Popcorn Science Podcast

John E. Moores & Catherine Neish
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Astronomy
  • Updated Biweekly

Popcorn Science is a podcast that takes a critical look at the science portrayed in our favourite movies and television shows.

  1. Sep 13

    Independence Day

    In this episode of "Popcorn Science," we discuss the 1996 film Independence Day. Topics Science Gripes (7:00) Infecting alien spacecraft with MacOS virus? Fatal case of hubris 90 billion light-years (10:20) What is Jeff Goldblum's job? Smart people can do anything instantly. Can a laser destroy a city? (14:45) Mothership, size of Enceladus, 25x density of Fe (17:15) Tidal problems (18:30) Outrun an explosion in a plane... nope. How does sunlight and seasons work? (24:19) Medical nonsense (26:23) Science Shine (29:22) Moon Plaque (31:25) Aliens like the earth since it is habitable (32:30) Ejecting at zero speed, zero altitude. Area 51 Line of sight (39:02) Of It's Time (43:02) Ratings (55:03) References Independence Day (1996)

  2. Aug 29

    Gravity

    In this episode of "Popcorn Science," discuss the 2013 film Gravity.

  3. Jul 12

    Pluribus

    In this episode of "Popcorn Science," discuss the AppleTV show Pluribus. Topics Science Gripes (6:40) Genetic code from the stars? (7:07) Disease Transmission: fast and slow (8:48) How does the virus do what it does? (15:00) Information Density / Communication Bandwidth (17:40) Science Shine (19:38) VLA! Signal! (20:00) Repetition, rule out local PWM Base4... DNA... er RNA! USAMRIID (22:40) Lab rat protocol Balanced centrifuge! Extras with lab experience Rat Science (29:54) Simple Machine: Lever (30:58) Kepler-22 (32:24) Signal Strength (36:10) Of It's Time (41:45) Ratings (57:14) References Pluribus Vince Gillian X-Files: Je Souhaite (S7E21) X-Files: Roadrunners (S8E4) USAMRID The Hot Zone Kepler-22

  4. Jun 28

    Project Hail Mary

    In this episode of "Popcorn Science," discuss the 2026 film Project Hail Mary

  5. Jun 14

    The Martian

    In this episode of "Popcorn Science," we discuss the 2015 film The Martian

  6. May 30

    The Abyss

    In this episode of "Popcorn Science," discuss the 1989 film The Abyss

  7. May 17

    Close Encounters

    In this episode of "Popcorn Science," discuss the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind

  8. May 3

    The Expanse

    Popcorn Science Podcast

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Popcorn Science is a podcast that takes a critical look at the science portrayed in our favourite movies and television shows.

Information

  • Creator
    John E. Moores & Catherine Neish
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Popcorn Science Podcast