Polymath World Channel

Dr. Laura Thomas is a psychologist specialising in human performance in extreme environments. She shares insights from her extensive experience with analog missions, at both Poles, space psychology, and preparing for long-duration space travel. We explore the psychological challenges of space exploration, the importance of team dynamics, and the future of human performance on Mars.

Key  Topics
Psychological challenges of space travel
Analog missions and their purpose
Team dynamics and conflict management in space
Mental health monitoring and support strategies
Impact of isolation and confinement on astronauts
Countermeasures for long-duration missions

John Spencer is a pioneering outer space architect and the recipient of design awards from NASA for his work on the International Space Station (ISS). He founded the Space Tourism Society (STS) in 1996 and co-founded the Space Tourism Conference (STC). He is the author with Karen Rugg of “Space Tourism – Do You Want to Go?” 2004, Apogee Books. This was the first book on the subject published in the United States.
As co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Mars World Enterprises, Inc. he created and designed its proposed (not yet funded) $2B Mars World attraction and luxury resort. Over $330 millio...

From building model rockets to exploring space, NASA astronaut Dan Tani shares his inspiring journey and experiences as a spaceflight veteran. Discover the importance of teamwork and followership during space missions, the challenges of space launches and re-entry, and what it takes to assemble and maintain the International Space Station.

📙 In This Episode:
- Dan Tani’s journey to becoming a NASA astronaut
- Teamwork and followership in space missions
- Experiences during launches and re-entry
- Spacewalks (EVAs) and space station assembly
- The future of human spaceflight and commercial space stati...

Dr Ros Jackson has worked for Illumina in Cambridge for the past two decades, during which time gene sequencing has become cheap, accurate, rapid and accessible. The data revolution from massive, parallel sequencing has brought about a huge revolution in the life sciences. Everything from cancer research, drug discovery, through to the current efforts to understand the history of life (such as the Tree of Life Project) have changed forever, and Illumina have been at the heart of these next generation sequencing efforts. Dr Ros Jackson shares her story from being a young, enthusiastic biochemist, through navigating work whilst...

Episode 70: Becoming Martian | How Evolution Could Change Humans on Mars with Scott Solomon

What would happen to the human body and mind if we lived on Mars for generations? In Episode 70, Professor Scott Solomon explores the science of human evolution in space and how life on Mars could potentially shape our biology, behavior, and future.

Dr. Scott Solomon is a biologist, professor, and science communicator at Rice University, where he teaches ecology, evolutionary biology, and scientific communication. He is also a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History.

Hi...

Episode 69: Humans to Mars, the Moon & the Future of Space Exploration | Dr. Tiffany Vora

What will it take for humanity to become a multi-planetary civilization?  

In Episode 69 of Polymath World, Dr. Tiffany Vora explores the future of space exploration, the strategic importance of the Moon, the challenges of sending humans to Mars, and the technologies that could make life beyond Earth possible.

Drawing on themes from the Humans to Mars Summit, Tiffany examines the technological, biological, economic, and social challenges involved in establishing a sustained human presence beyond Earth.

The conversation a...

Chris Barber is the founder and CEO of ISSET. For over 20 years he has been running programs for young people with astronauts, NASA personnel, and first-class STEM programs which have resulted in over 60 experiments being sent to the International Space Station. ISSET runs education programs all over the world, all year round. Inspiring tens of thousands of young minds, it is the single most effective and inspiring education program I have ever been involved in. Chris is a true visionary and it was a pleasure to talk with him about space science, the ISS, what ISSET has done and...

Episode 67: Dr. Andrew Jackson on Zoology, Bioengineering, Science & Religion

Can science, engineering, and theology work together to deepen our understanding of the universe?

In Episode 67 of Polymath World, Sam speaks with Dr. Andrew Jackson, a fascinating polymath with two PhDs whose career spans zoology, bioengineering, science and religion, philosophy, and theology.

Dr. Jackson is currently chair of the academic journal Science & Christian Belief and a research fellow in science and religion. In this wide-ranging conversation, he shares his journey from Oxford to Nottingham and explores how scientific research and Christian theology can inform—an...

Summary

Harry Amos shares his journey from evangelical faith to atheism, exploring the role of faith, doubt, and intellectual inquiry in his life. This episode delves into his experiences with religious festivals, deconstruction, and the search for truth.

Key Topics

Harry Amos' background in evangelical Christianity
His experiences at Soul Survivor festival and charismatic worship
The process of deconstruction and questioning faith
The role of biblical interpretation and historical evidence
The impact of religious doubt and intellectual inquiry
His views on religious experiences and their natural explanations
...

Episode.65 | The Ethics of Space Medicine | Samuel McKee on Space Surgery & Future Missions

What happens when an astronaut needs emergency medical care millions of miles from Earth?

