Totality Talks - The Solar Eclipse Podcast

Leticia Ferrer and Chris Alexander
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Join us as we delve into the captivating world of total solar eclipses, bringing you exclusive interviews with eclipse experts and enthusiasts.  We talk about the science, history, and cultural significance of these awe-inspiring celestial events. Tune in to unravel the wonders of the universe and discover the magic of these extraordinary phenomena. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious observer, this podcast is a gateway to understanding the beauty and importance of total solar eclipses.Gathered from the far sides of Earth, experiences about the joys of totality will be shared by Leticia and Chris.Clear Skies!

  1. 5 days ago

    Ep#24 - Jared Koh - Chasing Totality

    Show Notes — Ep24: Chasing Totality with Jared Koh Jared Koh joins Totality Talks to discuss Chasing Totality: The Complete Handbook for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, co-written with his father Joe Koh, and their family's eclipse-chasing journey since 2008. Topics covered: 0:33 — Introduction and Jared's eclipse count (4 total, 1 annular)0:54 — First eclipse in 2012 aboard a cruise ship in the Pacific3:56 — The Saros cycle and why "science deepens wonder"4:22 — Common eclipse-chasing mistakes from the book's "Ghost in the Machine" chapter (solar filters, bumped focus, dead batteries, autofocus)7:49 — Camera fails across four eclipses (2012 phone footage, 2017 360 camera, 2024 drone freeze)17:45 — Family background: parents' astronomy/travel passions and the "Beyond Totality" mini-site17:50 — The 2023 "triple diamond ring" eclipse proposal story22:41 — Drone photography, GPS interference, and country-specific drone regulations28:07 — Gear planning with Dad's PADCO framework (Path, Accessibility, Duration, Cloud cover, Outreach)36:24 — Community and outreach at eclipse gatherings41:34 — Jared's favorite part of the book: a photo with his parents at his first eclipse43:38 — The "eclipse pitch deck" and convincing friends/family to join the trip45:40 — Describing totality as a sudden sunset/sunrise52:50 — How technology changes (and might diminish) the eclipse-chasing experience54:47 — Gear rigs and camera automation setups (SetnC solar clip timer)Mentioned resources: Book: Chasing Totality: The Complete Handbook for the 2020 Total Solar Eclipse by Jared and Joe KohMini-site: chasingtotality.org/beyond ("Beyond Totality")Book: Total Addiction and Being in the Shadow by Kate Russo2026 total solar eclipse cruise details (Southampton → Ibiza → La Coruña, SpainJared's Eclipse Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccNnrhExC58b Leticia Ferrer's site:  https://texassolareclipses.com/ Host Chris Chotas Alexander's Site https://www.chotachrome.com/ IG: @chotachrome Totality Talks is created by Leticia Ferrer and Chris Chotas Alexander.   Totality Talks is produced by Chris Chotas Alexander.

  2. 16 Jul

    Ep#23 - Joe Rao - Turning The Wheel

    In this episode, we chat with Joe Rao — veteran meteorologist, Hayden Planetarium lecturer, and eclipse chaser with 14 total solar eclipses under his belt. Episode Highlights 1:07 — Joe's eclipse journey began at 16, witnessing his first total solar eclipse in Gaspé, Quebec (1972)1:47 — The five airborne eclipses Joe has chased, including flights arranged with the late Dr. Glenn Schneider2:44 — How Joe convinced American Trans Air to delay a 1990 flight by 41 minutes to intercept a total eclipse over the Pacific15:46 — Remembering "Mr. Eclipse" Fred Espenak and the legacy of eclipse calculation pioneer Jean Meeus20:00 — Chasing the 2024 Great North American Eclipse from Plattsburgh, NY — and the brutal traffic home31:37 — Understanding the Saros cycle and the "exeligmos" — why Joe's upcoming August 2026 eclipse completes a 54-year cycle41:32 — Joe's upcoming eclipse cruises: Balearic Sea (2026), Gibraltar (2027), and Australia's Kimberley region (2028)45:06 — The unforgettable 1999 "Ship of Fools" cruise off Nova Scotia that delivered a perfectly clear sunrise eclipse57:01 — The story of convincing American Hawaii Cruises to run an eclipse-themed cruise — and having breakfast with Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins51:24 — Joe's advice for first-time eclipse viewers: put the phone down and just watchKey Takeaway Don't photograph your first total eclipse — just absorb it. As Joe puts it, the corona, diamond ring, and shifting sky colors are experiences you can't get through a phone screen. Leticia Ferrer's site:  https://texassolareclipses.com/ Host Chris Chotas Alexander's Site https://www.chotachrome.com/ IG: @chotachrome Totality Talks is created by Leticia Ferrer and Chris Chotas Alexander.   Totality Talks is produced by Chris Chotas Alexander.

