Ep 13. Neil deGrasse Tyson

As an astrophysicist and science communicator, Neil deGrasse Tyson has been bringing the wonders of the universe to the masses for decades. On this episode of Talking with Chris Hardwick, he sits down with the host to discuss everything from the importance of science education to the role of science in society.

The conversation starts off with Tyson recounting his childhood and how he became interested in science. He talks about how he was inspired by the Apollo moon landings and how he would spend hours looking up at the stars, dreaming of exploring the cosmos. Hardwick then asks him about his work with the Hayden Planetarium and how he became the director. Tyson explains that he was offered the position because he had been a frequent guest on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and his appearances had helped to raise the profile of the planetarium.

The conversation then turns to the subject of science education, and Tyson gets fired up as he talks about the importance of teaching kids about science and critical thinking. He laments the fact that many students are not taught to think scientifically, and instead are taught a set of rote facts that they are expected to memorize. Tyson argues that science is not about memorizing facts, but about asking questions and coming up with hypotheses. He also stresses the importance of having a scientifically literate population, given the many challenges facing our planet today.

As the conversation moves on, Tyson and Hardwick dive into some of the more esoteric concepts of astrophysics, such as the possibility of parallel universes and the nature of dark matter. Tyson explains these difficult concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging, and Hardwick gamely tries to keep up with the scientist's rapid-fire delivery.

Another topic that comes up during the interview is the role of science in society. Tyson argues that science has been one of the driving forces behind human progress, and that it will continue to play a vital role in shaping our future. However, he warns that science can also be used for nefarious purposes, and that scientists and policymakers need to be mindful of the unintended consequences of their actions.

Overall, this episode of Talking with Chris Hardwick is a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation with one of the world's most prominent science communicators. Neil deGrasse Tyson's passion for science is infectious, and his insights into the workings of the universe are both illuminating and entertaining. Whether you're a science nerd or just a curious layperson, this episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired and enlightened.