Hello all! Welcome back to The Cosmic Companion! I’m James G. Maynard.

Today, we’re talking about humanity’s drive to reach new heights — literally! From the earliest dreams of flight to the thrilling reality of space exploration, we’ll be taking a look at why we soar.

Our special guest today is none other than former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, who will share her experiences and insights on what it takes to reach for the stars, as well as the best within us all.

But first, let’s take a journey through time to see how our fascination with flight has taken us from Kitty Hawk to the International Space Station and beyond!

What do we know about Venus? What do we not know? Stephen Kane, planetary astrophysicist at UC Riverside, joins us to uncover the science and unanswered questions about Venus.

Looking at the science and history behind The Wizard and The Scholar (or, a Rapscallion Runs Amok in Rye), a New Tale of Robin Hood!

Set in the year 1156, our upcoming feature film, The Wizard and The Scholar (or, a Rapscallion Runs Amok in Rye) now has a planned release date! AND it will be in theaters!

This story is led by two amazing women - Elara, a wizard without power, and Adelaide, a nomadic scholar on the search for truth in all things. Faced with a brutal murder in the city, the disparate pair must unite with the most famous thief of all time — Robin Hood — to solve the crime and save the city from an even more egregious threat.Watch this video to learn the release date!

Today on The Cosmic Companion, we're diving deep into the wild world of intelligence - from curious creatures beneath the waves to the endless expanse of space. Later in the show, we will be talking with octopus whisperer Sy Montgomery.

[OCTOPUS: What? What? Speak up! Stop whispering!]

Now, you probably think I'm about to start talking about animals. Well, yes. But. No. Not yet. First, let's explore the vast network of fungi and their surprising sentience!

MUSHROOMS!

Welcome back to The Cosmic Companion. I’m James G. Maynard — science show host, terrible actor, worse puppeteer, and proud resident of this planet Earth.

For our Earth Day 2024 episode, we’ll be exploring how fiction and storytelling have inspired environmental movements throughout history. Later in the show, we will be joined by Ann E. Burg, talking about her new book, Force of Nature, a free-verse novel inspired by Rachel Carson.

Let’s begin by traveling back in time! [beep beep beep] [ROAR] What? Dinosaurs? No, no, far too far back in time… [beep beep beep] [Good Day, good Sir. By what manner do you appear before me?] Ben Franklin? Nope. Too recent. [beep beep beep]. Ah. Gilgamesh. Here we go...

This week, we are providing you with a viewing guide to the solar eclipse happening over much of North America on Monday 8th April. Sit back and enjoy. Take notes. There will be a test later. Maybe. naw, it’s only a quiz.

Get ready for an incredible celestial event on 8th April — a solar eclipse! As the moon lines up perfectly between the Earth and the sun, parts of North America will experience a spectacular show, and we’re here to help you make the most of it...

Welcome back to The Cosmic Companion. I’m James G. Maynard. This week, we take the first of two looks at the upcoming solar eclipse coming on 8 April. Later in the show, we will be talking with noted physicist, mathematician, and developer Stephen Wolfram about his new book, Predicting the Eclipse.

From ancient fears and superstitions to modern-day scientific predictions, the history of eclipse forecasting is a captivating tale of human curiosity and ingenuity.

Have you ever looked up at the sky during an eclipse and wondered how people in the past reacted to this awe-inspiring sight? Admit it. I know you have!