StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson — Season 2

Aired 25 October 2015 • 60 min

In the season premiere, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with former President Bill Clinton, who was a strong advocate of science education and advancement during his two presidential terms. President Clinton opens up about his deep appreciation for science as he delves into topics including the importance of science in politics, the cosmic perspective, the Human Genome Project and Einstein. At the Cullman Hall of the Universe, Tyson continues the conversation with his comedian co-host Chuck Nice and genomics expert Juan Enriquez. Meanwhile, Bill Nye gives his take on advancing scientific progress in America, author Richard Muller joins via video call to talk about the influence of science on politics and Tyson answers fan questions about artificial intelligence.

Aired 1 November 2015 • 60 min

Emmy® award-winning producer, actor, comedian and writer Larry Wilmore joins Tyson in the hot seat as the two delve into the intersection of science and comedy. At the Cullman Hall of the Universe, Tyson is joined by his co-hosts: comedian Chuck Nice and Scott Weems, author of “Ha! The Science of When We Laugh and Why.” The three discuss the physiology of laughter, the mathematics of crafting jokes and the link between humor and creativity. Adding to the discussion, author Andy Weir patches into the studio to discuss the comedy in his book “The Martian” and Bill Nye presents an improv performance to demonstrate that science can, in fact, be funny.

Aired 8 November 2015 • 60 min

Neil deGrasse Tyson joins Seth MacFarlane, creator of “Family Guy” and fellow executive producer of “Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey”, to discuss the role science plays in his work and personal life. In a private interview, the two take on myriad topics, including social issues in cartoons, the science of “Family Guy” and the science fiction parodies that abound in the series. Tyson is joined in the Cullman Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Chuck Nice and astrophysicist and AMNH research associate Charles Liu, and later Bill Nye gives his take on cartoons and animation.

Aired 15 November 2015 • 60 min

Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews magicians Penn and Teller and discusses the science of illusion with co-host Chuck Nice and guest Susana Martinez-Conde.

Aired 29 November 2015 • 60 min

Neil deGrasse Tyson expands his cosmic perspective with actress and activist Susan Sarandon. The two discuss gender, race, perspective, marijuana and Carl Sagan.

Aired 6 December 2015 • 60 min

Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews musician David Byrne and discusses creativity in the arts and sciences with co-host Maeve Higgins and guest Monica Lopez-Gonzalez.

Aired 13 December 2015 • 60 min

Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Mars One co-founder Bas Lansdorp and discusses the idea of establishing a permanent human settlement on Mars with co-host Eugene Mirman and guest Mike Massimino.

Aired 20 December 2015 • 60 min

Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews David Crosby and discusses folk music and social justice with co-host Chuck Nice and guest Thomas Sugrue.

Aired 27 December 2015 • 60 min

Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews physicist Brian Cox and discusses communicating science to the public with co-host Maeve Higgins and guest Jason Silva.

Aired 3 January 2016 • 60 min

Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Gina McCarthy and discusses the EPA's efforts in keeping the Earth habitable for humans with co-host Maeve Higgins and guest Andrew Revkin.