes of Big Picture Science are there?

Big Picture Science launched 20 years ago and published 642 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. Mary Roach
2. Nathaniel Rich
3. Rachel Frazin
4. Andrew Horowitz
5. Harriet Swift
6. Rashida Ferdinand
7. Jason Day
8. Clare Higgs

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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