Episodes

Oct. 6, 2026

Saving the World with Dr. Ed Lu

When retired NASA astronaut Dr. Ed Lu co-founded B612 Foundation, he and the rest of the team asked themselves one question: “Can we raise $400 million to save the world?” The world in question is ours, and the threat is the asteroids that share our neighborhood of the solar system. B612 set out to find them before they find us, and that takes a rare mix of engineering ambition, scientific rigor, and a willingness to ask for a very large amount of money. In this episode, Historian Kevin Schind...
Sept. 1, 2026

Crew Members of Spaceship Earth with Nicole Stott

Astronaut Nicole Stott has spent 104 days in space, orbited Earth over 1,600 times, and even painted with watercolors aboard the International Space Station. In this episode of Star Stuff, Stott reflects on why she believes we’re all crew members of Spaceship Earth, how art became part of her work in orbit, and what she’s watching for as NASA’s Artemis missions push us back toward the Moon.
Aug. 18, 2026

Planetary Defense with Rusty Schweickart

In this episode of Star Stuff, retired NASA astronaut and B612 Foundation co-founder Rusty Schweickart joins Lowell Mission Scientist Dr. Melodie Kao and Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler to explore a question with no borders: how do you unite a divided world against a threat that could strike anyone, anywhere?
April 1, 2026

Bridging Stars and Storytelling with Nanibah Chacon

In this episode of Star Stuff, Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler sits down with renowned Diné (Navajo) and Chicana artist Nanibah Chacon. Following the unveiling of her breathtaking new mural at the observatory, Nanibah discusses the profound intersection of Indigenous culture, science, and public art.
April 1, 2026

Bridging Stars and Storytelling with Nanibah Chacon

In this episode of Star Stuff, Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler sits down with renowned Diné (Navajo) and Chicana artist Nanibah Chacon. Following the unveiling of her breathtaking new mural at the observatory, Nanibah discusses the profound intersection of Indigenous culture, science, and public art. The post Bridging Stars and Storytelling with Nanibah Chacon appeared first on Lowell Observatory.
Feb. 24, 2026

It is Something Worth Doing: Art and Astronomy with Gerald Dawavendewa

In this episode of Star Stuff, host Kevin Schindler sits down with renowned Hopi/Cherokee artist Gerald Dawavendewa to celebrate the unveiling of the monumental 30-foot Indigenous Cosmology mural at Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center.
Feb. 24, 2026

It is Something Worth Doing: Art and Astronomy with Gerald Dawavendewa

In this episode of Star Stuff, host Kevin Schindler sits down with renowned Hopi/Cherokee artist Gerald Dawavendewa to celebrate the unveiling of the monumental 30-foot Indigenous Cosmology mural at Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center. The post It is Something Worth Doing: Art and Astronomy with Gerald Dawavendewa appeared first on Lowell Observatory.
July 24, 2025

Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart

Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart When Rusty Schweickart looked back at Earth from orbit on Apollo 9, he saw something fragile and worth defending. In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with the astronaut and co-founder of the B612 Foundation to talk about one of biggest threats to life on Earth: asteroid impacts.
July 24, 2025

Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart

Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart When Rusty Schweickart looked back at Earth from orbit on Apollo 9, he saw something fragile and worth defending. In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with the astronaut and co-founder of the B612 Foundation to talk about one of biggest threats to life on Earth: asteroid impacts. The post Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart appeared first on Lowell Observatory.
July 9, 2025

The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock

The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock Star Stuff Podcast In this intimate conversation, Cody Half-Moon sits down with filmmaker and author Adam Nimoy to explore the profound personal and cultural legacy of his father, Leonard Nimoy. From behind-the-scenes Star Trek stories and reflections on growing up in the shadow of Spock, to candid discussions of addiction, recovery, and reconciliation, Adam opens up about writing his memoir The Most Human, navigating fame, and finding heal...
July 9, 2025

The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock

The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock Star Stuff Podcast In this intimate conversation, Cody Half-Moon sits down with filmmaker and author Adam Nimoy to explore the profound personal and cultural legacy of his father, Leonard Nimoy. From behind-the-scenes Star Trek stories and reflections on growing up in the shadow of Spock, to candid discussions of addiction, recovery, and reconciliation, Adam opens up about writing his memoir The Most Human, navigating fame, and finding heal...
Aug. 19, 2024

Does Venus Have A Moon? | We Talk To Zoozve Discoverer Brian Skiff

In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody Half-Moon sits down with Lowell astronomer Brian Skiff as he recounts his discovery of Venusian moon Zoozve, and how a determined dad’s twitter thread helped him do it.
Aug. 19, 2024

Does Venus Have A Moon? | We Talk To Zoozve Discoverer Brian Skiff

In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody Half-Moon sits down with Lowell astronomer Brian Skiff as he recounts his discovery of Venusian moon Zoozve, and how a determined dad’s twitter thread helped him do it. The post Does Venus Have A Moon? | We Talk To Zoozve Discoverer Brian Skiff appeared first on Lowell Observatory.
July 25, 2024

