Planetary scientist Kevin Hand joins us for a deep exploration of his excellent book about the search for life in the oceans of other worlds.
21 Aug 2026
Becoming Martian by Scott Solomon
How will living in space change our bodies and minds? That’s the sub-title of Scott Solomon’s great new book, “Becoming Martian”, and it’s the question he takes up this month on the book club edition of Planetary Radio.
17 Jul 2026
“The Edge of Space-Time” by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Theoretical physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein visits the club for a mind-bending conversation about her brilliant, deeply personal exploration of the Cosmos.
19 Jun 2026
“To Be Taught, If Fortunate” with Becky Chambers
Hugo and Locus-winning author Becky Chambers talks with Mat Kaplan about “To Be Taught, If Fortunate,” her outstanding novella. It’s a passionate plea for space science and exploration told across the interstellar journey of four equally passionate human voyagers.
15 May 2026
Diane Ackerman and “The Planets: A Cosmic Pastoral”
Celebrated author and poet Diane Ackerman joins us for a lively conversation about the new edition of her wonderful collection. Carl Sagan described it as spectacularly good poetry.
17 Apr 2026
Founder and CEO Peter Beck on The Launch of Rocket Lab
Sir Peter Beck adds to the story told about his hugely successful and innovative company in “The Launch of Rocket Lab,” a beautifully illustrated, monumental book.
20 Mar 2026
The Giant Leap: Why Space is the Next Frontier in the Evolution of Life
Astrobiologist Caleb Scharf eloquently explores the future of humanity and what we will become when we live beyond Earth.
20 Feb 2026
Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts’ latest for kids
Bruce Betts helps us explore the latest and last in his excellent library of space books for young people. He and host Mat Kaplan take up “Are We Alone?” and “The Size of Space.”
16 Jan 2026
The Little Book of Aliens by Adam Frank
The delightful astrophysicist and science communicator Adam Frank shares his thoughts about the search for life and intelligence across the Universe in the Planetary Society’s member book club.
19 Dec 2025
MOONS: The Mysteries and Marvels of our Solar System by Kate Howells
The Planetary Society’s Kate Howells has written this beautifully illustrated trek among our Solar System’s most intriguing and mysterious moons.
21 Nov 2025
The Martians by David Baron
Author David Baron has written the definitive, true story of a time when nearly everyone in America was utterly convinced there was a supremely intelligent civilization on the Red Planet, and they wanted to talk with us!
17 Oct 2025
Space Craze by Margaret Weitekamp
Space Craze author Margaret Weitekamp of the National Air and Space Museum documents our fascination with all things space, as evidenced by the pop culture artifacts she lovingly oversees in the collection.
19 Sept 2025
Cosmos Award–winning author Dava Sobel
Author and historian of science Dava Sobel talks about her many wonderful books with The Planetary Society’s Mat Kaplan. Dava recently received the Society’s Cosmos Award.
15 Aug 2025
Exploring the Overview Effect with Frank White
Frank White is the author of “The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution. “ Now in its fourth edition, the book has crystallized and expanded on the profound sense of wonder and oneness experienced by nearly all astronauts.
18 Jul 2025
Andy Weir and Project Hail Mary
Bestselling science fiction author Andy Weir joins The Planetary Society’s Mat Kaplan for a deeply fascinating and very entertaining conversation about his #1 bestselling novel, Project Hail Mary, soon to be a major motion picture.
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