Different Strokes with Arshay Cooper and Dr. Kevin Stone

About This Episode

Neil deGrasse Tyson rowed crew?! On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice take a trip down memory lane as they explore the physics, physiology, and lessons of rowing, featuring Dr. Kevin Stone and Arshay Cooper, author of A Most Beautiful Thing. 

What are the physics of rowing? Why do rowers move backwards? Is there an ideal build for a rower? Neil takes us through some of his experiences rowing and what it takes to go fast. Discover the many ways the sport works to decrease drag. How does wind impact speed? What the heck is catching a crab? Sounds gross. 

Next, we talk to Dr. Kevin Stone to break down what rowing does within the human body. Is rowing contagious? We break down just how torturous the sport of rowing is on the human body and what it goes through minute by minute during a race. Why do people even do this to themselves? Find out what injuries occur and how rowing benefits from technology. 

To finish things off, we sit down with Arshay Cooper to discuss accessibility in rowing. What’s it like to coach the first all black high school team? We explore Arshay’s journey to become a rower and later a coach in the West side of Chicago. What lessons can be learned from rowing crew? Is it the ultimate team sport? How do you navigate an overwhelmingly white sport? Also discover Arshay’s philosophy on life and what lessons we can take into our lives off the water. 

Thanks to our Patrons Alex Redner, Arlindo Anderson, Miranda Toth, Andrew Collins, Michael Collazo, Leona Shimoru, zezous1989, Charles D. Teague, Martin Skans, and Thomas_Mulryan for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.