Podcasting Through Drake's Passage, with William Shatner, Scott Kelly & Neil deGrasse Tyson

Huge thanks to KiwiCo for sponsoring today’s video! Go to https://www.kiwico.com/startalk and use code STARTALK for 50% off your first monthly club crate! What happens when you put Captain Kirk, a NASA astronaut, and Neil deGrasse Tyson on a ship to Antarctica? Find out in this special episode recorded on board with William Shatner and Scott Kelly. We discuss exploration — from braving the Drake Passage to surviving space travel — and what it means to boldly go where no one has gone before. This episode of StarTalk, recorded live from Drake Passage during the Space2Sea Voyage of Legends to Antarctica, is presented in collaboration with FUTURE of SPACE. Follow or Subscribe to FUTURE of SPACE Website: https://futureofspace.io/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futureofspace.io/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCpp3_kpoo9sj9UcpMFjnqJA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566710741346 About FUTURE of SPACE: FoS is a media company that produces innovative content, programs, and experiential events that embrace new frontiers, celebrate the human experience, and elevate the conversation, engaging audiences in meaningful and transformative ways. Scott shares stories of his time in space, the astronaut twin study, and his heart shrinking and growing back after his mission. Bill reflects on Star Trek’s influence during the space race and the unexpected cultural impact of the show. The conversation turns to the spirit of exploration — from Shackleton’s Antarctic expeditions to Felix Baumgartner’s stratospheric jump — and the thrill-seekers who push human limits. The crew tackles the risk of exploration. Scott recounts preparing death letters for his family before missions and weighing the odds of survival. What does it feel like to come back from space? Bill reflects on his own brief trip to space and the finality of death. They dive into the concept of exploration — whether it’s crossing oceans, spacewalking, or pushing human physiology — and why some are willing to risk it all. The episode wraps with a discussion on space exploration’s future, Star Trek’s lasting legacy, and a lighthearted Twitter spat between Neil and Scott. Plus, Neil shares his own rough ride in a centrifuge — with a surprising question from Bill. Thanks to our Patrons John Shipe, Kenneth Kapptie, Dan Lee, Mark Randolph, Steven Green, David Pearson, Marius P, Sean Kershaw, Marc Bode, Jon Pulli, Sean Wins, Bessie Comer, alextravaganza, Matt in L.A., brian oakes, Tyler Carpenter, Stephan Spelde, Seymour buttz, Jeff Burton, Micheal Chinnici, stuart kim, Kathleen Ziegelgruber, Karl ryan, Fabio Later, Lorna Leigh, Abi Cats, Anthony Charlier, Zane White, Jonathan Plumb, Matthew Hinterlong, Danny K. , Muhammad Laiq Khan Rind, Khadeer Ahmed, Kathy Ziegelgruber, Bryan Smith, Shawn Nirdlinger, empty0vessel, Ruben Suarez, Jeffrey Roche, James Williams, Jules Victor, livingston ex, and Kora Celine for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: William Shatner & Scott Kelly 02:33 - The Spirit of Exploration 06:20 - Exploring in Star Trek 08:00 - Space Shuttles & Starships 19:12 - What is Exploration? 23:19 - In the Face of Danger 20:15 - The Role of Bravery 33:10 - The One-Way Trip to Mars 40:08 - Morality in Star Trek 44:22 - What if You Have an Itch in Your Space Suit 48:42 - Scott & Neil’s Twitter Beef 51:28 - Where Is the Universe Expanding To? 54:14 - Bill’s Journey After Star Trek 56:42 - Closing Thoughts Check out our second channel, @StarTalkPlus Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson