Sunday Special: A Conversation w Neil deGrasse Tyson & Scott Hamilton Kennedy On Science, Tribalism and Truth

Welcome to a special episode of Why Should I Trust You?  We’re joined by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy. 

There may be no more recognizable figure in science today than Tyson: astronomer, author, public thinker, and the guy who’s done more than just about anyone to make science accessible. Today, our focus is less on the cosmos and more on us humans—and why we’re losing trust in the very science Tyson represents. 

The pair have released two timely films: Shot in the Arm, about vaccines, and Food Evolution, which explores genetically modified food. With the rise of MAHA, both topics couldn’t be more front and center.We talk about anecdotes versus data, empathy for diverging points of view, why humans struggle with probability, how imprecise communication—whether about a novel virus or a UFO sighting—breeds mistrust, and why, as a species, we need to figure out this trust thing, fast.

Hosts:

Brinda Adhikari

Tom Johnson

Maggie Bartlett

Dr. Mark Abdelmalek

Guests:

Neil Degrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, author, director of Hayden Planetarium

Scott Hamilton Kennedy, Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Shot in the Arm, Food Evolution

Thanks for listening! If you like us, please leave a review, rate us, and please subscribe! 

Got questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]