Rephonic
Artwork for Blue Dot
Whale SETI
Cascadia Subduction Zone
Humpback Whales
NASA
Moon
Vultures
Apollo Program
Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)
Bioacoustic Research
Acoustic Communication In Animals
UC Davis
Geophysics
Landers Earthquake
Volcanic Activity
Plate Tectonics
Earthquakes
Transient Lunar Phenomena
Population Health
Animal Behavior
Conservation

Blue Dot, named after Carl Sagan's famous speech about our place in the universe, features interviews with guests from all over the regional, national and worldwide scientific communities. Host Dave Schlom leads discussions about the issues science is helping us address with experts who shed light on climate change, space exploration, astronomy, technology and much more. Dave asks us to remember: ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes224Founded10 years ago
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AstronomyScience

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Artwork for Blue Dot

Latest Episodes

Host Dave Schlom is joined by California Institute of Technology Philosophy Professor Chip Sebens for an engaging look at how philosophical thought and methodology can help unravel the mysteries of modern Physics.

Blue Dot goes down on the farm by visiting with folks from California State University, Chico's Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS).

Blue Dot takes a deep look at issues surrounding one of the world's most diverse waterways, the California Delta.

Host Dave Schlom is joined by California Institute of Technology professor Sarah Reisman for an in-depth conversation about teaching one of the most difficult subjects taught on any college campus: organic chemistry.

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Recent Guests

Letitia Grenier
Director and Senior Fellow, PPIC Water Policy Center
Public Policy Institute of California
Episode: Best of Blue Dot: California's imperiled Delta region
Jeffrey Ludlow
Geologist, California Fly Fisher Magazine
California Fly Fisher Magazine
Episode: Best of Blue Dot: California's imperiled Delta region
Jeffrey Mount
Senior Fellow, PPIC Water Policy Center
Public Policy Institute of California
Episode: Best of Blue Dot: California's imperiled Delta region
Sarah Reisman
Bren Professor of Chemistry, Norma Davidson Leadership Chair at Caltech
California Institute of Technology
Episode: Blue Dot: Excellence in science teaching: Caltech's Feynman award-winning Sarah Reisman
Tom Murphy
Wildlife photographer specializing in Yellowstone and global wildlife
Photographer (tmerphywild.com)
Episode: Blue Dot: Wildlife photography with Yellowstone's Tom Murphy
Gordon Telepun
Author of Titan to the Titanic and back 13 and a half times, and a long-time friend of the show in the field of exploring engineering tragedies.
Episode: Best of Blue Dot: The anatomy of a disaster-- inside the Titan submersible implosion
Joe Gaydos
Wildlife veterinarian and science director for the SeaDoc Society, focusing on marine ecosystem health.
SeaDoc Society, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Episode: Blue Dot: Exploring the Salish Sea and coast with the SeaDoc Society
Bob Friel
Cinematographer and creative force behind Salish Sea Wild, bringing wildlife stories to the audience.
Salish Sea Wild, SeaDoc Society
Episode: Blue Dot: Exploring the Salish Sea and coast with the SeaDoc Society
Ariel Grekowski
Research Scientist at the SETI Institute.
SETI Institute
Episode: Blue Dot: Sky ghosts of the cosmos: Comets

Host

Dave Schlom
Host of discussions focusing on scientific issues and expert insights.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 34 ratings
  • The Merganser

    One of many nicknames Mercer has gained, he is a savant on the water and always pleasant to work with. Thank you for having me on Dave. We need to find some hatchery steelhead next month give me a call!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bryan P Quick
    United States7 months ago
  • Dee O'Hara

    I totally enjoyed hearing this interview. There are many references to the astronaut's nurse in space history, and to hear her voice tell her part of the story was amazing. I loved hearing the development of her position, her characterizations of the astronauts - her personal stories of a great time. As a child during that period, I became fascinated by the space missions, and like many, the astronauts were my hero's.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Flying Bedstead
    United States3 years ago
  • Dee O’Hara

    Another terrific episode full of great stories and insights. Having met her, she was a real treasure to the program and remains a treasure to history today. An intelligent, graceful, and beautiful lady. STILL working at Ames! Long may she run! Thanks for this hour. Time well-spent.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jet Screamer0769
    United States4 years ago
  • Love the podcast, hate the music

    The music is so jarring, I have had to give up listening. Sorry!.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    amblyrhyncus
    United States4 years ago
  • Blue Dot 225: Apollo 15

    This episode on Apollo 15 is a real treasure. Family perspectives offered by Tracy Scott and Jill Irwin Christiansen, Geologic insights from legends like Farouk El Baz and Jim Head, and mission perspectives from Flight Director Gerry Griffin make this one of the most thoughtful 60 minutes you’ll find in one place.

