Adam Savage Interviews 'The Martian' Author Andy Weir - The Talking Room

Adam Savage welcomes author Andy Weir to The Talking Room! Andy wrote 'The Martian', the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars--it's a book we can't recommend enough. Adam and Andy talk about the research that went into writing the book, the portrayal of astronauts in fiction, and the upcoming film adaptation!
Thanks to Andy Weir! Find out more about his books at www.andyweirauthor.com/
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[@scottmanley]

Fantastic! Sounds like Andy was playing the pen and paper version of Kerbal Space Program. Although, I'll point out that Ion engines were already around before Zubrin's mars direct plan, but I imagine the engines on Hermes are a vastly improved design.

[@palker4]

Look kids its Scott Manley.

[@mypdshp9309]

Hey Scott!

[@TrogdorBurnin8or]

Scott Manley Brand new reddit: www.reddit.com/r/KSPtoMars

[@anon456938]

Scott Manley Thanks to you, Scott, I actually knew what he was talking about (:

[@maxximumb]

Scott Manley Thanks for all the help with KSP. Having learnt to play it from your videos, it was great to understand exactly what Andy was taking about with DeltaV and the orbital mechanics.

[@siphillis]

I like how Adam figured Andy must've been some sort of polymath with multiple connections to NASA and JPL, when in reality he's just an everyday software engineer with an absurd attention to detail.

[@IroAppe]

It all sounds like he and xkcd / Randall Munroe would go together well. They both seem to love research from the desk, and diving into deep topics just from the comfort of home, getting very far with that process.

[@jetseekers]

"lives aren't depending on my work so I can be super inaccurate." Basically how I play Kerbal Space Program.

[@QuadmanSwe]

Jebediah told me to downvote this comment but I don't care enough about him to do it.

[@glenvansteeter5330]

In this interview Adam expresses the thought frequently that he is so surprised about how accurate Andy's work in "The Martian" was considering that he has zero background in astrodynamics and knows nobody in the aerospace industry. What Andy has is an insatiable desire to acquire knowledge about all things involving manned space flight and he knows how to use a computer for research. But this is not entirely unique. Tom Clancy of "The Hunt for Red October" fame invented the "techno-thriller" genre, but he was an insurance salesman by vocation. But he had a LOT of books, did a ton of research and made some very good educated guesses. So good, in fact, that after "The Hunt for Red October" was published, he was visited by certain employees of the US intelligence and military services who wanted to know how he had obtained information. Tom had just made GOOD guesses. What makes books like these so good is the amount of detailed research their respective authors do to make the books seem like they have depth and a consistency.

[@SKotekar]

Two passionate guys geeked out about each other and taking about my favorite subject and the amazing book Martian!! Gash! I never wanted this interview to end. I love it. Best interview ever

[@kindlessthing]

Interview was too short. I could listen to them talk for another 4 hours easily.

[@c-shepard]

Andy's a wealth of knowledge, if you enjoyed this check out Joe Scott's more recent interview with Andy here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apXKqKGee8uSbLs

[@andyhighroller8217]

For real.

[@andyhighroller8217]

I want an Adam savage show/pod. I had no idea he’d be so like-able off of myth busters. Too bad he looks like one of my old Assistant Scoutmasters/neighbor/my dad’s friend/my friend’s dad(all one person). Meanwhile, Jamie looks like ANOTHER Assistant Scoutmaster/dad’s friend/friend’s dad!! Mustache & stern style of speech included! *Except my Jamie doppelgänger I know is 6’4, & my Adam doppelgänger is like 5’8.

[@deserttrekkie]

I'm very particular about my SciFi books and films. I admit to seeing the movie first and was blown away. It became my instant fav and I never had one with such title before lol. Read the book later and again, blown away. After listening to the audiobook and reading his other work, I'm blown away all over again. Can't believe I never saw this interview. I just love AW's brain and listening to literally humble beginnings is so refreshing ❤️❤️

[@gfontanetto]

In case you're wondering, the high school teacher blog is POLYMATH exocientist.