In Episode 65, Samuel McKee explores the ethical challenges shaping the future of space medicine, including emergency treatment, informed consent, medical decision-making, and the possibility of performing surgery beyond Earth.

Based on his lecture at the 2026 International Space Forum, this conversation examines how medical protocols must evolve as human missions move from low Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars.

📙In this episode:
• The ethic...

Episode 64: What Is Humanism? Neil McKain on Ethics, Reason & the Future of Humanity

What is humanism, and why does it matter in a rapidly changing world?

In Episode 64 of Polymath World, Sam is joined by Neil McKain of Humanists UK for an engaging exploration of humanism, its historical roots, ethical foundations, and its relevance to the future of humanity.

The conversation examines how humanism emphasizes reason, critical thinking, scientific understanding, community, and human wellbeing while considering how people can develop meaningful ethical frameworks without relying on religious authority.

From the origins...

Frank White — The Overview Effect, Space Philosophy and Humanity's Place in the Cosmos

What happens when we stop seeing Earth as a collection of nations, resources and competing interests—and see it instead as one living, interconnected system? In this episode of Polymath World, Sam is joined by renowned space philosopher and author Frank White, originator of the term “The Overview Effect.” Frank describes the remarkable path that led him from a childhood fascination with astronomy and homemade rockets to a lifelong exploration of what humanity's journey into space might mean. His central question is not simply whether...

Episode Title: ISS Commander Steve Swanson on Spacewalks, Soyuz, and Space Lettuce

Description:
What does it take to command the International Space Station? In this episode, Dr. Steve Swanson—a veteran of three spaceflights and over 170 days in orbit—joins us to share the real stories behind the headlines.

Steve reveals how a "not-so-perfect" start in college and a year of construction work eventually led him to NASA. He discusses the intense reality of his first EVA (Extravehicular Activity), the "vertigo" of looking down at Earth 250 miles below, and the...

Polymath, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716), if new to you, has had an enormous impact on many important aspects of your life in the 21st Century. Learn from Dr Lloyd Strickland, interviewed by Sam McKee, how Leibniz was so powerful in his thinking that his contemporaries literally couldn't keep up with him.

Imagine playing a role in bringing Astronauts - British, European, and American into UK schools.  Upturned faces as the children listen attentively and learn to think bigger as they look to the sky in new ways.  This has been the mission of Rowland Lindill and his family, having founded the brilliantly named, "The Armchair Astronaut."  Rowland and the family's dedication  is responsible for helping new generations realise the positive impact that Space exploration has on our daily lives.  Rowland also hosts events for adults where everyone who has an interest gets an opportunity to hear and meet real Astronauts at a...

CHRISTIANITY

What is Christianity? Does it work? How does it shape the Western world? Glen Scrivener, author of the award-winning book "The Air We Breathe", director of the 321 course on Christianity and CEO of the organisation Speak Life comes to talk about the world's biggest religion and answer my questions. I met Glen a decade ago and we have crossed paths a few times for Premier Unbelievable. Given my own complicated past with Christianity he answers my questions and sheds light on many of the issues people can have over the faith.

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CONTINENTAL PHILOSOPHY

Dr Shaun Steveson is lecturer in philosophy at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is an expert of philosophy of death, which not many people realise is a subject. His specialism is in continental philosophy with a strong focus on the 20th century. Shaun came to philosophy through theology and has a very interesting story of coming through religion, before abandoning it, and returning again with a different shape to it. He also talks about the power of philosophy for identity and mental health struggles.

The Polymath World Channel...

A City On Mars

Dr Kelly Weinersmith is a scientist, pop-sci author, and podcaster. She is on the biosciences faculty at Rice University, a research associate at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the Vice President of the American Society of Parasitologists and President of the Helminthological Society of Washington. After undergraduate and masters degrees at Bowling Green, she did her PhD in ecology at the University of California Davis. Her award-winning books include 2023's "A City On Mars" which we talk about here.

How do we sift through the...

Nuclear Propulsion

Can we travel further, faster in space with nuclear propulsion? As NASA gets ready to launch Space Reactor-1 Freedom (SR-1) in 2028 we explore the details of this technology. This mission aims to demonstrate a reactor generating over 20 kW of power, using HALEU (high-assay low-enriched uranium) fuel. People can get nervous about nuclear, but this technology can (and will) revolutionise everything about space technology, power and energy here on earth, and clean processes much needed on and off world.

Patrick Rennie is a physicist and rocket scientist. He...

GENE EDITING AND TERRAFORMING MARS

Dr Erika DeBenedictus is CEO of Pioneer Labs. She is a computational physicist and synthetic biologist working at the intersection of space science and the life sciences. She studied at Caltech before moving to MIT and did her postdoc under 2024 Nobel Laureate David Baker. She also trained at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. At Pioneer Labs they use several methods, including CRISPR and other forms of gene editing, to engineer microbes such as cyanobacteria to help make Mars more hospitable to earth life. The Great Oxidation event saw cyanobacteria transform...

COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT

Many thanks to the British Interplanetary Society for allowing me to publish this lecture on my channel. I was delighted and honoured to speak at the BIS Reinventing Space conference for a second year in a row.

What are the implications for human spaceflight and space medicine coming from the recent revolutions in computational biology? How can we use it to better assess astronaut's health and assist them in travelling further and living longer off-world? AlphaFold and its competitors are opening up new possibilities...

ASTROPHYSICS AND THEOLOGY

Dr David Wilkinson is an extraordinary polymath - a man with 2 PhDs and a published scholar across both science and theology. He is Professor of Theology and Principle of St John's College, University of Durham. He has authored many books including God, Stephen Hawking and the Multiverse. After initially working on the study of star formation and the chemical evolution of galaxies, he transitioned to systematic theology where he has become one of the leading researchers in the relationship between science and religion in the UK and overseas. He is a...

VNCCII

NASA ASTROBOTICS and NANOFISCH

Samantha Tauber is the visionary creator of VNCCII® and the founding architect behind the Galacta.i.ssance Movement—a bold new cultural renaissance designed to elevate consciousness, awaken the imagination, and serve as a guide to humanity for an abundant future. Through her alter ego, VNCCII®—a cosmic superheroine and celestial ally for humanity’s next evolution—Samantha fuses music, science, immersive technology, and storytelling into a living, dynamic mythos.

In July her book, VNNCCII: The Awakening of a Divine Warrior, is being flow...

Theology

WHAT DID JESUS LOOK LIKE?

Dr John Nelson is a theologian who studied his Masters and PhD at Oxford University. He did his BA at the University of Nottingham. His thesis was on why there is no physical description of Jesus in the New Testament or any early Christian literature. John hosts events across the country with his friend and well-known sceptic Alex O'Connor and moderates discussions on Premier Unbelievable, including some Sam has featured on. Alongside writing he teaches philosophy and religious studies.

MARS

It was great fun getting together with fellow members of the Mars Society to chat all things Mars. Between us we have rocket scientists, engineers, robotics experts, biologists and a whole lot of passion for the red planet.

The Polymath World Channel brings you interviews with extraordinary researchers and academics working on the frontiers of their disciplines. Meet and hear from scientists, professors, lecturers, researchers, engineers, philosophers and astronauts.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe. New episodes every Wednesday.

...

VIROLOGY

Dr Mirjam Schilling is a virologist researching the arbovirus family. She is a dual research fellow of Exeter College at Oxford University with a passion for exploring the impact of viruses on human and animal health. She has featured on ABC news to discuss the pandemic and its influence on climate science, as well as conducting science communication with young people on “what is a virus?" She is currently doing a second doctorate in science and religion under Alister McGrath at Oxford University.

Here are her recommended lectures fo...

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Melody Safavizadeh has held leadership roles at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on missions including Mars 2020 and Psyche. With a background in systems integration, electrical engineering, and spacecraft operations, she has helped tackle some of the most exciting challenges in space exploration. She is an advocate for women in STEM and passionate about educational outreach.

The Polymath World Channel brings you interviews with extraordinary researchers and academics working on the frontiers of their disciplines. Meet and hear from scientists, professors, lecturers, researchers, engineers, philosophers and astronauts.<...

WHY EVOLUTION IS TRUE

In February 2026 I gave the annual Darwin Day Lecture at Leicester Secular Hall on "The Genomics Revolution in Evolution" explaining how genomics has transformed and deepened our understanding of evolution. The past 10 years in the life sciences have been the most revolutionary for biology since the 1950s, with multiple converging technological breakthroughs changing the game. It has never been more exciting than today and is only going to get better. To think of where cancer could be a decade from now is so exciting.

The...

MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY

Dr Denis Alexander is the Emeritus Director of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion and Emeritus Fellow of St Edmund’s College, Cambridge. Dr Alexander was previously Chairman of the Molecular Immunology Programme and Head of the Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signalling and Development at The Babraham Institute, Cambridge. Prior to that he was at the Imperial Cancer Research Laboratories in London (now Cancer Research UK), and spent 15 years developing university departments and laboratories overseas, latterly as Associate Professor of Biochemistry in the Medical Faculty of the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Th...

PHILOSOPHY

Dr Joshua Sijuwade is Teaching Fellow in Philosophy of Religion at the University of Birmingham. He gained a BA in Theology at London School of Theology, a Postgraduate certificate in Education from Kings College London, before doing his MA in Philosophy at Birmingham and his PhD at York. He was visiting lecturer at London School of Theology before taking his post at Birmingham. His research interests lie primarily in the philosophy of religion, analytic theology, and metaphysics, along with related areas that intersect these fields. Joshua is a prolific writer and publisher of...

