Down to Earth with Terry Virts is a podcast about what matters on planet Earth. It is hosted by former NASA astronaut, author, and filmmaker Terry Virts, and features his conversations with interesting guests from diverse backgrounds, talking about science, entrepreneurship, climate, TV and Film, politics, sports, and of course, space. Terry will bring his “cosmic perspective” to engage with each guest, and their conversations will be flexible to cover any topic that is important to us humans down here on our planet.
Join host Terry Verch in "Down to Earth" as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ben Jones, a prominent freelance election expert and advisor to leading election observation organizations. In this episode, they delve into the world of elections, disinformation challenges, and the growing influence of China and Russia. With firsthand experience from election missions and a deep understanding of the impact of technology and online information, Ben shares valuable insights on the importance of running elections ethically and the consequences of misinformation. Discover how these global forces shape our societies and explore the crucial role of independent journalism in combating disinformation. Gain a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics at play as they discuss strategies to protect democratic systems and promote informed decision-making in an era of evolving challenges. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
In this episode: Nicholas Wade is a science journalist who has written for publications such as the New York Times, Nature, and Science throughout his more than four-decade career. Wade recently testified about the lab leak hypothesis to the House Select Subcommittee on Coronavirus Pandemic and recommends listening to that testimony. The origin of the coronavirus became politicized from the beginning, but it should be a purely scientific issue that people of all political affiliations would want to understand. The theory behind gain-of-function research is that scientists can get ahead of nature by studying deadly viruses and creating vaccines to prepare for potential outbreaks in the future. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
In this episode, we have Robert Auers, a refinery modeller and refined fuels market analyst at RBN Energy, to shed light on the value chain and technical complexities involved in the industry. Join us as we delve into the upstream, midstream, and downstream processes of the oil and gas industry, including the production methods, used to extract oil and gas from the ground. We also discuss the importance of understanding the value chain, as it affects the prices of various products in the market. In addition, we touch on the topic of NGLs, or natural gas liquids, which are an important component of the industry. These liquids are more valuable than natural gas but less valuable than crude oil, and their processing involves technical complexities such as removing sulfur from the products and reducing its specification. Tune in to this episode to gain insights into the oil and gas industry and its technicalities, and to learn about the challenges and opportunities it presents. Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
In this podcast episode, Terry engages in a lively debate with Maciej Ceglowski about whether or not humans should venture to Mars. They discuss the biggest obstacles and challenges that we would face in making such a journey, along with other related questions. Tune in to hear their insightful perspectives and arguments. Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Robin Horsfall, a man who has truly lived a life like no other. Robin's incredible journey has taken him from the British SAS to a successful career in private security, but that's only the beginning. As a black belt in karate, Robin has faced countless challenges and overcome them all with strength and determination. He is also a cancer survivor and an advocate for living life to the fullest. In addition to all of this, Robin is a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a true hero and learn about his amazing life. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Jaanika Merilo is an advisor to Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for digital transformation, the former deputy mayor of Dnipro in Ukraine, and a strong advocate of helping the Ukrainian war effort by fundraising for privately donated drones. She is also helping to organize a campaign to bring World Expo 2030 to Odessa. Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Terry talks with George “Saul” Youstra, a former US Army Green Beret and US Air Force Chaplain, including being chaplain to 9 four-star generals and the US Chief of Staff. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Mark and Terry talk AI, Robotics, energy, and the future of technology. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Terry talks to Ryan Clancy from No Labels “Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for No Labels, talks about some unique and innovative ways to save our political system from the extreme left and right, and what might be done to give Americans a viable, centrist candidate in the 2024 presidential election without starting a completely new third party." https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Terry talks to Stig Karlsen, the head of the Norwegian delegation to Eurovision, to find out. Stig Karlsen is the lead for the Norwegian delegation to the Eurovision Song Contest, one of the biggest television events on Earth. We talk about what Eurovision is, why it is so important to so many Europeans, how England will be hosting the event this year on behalf of Ukraine, who won last year, and what it takes to put together such a massive production on a global scale. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
What is the future of the Republican Party? Is DeSantis their saviour? Will sanity ever return to American politics? All this and more with Ron Filipkowski. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
“Volcanoes in Antarctica? Getting energy from deep under the Earth's surface? No problem. Talking all things geophysics with Dr. Hunter Knox." Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Retired NATO commander and US Air Force General Breedlove joins me today as we focus on the Ukraine war and the difference between how Russia and the West wage war. “Combined force and joint warfare are used by NATO, but the Russians still fight in a crude way,” says Breedlove, “in an attrition-based, demonstrative way.” “Russians came into the war in a disassociated, disconnected network,” says Breedlove. We talk through tactics, the progression of the war, weapons, sanctions, and how Russia has regrouped and attacked in the wake of the recent events. Breedlove talks us through how he believes, in his expert opinion, Ukraine can withstand the invasion, “if the west continues to supply Ukraine in the way they deserve” they have a very clear path to victory. An eye-opening, and very interesting discussion over the invasion, and a great perspective on the events from a NATO and Air Force expert, thank you so much for joining us, Phil. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
