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Artwork for Strange New Worlds: A Science & Star Trek Podcast

Strange New Worlds: A Science & Star Trek Podcast

Michael L. Wong
Star Trek
Astrobiology
Star Trek Discovery
Star Trek Lower Decks
Star Trek: the Next Generation
NASA
Fungi
Data
Darmok
Exoplanets
Climate Change
Leadership
Mycorrhizal Networks
Metaphors
Mars
Origin Of Life
Artificial Intelligence
Biosignatures
Planetary Science
Climate Science

Hosted by planetary scientist and astrobiologist Dr. Michael L. Wong, Strange New Worlds examines science, technology, and culture through the lens of Star Trek!

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes246Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Science

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Artwork for Strange New Worlds: A Science & Star Trek Podcast

Latest Episodes

On episode 200 of Strange New Worlds, Mike Wong reads "How to Chart a Moral Future for Space Exploration," an article he published last year in the journal Nature with Chelsea Haramia, Emilie Lafleche, and Julia DeMarines. Read the paper: www... more

Guest: Gabriel Santos Paleontologist and science communicator Gabriel Santos beams aboard to share how Cosplay for Science, an initiative he co-founded, brings science education to Comic-Cons and other pop culture conventions. Then, he and Mike discu... more

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Guests: Kayla Smith & Prof. Patrick Anderson Astrobiology Kayla Smith and philosopher Patrick Anderson beam aboard to celebrate the diversity of scientific thought that goes into astrobiology, and how astrobiology can continue to grow by pulling on t... more

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Guest: Dr. Katie Mack Cosmologist Katie Mack beams aboard to discuss how the universe will end. Using the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Chrysalis" as a launchpad, Katie and Mike go through various scenarios for the fate of everything: Will ther... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Gabriel Santos
Co-founder of Cosplay for Science; Director of Visitor Engagement and Education at the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology; Co-host of PBS Eons
Cosplay for Science, Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, PBS Eons
Episode: Episode 199: Cosplay for Science
Kayla Smith
PhD student at the University of Arizona in Planetary Science and Astrobiology
University of Arizona
Episode: Episode 198: Many Ways to Know About Life in the Universe
Patrick Anderson
Professor of Philosophy at Central State University
Central State University
Episode: Episode 198: Many Ways to Know About Life in the Universe
Joe Praska
Co-host of Deep Space Love Podcast, Star Trek enthusiast
Deep Space Love Podcast
Episode: Episode 196: The Antifascist Star Trek Watch List
Nicole Praska
Forensic scientist and co-host of Deep Space Love Podcast
Deep Space Love Podcast
Episode: Episode 196: The Antifascist Star Trek Watch List
Dr. Caleb Scharf
Senior Scientist for Astrobiology at NASA Ames and author
NASA Ames
Episode: Episode 194: The Giant Leap
Dr. Kristina Ĺ ekrst
Linguist and philosopher with a focus on cognitive linguistics, metaphors, and consciousness
European Institute of Astrobiology
Episode: Episode 193: The Linguistics of "Darmok"
Anirudh Prabhu
Research scientist at Carnegie Sciences Earth and Planets Laboratory in Washington, DC
Carnegie Science
Episode: Episode 192: Whispers of Life in Ancient Rocks
Michael L. Wong
Astrobiologist and author
Carnegie Institution for Science
Episode: Episode 191: Mike on Sean Carroll's Mindscape

Host

Michael L. Wong
Host of Strange New Worlds: A Science & Star Trek Podcast

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 61 ratings
  • Strange AND Amazing!

    I absolutely love this show. It filled a great little niche in the Star Trek podcasting world and never fails to bring interesting science and topics to the fold. Dr. Mike Wong has such a fun energy and always comes through with some amazing guests. There’s always fun to be had on Strange New Worlds! 🖖🏻

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Joe Praska
    United States9 months ago
  • I love the enthusiasm, mixed with intelligence, empathy and science!!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    odin16
    2 years ago
  • Exactly what I’ve been looking for!

    I love this! Thank you so much, look forward to listening to it all!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Natapie92
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • All Science, All Fun!

    Do you like Star Trek? Do you like science? If yes to both, just stop reading this and start listening!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    rttrrttr
    United States5 years ago
  • Love this podcast and its positive vibes

    What a wonderful way to engage so many talented people. The podcast is inclusive of all topics Star Trek, and individuals of different backgrounds, scientists and non-scientists alike. Listening to it conjures up images of a fertile garden (Star Trek) with thriving plants (host and invited guests) sharing their beautiful colors (thoughts) and reciprocating one another with their delicious fruits (stories). Look forward to many more episodes. đź––

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ST-1of5
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners consistently praise accessible science communication and engaging guests.
Guest diversity and thoughtful exploration of topics are frequently highlighted by reviewers.
Fans value the blend of real science with Star Trek discussion and storytelling.

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Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best LifeJulie Lokun and Mika Altidor

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 193: The Linguistics of "Darmok"
Q: Do you think the universal translator from Star Trek is actually possible?
No, a perfect translator is impossible due to linguistic nuances and cultural context that can't be captured computationally.
Episode 193: The Linguistics of "Darmok"
Q: Kristina, how does lying in Temerian differ from lying in English?
Lying in Temerian involves using incorrect metaphors or misleading statements about truths, similar to the complexities in some evidential languages that require sources for truth.
Episode 194: The Giant Leap
Q: Caleb, do you see the future of space exploration as a co-equal partnership between AI and humans?
Both are true; there will be scenarios needing full autonomy with AI and others where humans need to be engaged in the process.
Episode 194: The Giant Leap
Q: Was your move to NASA at all related to you writing a book about humanity's journey into outer space?
Not really, as I had started the preparations for the book quite a long time before I had an opportunity to move to NASA.
Episode 190: Relating to Nature in Space and on Earth
Q: What can ordinary folks do to reconnect with the natural world?
Kaufman suggests spending time in parks, observing nature, and utilizing technology to bring nature's elements closer in urban settings.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A science-focused show that blends rigorous research with Star Trek fandom, often featuring scientists, authors, and science communicators who discuss topics like astrobiology, space exploration, epistemology, and the cultural impact of science fiction. Episodes frequently pair cutting-edge science with thoughtful reflections on ethics, leadership, and how popular culture can illuminate complex ideas. Notable strengths include accessible science storytelling, diverse guest expertise, and a consistent through-line of Star Trek as a lens for public understanding. The format often centers on deep-dive conversations with researchers, authors, and educators, plus occasional cross-promo with related podcasts and science advocacy groups. This mix ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
2. Unexplainable
3. Radiolab

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 9 years ago and published 246 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 this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Gabriel Santos
2. Kayla Smith
3. Patrick Anderson
4. Joe Praska
5. Nicole Praska
6. Dr. Caleb Scharf
7. Dr. Kristina Ĺ ekrst
8. Anirudh Prabhu

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