StarTalk (2015– ) User Reviews (4)

Good show to keep you up-to-date

[zenmateisshite · 9/10 · 19 January 2017]

Its a bit like TED talks but more focused on the beauty of science itself and how most people have a fascination with it and less on how to make money out of the latest innovations in Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED).

The way the show goes is how my mates an I talk when at the pub or out for lunch. Of course we talk about other stuff as well (we're not total nerds) but this show is as fun as having a beer with friends. The good thing about StarTalk is that it gives one an edge when discussing issues so an informed discussion can be had.

Most "episodes" are great but some are just OK. I like Chuck Nice and Bill Nye's segments also.

Not everyone will be entertained but Neil is trying to make it as digestible and relatable as possible so that even Kardasian{sic} ;) fans may learn something useful.

Science, what is good for? A lot

[tenshi_ippikiookami · 7/10 · 25 June 2016]

"StarTalk" is a very interesting show about science and other "stuff", presented by the quite charming (and sometimes unable to let others finish their sentences) Neil deGrasse Tyson. Its format is quite simple: deGrasse Tyson and a couple of co-hosts (a comedian and an expert on the episode's subject) talk about science and different subjects (art, politics, medicine...) while jumping to segments of interviews the same deGrasse Tyson has done with "star" guests (George Takei, Christopher Nolan or Arianna Huffington) that are related also to that subject. For around 40 minutes, the viewer (or listener, as this is basically a podcast) can inform themselves about a different range of subjects, and improve (more or less critically) on their knowledge.

It is all very interesting and engaging, and deGrasse Tyson, his co- hosts and the guests keep things going, without the science becoming at any moment too difficult to understand. It is quite interesting to see how they try to relate the episode's subject to science and the world in general, even though the show sometimes suffers from being a little bit all over the place (or curiously patriotic, as when Bill Clinton and deGrasse Tyson comment on the Superconducting Super Collider not being on United States of America's ground; even though that is an eye-opener example of how politics work even in the progress of science).

Nonetheless it is a show absolutely worth checking and it will make the viewer think and learn and get interested in knowing more about, not only science, but a wide range of subjects. Fascinating and informing.

Science Made Approachable with Humor

[brian_m_hass · 8/10 · 28 December 2016]

This American television program is a science and astronomy talk show hosted by astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson. The show features guests and entertainers, who help Tyson present the seemingly intimidating topic of science to a broader audience by injecting the topic with a bit of humor. Questions about science are answered using language which can be understood by non-scientists.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is the perfect host for a talk show about science. He has spent many years popularizing science. In many ways, Tyson has become the "Carl Sagan" of the twenty-first century, following Sagan's example of demystifying science and debunking junk science. Neil deGrasse Tyson has become one of the most easily recognized science figures in the media.

This talk show is for average people who are curious about science. Hardcore science buffs will probably find the show's presentation of science to be somewhat light compared to that of more serious science documentaries; while, other people with no interest in science will probably find the show's subject matter either overwhelming or even uninteresting. The target audience of this show is the group of people who fall somewhere in between these two extremes.

In an increasingly technologically-advanced society, scientific literacy is more important than ever. Decisions on many ballot issues require a knowledge of science. Neil deGrasse Tyson is the ideal choice to host a show which helps the audience sort through the confusing mixture of science, junk science, and superstition. "StarTalk" is more than an entertaining science talk show. It is a public service. The show is highly recommended!

Politically weighted

[brucethomson-47872 · 5/10 · 14 March 2021]

This is a generally informative podcast. Unfortunately Neil can't help but slip his politics into what should be an educational and neutral show. I don't think he even tries, it is his goal to improve your political thinking, by any means necessary.

His opinions on high school teaching methods and goals, world governments, corrupt motivations for historical NASA funding are recent examples of content that should not have been in the show at all.

I think that if the co-host Chuck Nice took over, and guest astronomers/related scientists were introduced then Neil could be deleted from this show permanently, with no harm being done. Stick to the facts, please, on the topic I was interested in.

If you are willing to use the 'skip' button frequently, or if you are interested in Neil's political views then this is a podcast for you. I have sadly found it so tiresome that I've had to delete it.