The First Fraction of a Second | Crash Course Pods: The Universe #1

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Dr. Katie Mack teaches John Green about the beginning of the Universe - including that we are not just made of stardust; we are also made of Big Bang stuff, with pieces of us directly born in the vast, first cacophony.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
4:00 - There Shouldn’t Be Stuff
8:53 - The Big Bang Theory
21:28 - We’re Not Sure About The Singularity
32:00 - Cosmic Inflation
36:26 - The First Second
38:43 - The First Two Minutes
46:48 - Outro
***
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Thanks to the following patrons for their generous monthly contributions that help keep Crash Course free for everyone forever:
Leah H., David Fanska, Andrew Woods, DL Singfield, Ken Davidian, Stephen Akuffo, Toni Miles, Steve Segreto, Kyle & Katherine Callahan, Laurel Stevens, Burt Humburg, Perry Joyce, Scott Harrison, Mark & Susan Billian, Alan Bridgeman, Breanna Bosso, Matt Curls, Jennifer Killen, Jon Allen, Sarah & Nathan Catchings, team dorsey, Bernardo Garza, Trevin Beattie, Eric Koslow, Indija-ka Siriwardena, Jason Rostoker, Siobhán, Ken Penttinen, Nathan Taylor, Barrett & Laura Nuzum, Les Aker, William McGraw, Vaso, ClareG, Rizwan Kassim, Constance Urist, Alex Hackman, Pineapples of Solidarity, Katie Dean, Stephen McCandless, Wai Jack Sin, Ian Dundore, Caleb Weeks
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[@JessieCarty]

I really appreciate when creators put podcasts on KZbin and having the conversation on the screen versus just in closed captioning? So accessible!

[@osmia]

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[@aashi8316]

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[@emmarainbow9557]

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[@notlucadaniel]

i like it too, it's really pretty! not having custom captions is not very accessible though to, for example, DeafBlind people (which can include anyone who has some form of limited hearing plus some form of limited sight) or people who need bigger text/text in particular colours for other reasons.

[@campbelltron]

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[@invisiblekphrasis]

Having a curious, intelligent person who lacks subject matter expertise ask a subject matter specialist who has good communication skills interesting questions has got to be the recipe for a great podcast!

[@JohnCoffey-hr2dr]

A well put specific description!

[@angeluslupus]

The ocean horizon analogy was a surprisingly simple way of getting my brain to finally understand the concept of an "equally far in all directions" universe

[@krakelakin7527]

As a physicist who's met Dr. Mack and admires her science communication work, and as a fan of John Green, listening to this podcast was kind of surreal! And a lot of fun to hear Dr. Mack parse John's excellent questions and give such clear, cohesive answers.

[@rolandtowen2595]

I love the illustration of John and Dr. Mac sitting in lawn chairs and looking up at the sky. Perfectly fits the vibe of the podcast!

[@laurasmith-brese2729]

I actually thought of the 2 ppl as us the audience and then John and dr mack were the vibrating stars But yours makes more sense

[@BirdsOnPowerLines]

I love this so much! Thank you! This is quality content. Dr. Mack's analogies combined with John Green's questions and narrated pauses to recap what we just learned is just pure gold.

[@mrpearson1230]

Exactly! Please keep this same format. The lawn chairs looking into the night sky with cc is perfect! I knew most of this already from having read Neil Degrasse Tyson's books and following him on Startalk and Isaac Asimov panel discussions.

[@nadionmediagroup]

Yes! This is awesome, and I’m sure it’s intentional.

[@spencerhayward1411]

It's always good to start a day with a narration from John Green and some existentialism.

[@Tea_Tales_Travels]

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[@danidean4493]

​@@Tea_Tales_Travels❤'❤

[@ional3898]

bc. bc bc

[@AndreaCrisp]

Yes, yes, yes. A few of my favorite things.

[@CALXB4YOU]

LETS GO GUYS WERE GETTING EDUCATED TODAY!!!

[@timestimesx7535]

we're* Sorry. Really.

[@Patchouliprince]

Were getting learned woo

[@mgmchenry]

No they were. I'm really excited they were all there getting educated myself! Let's go guys!

[@juli_bug_956_]

the stars talking reminds me of it’s a wonderful life

[@HashSl1ng1ngSlasher]

Reminds me of the end of mass effect 3

[@SchizoFish]

John is earning his wings! Here's to hoping the series will end with a little bell ringing.

