National geographic

Star Talk

Star Talk

David Byrne

01:19

Synopsis

Host Neil deGrasse Tyson brings celebrities, scientists, and comedians together to explore a variety of cosmic topics that stem from the collision of pop culture and science in a way that is unique to this three-time Emmy-nominated late-night television series. Weekly topics range from popular science fiction, food science, superheroes, and sports, to climate science and the future of Earth. Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist gifted with the ability to connect with everyone, inspiring us all to "keep looking up."

Episodes

Season 4

Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1

Joe Rogan And The Science of Primitive Man
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with UFC commentator, comedian, and podcast host Joe Rogan. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Sasheer Zamata, along with professor and author Jonathan Gottschall, and clinical psychologist Leah Lagos to discuss the science of fighting and mental wellness technology. To add to the conversation, Chuck Nice sends his dispatch from JKD NYC School of Mixed Martial Arts where he got an intense lesson with Jeet Kune Do instructor Chris Moran.
The Big Bang Theory's Simon Helberg & Bill Prady
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interviews with "The Big Bang Theory" cast member Simon Helberg and the show's co-creator Bill Prady. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Chuck Nice, along with astrophysicist Charles Liu, and theoretical physicist Janna Levin to discuss the portrayal of scientists in pop culture and the origin of our universe. To add to the conversation, Chuck Nice shares his dispatch from Washington Square Park where he took to the streets with rigged trivia questions.
Anthony Bourdain
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with the late renowned chef, writer, and TV host Anthony Bourdain. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Sasheer Zamata, along with food scientist Guy Crosby - AKA the "Cooking Science Guy" - and chemical scientist Yvette d'Entremont - known online as "SciBabe" - to discuss the science of food as it relates to taste, cooking, spicy food, and even climate change. To add to the conversation, Natalia Reagan weighs in from the Heatonist hot sauce shop in Brooklyn, NY where she tries one of the hottest hot sauces out there and explains why we feel the heat.
Bill Nye
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with one of America's most recognized science educators, Bill Nye. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Chuck Nice, along with engineer and science communicator Emily Calandrelli, to discuss science communication, the science of romance, and even Bill's signature bow tie look. Additionally, biological anthropologist Helen Fisher joins in-studio to weigh in on the science of dating and Bill Nye poses a few of his own cosmic queries via Skype call.
Weird Al Yankovic
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with famed parody songwriter and performer, Weird Al. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Maysoon Zayid, along with his fellow astrophysicist Charles Liu, to discuss Weird Al's incorporation of science in his parodies, visual versus spoken comedy, and why it's cool to be a nerd. Additionally, astrophysicist and Weird Al super fan Emily Rice joins the expert panel to weigh in on parody versus simply stealing someone's creative work.
News Anchor Dan Rather
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with iconic reporter and former CBS news anchor, Dan Rather. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Paula Poundstone and journalism professor Jeff Jarvis, to discuss sharing science and knowledge through the news. They also tackle how information availability has impacted news and its consumption. Additionally, data journalist Mona Chalabi joins the expert panel to bring hard data and relatable numbers to the conversation.

Lance Armstrong
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with controversial world champion cyclist Lance Armstrong. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Scott Adsit along with guests, science journalist Max Glaskin and bioethics professor Arthur Caplan, to discuss the science of cycling, sports ethics and performance enhancement. Adding to the discussion, Chuck Nice joins from the Sports Science Lab to test cycling training techniques.
Sylvia Earle, Fabien Cousteau and Adrian Grenier
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interviews with legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle and famed aquanaut Fabien Cousteau. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Scott Adsit and guest marine biologist and conservationist Laure Katz to discuss ocean exploration and conservation. Adding to the discussion, actor and activist Adrian Grenier joins via video and Erika Bergman shows off her submarine.
Jane Goodall
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Neil deGrasse Tyson and legendary chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall discuss chimp behaviour, animal and environmental ethics and evolution.
Scifi Meets National Defense
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Neil deGrasse Tyson meets former head of DARPA Arati Prabhakar to discuss the intersection of science fiction, technology and national defence.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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Celestial Navigation
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Katie Couric
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James Cameron
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with filmmaker and National Geographic explorer-in-residence James Cameron. Cameron discusses everything from the inspiration behind his record-breaking film, Avatar, to his solo dive down to the deepest point of the Mariana Trench. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Chuck Nice, along with guest astrophysicist Charles Liu, to discuss the intersection of storytelling, exploration and science.

