Crash Course Pods: The Universe

Dr. Katie Mack, a theoretical astrophysicist, walks #1 New York Times bestselling author John Green through the history of the entire universe - including the parts that haven’t been written yet.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • cwdonohue
    This is great
    This podcast was amazing! I like the Expert&EveryMan format John and Dr Mack are a great duo. Thank you so much! Can’t wait for something else like this from Complexly
  • kss14
    just great
    This podcast was just perfect — basic, assuming no knowledge, yet substantial, deep, and thoughtful. And funny! I enjoyed every minute of it and learned mind-blowing stuff. Sad it’s over!
  • Ericjc
    Mind expanding and humbling
    This podcast has expanded my mind and deepened my experience of being a human in this cosmos. Thank you both for your voices and work.
  • Kansasbryan
    Blew my mind!
    This podcast gave such a great in detail review of the universe in a very consumable way. Really love the philosophical elements of it as well!
  • yeskms
    Just wow
    I haven’t been moved like this by a podcast since first listening to This Is Love in 2018. Kudos and thanks to everyone involved in this production .
  • hfhwkfhama
    Astrophysics and Existentialism - just my thing
    This pod was precisely catered to my interests so I have to give it 5 stars. Just like the universe, I did not want it to end!
  • Ceeceep*
    Brilliant in a cup of tea
    Wow
  • wackissej
    A journey to find personal meaning in science
    While this podcast is definitely educational and has taught me a ton, I think where it really shines is in the juxtaposition of Dr Katie Mack’s and John Green’s perspectives. John’s earnest sentimentality and person-centered questions add so much value to Dr Mack’s carefully curated explanations of very complex evidence and theory. I came to learn, but I stayed for the conversations that made me feel stuff.
  • Yayita!
    Laughed, cried, learned a lot
    The dynamic between the two hosts is so enjoyable to listen to! Dr. Mack does an excellent job of presenting information in a way that feels digestible and has really wonderful anecdotes peppered in. Listening to John process Dr. Mack’s teachings (and reel from the magnitude of our universe and future) was so helpful in helping me feel grounded when I think I easily could have been filled with existential dread. I’ll be listening to this series over and over again, what a great job!
  • nickkohrn
    Excellent and Entertaining
    I have been enjoying the podcast, and each new episode can’t come soon enough. Each episode is enlightening, awe-inspiring, and humorous. The chemistry between John Green and Dr. Katie Mack is delightful.
  • Eli13
    History of our universe 101.
    Fantastic voyage from beginning to end of the universe. John is all of us, agape in wonder at the size, scope and majesty of our universe.
  • justsomelistener
    Wonderful!
    Excellent job, Dr Katie Mack and John Green.
  • EdDavis!!!
    Ed G
    I wasn’t so sure about this podcast at first. John Green’s statements about “this or that is making me nervous” seemed an unnecessary distraction. But as I’ve continued to listen I’m getting the picture, and seeing just how crafty John’s insertions are. Really grounds complex stuff for people like me who are just learning about it. I appreciate his concise and spot-on summaries of material. I even look forward to his life insurance ads in each episode. 😊 And Dr Mack is a wonder! I went out and got her book.
  • FuzzAldrin81
    Guests are phenomenal but…
    I just can’t stand the interviewer for some reason.
  • nsifjrusizksjs
    Brilliant!
    Come for the engaging, whitty, introspective discussion, stay for the policy genius commercials.
  • Janine Mm
    Incredible podcast
    I love this podcast and look forward to every episode! Two of my favorite things: learning new things about the universe and John Green. Thank you for making this!!