[@ethansnyder2234]

Dude I love that not only is there a cool graphic with captioning put in the video and the little pulsing stars as you guys talk, but if you skip around, you'll see the that the stars are moving around the frame too over time, it's SO cool I think there's something also super charming about it being John doing this series, the non-sciency brother, it makes this feel less like a lecture (not bad, I love Hank too) and more like a philosophical, fun conversation between friends. I'm really enjoying this series

[@AlthenaLuna]

In which Dr. Mack re-iterates Hank's "Dude, no edge!"

[@sccrespoc]

I have missed John Green's advertisement hooks. Like we are just in awe about the universe and boom, get a life insure from policygenius. I mean. It's genius.

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

I love the "ocean horizon" explanation for why the edge of the observable universe is the same distance away no matter where you are. It's the simplest accurate easy to understand explanation I've heard. There's more ocean out there, you just can't see it from where you are. You may be able to see that small island in the distance, and someone directly across from the island and a tiny bit to the side may be able to see that island (in opposite directions! To you it's North, to them it's South,) but you can't see each other, because you're past each other's horizons. (Flat Earthers need not apply.)

[@levyv2948]

This is my favorite thing! I love astrophysics and the Anthropocene reviewed, so this combo is the best! Also Dr. Mack seems like an excellent teacher and I wish I could be one of her students!

[@susan825]

That was the smoothest of transitions into a sponsorship...impressive...

[@elainebelzDetroit]

Those Policy Genius ads are one of the constants of the universe.

Came here to say the same! 😂

[@AnsonPavlov]

Amazing design for this podcast. I love the side by side text with a little bit of star glow. It's so immersive and it really gives the audience something to engage with visually while an awesome conversation unfolds. Great job! :)

[@osmia]

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[@AndreaCrisp]

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[@abhig61]

Policygenius ads by John are so awesome. I love how John makes up a tagline.

[@clearlyrebecca]

I couldn't tell you exactly what it is about two voices speaking to each other about a compelling topic while their words also appear as text on the screen, but I find it just so very pleasant and nice and enjoyable.

[@buckysrevenge]

I'm not sure what checkmark needs to be ticked to do it, but could you make this show up in KZbin music too since it's meant to be a podcast? I know Scishow Tangents does this

[@buckysrevenge]

Found it, just Google "Create a podcast in KZbin Studio" and you should get where you need to go

[@AndreaCrisp]

Commenting to bump this comment...

[@forlorngarden]

shout out to Dr. Mack! she was so good at explaining and so enthusiastic and also her voice is super nice

[@mr.figgles9482]

This makes me very happy. I love when podcasts are more carefully crafted and structured. This is one of my favourite things, and has helped me to structure how I picture the universe immensely, more so than most other sources I’ve ever come across.

[@debrachambers1304]

The segue to the ad was (Policy)genius.

[@opiethornton1479]

The illustration of Dr Mack and John looking up at the stars together on campung chairs is so gorgeous. I want it as a poster!!!! And as someone who previously reacted like John does when Hank talks about space in Dear Hank and John i really appreciate this podcast finally i understand something about space

[@briannasears8155]

I got three minutes into this video and immediately knew it would become my favorite podcast series! I know nothing of astrophysics and have admittedly been a bit intimidated on where to start with learning about it (as it is a more Out-Of-Curiosity topic for me that I’m interested in exploring for fun). This is such an amazing dive into the topic and having John occasionally stop to clarify, coupled with the amazing analogies from Dr. Mack - I’m just so thrilled to be here and a part of this. I eagerly await the next episode! 🎉

[@SciMinute]

That’s so beautiful narration! 😆

[@talkinheads]

NO EDGE! 19:22

[@CALXB4YOU]

It's always good to start a day with a narration from John Green and some existentialism.

[@davetoms1]

John's realizations perfectly capture why science provides me with a deep spiritual peace, even as an atheist. The more I learn about this universe, the more I appreciate my relationship to it, my part in its story, and our inseparability. Where religion builds a relationship between an individual and an unknowable deity whose wants we can only guess at and whose existence requires faith, science demonstrates my relationship with my creator (the Big Bang, Stars, nuclear fusion, evolution, etc...) and provides evidence to support the narrative. Better yet, science humbly and willingly accepts change as we learn more. I feel connected to the Earth, to the stars in the night sky, and to the origin of all things, because I understand (to some degree) the processes that literally connect us. And so I feel connected to all things, in all places, throughout all of time. Science helps me feel at one with everything in a profoundly powerful, uplifting, breathtakingly beautiful, and deeply spiritual way. Thank you to both Dr. Katie Mack and John Green for sharing your conversation. I'm looking forward to more episodes.

[@ruadhbran]

At 0:18 and I'm already in love with this format. John, Katie, and everyone who worked on this project, this is fantastic. Okay, back to the other 48 and a half minutes.

[@ponyote]

The mellifluous voice of John Green. I can't get enough of it.

