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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.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes668Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceTechnology

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Artwork for Big Picture Science

Latest Episodes

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

With only a microscope and a collection of birds, taxidermist Roxie Laybourne became the world’s first forensic ornithologist. The “feather detective” was on the case, examining pieces of plumage to solve mysteries. From bird strikes that caused plan... more

We’re going back to the Moon. The planned March 2026 launch of Artemis II is the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972. Historic as it is, it isn’t the only lunar event creating a stir at NASA. Two seismometers are to be delivered to Schrödinge... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Peter Knight
Professor of American Studies, University of Manchester (UK); conspiracy theory researcher
University of Manchester
Episode: Skeptic Check: Moon Conspiracy
Ryan Zeigler
Apollo sample curator at NASA Johnson Space Center
NASA Johnson Space Center
Episode: Skeptic Check: Moon Conspiracy
Chris Sweeney
Journalist and author of The Feather Detective, Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne.
Episode: Birds of a Feather
Kristen Ruegg
Associate professor at Colorado State University and co-director of the Bird Genoscape Project.
Colorado State University
Episode: Birds of a Feather
Gene Cernan
Astronaut and the last man to walk on the moon
NASA
Episode: Celestial Shake-Up
Ceri Nunn
Lunar seismologist and planetary scientist
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Episode: Celestial Shake-Up
Craig DeForest
Heliophysicist and principal investigator of NASA's PUNCH mission
Southwest Research Institute
Episode: Celestial Shake-Up
Andy Rivkin
Planetary astronomer at Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Lab
Episode: Celestial Shake-Up
Stephen Austad
Biologist and Scientific Director of the American Federation for Aging Research
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Episode: Hot to Cold

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 Kingdoma month 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 States7 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
#167
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#130
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#115
India/Science
Apple Podcasts
#149
Hong Kong/Science
Apple Podcasts
#152
Colombia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#156
Argentina/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 Friday
2. Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe
3. Why This Universe?
4. The Supermassive Podcast
5. Short Wave

How many episodes of Big Picture Science are there?

Big Picture Science launched 21 years ago and published 668 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. Peter Knight
2. Ryan Zeigler
3. Chris Sweeney
4. Kristen Ruegg
5. Gene Cernan
6. Ceri Nunn
7. Craig DeForest
8. Andy Rivkin

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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