Is Anybody Out There?

from Flash Forward · host Rose Eveleth

Today’s episode is all about contact. Have we really discovered alien life on Venus? How do you even look for life when you don't know what it will look like? What would happen if we did find it? Should we be sending messages out into the universe? Are aliens going to kill us? What would happen if they showed up?Guests: Dr. Clara Sousa — quantum astrochemist at Harvard University Moiya McTier — astrophysicist at Columbia University and host of Exolore Dr. Michael L. Wong — planetary scientist at the University of Washington and host of Strange New Worlds: A Science & Star Trek Podcast Michael Oman Reagan — anthropologist & founding board member of the JustSpace Alliance Dr. Kathryn Denning — anthropologist at York University Jaime Green — writer & editor working on a book about aliens Voice Actors Dr. Jaad — Johnnie Jae Alex Jenkins — Keith Houston Radio reporter — Ashley Kellem Alien 1 — Henry Alexander Kelly Alien 2 — Brett Tubbs → → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Matt Lubchansky.Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected] the show: Patreon // DonorboxSubscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify Episode Sponsors: Skillshare: Skillshare is an online learning community where millions come together to take the next step in their creative journey, with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people, on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Start with two free months of Premium Membership, and explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/flashforward. Hingston & Olsen Publishing: Projections is a deluxe box set of science-fiction stories that each in some way predicted life in the present day. Order your copy today from hingstonandolsen.com/projections, and save 10% off your purchase when you enter the promo code FLASHFORWARD at checkout. Shaker & Spoon: A subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/ffwd. Tab for a Cause: A browser extension that lets you raise money for charity while doing your thing online. Whenever you open a new tab, you’ll see a beautiful photo and a small ad. Part of that ad money goes toward a charity of your choice! Join team Advice For And From The future by signing up at tabforacause.org/flashforward. Tavour: Tavour is THE app for fans of beer, craft brews, and trying new and exciting labels. You sign up in the app and can choose the beers you’re interested in (including two new ones DAILY) adding to your own personalized crate. Use code: flashforward for $10 off after your first order of $25 or more. Purple Carrot: Purple Carrot is THE plant-based subscription meal kit that makes it easy to cook irresistible meals to fuel your body. Each week, choose from an expansive and delicious menu of dinners, lunches, breakfasts, and snacks! Get $30 off your first box by going to www.purplecarrot.com and entering code FLASH at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way to eat more plants! The Listener: Get smart, surprising podcast recommendations in your inbox every day. Listeners to Flash Forward can get two extra months free at thelistener.co using the code flashforward20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What this episode covers

Today’s episode is all about contact. Have we really discovered alien life on Venus? How do you even look for life when you don't know what it will look like? What would happen if we did find it? Should we be sending messages out into the universe? Are aliens going to kill us? What would happen if they showed up? Guests: Dr. Clara Sousa — quantum astrochemist at Harvard University Moiya McTier — astrophysicist at Columbia University and host of Exolore Dr. Michael L. Wong — planetary scientist at the University of Washington and host of Strange New Worlds: A Science & Star Trek Podcast Michael Oman Reagan — anthropologist & founding board member of the JustSpace Alliance Dr. Kathryn Denning — anthropologist at York University Jaime Green — writer & editor working on a book about aliens Voice Actors Dr. Jaad — Johnnie Jae Alex Jenkins — Keith Houston Radio reporter — Ashley Kellem Alien 1 — Henry Alexander Kelly Alien 2 — Brett Tubbs → → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Matt Lubchansky. Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected] Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify Episode Sponsors: Skillshare: Skillshare is an online learning community where millions come together to take the next step in their creative journey, with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people, on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Start with two free months of Premium Membership, and explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/flashforward. Hingston & Olsen Publishing: Projections is a deluxe box set of science-fiction stories that each in some way predicted life in the present day. Order your copy today from hingstonandolsen.com/projections, and save 10% off your purchase when you enter the promo code FLASHFORWARD at checkout. Shaker & Spoon: A subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/ffwd. Tab for a Cause: A browser extension that lets you raise money for charity while doing your thing online. Whenever you open a new tab, you’ll see a beautiful photo and a small ad. Part of that ad money goes toward a charity of your choice! Join team Advice For And From The future by signing up at tabforacause.org/flashforward. Tavour: Tavour is THE app for fans of beer, craft brews, and trying new and exciting labels. You sign up in the app and can choose the beers you’re interested in (including two new ones DAILY) adding to your own personalized crate. Use code: flashforward for $10 off after your first order of $25 or more. Purple Carrot: Purple Carrot is THE plant-based subscription meal kit that makes it easy to cook irresistible meals to fuel your body. Each week, choose from an expansive and delicious menu of dinners, lunches, breakfasts, and snacks! Get $30 off your first box by going to www.purplecarrot.com and entering code FLASH at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way to eat more plants! The Listener: Get smart, surprising podcast recommendations in your inbox every day. Listeners to Flash Forward can get two extra months free at thelistener.co using the code flashforward20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices