Tavis Smiley Season 6 Episode 15 Neil deGrasse Tyson, David Denby

Neil deGrasse Tyson and David Denby are the special guests on the 15th episode of season 6 of Tavis Smiley. Tyson is an astrophysicist, cosmologist, and author, while Denby is a film critic and journalist.

The episode starts with Tavis Smiley asking Tyson about his journey and how he became interested in astrophysics. Tyson shares how he was born and raised in New York City, and he was fascinated with the stars and the planets since he was a kid. He recalls a visit to the Hayden Planetarium when he was just nine years old that sparked his interest in astronomy.

Smiley then moves on to ask Tyson about the current state of science in the country. Tyson shares his concern about the lack of funding for science research and education in the United States. He believes that science should be a priority for the country and that we need to invest in it to stay ahead in the global economy.

David Denby is then welcomed on the show, and Smiley asks him about his thoughts on the current state of Hollywood and the movie industry. Denby shares his opinion on the quality of movies that Hollywood is producing and the challenges associated with the rise of streaming services.

The conversation then moves to the intersection of science and art. Tyson shares his belief that science and art are not separate fields, but rather two sides of the same coin. He explains how both disciplines require creativity and imagination to be successful.

Denby adds that movies are an excellent example of the intersection of science and art. With the advancement of technology, special effects in movies have become incredibly realistic, which requires a lot of scientific research and development.

Smiley then asks both Tyson and Denby about their thoughts on the role of education in society. Denby shares that he believes education is essential for democracy to function correctly and that we need to make sure everyone has access to quality education.

Tyson adds that education is critical to driving innovation and scientific progress. He believes that we need more scientists in the world, and we need to encourage more people to pursue careers in STEM fields.

The discussion then turns to the accessibility of science education. Tyson shares his advocacy for making science education more accessible, especially to underrepresented minorities and women. He believes that everyone should have the opportunity to learn about science and contribute to the field.

Denby adds that access to education is also essential for the movie industry. He shares his experience working in the film industry and how he saw first-hand the importance of education in the creative process.

The episode ends with Smiley thanking Tyson and Denby for sharing their insights and perspectives on science, education, and art. Smiley encourages his viewers to continue to seek knowledge and education, as it is vital to personal growth and societal progress.

Overall, episode 15 of season 6 of Tavis Smiley was a thought-provoking discussion between two experts in their respective fields. Tyson and Denby provided unique perspectives on the intersection of science and art and the importance of education in society. The episode was a good reminder that we should always seek to learn and understand more about the world around us.