StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson - The Science of the Mind

Welcome back to StarTalk hosted by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Neil & co-host Eugene Mirman are joined by Wyatt Cenac ("The Daily Show"), Cara Santa Maria (HuffPo's "Talk Nerdy To Me") and neuroscientist Heather Berlin at the Bell House in Brookyn to discuss the science of the mind.
Co-host: Eugene Mirman
Guests:
Heather Berlin
Wyatt Cenac
Cara Santa Maria
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[@Commentergirl3000]

I love when Heather Berlin is on StarTalk! She's so awesome and delivers information about the brain in such a casual and understanding way without dumbing anything down.

[@benjrivera21]

The whole purpose of this format is a back and forth with the scientists and comedians. If you feel like you need more science talk there are plenty of boring lectures. If you feel like you missed out on knowledge because of the comedians then really you just wanted more time.

[@CAcationu2]

I think Eugene is great! I've long loved having him as a co-host and really enjoyed the dynamic between him and Dr. Tyson on the podcast. He's a smart guy and has great humor. Please don't lose him!

[@Apropoetic]

I personally enjoy the comedic input. I think it helps keep the show casual and relaxed. As interesting as the science is, I like this style better than if it turned too serious and became almost like a lecture. I give Neil credit too, he is a very good host for this style. His enthusiasm for science makes it all work.

[@FrankLightheart]

Man, I love Neil. He's just so passionate about science and the universe.

[@PhyreI3ird]

I really wish there was more of this! :D

[@misssheatherskye]

That was one of the best science chats/ relaxed things I've ever seen. Star Talk has got me hooked!

[@ravenstylea2]

I loved every minute of Star Talk!

[@ze_chooch]

I actually would like to encourage the comedians to keep doing what they're doing. It shows people that talking about science doesn't have to be serious. Talking about science, or any other academic topic, can be just as much fun as any other kind of conversation when a tone is set in which mistakes can be made with friendly revisions and jokes can be cast. Anyone who cannot comfortably switch from pure information to humor, I think, isn't emotionally flexible which, to me, leaves room for personal improvement.

[@IFGchannel931]

I agree 100%

[@michaelxz1305]

I think the problem people have with this is that not all comedians are funny... this panel is not so bad, just the one guy isn't funny (80% of the time, and the rest of the time his delivery is lacking - overblown). But when he was paired with another even more unfunny guy who looks like Ron Burgundy, it was really really hard to watch. The usual star talk in-studio comedian is great.

[@A-Oreal]

I guess crazy people aren't crazy after all?! They're simply in a different level of thinking!? This segment is making me question everything. I need a beer! Heather is so beautiful!

[@simplyhuman3982]

🍻. I need more rum now.

[@mohsinjobmail8937]

i watched 2 videos and i am in LOVE with this show

[@SarahFimm]

I think this is wonderful, stimulating, and I thank them for taking the time to have the discussion.

[@vitoorona2960]

They look like they are listening to the conversation so hard just to find the perfect moment to @##$$ up the conversation.

[@MonkeyPuding]

the jokes start losing their appeal when they keep changing the subject every time someone tries to discuss something in more detail.

[@singingwater69]

Eugene is annoying & distracting to say the least; he brings the intelligence to a dead stop.

[@leticiazaragozafitnessinst1805]

It's driving me crazy. I really wanted to hear the Professor's description of that research paper about psychedelics

[@j.d.3597]

I love that when Dr. Tyson gets into an explanation he stands up and starts movin' like Rick James. He is the hardest working showman in science!

[@maartates]

I want to see more Cara and Heather discussing this subject. Interesting!

[@vinurawitharanage8146]

Those two guys interrupted Neil so much he missed an important point he was trying to make, and he never got to say it.

[@MimiYuYu]

Vinura Witharanage he was stoned

[@arokace]

I mean... I guess it gets annoying sort of at times but this is the whole point of these specific setups... They aren't suppose to be 100% cereal science talks, they're usually just like 65% cereal science talks... I personally love them though, I loved the one with Wil Wheaton the most so far. Talked about Star Trek a bunch too...basically the whole thing(didn't realize Wil Wheaton was in Star Trek: Next Gen, wondered why he seemed familiar)

[@marywhitworth6769]

Neil stopped 2 their level

[@mariouribe4083]

In light of the allegations 21:40 does not look so good for tyson.

