The StarTalk Radio Show returns to the airwaves 12/5, with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson as host, and Jon Stewart as his inaugural guest. StarTalk airs live every Sunday at 6:00 pm ET from CBS Radio Studios in NYC. It debuted last year as a 13-week run, but is now going to be permanently syndicated, David Gamble, co-producer of the show, tells RBR-TVBR.
This is a good example of an online show going to radio, Gamble says: “It ran last year on CBS’s online Chat About It online talk station and into KTLK-AM LA (CC Radio). It became very successful as a podcast as well. During October of last year there were 150,000 downloads.”
He adds, “We’re bringing an astrophysicist into a commercial environment. This is one of the only real radio science shows that’s been broadcast on commercial radio, rather than NPR. When we first proposed this to CBS, they virtually laughed us out the door—’we only do sports and music.’ But when we added there will be a stand-up comedian in the studio as a co-host with celebrity guests, they became interested. We’re bringing scientific life into the public culture. We have the support of the National Science Foundation.”
Subjects such as space travel, extra-terrestrial life, the Big Bang, the future of our Earth and the environment, killer asteroids, and breaking news from the cosmos as well as other areas of science and technology — will be explored.
Tyson currently serves as director of the world famous Hayden Planetarium and is host of PBS’s NOVA ScienceNOW. He was voted People Magazine’s “Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive”. Tyson makes regular appearances as the nation’s expert on “all things space” on major news programs and popular TV shows. He recently appeared in a Cameo on the CBS hit sitcom, The Big Bang Theory.
Tyson’s writings and NOVA specials have earned him a faithful media following. His book, Death by Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries reached the New York Times Best Seller List. In 2007, Tyson was designated one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. Tyson has been blamed for reclassifying Pluto from planet to dwarf object. His most recent book, The Pluto Files, showcases hate mail he’s received from the public including distraught school children, upset about the demotion of Pluto, was made into a NOVA special.
As Gamble said, Tyson is joined each week by a co-host comedian. Chiming in with irreverent and pointed humor, the co-host will represent the everyman and bring science down to Earth. The program also features special guests ranging from scientists to authors to celebrities. StarTalk gives listeners a chance to ask questions and voice opinions on anything from global warming, to the science of fashion and beauty, to sex in space. Get smart and get entertained by StarTalk.
Newly syndicated stations include CBS Sky Radio.com (Sun 6pm ET), CBS Big Talker 1580am in DC (Sun. 6pm ET and Wed 2-3pm ET), 970 AM The Apple, New York (Sunday 6pm ET), and KTLK 1150AM Clear Channel, LA (Sun 3pm PT).