“What's more important- the price of a gallon of gas, or a functioning democracy? It's the DTE midterm issue" Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
What does all that space debris zooming around Earth look like? Former NASA astronaut Ed Lu explains how his new company, LeoLabs, is making space a safer place, by tracking all of that junk, and helping companies like SpaceX manoeuvre their satellites to avoid debris-causing explosions in orbit. Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Terry Virts breaks down the dragon air-to-air combat seen in “house of the dragon” from a test pilot and fighter pilot's perspective. Courtesy of HBO All images used for this video are from the tv show House of the Dragon by HBO Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
What's it like to fly the world's most advanced fighter jet? How can aeroplanes prevent crashes, even if the pilot is unconscious? Why is the Air Force better than the Navy? This and more with fighter pilot/test pilot Billie Flynn. Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry In partnership with: https://evaintmedia.com/
Terry talks with Adam Frisch, who's running in a dead heat against one of the biggest MAGA Republicans in the country, Lauren Boebert. Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Should they treat the right and left equally? How can we save democracy? These are just some of the topics that we discuss with former Chicago Tribune editor Mark Jacob. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Regina Crosby, a conversationist and founder of the One Whale charity, joins me to talk about all things whale and marine mammals. For example - the Beluga in Hammerfest, in the North of Norway, that lives in the marina, often returning phones people drop into the water! She has a plan to return him to the wild - but being raised as a captive whale, this isn't straightforward. We cover whale intelligence, spy whales and so much more. A unique episode, thanks for coming on Regina! https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
What is happening in Space? Will the Artemis program take us back to the Moon? Should we be cooperating with Russia? Are there fish in Europa's oceans? And what about all that space junk? All this and more in Terry's conversation with Time magazine's Jeffrey Kluger. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Steve James joins me in today's episode – Steve is a former inspector of Police for Victoria and was Ministerial Adviser for Drug Policy for Australia and New Zealand Government for 11 years, who is currently enjoying retirement. He has a fascinating background, joining a cadet programme at age 15, following crime from the early days, moving onto drug expertise, explosives and organised crime. We have a thought-provoking debate on the pros and cons of gun law in Australia and the US, and we discuss the research behind mass shootings, and how potentially unreliable facts and figures can be manipulated to create misconceptions around mass shootings. A fascinating comparison of two very different geographies with some striking differences and similarities. A great episode for anyone interested in international gun law. Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
What's the whackiest science story ever? How about the OJ chase upending Al Gore and the Space Station? Heir's 30 years of science reporting adventures from NPR's own Joe Palca. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
We are moving towards electric vehicles and wind & solar power make us wholly dependent on China. Is it even possible to build the number of EVs that are being promised today? And how do we get gas prices back down to Earth? Get the answer to these questions and more with Mark Mills.
Will Russia win in Ukraine? How can the West defeat their militarily? Why does Putin think he's a modern-day Peter the Great? Best-selling author and Washington Post columnist Max Boot discusses these questions and more. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Katie joins me for the third time to cover the Large Hadron Collider, and how its third run investigates the fundamental physics of the universe. Katie explains all about the collider giving us a layperson's introduction and delving into some of the big questions and aims of the new project. The new run for 3 years of data collection, collecting more data than all previous experiments. Will they find new particles, higher dimensions of space? A fantastic episode, sure to stretch your mind and teach you something about space. Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Pretty bad, y'all. The Texas Republican party's recently approved platform has gone too far in trying to turn government into a religious institution and is a direct threat to democracy. The platform, really a "manifesto," includes these gems: encouraging Texans to secede from the Union with a ballot initiative in 2023. Proclaiming gun rights to be given from God, and that Texas should have no gun-free zones anywhere in the state. Proclaiming that homosexuality is an immoral lifestyle choice, abandoning most LGBT and all abortion rights. Defunding and abolishing almost all taxes, education regulations, and most government agencies including the EPA, Department of Energy, and even NASA. Explicitly limiting voting rights in a very racist way, including abolishing the 1965 Voting Rights Act. And the granddaddy of them all, the “big lie,” proclaiming the 2020 election invalid and Joe Biden an illegitimate “acting President.” Follow along as we talk through the Texas GOP's greatest hits. Texas deserves better, because America needs a legitimate alternative to the Democratic party, and today's GOP is not that. At least not in the Lonestar State. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Terry is joined today by baseball legend Jeff Conine, who gives us a rundown of his baseball career, which oddly enough, began with racquetball - going from pitcher to batter, from championships to major leagues. They cover everything about American college, sports scholarships, wins, losses, friends, teams, managers, parents, to the best showers in the league and the worst pitches to play on. Eva International Media Ltd https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Melani Robinson, writer for NY Times, Huffington Post and creator of several scripted TV series. She is currently working on a memoir of her experience in Russia and chats to Terry about this modern love story, in which she moves to Russia as a newlywed with her husband for his work. Join Terry and Melani as they chat and compare their experiences living in Russia; - from Las Vegas to southern Russian casinos - from the Russian and Italian mob to the KGB - from Russian grocery shopping to ordering Russian MacDonald - from antique dealers to tax drivers A fascinating glimpse into Russian life 15 years ago told by a brilliant storyteller. Eva International Media Ltd https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Terry