#34: Science, Generalism, and How it All Started With A Bang

Thinking Critically

In this episode, Jonathan is speaking with Ethan Siegel about how it all started with a bang. They discuss: •Ethan's passion for communicating some of the deepest questions about our universe. •How these deep questions he had about the universe encouraged him to return to graduate school later in life to earn his PhD in theoretical astrophysics. •The importance of having a good work-life balance and society's stigma towards generalists versus the specialist. •How many graduate students struggle with mental health and the importance of getting help when you need it regardless of your environment. •The origin story for his blog Starts With a Bang and why he decided to walk away from his tenure tracked position to pursue science communication full time. •The importance of being flexible when achieving your goals. •Ethan's criterion for scientific literacy. •And other topics. A theoretical astrophysicist by training, Dr. Ethan Siegel left a promising research career in cosmology and a job as a physics and astronomy professor to focus on science communication full-time. He revels in telling scientifically accurate, beautifully illustrated stories about the Universe with the widest audience possible. He believes this Universe is the one thing we all have in common, and knowing our shared cosmic story should be for absolutely everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, nationality, sexuality, educational and economic background, or any other trait. Through stories told in a variety of formats — articles, books, podcasts, videos, interactive discussions, as well as in-person talks — he’s committed to ensuring that the best scientific knowledge we have about the Universe is available to all. You can find Ethan's blog Starts With a Bang here: https://www.startswithabang.com/ You can connect with Ethan on social media here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startswithabang Twitter: https://twitter.com/startswithabang YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ethansiegel You can find this episode on our YouTube channel as well: https://bit.ly/3b8LNwy Also, don't forget about our book “Thinking Critically. From Fake News to Conspiracy Theories. Using Logic to Safely Navigate the Information Landscape” if you're interested in exploring how logic can be used to better help you to discern fact from fiction. The information landscape is perilous, but with the help of this book as your guide, you will always be able to find your way towards truth. It's available on Amazon today! Book: https://amzn.to/3nWdawV This show is supported and produced by Final Stretch Media. Final Stretch believes in creating something that disrupts attention spans and challenges the marketing status quo. They do this by creating high quality visual content that captivates your audience. You can find them on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fsmedia2020 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finalstretch_media/ This show is also supported by QuikLee; the creators of Brain Racers. The world's first ever live racing competition for the brain. Download their app and play live on the weekends on an iOS device against the world. We have raced and it's a blast! App Download: https://apple.co/33n8aJs