StarTalk Radio: "Making Science Cool, with Jeff Goldblum"

Host: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Guest: Jeff Goldblum
Special Guest: Ross McPhee, Paleontologist at the American Museum of Natural History
Release Date: August 1, 2025

1. Redefining the Scientist Archetype

Neil deGrasse Tyson opens the episode by highlighting Jeff Goldblum's iconic portrayal of scientists with a unique swagger in blockbuster films like Independence Day and Jurassic Park. Tyson reflects on how Goldblum's characters broke stereotypes, presenting scientists as charismatic and engaging figures rather than the traditional, reserved archetype.

[02:55] Jeff Goldblum: "Well, it was beautifully scripted. You know, I'm sure you read Michael Crichton's book. Yeah, I'll bet... I could hip it up a little."

Ross McPhee echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of making scientists relatable and engaging to the public.

2. The Evolution of "Geek" Culture

The conversation delves into the evolution of the term "geek" and its association with intelligence and attractiveness. Goldblum challenges traditional labels, advocating for the appreciation of intelligence as inherently "sexy."

[04:28] Neil deGrasse Tyson: "Intelligence as a point of sexiness."

[04:31] Jeff Goldblum: "Well, I don't call a smart person a geek... geeks were the people who bit for entertainment, bit heads off of live chickens."

Tyson and McPhee discuss the societal shift towards valuing scientific intellect, moving away from outdated stereotypes.

3. Jurassic Park and Scientific Ethics

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the ethical implications of scientific advancements, as inspired by Goldblum's line in Jurassic Park: "You scientists are so preoccupied with whether or not you could. You didn't stop and think if you should."

[10:04] Jeff Goldblum: "We shouldn't deprecate science at all, we shouldn't indict science at all... the exploitation and the non-ethical use of it for profit... must be fought with every breath in our bodies."

Tyson and McPhee explore how science fiction mirrors real-world ethical dilemmas, stressing the responsibility of scientists to consider the broader impacts of their work.

4. De-Extinction: Possibility and Ethics

Ross McPhee introduces the concept of de-extinction—bringing back extinct species through genetic technologies. The discussion covers the feasibility of resurrecting creatures like the T. Rex or the dodo bird and the moral responsibilities that accompany such endeavors.

[20:19] Ross McPhee: "De extinction is the idea of bringing back species populations that are no longer with us because they've disappeared... were we responsible? A lot of people think so. So do we owe it to woolly mammoths?"

The panel debates whether reviving extinct species serves scientific curiosity or poses unforeseen ecological risks.

5. Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Effect

The episode transitions to an exploration of chaos theory, featuring insights from Rafael Chapp, an economist specializing in complexity and emergence. The discussion ties back to Goldblum's portrayal of chaos theory in Jurassic Park, emphasizing its real-world applications and philosophical implications.

[31:24] Rafael Chapp: "The sensitivity to initial conditions, in popular terms, that's called the butterfly effect. [...] A butterfly with the wing can have a really huge impact in another side of the world."

Goldblum reflects on the unpredictability of life's outcomes, drawing parallels between personal decisions and larger, chaotic systems.

[29:33] Neil deGrasse Tyson: "One little thing... How different your life would be from that one little change."

6. Cultivating Curiosity in Youth

Jeff Goldblum shares his philosophy on nurturing curiosity in children, advocating for an environment where young minds can explore and learn without excessive constraints.

[46:57] Jeff Goldblum: "My curiosity... I see my kids. I got a three year old and a one year old... something like that, yes."

The conversation highlights the importance of fostering a sense of wonder and exploration, essential traits for future scientists and innovators.

7. Extinction Events and Their Causes

Ross McPhee provides an overview of past mass extinction events, distinguishing those caused by extraterrestrial impacts from those driven by terrestrial phenomena like supervolcanoes.

[43:18] Ross McPhee: "Now the thinking is going to Earth processes, particularly the release of tremendous amounts of lava, tremendous amounts of magma, super volcanoes... has driven at least some Earth's trying to kill us."

This segment underscores the complex interplay of factors leading to mass extinctions and the ongoing scientific efforts to understand them.

8. Defending Earth from Asteroids

The discussion shifts to planetary defense, featuring Kelly Fast, Program Manager at NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. Tyson and Goldblum explore NASA’s strategies for detecting and mitigating potential asteroid threats.

[40:04] Kelly Fast: "The first step... is to find them before they find us... The DART mission... is in development to demonstrate a mitigation technique."

The panel debates the likelihood of early detection and the technological advancements necessary to protect Earth from such catastrophic events.

9. Final Reflections on Science and Society

In the closing segment, Tyson reflects on the resilience of species like dinosaurs and the pivotal role of intelligent life in shaping Earth's future.

[54:16] Neil deGrasse Tyson: "We have the technology, we have the intelligence to avoid that fate. We can deflect an asteroid, we can develop a viral serum. We can be good caretakers of the earth that we are borrowing from our descendants."

This concluding thought reinforces the episode's central theme: the profound responsibility that comes with scientific knowledge and technological capability.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeff Goldblum:

  "We must learn how to resolve differences nonviolently. And even though the universe may be a violent place and a hostile place, we shouldn't... figure out how to arm ourselves and survive against the hostile universe."
  [38:14]

• Rafael Chapp:

  "The sensitivity to initial conditions, in popular terms, that's called the butterfly effect."
  [31:24]

• Ross McPhee:

  "De extinction is the idea of bringing back species populations that are no longer with us because they've disappeared."
  [20:19]

Conclusion

In "Making Science Cool," Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jeff Goldblum engage in a multifaceted discussion that intertwines pop culture, scientific ethics, and the awe-inspiring complexities of the universe. Through conversations with experts like Ross McPhee and perspectives on chaos theory and extinction events, the episode underscores the pivotal role of curiosity, responsibility, and innovation in advancing our understanding of life and the cosmos.

For those passionate about science and its intersection with everyday life, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights, humor, and thoughtful discourse, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.