[@SapphireH]

I've noticed that many authors of truly awesome books are terrible to interview... but holy cow, Andy Weir is just an absolute PLEASURE to listen to & watch! His communication style is extremely relateable. This is the kind of guy you'd be lucky to have as a professor.

[@judithcrain1713]

I just finished reading the book and really enjoyed it. I LOVE this interview, Adam's delight and enjoyment of the book and the author really made for a heart warming listen . I especially appreciated that the author, Andy, is such a nice down to earth person, I hope fame doesn't change him. It is not often that an author is so open about everything, he seems like a great person.

[@TacoPreacher]

Really cool interview, this is how you interview a nerd, you get another nerd that knows and loves the subject in hand, not interchangeable pretty faces and/or loud mouths that use the same questions and jokes that are going to be used on 20 other youtube channels and t.v. and radio talk shows. *please note i'm not saying that Adam is not a pretty face, the gentleman is sharp looking.

[@DamianReloaded]

Great interview, awesome guy and Adam so superb by staying quiet and letting him talk his mind out. I thought Adam was promoting this movie just for the money but I kind of get now why he supports this guy's work so much. Thanks Adam for pulling this out! ^_^

[@herbertkeithmiller]

I rate this video 10 pirate ninjas Adam is such a fan boy : > and Weir totally geeks out.

[@ethanfisher-perez9620]

+Herbert Miller Watching this video used up 10.6 pirate ninjas. Gonna have to put out my solar panels soon to charge my PC.

[@anushsgk]

+Herbert Miller Pirate ninjas is a unit. It can't be used to rate things.

[@herbertkeithmiller]

OOOPS My bad I'll have to take a 2.5 parsec trip home ;->

[@IamGrimalkin]

+Ethan Fisher-Perez Isn't pirate-ninjas a power unit, not a energy unit?

[@user-if7dc3dk1v]

ต

[@jacemachine]

Easily one of my favorite reads! So stoked to see the film, and very pleased to watch this interview. Thanks guys!

[@marchills4131]

This video is nigh near priceless to a certain type of viewer; a scientifically-grounded dreamer who follows, or at least admires, the creative process. I'm having trouble nailing down who I appreciate more, Adam or Andy. Both are passionately, PASSIONATELY enthusiastic about this subject matter and hearing them banter back and forth is such a joy.

[@artsketchbook]

Watching this for the second time - such a great interview - wish there was another hour of it!!

[@captaincomrade8056]

I want more books like the martian

[@maxximumb]

Thank you both for an engaging hour of conversation.

[@ant_picard]

I've watched this interview a few times now and it continues to be entertaining and interesting. This is two nerds chatting more than a formal interview and Andy Weir is amazingly captivating when he talks about something he is passionate about. On the back of this video, I bought his book and read it virtually in one sitting, unable to tear myself away from it.

[@steve24822]

Read it a year ago and loved it. Knowing there is a film coming and this great interview, I have to read it again. (Half way through amped)

[@hmm3265]

Such a great interview! Been wanting to hear this man's writing process since I read the book last year. Thanks, Adam!

[@nfssable]

I would like this video twice if I could. Awesome!

[@Punkalflufen]

Scott Smith Your comment let me like the video and your comment so it's almost like I liked it twice.

[@AlvaroMalloUy]

I have ended the book few days ago and I was amazed by the history, its scientific accuracy (although some of them are not but are minimum in the whole story) and the high possibility that something like this could happen in the near future. After reading the book the first question that i made myself was: Are we prepare to understand that the exploration of space will demand human sacrifice? And the immediate answer was no, we aren't and that has to change. We need to understand that in some point people will die and we, from the Earth, could do nothing about that. I strongly believe that the exploration of space is the key for the survival of our species. I'm convinced that in some point we must to accept that the risk of dead or the dead itself will be necessary in order to acknowledge a more precise information about the immense space that surround us.