Mars 1 (NOT USE)
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Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Bas Lansdorp, co-founder of Mars One, an organisation with the goal of establishing a human settlement on Mars.
Time Travel
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with Back to the Future actor Christopher Lloyd and Dr. Who actress Michelle Gomez. Comedian co-host Chuck Nice and theoretical physicist Michio Kaku join Tyson in the Hall of the Universe to discuss the science fiction and fact of time travel through topics including relativity, black holes and parallel universes.
Brian Cox (NOT USE)
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson talks to Brian Cox, the English particle physicist, about superheroes, communicating science and much more.
Mayim Bialik
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik. Comedian co-host Chris Hardwick and guest Summer Ash join Tyson in the Hall of the Universe to discuss the portrayal of science on television. Topics include women in science, television characters as role models, and garnering interest in science through comedic means.
David Byrne (NOT USE)
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Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with musician David Byrne, co-founder of the iconic band Talking Heads. Comedian Maeve Higgins and cognitive scientist Monica Lopez-Gonzalez join Tyson to discuss creativity in the arts and sciences, artificial intelligence and our appreciation of music.
Man On Wire
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with high wire artist Phillipe Petit. Comedian co-host Eugene Mirman and guest Charles Liu join Tyson in the Hall of the Universe to discuss the science of extreme stunts. Topics include Petit's 1974 high wire walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center, merging the laws of physics and the creativity of art, and the psychology of death defying stunts.
Larry Wilmore (NOT USE)
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Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with producer, actor, comedian and writer Larry Wilmore. Comedian Eugene Mirman and neuroscientist Scott Weems join Tyson to discuss the physiology of laughter, the mathematics of crafting jokes and the intersection of science and comedy.
Robert Kirkman And The Walking Dead
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with Robert Kirkman, creator of the comic book turned popular television series The Walking Dead. Comedian co-host Maeve Higgins and guest anthropologist Jeffrey Mantz join Tyson in the Hall of the Universe to discuss the science of zombies. Topics include zombies in pop culture, the physiology and psychology of zombies, and how to prepare for the zombie apocalypse.
Seth Macfarlane (NOT USE)
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Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with Seth MacFarlane, creator of the popular animated series Family Guy. Comedian Chuck Nice and astrophysicist Charles Liu join Tyson to discuss the science of Family Guy, social issues in cartoons, and the science fiction parodies abound in the series.
US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with the 25th Secretary of Defense, Ashton B. Carter. Comedian co-host Leighann Lord and political science expert and author Michael Horowitz join Tyson in the Hall of the Universe to discuss the role of science in governance, satellite surveillance technology, artificial intelligence in war, and the future of science and technology in national defense
Gina McCarthy (NOT USE)
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Gina McCarthy, the Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Brian Greene
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with theoretical physicist and bestselling author Brian Greene. Comedian co-host Maeve Higgins philosopher David Chalmers join Tyson in the Hall of the Universe to discuss a range of topics relating to theoretical physics, quantum mechanics and the nature of reality.
Bill Clinton (NOT USE)
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Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with former president Bill Clinton, a strong advocate of science education and advancement. Comedian Chuck Nice and genomics expert Juan Enriquez discuss the importance of science education in society, the Human Genome Project, and artificial intelligence.
Buzz Aldrin
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with legendary Apollo 11 astronaut and first man to walk on the moon, Buzz Aldrin. Comedian co-host Iliza Shlesinger and guest Mike Massimino join Tyson in the Hall of the Universe to discuss the legacy of the Apollo program, the first mission to land on the moon, and Buzz's plan to send humans to Mars.
David Crosby (NOT USE)
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with singer-songwriter and social justice activist David Crosby.
Hope Solo
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with Hope Solo - the goalkeeper for the U.S. Women's National soccer team, and arguably one of the best female goalkeepers in the world. Comedian co-host Chuck Nice and guest Dr. Brent Walker join Tyson in the Hall of the Universe to discuss the physics of soccer, sports psychology, emerging technology in sports, and gender equality on the playing field.
Whoopi Goldberg
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with Whoopi Goldberg, who wears many hats as a successful comedian, actress, television host and human rights advocate. Comedian co-host Chuck Nice and guests, astrophysicist Charles Liu and neuroscientist Dr. Staci Gruber, join Tyson in the Hall of the Universe to discuss topics ranging from Star Trek to superheroes to medical marijuana.