speaks with Major General Dmytro Marchenko on the invasion of Ukraine. We hear from General Marchenko on his views of the Ukrainian army and how united and strong they are in the face of the Russian invasion. Despite Russia having such a large force behind them, their fatalities far out way that of the Ukrainian army. The General tells us his views on the invasion, discusses the Russian violence towards civilians and sets the record straight on some Russian propaganda. He believes they can finish the war by the summer if they have the right weapons but implores the west to send more military aid as soon as possible. An honour to speak with him today to get such a close insight into the emotion and hardship that all Ukrainian people are going through at this time. Julia James. Translator Eva International Media Ltd https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Terry discusses flaws in the American political system; how the Democrats don't have policies that focus on geopolitical realities and are too willing to grow our deficit, but also why the other side is worse. How the Republicans have let go of basic decency and ethics just to hang on to power. A poignant and heartfelt commentary on the state of affairs, listen to this episode if you need a shot of common sense and humanity in this crazy world. Eva International Media Ltd https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Terry talks about the Texas school shooting and how laws can save lives, but in America, over 40,000 people die a year from gun violence – senseless deaths. “The best way to ensure we don't go down the slippery slope of tyranny is to have a strong functioning democracy.” Eva International Media Ltd Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Terry is joined by Mark Mills a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and expert on energy. “We cannot run society on energy sources that operate at the convenience of nature.” This week they cover greenwashing in the energy sector and why renewable energy might not be the only answer. They answer questions like: 1. Are governments greenwashing their energy policies? 2. Is solar and wind power actually better than burning oil and gas? 3. How the epicentre of the energy supply chain is a dangerous game 4. Why we were too dependent on Russia's oil, and 5. Is history to repeat itself? Discussing topics from problems associated with hybrid and electric car batteries and debunking myths about different sources of energy to why we need to stop demonizing nuclear power. Shocking and frank open discussions, nuanced relationships, and reality checks. Powerful stuff, you do not want to miss this one.
Julia Minson tells Terry about her work with the website providers of to help people in Russia gain access to independent media, addressing disinformation and propaganda. The website sends emails to individuals in Russia, allowing people to download software to enable access to international media sources, whilst protecting them from government surveillance. Julia joined forces with the creator to provide her psychological perspective, and her expertise in persuasion and conflict resolution theory to address the wider problem of individuals who believe the propaganda, or who are on the fence. If you're interested in: - how this tactic works - why it's important - how the extreme views in the US and COVID vaccine hesitancy have influenced the theory behind the messaging - how you can get involved with the application, and be one of the half a million people already using the website to send emails to Russian people Then this is the podcast for you. Eva International Media Ltd
Need an idea for a great meal? Recommendation for a spectacular restaurant? Check out my conversation with Washington post food critic Tom Sietsema. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
"My thoughts on disinformation and propaganda in Ukraine (and everywhere else for that matter...)" https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Olga is a senior government official in Mykolaev, helping coordinate the local response to the Russian bombardment. She was supposed to be at work when the Russians bombed the local government building, while she had stepped out to run errands. This is her story of life under attack. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
David Braziel explains today's crazy energy market. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
What are the coolest ice moons in the outer solar system? Find out from Jim Head and Erica Nathan from Brown University. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Why disinformation is the biggest threat we face today, and how to avoid getting sucked into its trap. Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
How are stars and galaxies made, What will the James Webb Space Telescope discover? Find out from Harvard astronomer Charles Law.
A discussion of the implications of Putin's war in Ukraine on space policy, and the bigger picture of the future of democracy. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Was ʻOumuamua just a very bizarre asteroid, or am I tets tell at spacecraft? Hear Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb's take. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Dr James Head is a professor of planetary geosciences at Brown University, who has worked on projects from training Apollo astronauts to be geologists, to robotic missions to Venus, Mars, and the outer planets. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Doctor Katie Mack is a professor at North Carolina State University, she's an Astrophysicist and author of the new book The End of Everything, talking about how the universe will end. And she's also a pilot! https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
A conversation with JP Ouellette and Dylan Matlock, the producers of the film Mass, a powerful drama about forgiveness and moving beyond tragedy. Check it out! https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Dr. Ricky Flores is the Clinical Director of the Texas Children's Cancer Center in the Woodlands, near Houston, Texas. He is also the president of the Correa Family Foundation, a non-profit set up by the Houston Astros' shortstop Carlos Correa and his family that focuses on supporting children with cancer. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Nicholas Wade is a journalist who has written for publications such as the New York Times, Nature, Science, and others. He is the author of a recent article about the “lab leak hypothesis” for the Coronavirus, published in The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
James Neihouse is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers and a long-time filmmaker, shooting over 60 movies in his career, including 8 space IMAX films. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
Award-winning journalist Nicholas Wade makes the case that Covid-19 did, in fact, originate from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. https://terryvirts.com/ Twitter: @AstroTerry Instagram: astro_terry
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
