Life of a Science Guy, with Bill Nye

About This Episode

How does one become the “Science Guy?” Where did it all begin? And what’s with the bow ties? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with his good friend Bill Nye to find out from the man himself. In-studio, Neil is joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice and science communicator Emily Calandrelli. 

We start at the beginning. You’ll learn about Bill’s upbringing and his mechanical engineering background. Bill explains how his father’s love for investigating the night sky influenced his decision to take astronomy. We talk about his first foray into astronomy class…which happened to be taught by Carl Sagan. Bill tells us about his class’s influence on the music for The Golden Record attached to the Voyager spacecraft.

Learn more about Bill’s time spent working at Boeing developing aircraft. Investigate Bill’s patents which include a throwing machine, a ballet slipper, and a “hydraulic pressure resonance suppressor” which is still used on 747s today. Emily tells us about “Ada Lace,” a character she created that helps children engage with science and invention. You’ll finally find out why Bill wears the bow ties! And, we discuss the signature style of other scientists.

Bill shares his favorite love story with us which just so happens to include the development of the atomic bomb. Biological anthropologist Helen Fisher, PhD, drops in to discuss the science of falling in love. We answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries that explore love at first sight, the brain chemistry of love, and Bill asks his own question on the science of love.

Re-visit the catchy, era-defining theme song from Bill’s original show as Chuck advocates its importance to kids growing up during that time. Neil ponders if “Science Guy” is a misnomer for Bill. Lastly, Bill tells us how he’s currently working to change the world. All that, plus, we cap off our Bill celebration with a mash-up of some of his best dispatches for StarTalk TV. 

Thanks to this week’s Patrons for supporting us: 

Kohl Chrislock, Bradley Desrochers, Katelyn Hague, The Fellowship of Doge, Stu Glassner aka Neurocleric, Tabitha Bradley

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons and All-Access subscribers can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.