[@HomeGuitarMods]

I'm so glad I listened to this podcast and to the many others that you mentioned this book. I admit, it's been possibly 8-9 years sense I last read a book for fun. My wife and I have been reading this to each other and we can't wait to see the movie. Thanks for the awesome suggestion!

[@AmmyWolfable]

This interview was amazing so informative in various ways. I also love looking around to see what books I can read.

[@stewartsattic]

Fantastic interview Adam and Andy! Loved it. I listened to the audio book over the last couple of days and now I'm so psyched about the movie! Thanks Andy

[@Semeyaza]

Nice interview. When you see someone so in love with his work and so passionate about it, you feel happiness for his success... and today it's not so common anymore. Good job Andy! Cheers

[@moorerobbie40]

Thank you Tested and thank you Andy Weir. I heard so much about the book from from you and other sources I picked it up at a local book store and tore through it in 3 days. I haven't had so much fun reading a book since I was 15 and read The Hitchhikers Guide for the first time.

[@albertoborrero8306]

what a great conversation between 2 great guys! Thanks, guys..

[@gregt4202]

I read The Martian early in its release and thought about it again today, hence the search for Andy Weir and this video. What a great interview! Thanks to both of the participants.

[@reverendjuan9121]

Absolutely loved the interview! Massively grateful.

[@markfryer9880]

That was one heck of an interview, er conversation, rocket science geek fest, but enjoyable none the less for not so science geek people. The enthusiasm was infectious. I am actually looking forward to the movie coming out soon.

[@RODERICKMOLASAR]

In 1969 I thought we'd have men walking on Mars by 1986, and I wanted to be one of them. Maybe in my next life.

[@lekoman]

+Roderick Molasar Go read Andy's The Egg. It's on his website, and it seriously does only take about two minutes to read. Your comment is fun in that context. :)

[@HalNordmann]

@@lekoman It is also available here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmfJlH6Vm7eMl6s

[@iaimtomisbehave57]

My granddad was one of the engineers they called in to help with the Apollo 13 "Mail Box." He got a medal for it.

[@brandonhall6084]

One of the most fascinating interviews I've seen. I am definitely reading The Martian now.

[@iambradyhales]

Best online interview I've seen. Love the book, and appreciate this so much!

[@abdool1972]

Isavored every second of this interview like it was the last breath in my space suit. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@mythdusterds]

This is the Talking Room Episode I revisit the most from Tested. I will revisit this and listen to it the most frequently. It is so good.

[@misskit123]

I love this book and movie, and watching this interview makes me love it even more. Very interesting and inspiring.

[@xXxJACKSHARPExXx]

Would be cool to see an updated version of this video but discussing the film now that it has been released.

[@johnmcquiston7381]

And Project Hail Mary

[@meengreen42]

Thank you so much for doing this!

[@Amelimilloune]

Thanks!!! I've read it and enjoyed it! And I've bought a paper copy just to lent it to my friends. I have already 2 friends who have read and loved it. Spread the love!!!

[@JayDoscher]

Great interview, thanks to Mark and Adam for making this happen.

[@MrRickkramer]

Thanks Adam for this great interview, I enjoyed it all the way, live long and prosper 🖖

[@Blackbird_42]

This is awesome. Adam Savage, I love you!!! You got me RE-started on my love of science and engineering. Love it!

[@chad5711]

So frequently I find the movies made from books I have enjoyed ultimately just don't measure up. Watching Andy's interview with Adam makes me feel, fairly confidently, that this will not be the case with Ridley's adaptation of the book. (Finger's still crossed...!)

[@nuggetinator]

I've been listening to the audiobook on repeat consistently since I first read it, this is great

[@PaulV3D]

Just nipping out to the shop to buy this book! It sounds awesome!