  • Pharma-mom Sarah
    The best podcast I’ve ever listened to(I’m a nerd though)
    I may be bias because this subject area is and always has been SO incredibly fascinating to me, but WOW! Everything about this series is perfection. I really appreciate Dr.Mack breaking it all down in a sort of “layman’s terminology” that I could follow and REALLY understand…in a way I’ve never been able to before. John’s commentary and questioning is perfection, as in, he represents what we all may feel and ask if we were to have the lucky chance to sit down with Katie and pick her brain. I’m so happy I came across this and I just want to express my gratitude to all involved in this podcast for stimulating and enriching my mind. I can honestly say that this podcast really changed my perspective and appreciation for the human race in a time where I have been increasingly feeling disgust and doubt. If I had to sum it up in just a few words, I would say this podcast is the epitome of intelligence, fascinatination and inspiration. Thank you for taking me on such a beautiful, thought-provoking journey 💕
  • turtles_all_the_way_down
    soooooo interesting!!!!!
    one of the best educational podcasts i've heard (only one so not saying much....but.) every time i listen to the episodes i learn something new each time. i'm only a young teen, but because of this podcast, it's making me seriously consider doing this sort of collage/job when i get older. i never would have considered that, but this podcast helps me understand the universe in whole new ways that make so much sense to me. also you should totally get both green brothers on here for one of the episodes!!!!!
  • rr8190
    Absolutely loved it
    Loved the show. I am in awe about the depth of knowledge Dr Katy has about the subject. How she explains the most confusing things so simply is what brings me back to re-listen the show. And every time I pick up on something new! I love how every few minutes John summarizes what they have talked back. The universe is a baffling subject and in all the shows I have listened to before, I can tell this one is the best !!!
  • Refresh N’ Restart
    One you can keep coming back to
    You can tell Dr. Katie Mack loves her work and is brilliant at breaking it down to be more accessible to people who don't have a ton of background knowledge in her field. I loved to hear her and John laugh, and also picked up on when they both were and are in awe with the universe. You can also tell Dr. Mack loves being an educator and I hope her students know how special it is to have someone who loves what they do teaching them. I keep coming back to relisten to episodes because I pick up something new each time. Also John does a decent job of providing summaries throughout the topic transitions for a good recap.
  • rich_garc
    Meh
    The topic sounds interesting but the Dr. explains complex topics with very few to no examples to help the listener understand. Also, she’ll go on long explanations and the male host will just respond with, “Okay. Interesting, interesting.” I also found the male host to be dull in his questioning and commentary. He’s supposed to represent the listener and yet he rarely has any questions or response other than to comment on how boring a name is of a scientific discovery, or to voice his existential dread. Not a good podcast.
  • Owentastic
    Excellent
    I had just finished “Coming of Age in the Milky Way” recently, a book that tried to explain the beginning of the universe, the history of astronomy and physics particles that was on PBS many decades ago, which also won the Pulitzer. Then, an algorithm recommended this podcast. Perfect way to continue learning where we’re at now with what we know so far.
  • Gbo1543
    Could do without the cosmic anxiety part
    Katie Mack is fabulous but why does she need the “gee I’m too dumb to understand this” sidekick? I think even she gets annoyed with his act. She is terrific though and I find myself totally engrossed.
  • Jack Sawyer1001
    Green panic
    Is this guy John Green actually this anxious or is this an act?
  • just_a_turtleduck
    11/10
    makes me want to go back to school to study phyiscs
  • .Pandora_box.
    This is me and my review
    Hi my name is Pandora and I’m 12 years old and I LOVE astronomy and science so I discovered this podcast and I LOVE IT!!!! Thank you for making this podcast and expanding my mind, really thank you so much
  • missdani1487
    How Did They Know?
    This podcast brings together two of my favorite things: the enigmatic universe and John Greene’s commentary. From someone whose focus is usually literature and education, the way these two hosts collaborate to explain something that feels so incredibly dense is quite engaging. And, yes, I still had to listen to each episode twice, but it was worth it. Thank you. I am so grateful this is being made!
  • Gobukiller
    Literally awesome show
    What a wonderful podcast, wherein John Green tries to find the fault in our… terms for concepts in astrophysics
  • TepidTommy
    John Green does a podcast…
    John Green does a podcast with an amazing astrophysicist and it’s just as wonderful and humbling as everything the bastard turns his hands to.