Susan Sarandon (NOT USE)
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Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with actress and humanitarian Susan Sarandon. Comedian Maeve Higgins and Dr. Emily Thomas join Tyson to discuss expanding our perspective through space travel and substances, redefining our idea of gender, and experiencing awe in the digital age.
Penn And Teller (NOT USE)
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Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with magician duo Penn and Teller. Comedian Chuck Nice and Dr. Susana Martinez-Conde join Tyson to discuss the neuroscience involved how we perceived illusions, the importance of skepticism in science, and reveal the one true secret of magic.
Jeremy Irons
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with actor Jeremy Irons and director Matt Brown and discusses the film The Man Who Knew Infinity, a story about the relationship between Indian math prodigy Ramanujan and British mathematician G.H. Hardy. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Eugene Mirman and mathematician and advisor to the film, Ken Ono. They dive deep into topics surrounding the discovery of genius and the beauty of math.
The Martian
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with Andy Weir, author of the bestselling novel "The Martian", which was adapted into the 2015 blockbuster film. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Matt Kirshen and guests Adam Steltzner and Dr. Jim Green. They discuss topics including the engineering behind a mission to Mars, what our rovers have discovered there since their arrival, and the realistic obstacles that humans would face to survive on Mars.
Ben Stiller
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with actor, director and pop-culture icon Ben Stiller. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Chuck Nice and guest Charles Liu. They discuss science in the movies, the science of comedy, and bringing science to life. Adding to the discussion, Tyson answers fans' Cosmic Queries, Dr. Scott Weems joins via video call, and Bill Nye reports in from the field.
Terry Crews
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with actor and former NFL linebacker Terry Crews. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Chuck Nice and guest Dr. Felicia Stoler. They discuss the science of fitness, nutrition, and the relationship between exercise and creativity. Adding to the discussion, Tyson answers fans' Cosmic Queries and neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki joins via video call.
Jay Leno
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Matt Kirshen and guest Bill Nye. They discuss topics ranging from the anatomy of jokes to the future of cars. Adding to the discussion, Tyson answers fans' Cosmic Queries and comedian Chuck Nice hits the streets to find out what New Yorkers know about cars.
Science of Game of Thrones
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with "Game of Thrones" actor Isaac Wright. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Michael Ian Black and guest Helen Keen to discuss the science of "Game of Thrones". Adding to the discussion, Tyson answers fans' Cosmic Queries and psychologist Dr. Travis Langley joins via video call.
Search For Aliens
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"Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with astronomer Jill Tarter. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Michael Ian Black and guest Seth Shostak to discuss the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Adding to the discussion, Tyson answers fans' Cosmic Queries and neuroscientist Lori Marino joins via video call."
Bill Maher
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with comedian Bill Maher. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Maeve Higgins and guests Dr. Alison Dagnes and Greg Lukianoff to discuss satire in society, science denialism and challenging our views. Adding to the discussion, Tyson answers fans' Cosmic Queries, Chuck Nice asks comedians about political correctness, and Dr. John Hibbing joins via video call.
William Shatner
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"Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with actor William Shatner. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Chuck Nice and guest astrophysicist Charles Liu to discuss the power of science fiction and Shatner's iconic role as Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek series. Adding to the discussion, Tyson answers fans' Cosmic Queries and David Batchelor joins via video call to talk about Star Trek technology."
The Science of Weather
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with NOAA Administrator Kathryn D. Sullivan. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Scott Adsit and climate scientist Radley Horton to discuss the science of climate and weather. Adding to the discussion, Tyson answers fans' Cosmic Queries, David Grinspoon joins via video call to talk about extreme climate in our solar system, and Bill Nye gives us the data on climate change.
Herbie Hancock And Wayne Shorter
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with legendary jazz musicians Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. Tyson is joined in the Hall of the Universe by comedian co-host Chuck Nice, musician Sean Ono Lennon and artist Stephen Tyson to discuss the art and science of jazz. Adding to the discussion, Tyson answers fans' Cosmic Queries and Dr. Charles Limb joins via video call to talk about the neuroscience of creativity.