[@pootlovatowashere]

Such a great concept for a pod! Thanks for making this info approachable and a little less daunting

[@miniimaelstrom]

I enjoy that in addition to all this wonderful information and the It's A Wonderful Life-ness of the two talking stars as character representations, the tiny stars in the background are moving, just like the real night sky. That was a delightful little find!

[@dalesheldon-hess552]

How dare you trick me into watching a podcast! And then have the temerity to make it this good!

[@JDSCT]

Love how well Katie is able to so clearly and simply communicate such large and complicated ideas. I will definitely be picking up her book!

[@diananoss9931]

It hurts in the best way to listen to this podcast. Its second hand embarrassment kind of intensity of emotions. I needed to stop multiple times to breathe through my feelings about the universe. What a trip ❤

[@psyclonic]

I’ve watched a lot of crash course, and the astronomy cc many times, but this one hits different. I REALLY enjoyed this, and can’t wait to listen to every single episode in the future. Thank you Mr Green and Dr Mac, you are both gifts .

[@ajdamronfamily]

Man, the editing of this video is just top-notch. I'm so impressed, even though much of it was over my head. Thank you, Crash Course!

[@brockgan8941]

Please please for the love of all that is holy in this world release a part 2. This was one of the best pieces of media I have ever seen.

[@chillsahoy2640]

This really makes you see how accurate Bill Wurtz's History of the entire World video actually is.

[@KetanSingh]

Love astrophysics and cosmology content

[@aalin5701]

There is something about that shell of fire around that holds everything we know, and beyond it is the things we can never see, that for whatever reason, makes me feel at awe and at piece at the same time. How things started still surrounds us, still forms the viewable edge of existence.

[@TMish73829]

Her analogy abt the ocean horizon was top notch. That framed it up SO well!! Thanks for this - great work y’all!

[@jenefry3]

i love the format of having an expert and a layperson hosting, it really does wonders for communicating these things that otherwise make my brain hurt

[@s0dani]

I think I can hear John smiling as he makes the transition from talking about the universe's inevitable end to the life insurance sponsor at 17:37 hahahah

[@DianeSteele]

Easily the most beautiful and unique podcast visuals I've seen, gorgeous and with readable captions, perfect!

[@MidnightArticuno]

I like when she says “for a time, this happened” and that time is like a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of an eyeblink

[@lizziewahl]

Woweee. 7 min in and already got chills. This podcast is right up my alley.

[@jennifersaar1611]

So much to love about this podcast, but my fave was that great segue into the insurance ad. The smile on John's face when he did that was audible.

[@jpearce956]

Katie Mack is so great. I loved her book. Oh gosh, I had missed John's policy genius ads.

[@Erin-000]

29:40 this whole part was explained so well by Katie I'm shocked and thrilled I understood! Loving this so far. Thanks hank for the teaser on vlogbrothers!

[@katebackman7815]

i love love love to hear the smile in John's voice when he reveals he's doing a Policy Genius ad read 😅

[@kalliopephoenix-]

As someone who has delved deep into space and Astrophysics in the last few years (including following Katie Mack's work), I didn't think I'd learn much more by listening to this, but I really did! I'm especially glad for this podcast because the interactions between the befuddled philosopher John Green and the amused Katie Mack hold endless entertainment value, but they offer great insight as well! Much like cosmic inflation did to the universe, I've been blown away by this first podcast, and I can't wait for the rest of it!

[@CliffSedge-nu5fv]

I love Katie Mack; she's so chill.

[@BruceBoyde]

I'm so happy I found this channel. I spend a great deal of time just kind of awake at night with my newborn, so this long-form educational stuff is exactly what I need in my life. I dig the shorter videos too, but I'm happy to see long ones like this and the tuberculosis one!

[@bartwilson2513]

YES!!! Thank you for this series. I love it already. And the on screen transcript was both enjoyable and helpful in processing the information.

[@rilio32]

LOVING the visuals!! makes it much easier to understand

[@emiliemoore6860]

Found my new favorite podcast!! So excited to listen to more of these conversations as the episodes come out.

[@hohurnham7583]

Dr. Mack's voice is so beautiful and perfect for this medium

[@qwertyman1511]

Also check out "the end of everything" by "the black tones", inspired by the same book.

[@user-co8vc5nd7l]

I cannot tell you how utterly enthralling this was. I felt like I was on the best camping trip ever with amazing and smart people curious about what we are seeing. Meaning is cool but this is just so much cooler. Thank you both.