  3. 5 Jul

    Ep#22 - Anne Buckle & Graham Jones - Time And Date

    Welcome back to TT!    ***(episode updated July 6)*** In this episode we have Anne Buckle and Graham Jones from Timeanddate.com They are the hosts of the eclipse livestreams on Time&Date.com and they join us from Norway.  Hope you enjoy are chat with Anna and Graham! Leticia and Chris interview Anne Buckle and Graham Jones of timeanddate.com about their eclipse resources, astronomy writing, and 10 years of eclipse live streaming. Graham describes a project revisiting the often-quoted “one total solar eclipse per location every 375 years” result by expanding Jean Meeus’s 1982 analysis from 600 to 15,000 years, using latitude bands and major computing power; they found 373 ± 7 years versus Meeus’s 375 ± 16, then extended work to partial eclipses and other patterns. They discuss building a stronger science team, past streams (2017 and 2023 Exmouth with Perth Observatory and government support), and plans for 2026 with teams near León and Mallorca plus partner feeds from Iceland, Greenwich, and Kassel. They cover cloud risks, eclipse “myths” (eclipses aren’t that rare), Earth-rotation delta‑T uncertainty shifting totality paths, solar cycle 25 trending down from max, and Perseids near the August eclipse under new moon. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 02:33 Timeanddate Tools Shoutout 03:03 Anna and Graham Backgrounds 03:56 Recalculating Eclipse Frequency 09:16 Building the Eclipse Team 10:51 First Livestream Memories 12:30 Plans for 2026 Spain 14:53 Partners for Europe Coverage 17:38 Anna First Totality Story 19:59 2024 Eclipse Split Teams 23:04 2023 Exmouth Livestream 27:15 Favorite Eclipse Moments 29:14 Moon Deadline Mindset 30:47 Math Meets Wonder 32:33 Saros Series Visualized 34:17 Eclipse Patterns Over Millennia 40:34 Sharing Sky Guides 42:44 Midnight Sun and Auroras 44:53 Solar Cycle 25 Update 46:25 Perseids After Totality 49:02 Eclipse Myths Debunked 50:09 Delta T Shifts Totality 56:29 Wrap Up and Thanks https://www.timeanddate.com/ https://www.timeanddate.com/company/by/anne-buckle https://www.timeanddate.com/company/by/graham-jones Saros 126 Animated Gif: https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsarosanimate/126.gif Saros 126 (72 eclipses 1179CE - 2459CE): https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsaros/SEsaros126.html Leticia Ferrer's site:  https://texassolareclipses.com/ Host Chris Chotas Alexander's Site https://www.chotachrome.com/ IG: @chotachrome Totality Talks is created by Leticia Ferrer and Chris Chotas Alexander.   Totality Talks is produced by Chris Chotas Alexander.

  4. 22 Jun

    Ep#21 - Eclipse España - Nacho Pérez and Tania Uhlig - Part 2

    In this episode, we are speaking with Nacho Perez, The Director of Galáctica (the Center for the Observation and Dissemination of Astronomy in Teruel, Spain).  He is an astronomer and science communicator, coming into Astronomy through Art.  Galaticia is nominated as the European Museum of the year, and hosts many public outreach astronomy events which I was fortunate to attend last year.   He shares what the Galáctica center is doing for the August 12 2026, Total Solar Eclipse, how he got into his role as the Director and other items about Spain and this year's Total Solar Eclipse.  Links: https://galactica.org.es/en/eclipse-experience/ Instagram: @nachopereztorrejon  Leticia Ferrer's site:  https://texassolareclipses.com/ Host Chris Chotas Alexander's Site https://www.chotachrome.com/ IG: @chotachrome Totality Talks is created by Leticia Ferrer and Chris Chotas Alexander.   Totality Talks is produced by Chris Chotas Alexander.