    Terrific job by David Schlom and the team at Blue Dot, and a big THANK YOU to all the participants…it was wonderful to hear from all of you and to know you’re all well. Having met D... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jet Screamer0769
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Overall, the podcast is praised for its thought-provoking content and ability to provoke curiosity about science and its real-world applications.
Some listeners express dissatisfaction with the background music, describing it as jarring and distracting, which detracts from their overall enjoyment.
There is significant praise for the host's ability to connect complex scientific issues to personal narratives, making it relatable for a wider audience.
Listeners appreciate the engaging storytelling and insights shared by experts, citing the show's educational value across various scientific topics.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Blue Dot: Excellence in science teaching: Caltech's Feynman award-winning Sarah Reisman
Q: What are some of the simplest organic compounds people might know, and how do they illustrate what organic chemistry is about?
Examples like aspirin (via salicylic acid), glucose, caffeine, and nicotine illustrate that organic chemistry centers on carbon-containing compounds and how their structures and functional groups drive reactivity, biological activity, and real-world applications—from medicines to everyday products.
Blue Dot: Excellence in science teaching: Caltech's Feynman award-winning Sarah Reisman
Q: Tell us what that prize meant to you to win, given Richard Feynman's legacy?
It was a huge honor, not only because of the association with Feynman but also because it recognizes the broader impact of teaching and the community of colleagues who have been honored for their work; it underscored the idea that teaching quality and engagement are as important as research in shaping the next generation of scientists.
Best of Blue Dot: California's imperiled Delta region
Q: What are the biggest challenges posed by climate change and earthquakes to the Delta?
Climate change increases hydrological variability, making droughts and floods more frequent, while earthquakes threaten levee integrity and can trigger salinity intrusion if the saltwater-freshwater interface shifts inward.
Best of Blue Dot: California's imperiled Delta region
Q: What are the main policy choices facing California with respect to the Delta's future?
The two main options are to build an isolated conveyance facility, like a tunnel, to maintain reliable water exports while protecting the Delta ecosystem, or to continue living with less water from the Delta, accepting reduced agricultural and urban supplies.
Best of Blue Dot: California's imperiled Delta region
Q: Could you describe how the Delta functions as a water hub and what makes its geography unique?
The Delta sits at the confluence of major California rivers and serves as the tidal head of the San Francisco estuary, historically a vast freshwater marsh that has been transformed into a network of channels and islands; its managed geometry and levees determine water quality, salinity, and delivery reliability.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Dot

What is Blue Dot about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content focuses on a wide range of scientific topics, including climate change, space exploration, astronomy, and ecological conservation. It features interviews with experts from various fields, such as wildlife veterinary science, geology, indigenous ecological practices, and regenerative agriculture. The podcast stands out for its ability to connect science with personal narratives, letting guests share insights from both professional and personal viewpoints. This approach offers listeners an engaging way to understand complex issues in a relatable manner while underscoring the vital relationship between humans and the environment. Those who are intrigued by the intersection of science and storytelling will likely find the discussion... more

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How many subscribers and views does Blue Dot have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Blue Dot has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Blue Dot?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Blue Dot:

1. Science Friday
2. Sidedoor
3. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
4. Radiolab
5. Short Wave

How many episodes of Blue Dot are there?

Blue Dot launched 10 years ago and published 224 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 Blue Dot?

Recent guests on Blue Dot include:

1. Letitia Grenier
2. Jeffrey Ludlow
3. Jeffrey Mount
4. Sarah Reisman
5. Tom Murphy
6. Gordon Telepun
7. Joe Gaydos
8. Bob Friel

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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