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Artwork for Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science

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

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 monthlyEpisodes657Founded21 years ago
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ScienceTechnology

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Artwork for Big Picture Science

Latest Episodes

You are getting sleeeepy and open to suggestion. But is that how hypnotism works? And does it really open up a portal to the unconscious mind? Hypnotism can be an effective therapeutic tool, and some scientists suggest replacing opioids with hypnosis... more

Science fiction movies force us to face a multitude of end-of-the-world scenarios. Whether the final curtain is dropped by rampaging aliens, killer rocks from space, or virus-infected zombies, these big screen glimpses of a dystopian future are as ta... more

The worry about whether H5N1 will trigger a human pandemic has concealed a startling reality. Avian influenza has already taken an enormous toll on the lives of other animals. Since 2005, the number of wild and domesticated birds killed is greater th... more

In Brazil, leaders from across the globe are gathering for COP30, the premier climate summit in the world. For the first time, the U.S. is sitting it out, after exiting the Paris Agreement. There is, however, a ray of hope in the global efforts to re... more

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Recent Guests

Devin Terhune
Cognitive neuroscientist in the Department of Psychology
Goldsmiths University of London
Episode: Skeptic Check: Hypnosis
David Spiegel
Wilson professor and associate chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences
Stanford University School of Medicine
Episode: Skeptic Check: Hypnosis
Dan Saltzstein
Deputy Editor for Projects and Collaborations at the New York Times
New York Times
Episode: Movie Mayhem
Doug Corwin
Duck farmer and owner of Crescent Duck Farm in Aqua Bog, New York
Crescent Duck Farm
Episode: Flu the Coop
Jon Cohen
Senior Correspondent with Science Magazine and author of Planning Miracles
Science Magazine
Episode: Flu the Coop
Bill McKibben
Environmentalist and journalist, founder of 350.org, and author of Here Comes the Sun
350.org
Episode: Solar Good
Giovanna Vidoli
Director of the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee
Episode: The Decomposers
Dawnie Steadman
Professor of Anthropology and Director Emeritus of the Forensic Anthropology Center
University of Tennessee
Episode: The Decomposers
Melanie Beasley
Biological Anthropologist in the Department of Anthropology at Purdue University
Purdue University
Episode: The Decomposers

Hosts

Molly Bentley
Host and Executive Producer, guiding discussions with humor and insight, focusing on various scientific topics.
Seth Shostak
Co-host and Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute, providing expert insights on astronomy and related scientific fields.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Delete

    Delete

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States4 months ago
  • Silly Statement

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States5 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
  • Intriguing & Educational

    Very balanced interviews with experts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ZosiaSar
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Many enjoy the balance of hard science with entertaining formats, indicating strong viewer loyalty and engagement.
Critics sometimes express concern over perceived biases in content or the political implications of certain episodes, but overall feedback is mostly positive.
The podcast is praised for tackling complex scientific topics in an engaging and humorous way, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Listeners appreciate the intelligent discussions and expert insights provided by the hosts and guests.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#130
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#109
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#191
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#173
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#33
South Korea/Science
Apple Podcasts
#86
China/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Skeptic Check: Hypnosis
Q: What can hypnosis really do?
Hypnosis is a powerful substitute for opiates in pain management, can help people focus better, and manage stress.
Mad About Mars
Q: How do these past examples and the process of science itself inform how we should consider the discovery of a possible biosignature?
This is going to be a long process, science is a long process, and if you want to answer the most important question that humanity has ever asked, you cannot expect it to be a three day exercise.
Mad About Mars
Q: What would it take for us to know conclusive evidence of life on Mars?
On Earth we have a lot of different instruments that would be able to tell us, so we need to get those samples home.
Skeptic Check: Health Fads
Q: Are you saying that reducing stress somehow affects the health of mitochondria?
Yes, repeated stress can damage mitochondria, but positive social interactions might enhance mitochondrial function.
Skeptic Check: Health Fads
Q: Can you clarify the difference between mitochondrial disease and the recent claims around mitochondrial dysfunction?
Mitochondrial disease is a genetic defect that impairs energy transformation, whereas mitochondrial dysfunction is often used incorrectly to describe energy transformation issues.

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 explores the surprising connections in science and technology, presenting a blend of humor and insightful commentary. The hosts engage with leading researchers, tech professionals, and journalists, discussing various topics ranging from astronomy and health to environmental issues and technological advancements. Unique segments such as 'Skeptic Check' critically evaluate pseudoscience, adding an interesting dimension to the discussions. Listeners can expect to discover intriguing perspectives on familiar scientific concepts, making complex subjects accessible and entertaining, while also fostering a greater understanding of the sometimes convoluted nature of scientific discourse.

Where can I find podcast stats for Big Picture Science?

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How many listeners does Big Picture Science get?

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How many subscribers and views does Big Picture Science have?

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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 657 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Big Picture Science?

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What guests have appeared on Big Picture Science?

Recent guests on Big Picture Science include:

1. Devin Terhune
2. David Spiegel
3. Dan Saltzstein
4. Doug Corwin
5. Jon Cohen
6. Bill McKibben
7. Giovanna Vidoli
8. Dawnie Steadman

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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