George Takei
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with actor George Takei, a.k.a "Sulu" on the original Star Trek TV series and films.
Christopher Nolan
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Christopher Nolan, director of the 2014 sci-fi film 'Interstellar'.
Richard Dawkins
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Pop culture and science collide, as host Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined each week by comedian co-hosts, celebrities and special guests.
Norman Lear
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Pop culture and science collide, as host Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined each week by comedian co-hosts, celebrities and special guests.
Jimmy Carter
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Features an interview with Jimmy Carter, 39th US president and founder of The Carter Center, which aims to fight disease around the world.
Chris Hadfield
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Pop culture and science collide with clarity, humour and passion. Tyson is joined each week by comedian co-hosts, celebrities and special guests.
Dan Savage
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with Dan Savage, author of the popular relationship advice column 'Savage Love'.
Biz Stone
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Pop culture and science collide as host Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined each week by comedian co-hosts, celebrities and special guests.
Arianna Huffington
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Pop culture and science collide with clarity, humour and passion. Tyson is joined each week by comedian co-hosts, celebrities and special guests.
Charles Bolden/NASA
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Pop culture and science collide with clarity, humour and passion. Tyson is joined each week by comedian co-hosts, celebrities and special guests.
Mars 1
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Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Bas Lansdorp, co-founder of Mars One, an organisation with the goal of establishing a human settlement on Mars.
Brian Cox
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson talks to Brian Cox, the English particle physicist, about superheroes, communicating science and much more.
David Byrne
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Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with musician David Byrne, co-founder of the iconic band Talking Heads. Comedian Maeve Higgins and cognitive scientist Monica Lopez-Gonzalez join Tyson to discuss creativity in the arts and sciences, artificial intelligence and our appreciation of music.
Larry Wilmore
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Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with producer, actor, comedian and writer Larry Wilmore. Comedian Eugene Mirman and neuroscientist Scott Weems join Tyson to discuss the physiology of laughter, the mathematics of crafting jokes and the intersection of science and comedy.
Seth Macfarlane
+
Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with Seth MacFarlane, creator of the popular animated series Family Guy. Comedian Chuck Nice and astrophysicist Charles Liu join Tyson to discuss the science of Family Guy, social issues in cartoons, and the science fiction parodies abound in the series.
Gina McCarthy
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Host Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Gina McCarthy, the Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Bill Clinton
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Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with former president Bill Clinton, a strong advocate of science education and advancement. Comedian Chuck Nice and genomics expert Juan Enriquez discuss the importance of science education in society, the Human Genome Project, and artificial intelligence.
David Crosby
+
Host Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with singer-songwriter and social justice activist David Crosby.
Susan Sarandon
+
Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with actress and humanitarian Susan Sarandon. Comedian Maeve Higgins and Dr. Emily Thomas join Tyson to discuss expanding our perspective through space travel and substances, redefining our idea of gender, and experiencing awe in the digital age.
Penn And Teller
+
Neil deGrasse Tyson features his interview with magician duo Penn and Teller. Comedian Chuck Nice and Dr. Susana Martinez-Conde join Tyson to discuss the neuroscience involved how we perceived illusions, the importance of skepticism in science, and reveal the one true secret of magic.

Photos