BIOCHEMISTRY

Dr Keith Fox is Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at Southampton University. After doing his degree, two masters degrees, and then PhD at Cambridge University he became a Research Fellow at Emmanuel College at the University of Cambridge before moving to Southampton University. His research interests concern DNA structure and its recognition, and his scientific work has been published in over 200 papers and articles. He was Senior Executive Editor of Nucleic Acids Research from 2008-2021. He has served for 6 years as Associate Director and then Director of the Faraday Institute until September 2021. In 2022 Keith...

Polymath World # Episode 43 - Dr Helen Sharman

ASTRONAUT

Dr Helen Sharman CMG OBE is Britain's first ever astronaut. Flying to the space station Mir in 1991, she was selected from a large range of applicants to take part in the JUNO mission to the Russian space station where she spent a week performing science experiments, working on the crew rotation and fulfilling mission requirements before returning to earth on a Soyuz, landing in Kazakhstan.

Dr Helen Sharman now works as an ambassador and science communicator...

SHARKS

Dr Kim Holland is Research Professor at the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology.  Known as the 'Shark Lab', together with his team Dr Holland runs the sharks and predators research institute of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, located on Moku o Lo'e (Coconut Island), in Kane'ohe Bay on O'ahu. Holland's work specialises in the organismic and supraorganismic biology of marine organisms. Given the unique settings, they take advantage of this by blending rigorous laboratory work with well-focused field experiments to investigate the b...

History of science and religion

Dr Nick Spencer is the best-selling author of books such as "Magisteria", "The Political Samaritan" and "Playing God". After studying undergraduate and masters degrees in English at Oxford University, he did a 2nd masters degree in literature, before a PhD in political philosophy and theology at Cambridge.  He is Visiting Research Fellow at the Faiths and Civil Society Unit, Goldsmiths, University of London and a Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion. He has worked as senior research fellow in London at Theos Think Tank and writes a...

PHILOSOPHY

Julian Baggini is an English philosopher, journalist and the author of over 20 books about philosophy written for a general audience. He is co-founder of The Philosophers' Magazine, and has written for numerous international newspapers and magazines. His best-selling books include The Edge Of Reason, How The World Thinks, How The World Eats, The Godless Gospel, and Atheism: A Very Short Introduction. He has spoken and written globally for major outlets and we have met for several episodes of Premier Unbelievable. Julian is a patron of Humanists UK and a strong voice for atheism...

Oceanography: Filming whales

Howard and Michelle Hall are diving and underwater photography royalty. Few people have brought the world of whales to us as much as they have. Some of the most incredible footage of blue, humpback and grey whales has been shot by them. Their work has greatly benefitted both science and environmental awareness over the past 35 years. I loved hearing their stories and am sure you will be inspired by their incredible journey.

Howard Hall Productions is a natural history film production company specialising in marine wildlife and marine conservation films for television...

PHILOSOPHY OF MIND

Dr Philip Goff is associate professor of philosophy at the University of Durham. He is one of the main thinkers behind panpsychism today and a proponent of this perspective on the role of mind and consciousness in the universe. He recently converted to what he calls a heretical form of Christianity which sees God as limited when it comes to the problem of evil. His recent book Why: The Purpose of the Universe details both and was highly engaging. He has a rich and colourful background and it was great to...

ASTRONOMY AND HISTORY

Dr Simon Mitton is a Fellow of 3 Royal Societies, a Life Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge University, and an incredible astronomer whose career has spanned one of the greatest eras of astrophysics. He is the biographer and former student of the legendary Sir Fred Hoyle and now is set to release the most comprehensive biography of Georges Lemaitre on the centenary of his most famous paper on the Big Bang. Simon had a front row seat whilst working alongside Hoyle, Stephen Hawking, Lord Martin Rees and many others and it...

GEOPHYSICS

Professor Bob White is a Fellow of the Royal Society and Emeritus Professor of Geophysics at Cambridge University. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1994, and a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union in 2016. In 2018 he was awarded a Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, which is their highest award, in recognition of a lifetime’s achievement in research. He is also a Fellow of the Geological Society, an elected Member of the International Society for Science and Religion and several other professional bodies; he serves on many of th...

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY

How can we live on Mars?

Dr Tiffany Vora is a synthetic biologist from Silicon Valley and a leading space scientist. A graduate in biology from New York University before doing her PhD at Princeton, she was present in the explosive booms of genomics, systems biology, computational biology and genetic engineering - and we will talk about all of them! She became Visiting Assistant Professor at the American University in Cairo then Instructor for the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University. Her research draws on all fields...