Geeks and jocks collide on StarTalk Playing with Science, the science and sports podcast from StarTalk. Every week, we'll explore the science behind the most iconic moments in sports with our hosts, professional British soccer player and sports broadcaster Gary O'Reilly and fan favorite StarTalk co-host Chuck Nice. Our guests include pro athletes, coaches, sports experts, scientists, and everyone's personal astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson. Remember: Playing with fire gets you burned, "Playing with Science" gets you learned. Click here for more information.
Please follow Playing with Science on your favorite social media platforms. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Scroll down for episodes or search by keyword
Move over Moneyball, something new is coming. Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore the world of data-driven player development that’s re-shaping baseball today. Featuring Ben Lindbergh and Travis Sawchik, authors of The MVP Machine, and astrophysicist and baseball sleuth Meredith Wills, PhD.
“If everything seems under control then you’re just not going fast enough.” Hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice hit the fast lane with legendary driver Mario Andretti and our resident astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to explore Mario’s extraordinary career.
Hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice investigate the science-filled, data-driven world of SailGP yacht racing alongside Team USA member Hans Henken and Team USA performance analyst Phil Crain.
Hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice explore the world of plant-powered athletes and plant-based diets with former German strongman competitor Patrik Baboumian, heavyweight boxer Cam F. Awesome, and vegan nutrition and fitness coach Karina Inkster.
Sneakerheads Unite – Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore the world of sneakerheads and the science of sneaker design with legendary designer D’Wayne Edwards, designer/creator Federico Maccapani aka @Mbroidered, and sneaker fashionista Ezra Wine.
Place your bets! Hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice explore the ins, outs, ups, and downs of sports betting with sports writer Brett Smiley, statistics expert David Beaudoin, and Todd Fuhrman, FS1 contributor and host of the Bet the Board podcast.
![Baishampayan Ghose's photo of Las Vegas race and sports book, via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)].](https://startalkmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Las_Vegas_sportsbook_Credit_Baishampayan-Ghose_1400x975-820x570.jpg)
Hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice investigate the systemic gender bias and discrimination happening in professional sports with World Cup winner and former USWNT soccer star Heather O’Reilly, and economist Andrew Zimbalist, PhD.
Golf technology and astrophotography – these worlds collide as hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice sit down with professional golfer and astrophotographer Jimmy Walker, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Matt Plumb, former Global Product Line Manager for Nike Golf Clubs.
![Rory McIlroy’s club bag and caddie. Credit: TourProGolfClubs [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]](https://startalkmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Rory_McIlroy_club_bag_and_caddie_Credit_TourProGolfClubs-via-Wikimedia-Commons-long-820x570.jpg)
What does it take to win the Kentucky Derby? Hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice explore thoroughbred genetics and the ins and outs of horse racing with Dr. Stephen Harrison from Thoroughbred Genetics and former champion steeplechase jockey Sean Clancy.
![Louisville Kentucky Derby (May 5, 2007) photo via Wikimedia Commons, Credit - Velo Steve [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]](https://startalkmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Louisville_Kentucky_Derby_Credit_Velo-Steve-via-Wikimedia-Commons_1400x975-820x570.jpg)
What does it take to be World Champion? How can women’s boxing gain more popularity? Can you be a fighter and a trainer? Hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly step into the ring with World Champion Alicia Ashley, astrophysicist and boxer Federica Bianco, and former Olympic-style boxer Cary Williams.
