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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
Data
Astrobiology
Star Trek Discovery
Caltech
Origin Of Life
Star Trek Picard
Planetary Science
Sequencer
Borg Queen
Klingon Civil War
Leadership
Sports Psychology
Lore
Boldly Go! the Musical
Mars
The Possibility Of Life
Abiogenesis Zone
Hydropower
Empathy

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

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes232Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Science

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

Latest Episodes

Guest: Emilie Lafleche Astrobiologist Emilie Lafleche beams aboard to introduce us to the Habitable Worlds Observatory, a next-generation space-based telescope that will be designed specifically to seek out new life in the cosmos. Then, she and Mike ... more

Guest: Dr. Shi En Kim Science journalist Dr. Shi En Kim joins Mike to unpack his op-ed about how impending cuts to federal science funding will impact astrobiology—the search for life in the universe. "Federal Budget Cuts Would Sabotage NASA’s Plans ... more

Guest: Dr. Una McCormack New York Times bestselling Star Trek author Dr. Una McCormack beams aboard to discuss the development of and themes within her latest Trek novel, "Strange New Worlds: Asylum." "Asylum" by Una McCormack: www.simonandsc... more

Guest: Prof. Lisa Kaltenegger Professor Lisa Kaltenegger, Director of the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University, beams aboard to talk about her book, Alien Earths, the search for life in the cosmos, what exoplanets teach us about our home world,... more

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Recent Guests

Dr. Una McCormack
Author and associate fellow at Homerton College, Cambridge University
Cambridge University
Episode: Episode 184: Hope in the Face of Grief
Lisa Kaltenegger
Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University
Cornell University
Episode: Episode 183: Alien Earths
Thomas White
A propulsion engineer from Oakland, California.
Episode: Episode 182: A Rocket Scientist Goes to Washington
Shi En Kim
Science journalist and climate reporter for High Country News
High Country News
Episode: Episode 181: Fungi Everywhere
David Mack
New York Times best-selling writer known for his work in novels, comic books, and Star Trek episodes.
Episode: Episode 178: Firewall
Bernadette Mary Dineen
Graduate student at Tufts University studying how to look for signs of life on Mars.
Tufts University
Episode: Episode 177: Looking Out Is Looking In
Dr. Anirudh Prabhu
Data scientist and expert in machine learning and artificial intelligence
Carnegie Science
Episode: Episode 176: A.I. Summer
Dr. Amitai Shenhav
Associate Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley
Episode: Episode 175: Decisions, Decisions
Dr. Erin Macdonald
The official science advisor for the Star Trek universe and founder of Space Time Productions.
Space Time Productions
Episode: Episode 173: Temporal Mechanics 101

Host

Dr. Michael L. Wong
Planetary scientist and astrobiologist with a focus on astrobiology and science communication, frequently discussing the impact of science fiction on real-world scientific exploration.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 58 ratings
  • I love the enthusiasm, mixed with intelligence, empathy and science!!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    odin16
    a year 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 Kingdom2 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 States4 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 States4 years ago
  • So cool!

    If you have ever enjoyed any episode of a Star Trek series, you will love this podcast. It's nerdy and entertaining and educational all at the same time. Mike talks about real science in a completely accessible way while also geeking out about the coolest parts of science fiction and Star Trek and why we all love it. The interviews are great too! Definitely give this a try - you will be hooked!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JuliaV927
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the knowledgeable guests and the deep discussions that link scientific concepts with pop culture.
It is described as entertaining, educational, and a must-listen for both science enthusiasts and Star Trek fans.
The podcast effectively blends real science with the fun of Star Trek, making it a hit among fans.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#156
Mexico/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 184: Hope in the Face of Grief
Q: What advice might you have for a listener out there who is also feeling like they have forgotten how to be excellent?
It's important to realize that perfection is unachievable and that being good enough is fine. Consistency and fulfilling expectations over time can be more satisfying than perfectionism.
Episode 184: Hope in the Face of Grief
Q: How did you decide on what the tone should be for Asylum?
I decided that it needed to capture the Academy as a place of optimism and hope, and I aimed to have it reflect the theme of hope in the face of grief even amidst the tonal whiplash in the show.
Episode 183: Alien Earths
Q: Could you tell our listeners a little bit about Carl Sagan, what his legacy means to you, and why you decided to name your institute in his honor?
Carl Sagan was an amazing scientist who understood early on the need for interdisciplinary work to tackle complex questions, establishing a tradition at Cornell for collaboration across fields.
Episode 181: Fungi Everywhere
Q: How are researchers using mycorrhizal fungi to help endangered plants?
Researchers are fortifying endangered gardenias in Hawaii with their native mycorrhizal fungi to improve their chances of survival against invasive plants.
Episode 179: The Quantum Mechanics of Lower Decks
Q: What exactly did Schrodinger contribute to quantum mechanics?
Schrodinger is known for his theory explaining that two things can exist in reality simultaneously until observed, which is depicted in his thought experiment involving a cat.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

Exploring the intersection of science and the beloved Star Trek universe, this podcast offers in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics including astrobiology, space exploration, and the cultural themes presented in the Star Trek series. Guests often include renowned scientists, authors, and experts who contribute to discussions on real-world science influenced by Star Trek narratives, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Unique in combining entertaining pop culture references with serious scientific inquiry, this show stands out as a delightful blend of nerdy exploration and educational content.

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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. Science Friday
3. Pop Culture Happy Hour
4. Short Wave

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 232 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. Dr. Una McCormack
2. Lisa Kaltenegger
3. Thomas White
4. Shi En Kim
5. David Mack
6. Bernadette Mary Dineen
7. Dr. Anirudh Prabhu
8. Dr. Amitai Shenhav

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