LIVE from Grand Canyon: Turning the Park Dark

In this special episode of Star Stuff recorded live from Grand Canyon National Park, we’re joined by former Astronomer in Residence and Lowell Observatory Public Information Officer Kevin Schindler, Grand Canyon Conservancy Residency Manager Clover Morell, and Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane. Blast off into exciting topics, including the Astronomer in Residence and alumni programs, the magic of dark skies at Grand Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Park’s achievement of reaching 90% dark sky complian...
July 25, 2024

LIVE from Grand Canyon: Turning the Park Dark

In this special episode of Star Stuff recorded live from Grand Canyon National Park, we’re joined by former Astronomer in Residence and Lowell Observatory Public Information Officer Kevin Schindler, Grand Canyon Conservancy Residency Manager Clover Morell, and Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane. Blast off into exciting topics, including the Astronomer in Residence and alumni programs, the magic of dark skies at Grand Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Park’s achievement of reaching 90% dark sky complian...
April 23, 2024

Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon

Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon 2Ep25 Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler sits down with the one and only Diana Gabaldon, author of the wildly popular Outlander book series. They discuss Diana’s familial connection to the observatory, her creative process, and how Lowell Telescope Dome Engineer Stanley Sykes dealt with wild turkeys.
April 23, 2024

Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon

Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon 2Ep25 Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler sits down with the one and only Diana Gabaldon, author of the wildly popular Outlander book series. They discuss Diana’s familial connection to the observatory, her creative process, and how Lowell Telescope Dome Engineer Stanley Sykes dealt with wild turkeys. The post Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon appeared first on Lowell Observatory.
Dec. 19, 2023

How Common is Life on Other Planets?

Wow, over 70,000 listens to Star Stuff! This podcast is still in the top 20 of astronomy podcasts and climbing. Thank you all for your support as we wrap up Season 2. If you would like to see more episodes next year for Season 3, we will be doing special segments only. Let us know what you want to learn about! In this Season 2 finale episode of Star Stuff, Cody Half-Moon sits down with Lowell astronomer Dr. Joe Llama, who specializes in the study of exoplanets. They discuss the distant worlds t...
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Dec. 19, 2023

How Common is Life on Other Planets?

Wow, over 70,000 listens to Star Stuff! This podcast is still in the top 20 of astronomy podcasts and climbing. Thank you all for your support as we wrap up Season 2. If you would like to see more episodes next year for Season 3, we will be doing special segments only. Let us know what you want to learn about! In this Season 2 finale episode of Star Stuff, Cody Half-Moon sits down with Lowell astronomer Dr. Joe Llama, who specializes in the study of exoplanets. They discuss the distant worlds th...
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Dec. 5, 2023

CSI: Mechanical Forensics

In this Cosmic Scope Interview (CSI), Lowell’s Technical Facilities Manager Jeff Gehring takes host Cody Half-Moon through the challenges of restoring the historic 24″ Clark Telescope to its former glory while staying true to the designs of the era it was built in.
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Dec. 5, 2023

CSI: Mechanical Forensics

In this Cosmic Scope Interview (CSI), Lowell’s Technical Facilities Manager Jeff Gehring takes host Cody Half-Moon through the challenges of restoring the historic 24″ Clark Telescope to its former glory while staying true to the designs of the era it was built in. The post CSI: Mechanical Forensics appeared first on Lowell Observatory.
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Nov. 21, 2023

Reconciling Religion and Astronomy

An atheist, a catholic, and an agnostic walk into a podcast recording room… and have an incredible conversation about how science and astronomy inform religious perspectives! Inspired by Dr. Kyler Kuehn, a Lowell astronomer and scientific consultant for the Clergy Letter Project, and featuring Lowell Astronomer Dr. Michael West, this episode explores the compatibility between religion and science. Discover how curiosity and open-mindedness enhance discussions and perspectives in this friendly de...
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Nov. 21, 2023

Reconciling Religion and Astronomy

An atheist, a catholic, and an agnostic walk into a podcast recording room… and have an incredible conversation about how science and astronomy inform religious perspectives! Inspired by Dr. Kyler Kuehn, a Lowell astronomer and scientific consultant for the Clergy Letter Project, and featuring Lowell Astronomer Dr. Michael West, this episode explores the compatibility between religion and science. Discover how curiosity and open-mindedness enhance discussions and perspectives in this friendly de...
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Nov. 7, 2023

A Moving Portrait

In this episode of Star Stuff, Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler and astronomer Gerard van Belle sit down for a chat with German artist Ulrike Arnold, the subject of the feature-length documentary Dialogue Earth. They discuss Ulrike’s artistic process, the intersection of science and art, the importance of protecting our Earth, and more.