[@creemoon9546]

Not good, but not criminal. just lame. i have to say she is clearly flirting during the first 20 minuets. The real question is (like an audience member said) "how did you know she had the tattoo?" lol

[@beccak8166]

Cree Moon flirting doesn't mean you want to be disrobed by someone else on camera without your prior knowledge or consent lol.

[@dunkhi]

@@creemoon9546 I'm pretty sure she is the type of girl that hears one word about the universe and tells+shows everybody the tattoo.

[@BigDaddyDracula]

wow that's a shitty thing to say

[@sybaritesphynx8057]

Yeah the grabbing and lifting the shirt with no warning, cuurrreeepyyy af

[@scooterj.4727]

I love Eugene on these discussions.

[@chives1808]

This was a great panel. love that you brought to comedians to balance out the scientists. They really opened up the panel and made them communicate more actively and fun.

[@ChicagoMike85]

That chick in the white glasses 😍

[@TheYetixOUTx]

+Michael J i think her and tyson have a thing

[@Matthew075]

+Michael J Trying to imagine what she saw in Bill Maher... lucky him. lol

[@montgomerybrains]

+Michael J man, girls are hot right?

[@jasonmalice]

+montgomerybrains Indeed they are.

[@bbblackwell]

Michael J Women can't do anything without being viewed as a sexual object, especially in the age of porn. This is unavoidable, so don't anyone say that it needs to change; it won't, so to suggest it is just wasting everyone's time.

[@GamerDudester]

I'm in love.

[@hitchens67]

09:55 I love you Heather!!!

[@stylesisdaman]

Great ep, please keep uploading these :D

[@aaronrios6470]

Id like the comedians to at least try to engage intelligently in the conversation...

[@left4shred876]

+Aaron Rios You haven't seen many episodes, I presume.

[@MimiYuYu]

Aaron Rios what?! Kristen Schlage chimes in with something super smart once in a while (the sun cloaking the sky) and Jim Gaffagan (mars only needs liquid water to make club soda!)

[@ohaRega]

I have solved the problem guys. Keep including a comedian on the show, *but a better one*.

[@Tundra1428]

I wish I could talk to neil sometimes. Have a discussion with him about life and everything.

[@ohaRega]

The answer to life, the universe and everything is in fact 42.

[@ron9269]

I want to talk to this lovely young lady.

[@thestrangedr]

I really like this series, they should do this an lot more.

[@Grand-Massive]

OHHHH Neil you messed up man, you said 3.14195, its actually 3.14159 --- ---

[@montgomerybrains]

+The Collector burn! you just burned neil? whoaaaaa

[@Grand-Massive]

montgomerybrains lol

[@DavidLindes]

@Elvanum like tau? ;) ;)

[@ron9269]

Then he added 36 on the end instead of 26

[@HendrixTaylor24]

A intelligent and good looking woman with a Carl Sagan tattoo...my God.

[@jacoblandry9377]

Jack Taylor wheere the tattoo

[@Qudrates]

@@jacoblandry9377 watch the whole thing. You have been missing out for 2 yrs!!

[@tumbika]

I am so happy I found out Neil has a show :-) love this guy!

[@usacic]

That vest Neil is wearing just blew my mind!!!!

[@foxnetsov]

21:54 you're welcome

[@pastordonkoh7692]

Oh ohh

[@BigDaddyDracula]

some creepy shit

[@ron9269]

The way he just grabs her and then starts lifting her shirt. He acts like she belongs to him.

[@therealhuggybear]

Joel is right, that guy on the far left was really detracting from the show.

[@SIRA063]

eugene is brilliant co host, hilarious, sceince is interesting enough but to add the comedy just makes it even better. this is a brilliant show.

[@jnasty00]

This was a really good episode

[@hitmanwolf]

so it all resumes to this: Aliens ignore us cause we are too dumb in their level of intelect. xD

[@RaviPatel-hw7nc]

LMFAO fucking neil just grabs her and lifts up her shirt. Funniest shit ever! this is better than most comedians XD

[@hlynurgumundsson6979]

Ravi Patel lol Neil don't give a fuck

[@riniks112]

Now this is what I call some awesome content.

