Astrophysicist, folklorist, author, and science communicator Dr. Moiya McTier has built a career at the intersection of science and storytelling. In this episode of Planetary Pandemonium, Beth sits down with Moiya to talk about her journey into astronomy, how science fiction has influenced her life and career, and why telling better stories about science matters.

The conversation ranges from astrophysics and mythology to communication and the importance of making science welcoming to everyone. Along the way, Moiya shares the books and stories that inspired her, discusses her own writing, and introduces us to the furry companions who keep her company when she is away from the stars.

If you've ever wondered how someone combines science, folklore, and storytelling into one fascinating career, this episode is for you.

Links:

• Moiya McTier: https://www.moiyamctier.com/
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goastromo.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goastromo
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goastromo
• The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy
• Mothers of Invention: A History of Creativity from the Greek Muses
• Pale Blue Pod
• Exolore
• Stargate SG-1

What does it take to study worlds beyond our solar system—and how can everyday people help?

In the premiere episode of Planetary Pandemonium, I'm joined by Dr. Lauren Sgro, who leads the exoplanets program for the Unistellar Citizen Science Network at the SETI Institute. We talk about how citizen scientists are helping uncover distant worlds, what excites her most about exoplanet research, and how science fiction continues to inspire real discovery.

And of course—this wouldn't be Planetary Pandemonium without pets. Meet Zuul the pittie and Salem the bobtail black cat 🐾

Welcome to Planetary Pandemonium, where space science meets science fiction… with cats.

In this Episode 0, host Beth Johnson introduces the show, shares what inspired it, and explains what you can expect from future episodes—conversations with planetary scientists about their work, the stories that shaped them, and yes, their pets.

If you love space, sci-fi, and the humans behind the science, you're in the right place.