Carl Sagan
Mentioned in 39 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
An influential astronomer, scientist, and science communicator who co-founded The Planetary Society and the Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, advocating for critical thinking through concepts like "Sagan's Dragon" and "baloney detectors" to combat misinformation. Known for the Voyager Golden Record project with Ann Druyan and for applying rigorous scientific standards to extraordinary claims, including UFO research and fringe theories. His legacy shaped modern science communication and inspired figures like Neil deGrasse Tyson, and podcasters frequently reference his work on skepticism, astrobiology, and the human species' place in the cosmos.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
DarkHorse Podcast · Apr 11, 2026
Why Even Try? The 322nd Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying
“Referenced for 'Pale Blue Dot' photograph and narration illustrating overview effect of seeing Earth from space”
Astrum Space · Apr 11, 2026
What Would Alien Life Look Like?
“Proposed alternative civilization classification model based on information knowledge rather than energy consumption”
Mayim Bialik's Breakdown · Apr 8, 2026
Part Two: Searching for Alien Life, the UFO Disclosure Era, the Great Filter & How Much Time Earth Has Left | Dr. David Kipping
“Referenced for his work on Contact novel and SETI philosophy about aliens as cosmic mirrors of human fears”
Dear Hank & John · Apr 1, 2026
446: Just Chatting… With Me
“Referenced for quote comparing number of stars to grains of sand”
American Alchemy with Jesse Michels · Mar 22, 2026
Meet The Scientist Who Studies Alien Implants in Human Bodies
“Scientist with temporary clearance for Project A119 lunar nuclear weapons program”
Blurry Creatures · Mar 17, 2026
EP: 408 The Flood of Noah: Science and The Bible with Hugh Ross
“Astronomer briefly mentioned as Ross's professor who rejected non-physical reality explanations for UFOs”
Danny Jones Podcast · Feb 23, 2026
#373 - NASA Physicist: UFOs, Moon’s South Pole, & Advanced Pre-Human Civilizations | Adam Frank
“Quoted for 'extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence' principle applied to UFO claims”
Club Random with Bill Maher · Feb 19, 2026
Neil deGrasse Tyson | Club Random Classics with Bill Maher
“Tyson's mentor by example; sent Tyson a letter during college admissions, influencing his career path in science communication”
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science · Feb 18, 2026
A new chapter at The Planetary Society: Jennifer Vaughn becomes CEO
“Co-founder of The Planetary Society; deceased in 1996; influenced Bill Nye and shaped organization's scientific integrity”
Astrum Space · Feb 17, 2026
Climate Change Is Now Irreversible | Astrum Earth
“American scientist quoted on extinction as the rule and survival as the exception in human species context”
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science · Feb 11, 2026
Where did Earth’s water come from? Clues hidden in Apollo Moon dust
“Co-founder of The Planetary Society; referenced as influential figure in space exploration advocacy”
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe · Feb 10, 2026
470: Mark Malkoff—Love Johnny Carson
“Astronomer and frequent Carson guest; corrected Carson on air twice, leading to permanent ban from show”
The Michael Shermer Show · Feb 7, 2026
Shermer Says 6: Jeffrey Epstein and Me
“Astronomer and author; Al Seckle falsely claimed to be his student at Cornell University”
Oxide and Friends · Feb 7, 2026
Software Engineering Past, Present, and Future with Grady Booch
“Referenced as inspiration for Grady's documentary on computing and human experience”
The Science of Happiness · Feb 5, 2026
The Science of Love (Episode 1)
“Astronomer who collaborated with Ann Druyan on Voyager Golden Record and fell in love during the project”
StarTalk Radio · Feb 3, 2026
Return to Venus with David Grinspoon
“Influential space visionary and Grinspoon's childhood family friend; shaped modern astrobiology thinking”
UAP Unidentified Alien Podcast · Feb 3, 2026
UAP EP 185 What is the Dark Side of Ufology?
“Scientist who influenced 1960s-70s scientific community to dismiss UFO and ancient civilization research”
The Best of Coast to Coast AM · Jan 30, 2026
Episode 89: UFOs & Science with Dr. Doug Buettner
“Astronomer referenced for 'billions and billions' quote supporting mathematical probability of extraterrestrial life”
The Briefing with Albert Mohler · Jan 30, 2026
Friday, January 30, 2026
“Astrophysicist who critiqued von Däniken's methodology, stating he attributes all unknowns to extraterrestrial intelligence”
The Michael Shermer Show · Jan 27, 2026
Truth Still Matters (And Here's Why)
“Provided 'Sagan's Dragon' thought experiment used throughout book to illustrate unfalsifiable claims”
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe · Jan 24, 2026
The Skeptics Guide #1072 - Jan 24 2026
“Co-founder of Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (now CSI)”
You Are Not So Smart · Jan 5, 2026
330 - A More Beautiful Question - Warren Berger (rebroadcast)
“Advocated for 'baloney detectors' and skeptical questioning as defense against misinformation and charlatan manipulation”
Ologies with Alie Ward · Dec 24, 2025
Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) Part 1 Encore with Russell Barkley
“Scientist cited by Barkley for importance of disseminating scientific knowledge to the public”
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe · Dec 13, 2025
The Skeptics Guide #1066 - Dec 13 2025
“Astronomer and author quoted on judging historical figures by future standards in 'The Demon Haunted World'”
StarTalk Radio · Dec 2, 2025
Are We The Universe’s Way of Knowing Itself? With Brian Cox
“Referenced for 'Demon Haunted World' and philosophy that society fails when citizens lack access to real mysteries”
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe · Nov 29, 2025
The Skeptics Guide #1064 - Nov 29 2025
“Referenced for quote about artificial enhancement of food crops throughout human history”
The Rest Is Science · Nov 27, 2025
What We Said To Aliens
“Co-creator of the Arecibo Message in 1974, worked with Frank Drake on encoding humanity's information for aliens.”
StarTalk Radio · Nov 25, 2025
Sounds of the Cosmos with Kim Arcand
“Author of novel 'Contact' which featured sonification of radio signals; discussed as cultural reference point”
Song Exploder · Nov 19, 2025
Key Change: Demi Adejuyigbe on The Strokes
“Scientist and author whose Voyager mission concept inspired Warren Foo's visual theme for the music video”
Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas · Nov 3, 2025
334 | Daniel Whiteson on the Physics of and by Aliens
“Pioneer of SETI and creator of Voyager Golden Record; referenced for optimistic approach to alien communication”
StarTalk Radio · Oct 28, 2025
Bill Nye Takeover
“Co-founder of Planetary Society; historical context for space exploration advocacy”
American Alchemy with Jesse Michels · Oct 25, 2025
Top Astronomer: “I Found 100,000 UFOs Above Earth!” (ft. Beatriz Villarroel)
“Referenced for 'Pale Blue Dot' concept and 'Contact' novel featuring Bracewell probe communication scenario”
StarTalk Radio · Oct 21, 2025
The Science of Godzilla, Zombies & Other Monsters, with Charles Liu
“Author of The Demon Haunted World, framework for distinguishing scientific from non-scientific thinking about monsters”
Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Oct 13, 2025
3 Steps to Managing Your Emotions
“Featured Paul McClain's Triune Brain Theory on Cosmos television series about universe and neuroscience”
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe · Oct 11, 2025
The Skeptics Guide #1057 - Oct 11 2025
“Quoted for principle that belief should be proportioned to evidence, not held to 100% certainty standard”
Dwarkesh Podcast · Oct 10, 2025
Nick Lane – Life as we know it is chemically inevitable
“Referenced for cosmological view on inevitability of life and intelligence arising from chemical laws”
A Matter of Degrees · Oct 9, 2025
The Only Good Planet
“Astronomer and science communicator whose work on cosmos and quote about love inspiring Marvel's approach to climate communication.”
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe · Sep 20, 2025
The Skeptics Guide #1054 - Sep 20 2025
“Quoted for principle that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence”
Lex Fridman Podcast · Jul 23, 2025
#475 – Demis Hassabis: Future of AI, Simulating Reality, Physics and Video Games
“Referenced for vision of bringing consciousness to the universe”