We talk alien invasion movies, Independence Day, The Thing, Mars Attacks, Cloverfield, and more. We discuss the Fermi Paradox, Bioforming, and debate if Jeff Goldblum is the ultimate alien actor.

Hello Fam! Hope y’all are doing well. So, here is Episode 16, Nick and Joe talk about Alien Invasion. Thank you for tuning in and supporting us. Our goal is to have a little fun exploring science through the lens of science fiction, fantasy and pop culture. 

Back in the basement studio, Joe and Nick return, with beer in hand, to discuss a variety of topics centered around alien invasions in movies, literature, and pop culture. They share insights and personal favorites including ‘Independence Day,’ ‘The Thing,’ ‘Mars Attacks,’ and ‘Cloverfield,’ while also speculating on the Fermi Paradox, galactic policing, bioforming, and the potential implications of real-life alien encounters. They debate Jeff Goldblum’s versus Will Smith’s contributions to alien movies and who should receive the Ultimate Alien Person Award. Joe and Nick present a fun and informative discussion while enjoying their drinks, making geeky science relatable and entertaining.

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artwork by 

Georgia Geis @atomicnumber14https://www.instagram.com/atomic_number14/

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Joe’s Show Notes:

00:00 Welcome Back to the Rabbit Hole

00:46 Alien Invasion Movies Galore

01:38 Drinks and Discussions

• Joe and Nick are drink twinsies:
  • Beer: Apathy is a Cold Body from Foreign Local
  • Coffee: Cold Brew from Bean Me Up Roastery
  • Water

05:45 The Fermi Paradox and Alien Theories

Enrico Fermi

• 1. Rare Earth Hypothesis
• 2. Great Filter
• 3. Technological Limitations
• 4. Temporal Discrepancies
• 5. Self-Destruction Hypothesis
• 6. Non-Interference Policies
• 7. Dark Forest Theory
• 8. Simulation Hypothesis

11:34 Age of Universe

• ~13.7 Billion years

12:16 Alien Prometheus

• Engineers

12:56 Pop Culture and Alien Invasions

18:05 Paul (2011) (Simon Peg film)

18:44 E.T. and Other Alien Scouts

19:20 Ray Bradbury: Zero Hour (1947)

20:09 Movie – Mac and Me (1988)

22:09 Joe gives RHR award for ultimate alien person goes to: Jeff Goldblum

• Invasion of the Body Snatchers(1978)
• The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
• Earth Girls Are Easy (1988)
• Independence Day (1996)
• Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 (2017)
• Asteroid City (2023)

22:50 Nick gives RHR award for ultimate alien person to Will Smith

23:25 Debating Jeff Goldblum’s Role in Independence Day Alien Defeat

24:19 Drunken Superheroes and Future Visions

• Movie –Hancock (2008)
• Book- Geoffrey Kerr -Under the Influence (1953)

25:05 Inviting Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith

25:37 Biological and Terraforming Alien Invasions

• The Great Filter Theory
• Berserker Probes
• Zoo Hypothesis
• The Dark Forest Theory
• Resource Exploitation Theory
• Interstellar Colonialism
• Technological Singularity and Superintelligent AI
• Galactic Policing and Ethical Intervention
• Extraterrestrial Pathogens
• Parasitic Aliens
• Bioforming
• Kinetic bombardment

26:10 The Day the Earth Stood Still Discussion

• (1951)
• (2008)

27:07 The Thing: A Beloved IP

27:56 Galactic Policing and Ethical Intervention

29:54 Predator and The Thing Crossover Idea

34:28 Intelligent Alien Life Forms

35:42 Alien Invasion Strategies and Movies

39:07 HG Wells war of the worlds (1898)

39:34 Robert Potter The Germ Growlers (1892)

41:11 Nick’s favorite Alien Invasion movie: Men in Black (1997)

42:47 Joes favorite Alien invasion movie: Cloverfield (2008)

42:47 Nick changes his mind and goes with District 9 (2009)

44:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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