  5. 1 Jun

    Ep#20 - Eclipse España - Tania Uhlig - Part 1

    In this episode we have part 1 of a  2 parter focusing on Spain 2026.   Part one is our interview with Tania Uhlig from Comboi Spain travel. She joins from Spain to chat all things eclipse España!  Time is getting short before the next event... book your travel before things start getting strange! Part 2 is with Nacho Pérez of Galactica (Spain) with Tania as translator... publishing very soon! https://www.instagram.com/comboispain/ Leticia Ferrer's site:  https://texassolareclipses.com/ Host Chris Chotas Alexander's Site https://www.chotachrome.com/ IG: @chotachrome Totality Talks is created by Leticia Ferrer and Chris Chotas Alexander.   Totality Talks is produced by Chris Chotas Alexander.

  6. 3 Mar

    Ep#19 - Hello Darkness - Dr. Angela Speck

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Angela Speck. Professor of astrophysics and the chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at University of Texas San Antonio.  She’s wanted to become an astronaut since she was 5 years old. While not scheduled to fly, she continues to vigorously study the untold secrets of the cosmos. The English-born professor has become a leading eclipse expert, having first helped prepare the U.S. public and media for the total solar eclipses that took place in 2017 and 2024.   We welcome Angela to the podcast! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Speck https://sciences.utsa.edu/spotlights/faculty/2019/angela-speck.html Video version! https://share.descript.com/view/yz8xMdoKyca Leticia Ferrer's site:  https://texassolareclipses.com/ Host Chris Chotas Alexander's Site https://www.chotachrome.com/ IG: @chotachrome Totality Talks is created by Leticia Ferrer and Chris Chotas Alexander.   Totality Talks is produced by Chris Chotas Alexander.

  7. 30/12/2025

    Ep.18 - The Eclipse Effect - Jamie Carter and Debra Ross

    Welcome back to Totality Talks! In this episode, we chat with the authors of the new book The Eclipse Effect:  How to seize extraordinary moments to build strong communities. We welcome back, from the UK Jamie Carter. He is the foremost solar eclipse journalist - regular contributor to Forbes.com,  space.com and editor of whenisthenexteclipse.com He co-authors the book with Debra Ross… from Rochester, NY, she is publisher and CEO of KidsOutAndAbout.com .  She has also served as co-chair of the American Astronomical Society’s Solar Eclipse Task Force. Debra is an entrepreneur, and advocate for community engagement, independent learning, and curiosity-driven exploration. We now have our podcast in video format and are working to get our show distributed across YouTube, Spotify, and Rumble. https://share.descript.com/view/miN9djSdHVw Leticia Ferrer's site:  https://texassolareclipses.com/ Host Chris Chotas Alexander's Site https://www.chotachrome.com/ IG: @chotachrome Totality Talks is created by Leticia Ferrer and Chris Chotas Alexander.   Totality Talks is produced by Chris Chotas Alexander.

  8. 04/10/2025

    Ep#17 - Janine Frances - Eclipse Travel & Discussion Group

    In this episode we chat with FB Eclipse Travel and Discussion group founder and eclipse chasing traveler, Janine Frances from Pennsylvania. We chat about eclipses past and the annular eclipse over Easter Island in October of 2024... and of course, we chat about the coming total solar eclipses.  My audio file was corrupted for the last 3rd of the episode... I do believe the context works out after some creative editing. Regards, Chris Total Eclipses of the Sun by Mabel Loomis Todd (1894): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1165151987/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 Leticia Ferrer's site:  https://texassolareclipses.com/ Host Chris Chotas Alexander's Site https://www.chotachrome.com/ IG: @chotachrome Totality Talks is created by Leticia Ferrer and Chris Chotas Alexander.   Totality Talks is produced by Chris Chotas Alexander.

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Join us as we delve into the captivating world of total solar eclipses, bringing you exclusive interviews with eclipse experts and enthusiasts.  We talk about the science, history, and cultural significance of these awe-inspiring celestial events. Tune in to unravel the wonders of the universe and discover the magic of these extraordinary phenomena. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious observer, this podcast is a gateway to understanding the beauty and importance of total solar eclipses.Gathered from the far sides of Earth, experiences about the joys of totality will be shared by Leticia and Chris.Clear Skies!

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