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Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science
Climate Change
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Fungi
Color Perception
Space Junk
Lithium
Women's Health
Total Solar Eclipse
Bird Migration
The Universe
Hypnosis
The Last Of Us
Paleontology
Biofluorescence
Heat Death
Therapeutic Potential Of Hypnosis
Salton Sea
Ancient Egypt
Endometriosis
Rebecca Lee Crumpler

The surprising connections in science and technology that give you the Big Picture. Astronomer Seth Shostak and science journalist Molly Bentley are joined each week by leading researchers, techies, and journalists to provide a smart and humorous take on science. Our regular "Skeptic Check" episodes cast a critical eye on pseudoscience.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes653Founded20 years ago
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ScienceTechnology

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Artwork for Big Picture Science

Latest Episodes

The worry about whether H5N1 will trigger a human pandemic has concealed a startling reality. Avian influenza has already taken an enormous toll on the lives of other animals. Since 2005, the number of wild and domesticated birds killed is greater th... more

In Brazil, leaders from across the globe are gathering for COP30, the premier climate summit in the world. For the first time, the U.S. is sitting it out, after exiting the Paris Agreement. There is, however, a ray of hope in the global efforts to re... more

What happens to us after we die is as much a question for anthropology and ecology as it is for theology.  Death and decay are not comfortable subjects, but some scientists study them unflinchingly, knowing that doing so yields valuable scientific in... more

Long before Orson Welles provoked a panic with his 1938 radio broadcast of a Martian invasion in War of the Worlds, we were fascinated with the possibility of life on the Red Planet. We may be a step closer to finding it after the Perseverance rover ... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Doug Corwin
Duck farmer and owner of Crescent Duck Farm in Aqua Bog, New York
Crescent Duck Farm
Episode: Flu the Coop
Jon Cohen
Senior Correspondent with Science Magazine and author of Planning Miracles
Science Magazine
Episode: Flu the Coop
Bill McKibben
Environmentalist and journalist, founder of 350.org, and author of Here Comes the Sun
350.org
Episode: Solar Good
Giovanna Vidoli
Director of the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee
Episode: The Decomposers
Dawnie Steadman
Professor of Anthropology and Director Emeritus of the Forensic Anthropology Center
University of Tennessee
Episode: The Decomposers
Melanie Beasley
Biological Anthropologist in the Department of Anthropology at Purdue University
Purdue University
Episode: The Decomposers
Janice Bishop
Senior Research Scientist at the SETI Institute
SETI Institute
Episode: Mad About Mars
Adam Frank
Astrophysicist at the University of Rochester
University of Rochester
Episode: Mad About Mars
David Baron
Science writer and author
Episode: Mad About Mars

Hosts

Molly Bentley
Host and Executive Producer, guiding discussions with humor and insight, focusing on various scientific topics.
Seth Shostak
Co-host and Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute, providing expert insights on astronomy and related scientific fields.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Delete

    Delete

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States3 months ago
  • Silly Statement

    Why state that the Rubin Observatory is the first one named after a woman?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States4 months ago
  • Best podcast

    I listen to about a dozen podcasts. Big picture Science is by far the most informative and entertaining

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    R be l.
    United Statesa year ago
  • Enjoying the show

    Thanks for looking at social sciences as well as the traditional ‘hard sciences’.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    WDBonett
    Australiaa year ago
  • Intriguing & Educational

    Very balanced interviews with experts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ZosiaSar
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Many enjoy the balance of hard science with entertaining formats, indicating strong viewer loyalty and engagement.
Critics sometimes express concern over perceived biases in content or the political implications of certain episodes, but overall feedback is mostly positive.
The podcast is praised for tackling complex scientific topics in an engaging and humorous way, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Listeners appreciate the intelligent discussions and expert insights provided by the hosts and guests.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#75
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#87
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#153
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#121
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#56
Chile/Science
Apple Podcasts
#80
Saudi Arabia/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Mad About Mars
Q: How do these past examples and the process of science itself inform how we should consider the discovery of a possible biosignature?
This is going to be a long process, science is a long process, and if you want to answer the most important question that humanity has ever asked, you cannot expect it to be a three day exercise.
Mad About Mars
Q: What would it take for us to know conclusive evidence of life on Mars?
On Earth we have a lot of different instruments that would be able to tell us, so we need to get those samples home.
Skeptic Check: Health Fads
Q: Are you saying that reducing stress somehow affects the health of mitochondria?
Yes, repeated stress can damage mitochondria, but positive social interactions might enhance mitochondrial function.
Skeptic Check: Health Fads
Q: Can you clarify the difference between mitochondrial disease and the recent claims around mitochondrial dysfunction?
Mitochondrial disease is a genetic defect that impairs energy transformation, whereas mitochondrial dysfunction is often used incorrectly to describe energy transformation issues.
Spare (Body) Parts
Q: If you have a whole new body that belonged entirely, the entire body belonged to someone else and it's just your brain or your head, yes, is that you?
I think you could replace any number of parts as long as you leave the brain. I think the person is the person, really.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Picture Science

What is Big Picture Science about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast explores the surprising connections in science and technology, presenting a blend of humor and insightful commentary. The hosts engage with leading researchers, tech professionals, and journalists, discussing various topics ranging from astronomy and health to environmental issues and technological advancements. Unique segments such as 'Skeptic Check' critically evaluate pseudoscience, adding an interesting dimension to the discussions. Listeners can expect to discover intriguing perspectives on familiar scientific concepts, making complex subjects accessible and entertaining, while also fostering a greater understanding of the sometimes convoluted nature of scientific discourse.

Where can I find podcast stats for Big Picture Science?

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Which podcasts are similar to Big Picture Science?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Big Picture Science:

1. Science Magazine Podcast
2. Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
3. Science Friday
4. The Supermassive Podcast
5. Why This Universe?

How many episodes of Big Picture Science are there?

Big Picture Science launched 20 years ago and published 653 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 Big Picture Science?

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What guests have appeared on Big Picture Science?

Recent guests on Big Picture Science include:

1. Doug Corwin
2. Jon Cohen
3. Bill McKibben
4. Giovanna Vidoli
5. Dawnie Steadman
6. Melanie Beasley
7. Janice Bishop
8. Adam Frank

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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