[@Ladyzelda333]

Loving this, as usual.

[@REVJHD]

Wyatt looks like the hit the blunt a few too many times before the show started... Eyes low, looking at the floor. Clearly out of his element, but chillin.

[@davidscott129]

Tyson for President! No one currently running could beat him.

[@montgomerybrains]

+David Scott YOU ARE TOTALLY RIGHT

[@montgomerybrains]

+montgomerybrains it's a great idea! serios!

[@MsSomeonenew]

Well sadly the presidency is decided by people who wouldn't understand half of what he is talking about... so no that will not happen.

[@TheLunisbadman]

I love how this is a convo about neuroscience and after a while they all end up with cocktails. Perfect.

[@altemarmelendez]

too short!!! More Neil's Video, please! StartTalk Yeah!

[@bballercheetahfan3]

Absolutely funny and hilarious....neil degrasse tyson asks some brilliant questions to some attractive pshycologists.

[@shaecarcar]

the girl in the white glasses loves the word "bottleneck" doesn't she?

[@conechiwa7]

Awww that shoulda been like an hour longer- I wanted to hear from everyone more. They were just getting started!

[@ncarpenter007]

More StarTalk Live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@AnhTrieu90]

Is it just me or does anyone else think that those comedians can sometime be quite annoying? Having comedians on a science show is an interesting idea but every time it gets to the exciting part they jump in with a joke and the topic's changed.

[@alexanderhardy1043]

I totally agree with you on that point. Unfortunately for us, asking a comedian to restrain his or her self is likely a futile effort if one still wants them to be in a mood conducive to being funny

[@keithroten4722]

I definitely get your point; however, I like the idea because it makes science much more entertaining and thus attracts a larger audience for the science. Unfortunately as Alexander said that then controlling them from just taking over is sometimes a struggle for the scientists.

[@twonumber22]

No. There are plenty of shows and lectures on here that you can watch for years. Some people want to see Neil have fun.

[@trevorwilliams6362]

Slamz Dunk I see Neil having fun in serious debates. We all want the jokes, but we want to actually learn also. It's like when you were in high-school and the class clown HAD to interrupt just to say something he thought was clever. Even though the lesson was going in a positive and constructive direction before they felt the need to blab something mildly funny. Reading this over, I know it seems like I'm against having them on. I'm not. I just don't want valuable information being drowned out by a joke. Timing is key, and professionals should know that.

[@DeHerg]

the actual funny thing, from the 4 star talk videos I`ve seen here, every single one of them had "comedians" in them and in every single one, whenever those comedians are mentioned(in the comments section), the general sentiment was "ged rid of them they have nothing to contribute and are only annoying" (sometimes expressed more polite sometimes more harsh). And I could not agree more

[@AcadianGiles]

@14:36 She started talking about what happens to your brain while on drugs, then he makes a joke and then THEY CUT OUT THAT PART OF THE VIDEO !!! She didn't even get to finish what she was saying, and I am very dissapointed.

[@TheSimpsoys]

Weird, it's in the podcast version of it though and both episodes are edited. She basically said that we think the brain becomes more activated during mushrooms or LSD but the brain scans actually show our brains are less active. That's why hallucinations occur and there's a similar lack of activity in waking dreams. That's from what I can remember anyway

[@byronleblanc6064]

Science & Comedy United Once again!

[@AxeManAnthony]

This was awesome.

[@KokoRicky]

I love comedy and Eugene has provided many a funny moment via "Home Movies," but he's just getting in the way here. It's distracting, really, not to mention the LSD/shrooms story was cut off! I think this sort of format would work better with philosophical comedians like Louis CK, Bill Burr, David Cross, Doug Stanhope or Patton Oswalt, but I guess they're too vulgar for this sort of thing.

[@accordingToSpecs]

It worked for me.

[@Jasonian69]

I agree, I was disappointed when the topic was interrupted and never resumed.

[@SuburbanLegend]

Neil banged Cara for sure.

[@cigarr3870]

Neil has banged damn near anyone he has wanted

[@Biddybalboa]

She was way into him.

