StarTalk Radio has become a cultural phenomenon, bridging the gap between rigorous scientific inquiry and mainstream entertainment in ways few podcasts have managed to achieve. Hosted by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, the show transforms complex scientific concepts into engaging conversations that resonate with curious minds of all backgrounds.
With an impressive roster of guests ranging from celebrated scientists and astronauts to Hollywood filmmakers and bestselling authors, StarTalk has produced a treasure trove of episodes that illuminate everything from the far reaches of the cosmos to the intricate workings of life on Earth. For newcomers overwhelmed by the extensive archive or longtime fans seeking to revisit the show’s greatest moments, this curated list highlights the most compelling, thought-provoking, and entertaining episodes that exemplify what makes StarTalk Radio an essential listen for anyone passionate about science and the universe.
Food, Science and Culture with Anthony Bourdain
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The episode explores the intersection of cuisine, scientific inquiry, and society. For the first time in podcast format, the show presents Neil deGrasse Tyson’s complete 2018 conversation with culinary authority and writer Anthony Bourdain. The discussion examines contrasting palates, dining experiences in Antarctica, and how food serves as both essential and universal across human existence.
Surviving on Mars, with Andy Weir
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What are the genuine requirements for living on Mars? Neil Tyson speaks with Andy Weir, writer of “The Martian,” NASA/JPL engineer Adam Steltzner, NASA Planetary Science Director Dr. Jim Green, Sheyna Gifford, co-host Matt Kirshen, Chuck Nice, and Bill Nye.
Mythbusters (Part 1)
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In Part 1 of this iconic episode, now expanded with 10 minutes of additional Cosmic Queries, Neil Tyson converses with Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman to explore scientific testing, physical principles, and popular myths.
Vaccines – Let’s Make America Smart Again
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Proceeding with the Let’s Make America Smart Again series, Neil deGrasse Tyson, comedic co-host Felicia Madison, and Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist Laurie Garrett dispel baseless misinformation and deliver intelligent, rational knowledge and comprehension regarding vaccines.
Our World of Particles with Brian Cox
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What additional physics awaits discovery? Neil deGrasse Tyson engages with physicist, academic, and renowned scientist Brian Cox to explore subjects spanning the Higgs boson, potential life elsewhere in space, and the basic forces that shape the universe.
A Conversation with Seth MacFarlane
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On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks with Seth MacFarlane, the creative mind behind Family Guy, A Million Ways to Die in the West, and an executive producer of COSMOS on FOX.
The New Space Race with Jeff Thornburg
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How will space exploration evolve? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian co-host Chuck Nice investigate the technological hurdles and research questions influencing the coming age of aerospace with aerospace engineer Jeff Thornburg.
Understanding GMOs and the Future of Food
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Examine the complexities, false information, fervor, and uncertainty surrounding GMOs, eco-friendly agriculture, and tomorrow’s nutrition, with Neil Tyson, Chuck Nice, plant geneticist Pamela Ronald, and Scott Hamilton Kennedy, filmmaker of “Food Evolution” which Neil narrates.
Cosmic Queries: New Discoveries
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From celestial impacts to electric propulsion systems to quantum connectivity: astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Eugene Mirman address listener inquiries regarding recent scientific breakthroughs.
Nuclear Winter with Ann Druyan and Brian Toon
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Do sophisticated societies inevitably lead to their own demise? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice examine the Cold War period, The Drake Equation, and the nuclear winter theory with Cosmos producer and Carl Sagan’s widow Ann Druyan, alongside atmospheric scientist Brian Toon.
Social Media in Space with Chris Hadfield
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Discover the experience of being an astronaut in the social media era as Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Chris Hadfield. Eugene Mirman serves as co-host, Astro Mike Massimino returns, and Bill Nye praises human space exploration.
Zombie Apocalypse (Part 1)
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The Zombie Apocalypse cannot be avoided as Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks with Max Brooks, writer of World War Z and the globe’s foremost “expert” on these fictional predators.
Cosmic Queries: Star Trek
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Accompany Neil deGrasse Tyson and Leighann Lord as they venture into uncharted territory: responding to fan inquiries about “Star Trek,” covering topics from teleportation technology and faster-than-light propulsion to Klingons and the Borg.
Immunizing Against Anti-Science with Peter Hotez
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How can the proliferation of anti-science messaging be halted? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Paul Mecurio analyze illness prevention and the emergence of anti-science sentiment with physician and global health expert, Peter Hotez.
Cosmic Queries – Galaxies Galore
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What insights does JWST provide regarding galaxy creation? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice respond to questions concerning galaxies, calculating the distance of remote celestial bodies, dark matter, early universe galaxies, and additional topics.
The Life and Death of Stars with Jackie Faherty
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Is humanity truly composed of stellar material? In this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedic co-host Negin Farsad investigate the existence, and demise, of stars with astrophysicist Jackie Faherty, PhD.
Human Augmentation with Adam Savage and Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Robotic body armor, neural interfaces, miniaturized humans, artificial intelligence, and beyond! Adam Savage and Neil deGrasse Tyson examine human enhancement from the primary stage at NYCC 2017 with comedic co-host Chuck Nice and NYU bioethics professor and philosopher Matthew Liao.
A Cosmic Conversation with Kip Thorne
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Is time travel through a wormhole possible? Neil deGrasse Tyson converses with theoretical physicist and Nobel Laureate Kip Thorne to discuss detecting gravitational waves using LIGO, the scientific concepts in the film Interstellar, black holes, and numerous additional enigmas awaiting resolution.
The Science of Interstellar with Christopher Nolan
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Decode the enigmas of Interstellar as Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews filmmaker and visionary Christopher Nolan. In the studio, Eugene Mirman and cosmologist Dr. Janna Levin assist in maintaining the discussion grounded.
Going to Space with William Shatner
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What was the experience of launching Captain Kirk into space? In this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson meets with William Shatner to explore his journey beyond Earth, Star Trek, and reflections on earthly existence.
Cosmic Queries – Life on Other Planets with Aomawa Shields
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If researchers confirmed humanity is not solitary in the universe, how would they handle that revelation? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore the quest for life, livability surrounding M-type stars, and additional subjects with astrophysics professor and author Aomawa Shields.
Read our review of StarTalk Radio