The Planetary Society
Planetary Radio: Book Club Edition
Each month we delve into a new space-themed book and chat with the author. Hosted by Mat Kaplan, the creator of Planetary Radio and Senior Communications Adviser for The Planetary Society.
Author
The Planetary Society
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 19, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
“To Be Taught, If Fortunate” with Becky Chambers 19.06.2026
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.
Diane Ackerman and “The Planets: A Cosmic Pastoral” 15.05.2026 51:17
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.
Founder and CEO Peter Beck on The Launch of Rocket Lab 17.04.2026 57:50
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.
The Giant Leap: Why Space is the Next Frontier in the Evolution of Life 20.03.2026 1:17:34
Astrobiologist Caleb Scharf eloquently explores the future of humanity and what we will become when we live beyond Earth.
Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts’ latest for kids 20.02.2026 56:54
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.”
The Little Book of Aliens by Adam Frank 16.01.2026 44:10
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.
MOONS: The Mysteries and Marvels of our Solar System by Kate Howells 19.12.2025 59:26
The Planetary Society’s Kate Howells has written this beautifully illustrated trek among our Solar System’s most intriguing and mysterious moons.
The Martians by David Baron 21.11.2025 1:03:00
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!
Space Craze by Margaret Weitekamp 17.10.2025 55:18
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.
Cosmos Award–winning author Dava Sobel 19.09.2025 50:29
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.
Exploring the Overview Effect with Frank White 15.08.2025 1:03:29
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.
Andy Weir and Project Hail Mary 18.07.2025 1:03:49
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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