Rephonic
Artwork for Blue Dot
Climate Change
California
NASA
Earthquakes
Moon
Chinook Salmon
Hummingbirds
Volcanology
California Trees
UC Davis
Geology
Klamath Mountains
Cascadia Subduction Zone
Chickens
SETI Institute
Water On the Moon
Conservation
Regenerative Agriculture
Salmon
Space Exploration

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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ScienceAstronomy

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Artwork for Blue Dot

Latest Episodes

Host Dave Schlom is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times best-selling author Scott Weidensaul to talk about his latest book, The Return of the Oystercatcher.

Host Dave Schlom is joined by Charles Schneider, a Connectivity Program Manager for California Trout, to discuss the human and natural history of California's third-largest watershed, the Eel River.

Blue Dot presents a special program produced during the Artemis 2 mission to take an in-depth look at the science objectives for the historic lunar mission, which launched from the Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026, and flew by the Moon on April ... more

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.

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Recent Guests

Charles Schneider
Connectivity Program Manager, California Trout
California Trout
Episode: Blue Dot: California's wild and scenic Eel River and California Fly Fisher magazine
Tracy Diaz
Publisher
California Fly Fisher Magazine
Episode: Blue Dot: California's wild and scenic Eel River and California Fly Fisher magazine
George Revelle
Editor at Large
California Fly Fisher Magazine / Lost Coast Outfitters
Episode: Blue Dot: California's wild and scenic Eel River and California Fly Fisher magazine
Caitlin Ahrens
Assistant Research Scientist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Episode: Blue Dot: The science behind NASA's historic return to the Moon with Artemis 2
Chip Sebens
Professor of Philosophy, California Institute of Technology
Caltech
Episode: Best of Blue Dot: On the frontiers of philosophy and physics: a conversation with Caltech's Chip Sebens
Cynthia Daly
Director and co-founder, CSU Chico Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems
California State University Chico
Episode: Best of Blue Dot: Reimagining Ag: the California State University Chico Center for Regenerative Agriculture
Sandrine Matissek
Environmental Science Professor at Chico State
California State University Chico
Episode: Best of Blue Dot: Reimagining Ag: the California State University Chico Center for Regenerative Agriculture
Jessica Portrera
Master's student researching soil and water in regenerative systems
California State University Chico
Episode: Best of Blue Dot: Reimagining Ag: the California State University Chico Center for Regenerative Agriculture
Tyler Burke
Master's degree student involved in Soil Carbon Accrual Project
California State University Chico
Episode: Best of Blue Dot: Reimagining Ag: the California State University Chico Center for Regenerative Agriculture

Host

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

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 37 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 States8 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: California's wild and scenic Eel River and California Fly Fisher magazine
Q: What is the process for planning an issue and selecting destinations?
The editors describe using an editorial committee, collecting submissions, and planning three to four issues ahead, focusing on destinations, tips, techniques, and field notes to provide a well-rounded view of California's fly-fishing landscape.
Blue Dot: California's wild and scenic Eel River and California Fly Fisher magazine
Q: What makes California such a special place for fly fishing, warranting its own magazine?
George Revelle and Tracy Diaz highlight California's immense diversity in species, geography, and fishing opportunities—from ocean to rivers to lakes—creating a uniquely broad and evolving fly-fishing culture that benefits from dedicated storytelling and regional coverage.
Blue Dot: California's wild and scenic Eel River and California Fly Fisher magazine
Q: Tell us about the history of California Fly Fisher magazine and how you came to your position.
Tracy Diaz explains that the magazine was founded in 1992 and built a strong community; after the previous owner retired, she and George Revelle explored reviving it, combining her publishing/marketing background with George's editorial vision to reestablish a publication that covers both fly fishing and natural history.
Best of Blue Dot: Reimagining Ag: the California State University Chico Center for Regenerative Agriculture
Q: Could you give us a brief definition of regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a system of land management focused on building and sustaining healthy living soils, recognizing soils as dynamic ecosystems with diverse microbial communities, and emphasizing soil health to support productive crops while reducing external inputs and fostering resilience.
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.

Audience Metrics

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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 listeners does Blue Dot get?

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What are the audience demographics for Blue Dot?

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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. Astrum Space
2. KQED's Forum
3. Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
4. The Supermassive Podcast
5. Radiolab

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.

How do I contact Blue Dot?

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What guests have appeared on Blue Dot?

Recent guests on Blue Dot include:

1. Charles Schneider
2. Tracy Diaz
3. George Revelle
4. Caitlin Ahrens
5. Chip Sebens
6. Cynthia Daly
7. Sandrine Matissek
8. Jessica Portrera

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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