[@abelarvizu2898]

SuburbanLegend93 Is he still married?

[@ComplyMusicDubstepPromotion]

SuburbanLegend93 Neil was a way for Cara to know herself

[@JabberCT]

Bill Maher used to tap that.

[@LandisKashu]

I love Cara. She's great.

[@BCBrownBooks]

Neil made a thoughtful point at the end. I love when exemplary scientific minds (and apparently two comedians...?) can get together and banter scientific fact and theories around without hurt feelings. Some are shown to be the "victors" of the debate and others are not, but they all contribute, leading to good dialog. The comment "atheists don't believe in souls" (paraphrased) will now be debated amongst myself and friends for some time, I think. ;) Thank you, Neil and friends!!

[@MobioDEN]

So I guess she should have that tattoo changed into "We are one of possibly millions of ways in which the cosmos seems to be trying to comprehend itself through evolutionary trial and error, never even knowing for sure whether it has succeeded or not"....

[@SaintShinobi]

Just as some people say "It's all about the jouney man", I think we'll never comprehend the entire cosmos, buy science has the way of bringing some light to the darkness and mysteries of existence.

[@sweetfruit7769]

Great idea for a tramp stamp

[@NGSVALENCIA]

I know this is a meaningfull video, and intelligent and all, but .... that TATOO GIRL!!! DAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN!!!!!

[@sybaritesphynx8057]

She knows exactly what she is doing and the effect she has on men.. she touches Neil so often and statements like "Got the tattoo on MY BODY" .. um ok? Thanks for specifying lol

[@Iriscreations]

This is Brilliant!

[@focuspark]

I love Cara Santa Maria because I have a daughter and she's a real role model for her.

[@Daggershift21]

yeah I've been watching and listening to startalk for a while if you don't want interruptions then don't watch. it's just how things go so suck suck it up or just don't watch. thanks.

[@sammie309]

these women are attractive as fuck

[@PeteTheFatDog]

Eugene has a role to play, it's to play the "laymen". He's there to ask the questions, to make the observations, and conclusions that someone who isn't versed in the subject may make, This panel format works because you're not just using experts in the field, the people who 'know' ask the fewest questions. It might be more factual, but it wouldn't be as entertaining.

[@jay8641]

love this show

[@brittany2231]

Why is Gene on the stage? He's interrupting the science.

[@MimiYuYu]

Brittany I think it's his stage

[@andrewe3165]

After a while the guy on the end is plain annoying.

[@AK-salvador]

science+comedy+cara = paradise

[@Arithorath]

I love it when Dr. Tyson really gets going. around 27:00 or so.

[@MoRo1333]

Those two "funny" guys were kinda unnecessary.

[@m_121]

one is enough..i think the one on the left is slightly annoying..always cutting the flow when someone is trying to say something really interesting and engaging

[@hitmanwolf]

comedians are added to the Star Talk so it doesn't get too much focus on the scientific Talk itself... that is quite interesting and though provoking... but may kill the mood and keep the Crowd Quiet... is short: they are the Jesters of the Court.

[@Rogonvr]

you're.

[@TheAirforcesucks]

Rogonvr you're pretty pathetic. did i use it right?

[@Rogonvr]

TheAirforcesucks you're

[@Apropoetic]

Exactly, and from numerous other interviews, Neil has stated that he wants to spread interest in science and science literacy so he needs to try to spread to various audiences.

[@grubbtj]

I feel like those of us who feel this way are very few. Neil loves humor and talking about science with comedians can bring new audiences to science.

[@JonathanDLynch]

Given the vastness of our reality, there has to be a greater consciousness than ourselves - even if we are only talking about smart aliens, I cannot believe we are the smartest things going. I sure hope not.

[@heliocentric68]

im not that convinced we are smart at all considering how humans treat each other, the way we treat our planet and the way the majority of people wrap themselves in fairy tales just so they feel better. we are smart compared to all other living things on this planet (and thats debateable)...thats not a big deal...a dog is smart compared to a sea urchin.