[@ciao9149]

One thing I’ve always loved about Andy weir from day 1 is he acknowledges that he is a dork/nerd which makes him even more epic

[@sirpez]

This interview is highly inspirational. Love it.

[@Alexkieu]

I like this author, a really humble and smart guy

[@txmatt2112]

Adam is an excellent interviewer. I hope this continues to grow. Enthralling!!

[@makatron]

Ah! Was waiting for a comment on Interstellar but in the credits the card says this was taped in november 2014. Still an amazing book and such a fun interview. Watch it twice! Wondering why it took 7 months to upload it...

[@skittyzed]

Isaac Alonzo Probably due to the reveal of the movie and the actors in it, they probably weren't allowed to release that information until now.

[@makatron]

skittyzed I thought so too. Maybe they had some sort of embargo like movie reviews have these days. But great call mate.

[@tested]

Isaac Alonzo We try to release Talking Rooms in batches, like seasons of a TV show.

[@makatron]

Tested thanks for the answer and can't express how much enjoyed this interview and how great it was. Only discovered you guys few months ago and basically binge watched a couple of years worth of videos.

[@JosephVeee]

Tested sooo...? you admit to being sellouts...

[@hanvyj2]

Great interview. Nice to hear it was a web serial, I didn't know that. If only my own web serial were anywhere near this level. It brought back memories of me writing a spreadsheet that calculated the time dilation for an accelerating ship, that was tough enough, to do the orbital mechanics of something accelerating... Wow.

[@jase3d1]

that was an awesome interview ..thank you Adam :)

[@evilkoolade]

Ok this is me thanking you later I listened to this audiobook and it was so good my TV didn't come on for 3 days its amazing and i can't thank you for the recommendation enough

[@anildamodaran]

I am going to watch interview at least another three times. The enthusiasm from both Andy and Adam geeking out over Orbital Dynamics and Science is just infectious! Love it! I'm buying the book right away! :-)

[@mannyespinola]

Thank you for this video

[@misteRoboto1]

This is EXCELLENT!! Adam really shows his technical savvy and calm personality in this professional interview. We love Mythbusters, but this version of Mr.Savage shows his sincere love of science and technology. Mr.Weir: well done sir!

[@Lowlevelmob]

This just might be my favorite Tested video! Great interview

[@javai07]

I took advice from this video and read the book. Loved it! I never thought of myself as a fan of survival stories, but this book absolutely got me mesmerized. Can't wait for the movie!

[@WilkoVehreke]

I loved the book and this interview is nearly as enjoyable as the book. Thank you for the nice time.

[@GoBlesstheSky]

4:25 - Delta V is change in velocity.

[@TheFanGirlMichelle]

46:00 is also my favorite scene!!! It is what I referenced when telling people they HAD to read this book - if they liked that scene, they would love The Martian! Great interview!

[@karejohannesson7867]

I've watched every second of this 55 minutes and 17 seconds of this interview. ..........And, it's AWESOME! Andy Weir is such a fascinating guy and Adam Savager is a great interviewer. Bravo, Andy Weir. You put the Science back into Science Friction. Thank you! Thanks Tested.

[@FedericoLucifredi0xF2]

The referenced Gemini mission was Gemini 8, the other astronaut was Dave Scott en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemini_8 - stuck RCS thruster caused the capsule to spin. Armstrong's cool-thinking saved their lives before they passed out due to G-stresses.

[@tatlyfied]

thank you both for writing this book and for introducing it to me. and for this conversation too. looks like I'm going to re-read it once again.

[@LuisAzcona]

best talking room episode!

[@whatsernamemn]

Fantastic interview, looks like I know what I'm reading next!

[@graw777]

Loved this interview!!...

[@Whistleblr]

This is amazing! I have been waiting for a good Robin Crusoe on Mars retake since the original and man am I under a rock where did this show come from Adam your the man! If I had to wait one more year I was going to shoot it my self with my Go pro's and the 3d softawe, Thanks guys. Forbin Project next please!

[@themagictheatre2965]

The sound team on 2001 likely mic'd the helmet without having to be told to do so. I worked location sound and myself and the other recordists I know would all have done that themselves, after checking with the art dept that it was okay. Kubrick was infamous in the industry for his epic level of micromanagement, so it's very possible he told them to mic the helmets, but I'm just saying that even if he hadn't, they probably would have done it anyway.

[@GamingBHD]

Amazing interview and Andy is a fascinating person. A real statement on never being too late to follow your dreams as a writer.

[@stylesformiles79]

Mars is going into my library just because of this intervier! Loved the movie & can't wait to get the book! Thank you!

[@maikutd14]

Two of my heroes, such a nice and honest interview

[@HomeGuitarMods]

What a wonderful interview.

[@mykylc]

It's been a very very long time that a book has held me down from start to finish the way this book has. Such an impressive work. So happy for Andy that the movie is being done. Geek overload!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Rayuken87]

Wow I'm just reading the book and this interview just got you a new subscriber keep up the good work just became one of my favorite channels

[@marissaleblanc6614]

I love this interview!

[@DustySmalls]

The martian was a damn good book. Very funny too.

[@Jinxtah123]

This is one of the best books I've ever read in my life. I was really sad to learn there weren't more books to buy from him after I was done. I honestly can't wait to read his next book.

[@excession777]

Great interview, just great.

[@JasonRasmussen]

This interview made me buy the book. Thanks for no spoilers!

[@greyareaRK1]

Great interview, inspiring.

[@mevszach]

Amazing interview ^_^ Thanks!

[@TheScottieMac]

One of the best talking rooms ever! Nice Work.

[@chrissteward5435]

Read the book in one sitting. Loved it. Looking for the audiobook now.

[@rudiniemeijer8869]

Amazing backstory about The Martian. Thumbs up for Adam Savage interviewing him and Andy Weir taking the time talking to Adam.

[@MICROmor]

I hope you release the tour wiuth adam and Andy around the nerd cave too

[@pbp6741]

Top notch interviewing skills. Adam should do more.

[@ruzeenfarsad367]

When Andy was mentioning about the emotional connection to Watney, I remember that scene in the book where he establishes connection back to Earth and I remember actually cheering and fistbumping the sky because of his achievement. No book or content has really ever made me do that and I was just super excited and super engrossed by everything that was going on! Fantastic book.

[@elvee88]

This was a very entertaining great interview.

[@ROBLOXowns]

Very fun interview!

[@WarrenFahyAuthor]

Awesome interview! Super dorkgasm. :)

[@AbsoluteXero]

Every part of this interview was great. I got the audiobook and I've played it so many times, I even play it when going to bed sometimes. Even the voice acting by RC Bray is fantastic. Can't wait for the movie, also it's hilarious to see Matt Damon because he was just in Interstellar as a solo astronaut as well.

[@jacketsfan72]

Even though I don't understand most of this, I enjoyed the interview and the book a great deal! It's cool to see Adam geek out over stuff!

[@gildavis8266]

To help you out Andy the crew of Gemini VIII was David Scott and Neil Armstrong. Their mission was to hook up with an unmanned Agena target vehicle in order to test the capability of accomplishing rendezvous and docking in orbit. What happened was that after the docking was complete the two joined vehicles began to roll and no amount of correction on Armstrong's part could stop it. when ordered to abort and disconnect their spacecraft continued to roll at an accelerated rate. The problem had not been with the Agena but a stuck thruster number 8 in the Gemini spacecraft which couldn't be turned off.

[@PareshDesaiYL]

Great interivew! Wished it was longer. Would love to have someone sitdown with A. Wear and discuss each part of the book.

[@swsephy]

Fantastic interview!

[@GunwitchUK]

That was awesome and bloody interesting, and yes Adam, i'm "Binge Watching" Tested and your videos :)