Ep 13. Weird Al Yankovic

StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson is a show that explores the intersection of science and pop culture. In season 5 episode 13, the guest is none other than "Weird Al" Yankovic, the legendary musical comedian known for his parodies of hit songs.

The episode starts with Neil DeGrasse Tyson introducing Weird Al Yankovic, who has been a fan of science and space since he was a kid. The two discuss their shared love for science and how science has influenced Weird Al's music. Neil and Weird Al also talk about the impact of social media on the music industry and the role of music in popular culture.

Throughout the episode, Weird Al shares stories from his career, including how he got his start in music and how he chooses which songs to parody. He also talks about the process of creating a parody and how he balances making the song funny while still paying homage to the original.

Neil and Weird Al also discuss some of the more science-themed songs that Weird Al has written, such as "The Elements" (a song that lists all the elements on the periodic table) and "Pancreas" (a song about Weird Al's fascination with his own organ). They delve into the science behind these songs and the inspiration behind them.

The episode also features a segment where Neil and Weird Al answer questions from fans. The questions range from the silly (such as, "Does Weird Al believe in UFOs?") to the more serious (such as, "What is the role of humor in science communication?").

Overall, the episode is a fun and lighthearted look at the intersection of science and music, hosted by two people who are both passionate about both. Fans of Weird Al Yankovic and Neil DeGrasse Tyson are sure to enjoy this episode.