  • bwalters13
    So boring
    And annoying format/presentation.
  • PotatoCake24
    Needs to be dumber
    Turns out Dr. Katie Mack’s dumb is too smart to comprehend. John’s explanations help, but they are too brief. Consider changes to improve. I want to love this but current format isn’t working for me.
  • CKP933
    Feeling Inconsequential?
    Feeling inconsequential? Listen to this podcast. Because you matter. And you are matter.
  • Goofball3256
    So interesting!
    I love the dynamic on this podcast. Science is so much more interesting than what we learn in school!
  • killaginga17
    Coincidence or Gravity? Or something.
    So cool that I started down this space rabbit hole, big time, about a month ago. So cool this podcast just comes out!
  • HardKnockSal
    I’ve Never Felt Dumber
    I’ve always suspected that I’m an idiot, but thanks to this show I know it. I can’t even understand John’s liberal arts decoding sessions of what Dr Mack is talking about. Thanks for bursting my bubble. Great sound btw
  • Meia Krage
    First episode
    This was a mix of inquiries and answers that was fun to follow and still brilliant. I’m very excited to listen to more.
  • Nickname1792804
    Imagine
    Just imagine you’re listening to a podcast where a non-expert asks an expert deep questions. Now, imagine the non-expert is curious and intelligent and the expert can explain challenging concepts without resorting to jargon and excessive caveats. Congratulations, you’ve found that podcast! Enjoy your new found sense of amazement and wonder.
  • NPSDRM
    Can’t wait for more episodes!
    Wonderfully complicated and mind blowing subject presented in understandable format. Thank you! Can’t wait for the next episode.
  • Iliana xoxo
    LOVE
    Love it! So good!
  • russelh
    The Universe for Dummies
    Oh my goodness! Thank you, John for asking all the questions I’m too embarrassed to ask my astrophysicist friends. Can’t wait for more!
  • GodRaine
    Incredibly excited about this!
    Katie Mack has always been a favorite person of interest in Nerdfighteria, and seeing her team up with John to discuss the deepest parts of astrophysics and cosmology while John adds a literary flavor to Katie’s excellent science communication prowess is really fun. This will be an incredible series!
  • auntzue325
    New Knowledge
    I have new knowledge and appreciation of the cosmic microwave background after listening to Katie in this podcast. That is just one of the areas of learning. Very enjoyable podcast, I take my time with it and repeat sections as needed. If you like podcasts by Dr Paul Sutter or Daniel and Jorge, you will like this.
  • That_book_girl
    truly beautiful
    I’ve never been able to wrap my head around much to do with space and our beginning. This podcast is the first time I’ve truly understood some of these concepts. John and Dr. Mack have such a way with explaining, and I can’t wait to hear more!
  • Reblez
    Perfect
    I can tell already that this will be one of my favorite podcasts. Five stars for the content, wish I could give it six for the self-satisfaction in John’s voice as he seamlessly weaves a life insurance ad into the origins of the universe.
  • Il Divertente
    Lovely
    John Green is the perfect amount of heart to bring to a brain conversation. Dr Mack has a great sense of how to deliver difficult concepts to non-grad students. 1st episode was great. Looking forward to the rest!
  • Derald 112
    A perfect blend
    Only one episode in and this is already on my all time greatest science podcast list. Dr. Katie Mack is a pro science communicator able to do the nigh impossible. Making some of the most complex topics in science understandable without loosing the nuance. Add in author John Green to voice the all too relatable astonishment, hope, and admittedly more then a little dread, at the shear scope of it all and you have yourself a real treat of a podcast.
  • AdamHetz
    Another gem of a podcast
    As with everything John Green makes, he fails to disappoint once again. Looking forward to the rest of this series!
  • RaFa my dogs name
    Cosmic Inflation
    I can’t wrap my brain around such incomprehensible subject matter. It’s intriguing to listen to….I’m awe struck. Can you ratchet it down to a 3rd grade level!
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