[@maggie8291]

the universe is so interesting it’s scary. how beautiful is it to know that there are some things that will always be a beautiful mystery. we don’t have to know everything all the time because, innately, we can NEVER know everything. Can’t wait for more of the new pod ✨👏🏻

[@mattkeysme]

I found this to be super engaging. Dr. Mack is such a generous guide here. John is such an eager learner. Makes for an amazing combo.

[@TheSunGamer101]

As a long time fan of Dr Mack and John, learning they’re friends is so wholesome for some reason. I cannot wait to hear the later episodes in this

[@hassenfepher]

Im 5 minutes into this and in already thinking “this would be a perfect season two of ‘midnight gospel’.”

[@Kluleess]

I LOVE this show! The recaps help reinforce the information. ~TY both!

[@superbacedia1957]

For some reason I found that ad read very funny.

[@EnbyOtta]

I'm 20 seconds in and I'm already in love. Thank you for making this.

[@feelsykershey]

I absolutely love this. One of the most pensive and educational dishwashing sessions i have ever had 😅 I love that you can read along to their conversation. Excited for the upcoming episodes!

[@GustavoCaucayo]

Absolutely love this podcast so far, Loved the attention to detail and how deep every part of every bit goes.. I'm excited to learn even more throughout the season!

[@DarkAlleyDan]

I truly love this. I'm a big humanities guy, and I've always struggled to conceptualize alot of these very ephemeral, hard to grasp and properly picture big scale scientific concepts, stories, and systems. I am a stranger in a stranger land (of the universe) and ol' John Green is the guide... to the actual guide.

[@gomjabbar6246]

I absolutely love this!!! I nominate an episode topic about the plank length since Hank said, "I don't know" when asked about it on the Yard.

[@mildbill4381]

The video visuals are amazing!!!! As is this entire endeavor!! So excited for more episodes

[@nekkidnora]

This is just wonderful. I'm so overwhelmed by some of these thoughts and I love it.

[@mackenzieonyx7586]

absolutely love and adore how you guys chose to caption/transcribe this episode! verry freakin cool and many, many thanks ^_^

[@thefaboo]

This format of conversation combined with prewritten summaries is great

[@homefrykl]

I am SO HERE for this

[@benjouras2498]

Love the event horizon= Empyrean analogy

[@seanmccaul3034]

Marvelous! Superlative! Can’t wait for more! Thank you Katie and John!

[@oO0catty0Oo]

I love the 'It's a Wonderful Life' vibe with the graphic here.

[@miksmith9757]

I love this so much! It was great to have the conversation cc and imagery up as opposed to just audio

[@kaintshine]

Second time listening! Not only does she explain what we know, she explains why we know it. Thank you for the knowledge Katie Mack and John Green.

[@susharajha]

My new source for existential dread and hope. Thank you John and Katie.

[@nateweinand4209]

That was a great first episode! Really excited for more of John and Katie!

[@beccalan15]

Thank you so much for this. Literally this week I was having a crisis about my place in the infinite universe, and then I heard about this podcast. I agree about feeling both more and less anxious after listening to Dr. Mack, and thank you John for helping us understand even more. Please keep making these! ❤

[@tervepukki1563]

This is exactly what I was looking for!!! Thank you so so much!

[@august1871]

Beautifully done! Respect to whoever sat down and the captioned the full hour too, I'm sure that was a commitment haha.

[@christopherdelude9441]

I want this podcast to get hugely popular so that we can invest in really cool visual graphics for it. It would be great to see images of what they're describing

[@CALXB4YOU]

They make the video so great and his voice is so calming i like the theme of this series i like this so much great job!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CraigPMiller]

I’ve heard this story many times but you’ve brought new and interesting aspects to the fore. Looking forward to the next episode 😃👍

[@CALXB4YOU]

Its always great to start a day with educational videos!!

[@osmia]

Thanks for the observable universe analogy. This is the first time I've understood how it works that it's the same for different places.

[@Rufflesandrage]

"That makes me anxious" same, John, same.

[@Amberpawn]

Format is beautiful.

[@robbstark8275]

This is soooo good! Please continue!

[@JiroTheFro]

A beautiful start to a new series. This has expanded my knowledge of what I thought was the Big Bang so much that my mind is blown. I’ve always been fascinated with space, but could never find just the right source of information to truly learn about it, so this is exciting for me to finally have a series talking about exactly what I wanted to learn

[@LuL706]

WE NEED EPISODE 2!!!!!!!

[@cj-seejay-cj-seejay]

Pretty smooth transition to the life insurance ad!!!

[@Tylerlloll]

This was a pleasure to sit back and listen to. Thank you!

[@030elena]

Ooh I love this. Looking forward to the next ones!

[@jenloves4260]

This is amazing. I want to hear about this forever and ever.