[@JonathanDLynch]

Hmmm... There is data that could be interpreted as evidence of conscious creation behind our universe. It could also be interpreted as evidence for an evolutionary process for universes. I think the complete lack of unequivocal interventions from either gods or aliens indicates that there is some reason for leaving us alone. Perhaps the star trek prime directive or divine libertarianism? My best guess is that our solar system is like a nature preserve. Superior beings won't be letting the crazy humans out of the nature preserve until the humans have evolved enough to not kill each other over stupid religious beliefs. It might be a while.

[@mrkekson]

Jonathan Lynch we sent our first radiowaves like 80 years ago, so it travelled 80 light year, but the cosmos is so incomprehensively massive, that our 80 light year bubble is almost unimaginably smaller, so even if there are space faring species out there,they might not even realize that someone is here. We can't communicate with ~95% of our reality( dark matter/energy ), and then, we would not even considered higher dimensions, or 3+ dimensional beings. What if they was/are allready here, but we have no means to detect them, so we would not even know, or just imagine that they have a less potent main atom then carbon, so their interaction can be so slow, that we tink they are rock formations, or they might be just, in an entirely different level of energy eg exist below plank length ( not even shure if it's possible ) . But i think it's more than plausible thet there is life out there

[@thetguy100]

the possibilities are endless for life and what'll they do, that is a good and very bad thing

[@tbm1300]

President Tyson 2016.

[@sparstangled]

I love this, makes my psych major feel good.

[@jeffsiegwart]

Very cool!

[@WuShogun212]

Neil is such a pimp, he just pulls Cara off her chair and starts to take her shirt off, Powerful Neil deGrasse Tyson XD.

[@bryanston30]

***** Proof of that here. Look at NDT here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4i2fYCKiJ6jpZo

[@kobayashimaru8114]

He'll be next on the witch hunt lol

[@NZCanuckKiwi]

You called it. @@kobayashimaru8114

[@pastordonkoh7692]

@@kobayashimaru8114 You're prophetic

[@pewpewpew3212]

@@kobayashimaru8114 Are you the prophet of the Lord™?

[@tayoo.1965]

neil a pimp yo, lifting that girl's shirt

[@redgefleming1535]

Tayo Talks Neil banged her

[@swizzbeats1212]

Added to favorites before it even started.

[@Alex_1729]

Nicely said.

[@paulr1917]

Lip rings are so terrible.

[@paulr1917]

Super terrible!

[@--Justin--]

Particularly off-centred ones...

[@AcadianGiles]

There's just something Cro-Magnon about it sticking out like that.

[@timwitt94]

Paul Reimer wtf r u ppl talking about, who gives a shit. shes sexy and smart :)

[@TXLorenzo]

She looks like a meat stick fishing lure.

[@DaveK183]

The woman next to Neil is so annoying

[@gogogamemistress]

I'm so glad that you respect what they had to say.

[@Joekitty001]

I love how Neil gets into it!

[@torpol]

best new show on the "internets"!

[@MrJoeak0]

inspiring!

[@InFeK11]

That ending just bam lol

[@ViperRob]

This is awesome :D

[@TribalKatz]

I feel like Wyatt while watching this--just chilling. Haha

[@TruthSerum101]

Love it.

[@sweetfruit7769]

The comedian is great!

[@livenandlove1980]

I keep picturing the kid from Bob's Burger taking part in this conversation. lol

[@MrSlimeballs]

I love this show

[@drasteek]

amazing!!!!

[@Mynameisnotcollin]

Eugene is awesome

[@SevenDeMagnus]

I love the mind, one of the faculties of the soul.

[@Liza-ol8or]

Wish there was more discussion

[@jtx77]

Wyatt keeps the mic to his mouth the entire show and only says five or six things. A true professional.

[@ThePhanaticalOne]

Because in order to acquire a deeper level of knowledge and thinking on any subject you need to learn the basics and the fundamentals first. It's like saying "Why couldn't we just drive race cars at our driver's ed class, that would have been so much better!" You need a solid basis of knowledge to start from so that the conversation can have the accuracy needed to explore the unknown questions and problems that we have in science. I do agree though, debate is better than lecture.

[@Efunkable]

best show on nerdist

[@jettivonaviska]

This is actually a good discussion. Neil and Eugene should have those 3 back, and discuss it some more.